MIB02-Protection Traditional Cache

Metroparks Iron Belle Trail 2020 Series

Michigan's Iron Belle Trail is the newest addition to Michigan's thousands of miles of recreational trails. Two routes make up Michigan's Iron Belle Trail; one for hikers and one for bicyclists. Both routes stretch from Detroit to Ironwood, each taking a separate route to complete the journey. Part of Michigan's Iron Belle Trail passes right through the Metroparks, click HERE to see!

Shortly after the first of the year, the Metropark Cache Crew met with the park's manager to develop plans for 2020 events and geocaching series. Shortly after that, it became apparent that the COVID-19 pandemic was going to make group meetings and events impossible for most of 2020. This cache is one of a series of 12 geocaches that was to be released on National Trails Day June 6, 2020. There was no event associated with this series. A link to all 12 of the caches may be found HERE.

There is a bonus cache for this series. A link to the bonus cache may be found GC8NWM3. In the cover of the cache, you will find a code. Record this code for the location of the bonus cache. You will need the code from all 12 of the caches in this series for the location of the bonus cache.

Also, record this code for entering into an online form for registration for a commemorative collectible for those that complete the series AND to be placed in a drawing for a chance to win a Gift Card. The link to the form is found HERE.

MIB02-Protection

Always pack with you and wear sunglasses, sun-protection clothing, and sunscreen. Not doing so can result in sunburn and/or snow blindness in the short term and potentially premature skin aging, skin cancer, and cataracts in the long term.

• Sunglasses: Qualityrecord sunglasses are indispensable in the outdoors to protect your eyes from potentially damaging radiation. If you’re planning prolonged travel on snow or ice, you’ll need extra-dark glacier glasses. UVB rays, the rays that can burn your skin, have been linked to the development of cataracts. 

• Sunscreen: Spending long hours outdoors can expose you to ultraviolet rays, the cause of sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen is recommended to help limit your exposure to UV. When selecting a sunscreen, health experts advise choosing a formula that offers a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, though SPF 30 is recommended for extended outdoor activity and a formula that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

Apply the sunscreen generously and thoroughly to all exposed skin. UV rays can reflect off snow and water so don’t forget to get spots like the underside of your chin and nose. Depending on many factors (time of day, sweat, and more), you should reapply as often as every two hours. And don’t overlook SPF-rated lip balm. 

• Sun-protection clothing: Clothing can be an effective way of blocking UV rays from reaching your skin without having to slather on sunscreen (you’ll still need sunscreen for any exposed skin, like your face, neck, and hands). Many lightweight, synthetic pieces of clothing come with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating to indicate how effective the pieces are against UVA and UVB light. A hat, preferably one with a full brim, is a key accessory for sun protection.

The Cache:  The cache is a medium-sized lock & lock hidden a little off the trail.

The permit for this cache was submitted prior to the 4/15/20202 deadline and was approved by Kevin Arnold | Southern District Interpretive Services Supervisor Huron-Clinton Metroparks