Emeril at Emerald Bluff Traditional Cache
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An ammo can placed on Israel Ridge Path near Emerald Bluff.
This cache started with kitchen/cooking themed items, hence "Emeril". Its original placement was planned near Emerald Pool on NH's Route 16 near the Mt. Washington Auto Road. Another cache too close in proximity prevented me from placing the cache there, so you're going to have to work a lot harder for this one.
Park at Bowman, follow Castle Trail to Israel Ridge Path. From where the trail crosses Cascade Brook at Second Cascade, this hike because quite strenuous. It enters virgin growth that has never been disturbed by lumbering. The trail was clear the day I hiked, but there was lots of evidence of recent landslides, washouts and blowdowns.Though less than a mile, the climb to the Emerald Trail is a workout!
It's 3.6 miles to Emerald Bluff from the parking area. There is a fantastic view into Castle Ravine. On this beautiful Labor Day weekend, I could see outlines of hikers in skyline on the Castle Trail across the ravine.
The cache is hidden on the trail...please do not trample vegetation searching.
Those who consider making the loop and returning via the Castle Ravine and Castle Trail should take recent rainfall or snowmelt into consideration. There are several brook crossings and a couple were tricky even with only one day of rain in the past two weeks. The AMC online guide also warns about the steepness of the ravine walls making it prone to rapid flooding during heavy rain, so put an eye to the sky before deciding to descend the Emerald Trail to the Castle Ravine Trail.
I do not recommend making this loop in the opposite direction. From Emerald Bluff, the decent into the ravine is extremely steep. It would be a brutal climb. With that said, assuming the brooks are not raging, once you are down into the ravine (.5 miles) the walk out is very pleasant if you are comfortable making brook crossings.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ba gur znva genvy, 10' srrg sebz Rzrenyq Oyhss bhgybbx fvta.
Treasures
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