The Cache of Lost Souls in The Pines Traditional Geocache
The Cache of Lost Souls in The Pines
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You are now entering the woods in search of “The Cache of Lost Souls in The Pines" As you “undertake” this adventure, PLEASE be respectful of your surroundings. This is known as 'The Pines or "Pauper's" Cemetery' of long ago patients residing at Tewksbury State Hospital.
Well, they say the third time's the charm so after the mass cleanup of these resting grounds by volunteers last Fall which dislodged and subsequently eliminated our last hiding spot, we have just relocated this geocache for the third time after a winter hiatus. They are due to hold an additional Spring cleanup event soon but hopefully it is going to be on additional acreage not yet touched as opposed to where the cache is now re-hidden. That being said, 'Happy Hunting!' ***Due to tree cover overhead which may “play tricks” with the GPS coordinates (or is it the restless spirits?) hold your GPS level, be patient for it to “home in” and walk slowly. Keep an eye out for poison ivy as you search, though it was cut back in the Fall I'm sure it will crop back up here and there as well as pricker bushes as the warmer season progresses and new vegetation emerges. Also wise to bring bug repellent depending on the time of year. *** After you park and enter past the gate look toward your left and you will see a choice of 'trail branches' to take. Follow the 'green arrows'. Once you're down the trail a ways, if you look around to the left side, scattered throughout the area you will see close to the ground, the eerie silver metal cross grave markers peeping through with a number only on them indicating the final resting places of each of these mostly unknown/and in many cases unnamed lost souls. Thanks to the cleanup effort, what was once buried in many cases, the markers have now been unearthed and repainted so they are now more visible. Because of that 'digging' the wooded area is rather uneven with dips and pits so please watch your step. As you look about there are literally neat ROWS of these silver markers, some intact, some broken but all fascinating within their landscape. You also may see a couple of regular gravestones or stone cross with long ago names/dates. There is much of interest to see within this entire wooded parcel just be aware of the surroundings as you explore and perhaps reflect on these lost souls. Also BE SURE to check yourself for ticks once you leave, they are reporting that ticks are out ALREADY (March) and are going to be particularly bad this year!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
NYYRIN