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Stately Tree Traditional Geocache

This cache has been archived.

OReviewer: Archiving so I can publish the follow up cache.

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Hidden : 8/15/2002
Difficulty:
3 out of 5
Terrain:
4 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Located within the Birdsboro Watershed property. The area has an adequate, but unmarked trail network. Parts of the forest have been logged thus some spots are relatively thick with briars and other undergrowth. (Some have said that the rest of the woods is VERY thick with briars and undergrowth [:)] Parts are steep and rocky. Altitude at the cache was measured at about 770 feet.

This is my first cache placement. I never use a GPS so the coordinates were supplied by Gosffo on 8/17/02. It may be a bit more difficult than it is rated when compared to local norms.

This is not a 30 minute cache. (Actually from car to cache and back by the shortest possible route is almost exactly 30 minutes if you make no errors, feel no pain, and maintain a brisk walk.) This parking is at 40 14.315 and 75 50.054

1/2006: Now that there are other caches to the E and NE of Stately Tree, approaches from the east make even more sense than when I made the suggestion in the logs below. Trails off route 345 south of the Kulptown Fire Company, picking up the Horseshoe trail as it crosses Geigertown Road near the South Birdsboro Rod and Gun Club, and the Rustic Picnic area in Birdsboro are 3 alternate starting points.

Although oft seen from miles away,
From towns of Baum and Geiger,
This landmark tree will test the will.
Of any seasoned hiker.
An aphid may destroy it soon,
Along with all it's kin,
So take this chance to visit now,
Before it's been done in.

Spring 2004 update: As the poem suggests, the subject tree (It was a huge Hemlock, the State tree of PA for those that didn't catch the clue) has been "done in", but not by woolly adelgids. A wind storm brought it down in the fall of 2003. It is no longer visible from Route 422 at Baumstown or from my upstairs window. The cache remains however, and certainly is one of the toughest short hikes in Berks County. Plan your route carefully.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Fgbar pnvea.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)