There are three locations associated with this cache: The posted coordinates, a
second site, and the final cache which is an ammo can.
Step 0 Tree ID. With the 2024 update the CO decided to have
some fun with some basic tree identification. Nothing very difficult; you will
only need to know enough -- deciduous or evergreen, general shape /
"habit", and leaf or needle shape -- to locate an instance of one of
these four species, which are all VERY different from each other, when there is
nothing similar around:
- Bur oak, Quercus macrocarpa
- Black cherry, Prunus serotina
- Eastern red cedar, Juniperus virginiana
- Eastern white pine, Pinus strobus
The tree in question is a mature one so you do not have to worry about what
these look like when young.
Step 1 While on the main trail, get as close as you can to the
posted coordinates and look for your first clue.
Step 2 That first clue directs you to a second spot where you
will find the remaining clues to fill in the blanks below.
Step 3 Fill in the blanks with the information you find at step
2. Follow the instructions to locate the final cache.
Clues:
At the second site, find a hidden container with the information missing in the
following:
Travel on the trail in the general direction
(1)
until you reach a
(2)
. About
(3)
or so along
(4)
you will see a
(5)
tree on your
(6)
. From that tree, a
(7)
is about
(8)
paces to the
(9)
. Now, your CO is a bushwacking ninja who can traverse that line directly,
keeping their pace length constant and never disturbing the foliage. You,
mere mortal, will likely have to work harder to get there. But whatever means
you use, you will find the letterbox very near the
(7)
.
DON'T PANIC! Identifying "6" should not be very
difficult; there is nothing else like it near by. While it is a bit off the
trail it should still be visible above the undergrowth even in summer. If you
want to make sure you are at the right tree, look at the ground around it and
you will see 5 rocks embedded in the ground on the east side of the trunk, all
within 8' of the tree (see pic in the Gallery).
If you choose to seek this cache, you might find this
worksheet
handy to have with you while you hunt.
Bike or Walk
Most of the trails in this park are suitable for biking and walking. However,
for bikes (or cross-country skiers) many of the trails are one-way. You should
familiarize yourself with the
map
(PDF) before biking to this cache. Also, if you choose to bike to this cache,
be aware that you will not be able to ride it all the way to the final so you
will need to have a plan to stash the bike.
When Rocky visited this cache, he parked at the "Northern Woods" lot.
He always walked, around 3 miles round trip.
2018 Aug 30: Updated description and clues for the final.
2018 Sep 1: Removed "Drinking water nearby" attribute (none is
available in winter), added "< 10 KM", "Ticks" and
"Thorns".
2023 May 5: Updated description and clues for the final; fixed broken link
to MHSP map that DNR changed (again).
2024 Feb 9: Updated description and clues for the final.
Illinois Department of
Natural Resources required statement:
- Geocache is placed on Department-managed property with permission.
- Do not place the following items in the Geocache: Food items,
inappropriate, offensive, or hazardous materials.
- It is the visitors' responsibility to orient themselves with
policies and rules pertaining to this Department-managed site.