The Maryland Geocaching Society welcomes you to the 2018 edition of Cache Across Maryland! This is one of eleven geocaches placed throughout the "Old Line State" in locations chosen to showcase Maryland's diverse beauty. From the mountains of Western Maryland to the Atlantic Ocean, Cache Across Maryland 2018 will once again demonstrate that Maryland truly is “America in Miniature”.
Each geocache contains a code which you will use to determine the location of the CAM 2018 Picnic to be held on May 5th, 2018. The code can be found on the inside of the cache container and on the inside front cover of the logbook. Don't forget to record this code! Any geocacher who has completed at least TEN of the eleven CAM geocaches and attends the CAM Picnic on May 5th will receive a Certificate of Completion and a Cache Across Maryland 2018 Geocoin in Antique Silver. We hope you enjoy CAM 2018!
Deal Island
Deal Island - once known as Devil’s Island - is one of many communities around the Chesapeake Bay that is slowly losing its existence to the shifting land and demands (or enticements) of modern life. As with other islands in the bay, solid acreage is disappearing as tides and storms erode the land and water levels rise. While many are moving away, retirees and vacationers are coming into the area, changing the character of this remote community.
The Deal Island Wildlife Management Area is 13,000 acres of tidal marsh, forested wetlands, and a 2,800-acre man-made impoundment pond. The grasses, crustaceans and insects that inhabit this area make it the perfect home or stop-over for waterfowl and migratory birds. It’s also one of the best places in Maryland to watch, photograph, and hunt ducks and geese. Deal Island supports one of the largest concentrations of herons, egrets and ibis in the entire state. While there is managed hunting (check with DNR for seasons, areas, and permitting), certain areas are protected sanctuaries for all creatures.
At the end of the road in Wenona you’ll find the commercial harbor where crabbing is still big business. Stacks of crab pots can be found outside of crabbing season, and a small general store and bar & grill still support the community here.
Near the cache location is the John Wesley M.E. Church and cemetery. This church, built in 1914, had an active African-American congregation until 2002, and was a cornerstone of the community. It has since fallen into disrepair, as has the adjacent cemetery. If you make a stop here, use caution and be aware of broken vaults and mushy/marshy areas on the property.
Skipjack races are held in and out of Deal Island Harbor every year over Labor Day weekend. The associated festival features a parade, dance, car show, music, food, a fishing contest, and arts & crafts. Skipjacks once ruled the Bay, and today most of the remaining ones work out of Deal Island. These iconic boats are principally used for oyster harvesting today.
Park Information:
Deal Island WMA is open from sunrise to sunset.
Pets are allowed, on leash only.
The Geocache
This geocache is located at the listed coordinates.
The cache is hidden on WMA property. The trail can be pretty wet in places, and otherwise is an easy one. Park in the designated area, and don’t drive beyond the gate or block the gate. Part of this area is still being farmed. Very near the cache you will find views of some waterways, away from the sounds of traffic and human occupation.
Be sure to observe all DNR/WMA rules for this area.
Cache only from sunrise to sunset.
Pets on leash are allowed.
This is a hunting area; bright colored clothing is advised during hunting seasons.
Public restrooms are available at the commercial harbor across from the general store in Wenona, at: N38º 07.779 W075º 56.977.
This geocache was placed by permission of the Maryland DNR Eastern Region. The MGS extends its thanks to the staff of Deal Island Wildlife Management Area for approving this cache placement.
