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Tayloe's Iron Works Multi-Cache

Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

An invigorating hike in an area of great historical significance in eastern Prince William County. This multicache is located near Tayloe's Iron Works, a colonial-era iron foundry. You have to cross Neabsco Creek(and get your feet wet!) to get to the second cache. Suitable for most kids 7 years old and up.

This is an interesting multicache in a historically significant part of eastern Prince William County. No less than three roadside historical markers can be spotted along Route 1 near the caches. (see uploaded images)

To get to the caches, park off Cardinal Drive east of Minnieville Road or west of Route 1 at N 28 36.601 W 077 17.966.

Walk NW along Cardinal Drive for 1/2 mile and you will see a dirt road that heads north into the woods. You’ll be walking through a roadside trash dump area until you come to a pair of billboards overlooking I-95. When you are about 50 yards from the billboards you should see a trail leading off to the left (north) into the woods. This trail is one of dozens that exist in these woods.

Once you are on this trail and heading downhill you can follow the trail and your GPSR to the first cache. The trails are well tracked but can be steep in some areas. The best way to get to the first cache is to follow the trail downhill until you get close to the creek and then follow the trail to the left (north). Your elevation will change several times on this hike!

The first cache is fairly easy to find. It is a regular sized ammo can [not a red coffee can]. It is not too far off one of the trails, so you won’t have to bushwhack very much to get to it. Inside you will find lots of traditional geocache trinkets. The logbook contains the coordinates for the second cache. Make sure you re-conceal the cache before you leave so that it’s not visible from the trail.

The second cache is close to the site of the colonial-era Tayloe Iron Works. It’s a 2 quart Rubbermaid container which is very well camouflaged. Now a ammo can To get to the second cache you have to cross Neabsco Creek. It’s not really safe or practicable to attempt a “feet dry” rock-to-rock crossing in this area since the rocks are worn as smooth as glass and are as slick as ice. If you don’t heed this warning your efforts to keep your feet dry will almost assuredly result in a whole-body dunking! I suggest exploring for a broad, shallow wadding spot or a better alternative (yes, the creek can be crossed without wadding or getting wet!).

Even if you don’t want to cross the creek to get to the second cache, put the coordinates into you GPSR and head down that way from the first cache. You should be able to find the old mill race (water channel) for the foundry and other evidence of the complex. It’s a nice, invigorating walk down to the creek.

If you are inclined to explore the area, here are a few more items to look for: Tree with 5 trunks: 38-36.942N 077-18.303W Red Car with birds nesting inside: 38-37.016N 077-18.237W.

Have fun!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Frpbaq Pnpur: "Ehfg Arire Fyrrcf"

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)