Do not go to posted coordinates, they are deep in the forest by a swamp and to be used only for calculating the final coordinates in the puzzle below.
Fran Uhler Natural Area is located along the Patuxent River between Bowie State University and the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and features five miles of woodland trails open for hiking, bicycling, and nature study. This is a popular area for local bird watching groups.
The park is also a great area for trainspotting as you walk the trail adjacent to the MARC railroad track. The Fran Uhler Natural Area and Uhler NRMA are linked to the main part of the WB&A Trail by the 2-mile-long Horsepen Branch Spur Trail.
Walking the trail along the waypoints to solve the puzzle and to search for the cache should give enough time for at least one train to pass you. Don't forget to wave to the conductor--he might just toot the train's horn back at you!
Park at the Bowie State MARC train station Park and Ride off Lemon Bridge Road. Please use ONLY this lot for parking. All on campus parking at Bowie State University (including VISITOR) is BY PERMIT ONLY and is enforced.
The main trail of this park has a surface of old pavement and gravel, it is flat, but it can be muddy most of the year. There isn't much shade along the trail and can be quite buggy too. It runs parallel to the railroad tracks which for much of the park has no barrier PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THE TRACKS USE ONLY THE TRAILS. Park is open from dawn to dusk only. Dogs are allowed on leash. Please obey all park rules posted at the park entry.
Please place the cache back carefully as found.
Happy Caching!
Cache has been approved by the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George's County
PUZZLE:
A: At the trailhead N39° 01.156' W076° 45.897': Count the number of locks on the chain at the gate. Add 1 to this number. Use this number for A
B: N39° 01.290' W076° 45.708': Count the number of yellow tape strips on the gate. Use this number for B
C: Same location as B: Count the number of yellow poles to the right of the gate. Use this number for C
DEF: N39° 01.461' N76° 45.585': Turn and face the railroad tracks. Do not approach the tracks! You should be able to see it clearly from the trail! Look for an orange sign up by the tracks use the three-digit number for DEF
Add ABC to north coordinates and subtract DEF from west coordinates
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