Note: This multi-cache is spread acros several locations in
Pinellas and (barely) Pasco county. If you have questions, feel
free to e-mail me before heading out.
This is the easiest of the InfoChallenge series of caches.
Pinellas county does not generally have the wide open spaces that
allow me to put in the long hikes like the other caches in the
series, so this one is here mainly for symmetry's sake or a
warm-up.
Remember to use caution when reaching/searching for caches in
Florida. Snakes frequently take cover in the same places that
geocaches do. Use a stick to probe around instead of your hands,
and stay safe out there.
Part I: Cha-Cha at the Old Homestead
The posted coordinates take you to a pier on a lake. To get the
coordinates to the first micro-cache, count how many visible
vertical pilings support the platform you're standing on. (Ignore
the ones on the long boardwalk leading out to the platform, and
ignore the ones that are not visible underneath the platform). Also
count how many trash cans are on the platform.
A = (number of pilings) x 23 + 4
B = (number of pilings) x 3 + (number of trash cans)
The next coordinates are:
N28°00.AAA
W82°43.0BB
You're looking for a small container hidden under bark at the
base of a tree. You can follow the paved trail until you're very
close, to avoid bushwacking. Use caution in this area: the insects
that live in all the downed trees in this area attract snakes, and
I saw several in these woods, including an Eastern Coral Snake
(very venomous) and a young Yellow Rat Snake (constrictor). Probe
around with a stick, not your hands!
Part II: Hog Island Hike
This location has a state park entrance fee, but also has plenty
of other (beach-oriented) recreational facilities besides the cache
and is a great place to spend an afternoon with the family. State
park passholders get in free, and it's probably one of the best
recreation values in Florida.
Do not leave the trail to find this cache! You may need to kneel
down and reach for it, but you don't need to stomp on the
underbrush or disturb any sea oats.
This park has one of the best beaches in the United States, and
also has one of the best nature trails in Pinellas County. I see
osprey up-close out here all the time.
Part III: Info's Back Yard
One of my favorite parks around Tarpon Springs, and home to some
great moments in local geocaching history.
Make sure you re-hide this one well.
Part IV: Mid-day at the Oasis
You're almost there! Increasingly narrow foot trails lead the
way. You don't need to venture more than a pace or two from the
trail for this one. Take some time to explore the western end of
this park if you've never been here before.
Re-hide the cache well to keep it out of sight of the other
folks who visit this area.