Toponaut: Hemlock 2, Confluence & Gullies Mystery Cache

There is nothing hidden at the posted coordinates. This is the second of a four-cache series where you will use the topographical map (& legend) provided to navigate to certain features in the woods, and then use your GPS to project a waypoint from a particular feature to the cache. There will be streams to cross, steep inclines, possibly tough bushwhacking (depending on your navigation skills), and you may even get lost. Come prepared! (see below)

Toponaut: Hemlock

To find this cache, you must first retrieve the clue from the Toponaut: Hemlock 1, Piles of Rocks cache.

Inside this cache, you you will find a clue needed to search for Toponaut: Hemlock 3, Summit.

This series needs to be done in sequence, both geographically, in order of difficulty, and to retrieve clues to continue. Detailed instructions will be included for the first cache, and then decrementally so as the series progresses. All together the series will lead to about a 2 mile round trip hike (or possibly more of course!), most of it off-trail.

Please see the first cache in the series for preamble and important information on what you'll need.

Navigate to the red star. From there, use the projection information found inside Piles of Rocks to locate the cache.

Primer (intended directions with map reading tips along the way)

1. From the Hemlock 1, Piles of Rocks cache, navigate west to the trail, and find the junction of two trails.
2. Proceed west and downhill on the marked trail.
3. Note: on the north side of the trail, observe the gully/ditch running alongside the trail (line of brown dots).
4. At the bridge, leave the trail and go upstream to the confluence of two streams (where two streams flow into one).
5. Note: near the confluence, there are large rocks (solid black blobs).
6. Continue upstream with the target gully in mind. Try to spot the knolls (solid brown circles) on the west bank of the creek just north of the confluence. Also keep an eye out for the large rock up on the hill to the west. The gully you want is different than the other gullies in the area: read the map!
7. Stand on the westernmost rock in the gully to make your projection.
8. As you use your GPS to navigate to the cache, pay attention to where you are on the map! This will be helpful/crucial in continuing to the next cache in the series.

Some other notes:

• I have set the "not winter friendly" attribute solely due to difficulties with finding the piles of rocks in the snow.
• As you navigate, it might be prudent to come up with a point that is "too far". For example in the first cache, going over the ridge in search of the piles of rocks.
• Within the cache you will find the distance and bearing for the next cache in the series. Record this but don't take it with you.
• Have fun on your endeavor! However this is wild territory so be mindful of copperheads, bees, and other beastly beasts.

Best Series 2016