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This cache rests approximately .20 miles west of the 'official' Long Mountain summit (aptly named because the summit is about .3 miles in length) in the Holyoke Range. Long Mountain is the most eastern of the Seven Sisters of the Holyoke Range. The container is a largish 50 cal. ammo-can.
This cache was put together and placed with cachers in mind. In fact, I wanted it to be the OPPOSITE of our WMC's Kids' Cache [GCWYFC]. Whereas our Kid's cache is short, a flat hike, less challenging to find, and contains mostly toys for the kids - THIS cache is approximatly 1.14 miles hiking distance from the nearest parking area, has more challenging terrain, is a more challenging find, and contains "outdoors-oriented" swag that adult cachers would enjoy finding. The hike, while steep in a few places, is in general very pleasant - I would classify it as a 'moderate' hike.
I would like to maintain this cache with adult caching trading items (see the initial contents below for ideas). Bring items to trade that an adult cacher would like to find in a cache. (Of course, keep it clean! Nothing offensive since kids may accompany their parents to the cache) Good trade items for this cache might include typical caching items you might find in any cacher's backpack, hiking, camping, or fishing items, any kind of travel bug, geocoins and signature items. Please, leave the McToys and geo-junk at home for this one! If you can't trade up or trade even with another adult caching-related item, please trade nothing.
If you have found any of my previous caches, you may have an idea what to expect. The container is actually in plain sight, but modified to blend in with its environment. Follow the white blazed M-M trail all the way to the cache. Be aware that, when starting at the Harris St. parking area, the trail has several small cut-backs. Do not be tempted to bushwack when your GPS says you are walking AWAY from the cache. Trust the trail. WARNING!! As you near within 80-100 feet of the cache, the M-M trail bends ABOVE the hiding place. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLIMB THE 10 FEET DOWN TO THE CACHE. There is a side-trail that bends down and around the rockface toward the cache. The cache can be safely retreived with minimal bushwacking and no dangerous climbing if you FIRST go to the scenic outlook at N 42 18.307 W 072 29.026. Again, resist the temptation to bushwack.
Long Mountain is one of my favorite hikes. In my opinion the beauty of this hike is underappriciated. The view from the outlook near the cache provides a great view of Mt. Norrwottuck's cliff-face (Horse Caves), Rattlesnake Knob as well as most of the rest of the Range bending away softly to the west and south. I hike it often and find it the most peaceful of all the Mount Holyoke Range areas. The hike is flat in several places with intermitent uphill scampering - almost like a giant staircase. My favorite features of this hike are the log stairs on the final upward climb to the summit, the old steel pole marking the summit at Long Mountain, and the view near the cache. When you reach the Long Mountain summit, it is .2 miles of fairly flat hiking to the cache (thus, the name LONG Mountain ... unlike other summits, this summit stretches on for awhile).
Do not cover the cache when rehiding. Replace in the same position you found it.
PARKING:
- For the shortest hike, park at the Harris Street parking area - N 42 18.431 W 072 28.254 - and hike WEST to the cache and back (approx 2.2 mile round trip).
- For a longer and much more challenging hike, you can park at the Notch Visitors Center and hike EAST to this cache, picking up "7 Wonderful Women Series - The Lost Girl [GCY2V4], "Crackin' Up Cache" [GCG3JW], and "UMTScache" [GC1E9C] along the way. If you hike in from the Notch, I would recommend hiking with a partner. Leave one car at the Harris St. parking area then drive to the Notch Visitor's Center to start your hike (about 5 miles end to end)
ORIGINAL CONTENTS: Flashlights, Gloves, Safety Whistles, Emergency Blanket, Fishing Lures, Matchstick Holder, Glowsticks, Water Bottle, Hand & Feet Warmers, Mosquito Head Net, 2 Travel Bugs, Geocache America Geocoin
FTF Prize: A set of unactivated Travel Bug dogtags. Congratulations to mathteacher30 for his FTF on this cache! He has FTF'd 3 of my caches to date. I will post a link to the travel bug he creates with his new tags. 🙂
Additional Hints
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