Nashuan"s First Cache is a short, 2-stage multi cache that should take about 15-20 minutes, starting from the search for WP1 to finding WP2. This cache finishes on private property and was placed with permission of the land owner (a pretty laid-back kind of guy if I do say so myself). It is easily accessed from near the sidewalk and I have placed a geocaching logo close to the door, so you won't have to worry that you are in the wrong location. It is designed to be as handicapped accessible as possible, but note that stage #2 will require the participant to get down on the ground to access the cache. Seek this cache when the ground is dry. Those who are in wheelchairs or who have bad knees may struggle a bit. The terrain between the first stage and the sidewalk at stage two is entirely paved and easily navigated. Waypoint #1 is located at a very pretty little park on Sandy Pond. If you bring your children during the warmer months, there are lots of fish for them to check out from a dock and a small playground to keep them busy while still within eye shot as you look for a metal tag with the coordinates to WP2.
The park is locally popular, so be discreet when looking for it. From the numbers on the tag, replace the following "X's":
N 42° X X . X 6 X W 071° X X . X X 8
The second (final) stage of the cache is located in a busy neighborhood a few hundred yards away and about seven feet from the sidewalk (and if I were you, I'd keep my eyes open for a red house). I know you're scared, but most of the neighbors are aware of the cache's existance and all have been really good sports about folks coming in to find the cache and often "help" people along who appear to be lost, so get over it and dive in. As the opportunities for muggles (lots of children playing around or passing through the neighborhood) is quite high, the cache is kept locked. To open it, use the combination 39-10-29. A white door is easily seen on the left side of the front porch with the below-shown lock attached. Rotate the dial clockwise three times to clear the lock and stop on 39 (note that the photo shows the lock at #39). Then rotate the dial counter-clockwise, passing 10 once and stopping at 10 on the second pass. Now turn the dial clockwise to 29 and stop. Squeeze the locking assembly at the nine O’clock and the three O’clock positions (highlighted in gold in the pic).
This releases the locking assembly and you should now be able to rotate the entire locking assembly counter-clockwise to open the latch (I know it feels like you're trying to solve some sort of puzzle box cache, but it’s the easiest way to allow “easy” access to cachers while keeping muggles at bay). The cache is wired so that lights turn on when the door is opened. These lights are delicate and it is asked that you please not touch them so that others can enjoy them as well. Please take time to read the first page of the log book, which has a message to greet you before you log in. There are trade items if you are interested in trading and if they fit, please put any travel bugs in the goblet that is located in the "treasure room" . The key is attached to a cable which can be found in the "cache box". Also in the treasure room are souvenir pencils - please feel free to take one or two as a keepsake or your visit.
O.K., so the cache's story is this:
We find Captain Jack, his first mate Arthur and his second mate Nate in the dungeon of the Castle Waltraud; trying to get into the treasure room in search of gold doubloon sig. item coins that they can use to place in caches throughout the area. Help them open the door and you’ll finish this cache. Hint; the goblet tilts down to give up its travel bugs.
Thanks for coming,
Nashuan (AKA Michael)
SPOILER VIDEO: I always enjoy getting personal emails from people who have visited this cache. Several of these include comments about them making the find and then trying to describe it to friends or family, but not quite being able to share that experience through words alone. While the cache was in its latter stages of construction, I shot a couple of videos which were uploadded to Youtube to make it easier to share with others and help spread the word of what they've seen. Feel free to show it to whomever you wish, but please try to use some descretion in not spoiling the experience if this cache is one that they might seek out in the future.
Also, as of August 26, 2012 a new pirate-themed cache called "Auburn Sea" GC3QGYZ has been published (Premium Members Only cache but non-PMO members feel free to contact me and I'm happy to work with you). The "Auburn Sea" is located around the Lake Massabesic area and a spoiler video of how to open the puzzle box located at the final can be found here.