The Ghost Orchid Multi-cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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Elusive and rare, Polyrhiza lindenii, better known as the Ghost Orchid, haunts the Fakahatchee Strand. One can hike many times through the swamp without stumbling upon this beautiful orchid.
Fakahatchee Strand is home to many indigenous and endangered plants and animals. Few visit more than Janes Scenic Drive or the tram roads, but that is about to change. We've put together a cache that will test your abilities to geocache in difficult terrain as well as utilize your skills with a GPS.
Put on your mud boots, slather on the mosquito spray and be sure to bring a lot of water and some snacks for this four mile journey through some remote parts of Fakahatchee Strand. This cache has five main stages with some stages containing several components. It can be done in one day, but one must start early to leave by sunset when the park closes. If you feel it needs to be done in two days you can camp at nearby Collier Seminole State Park.
The terrain is swamp most of the year. Expect water ranging from ankle deep to waist deep in some spots, with others dry during the dry times of the year. There are no paths. The tree cover is dense so the GPS may receive less satellite signal at times. This is part of the high difficulty rating.
All plants and animals are protected in Fakahatchee Strand. This is an optimal place for photography, but not for stealing endangered plants. Most of the plants you see can be bought from a reputable source, so there is no need to steal anything!
While putting the cache out we saw approximately eight species of orchids and numerous bromeliad species as well as a print from a panther. We have also seen a bear print while hiking in the Strand, so it is always possible you may luck out and see one.
Enjoy the journey!
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