Ilsa's High Meadow Cache Traditional Geocache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Somewhat hilly terrain, regular cache, beautiful location.
Update: April 28, 2013 - Finally got up to the cache and replaced the terrifically damaged container with a brand new one. This is the third container so maybe this will be the charm. The meadow was cleared of all brush and small trees and then a controlled burn. I didn't recognize the place and had a heck of a time finding ground zero. At some point the cache's heavy duty steel container was run over and flattened by something big. The meadow is now ever more open and beautiful! But we had to move the cache as it would have been right there in the open for all to see/find. Coordinates have been updated! (See previous updates below)
============================
This cache is dedicated to our late beloved black lab Ilsa (ill-sah). This is our first cache placed by my daughter on my birthday.
We often took Ilsa out to this forest preserve to play and roam. She was never happier than when she was running along the trail sniffing all those lovely scents. We must have been going to this location since the early 80's as the kids grew up. It is lovely to explore any time of year. Forests and meadows, streams and ponds, hills and dales, this park has it all. Always signs of animal life around.
The cache is in a military ammo case, which is securely attached to something rather large so it can’t walk away. Fairly easy to spot once you are near by. We didn't want to make the cache difficult to find, I wanted people to explore this location. There is a log book and pencils and maybe some items to trade. You can stay on the nice trails in the preserve until the last 300 feet or so.
Please immediately report any problems with the cache to the owner.
Thanks and have fun!
-------------------------------
We have borrowed the remainder of this information from other caches in the same forest preserve. Thanks to GC28 and Maleki.
Parking is at 42 05.020 / 088 13.845
Many caches can be accessed at this forest preserve.
The difficulty and terrain have a terrain rating of ~2.5 because there are so many interesting ways to approach the Geocache. It can by muddy in the spring so when in doubt bring your boots!
This is a beautiful area for a hike with friends and family! You will see lots of trees, diverse land features and some elevation (something we don’t see much of in the Chicagoland area).
A compass may be helpful when the canopy is thicker. Take your time and explore the area. You will find plenty of interesting artifacts amongst the vegetation.
Long pants, boots, compass and bug spray are most likely needed for this one during the summer! Please note there is Poison Ivy reported in the area (owner - I haven't seen any thus far).
The trails are marked for cross country skiing (C, harder, moderate, etc).
Please help keep our parks beautiful and remove some trash on your way out. Note: There is private property in the nearby area, which is posted.
=================
Previous Updates
------------
April 28, 2013 - Cache has been replaced after the disaster (details above).
April 9, 2013 - As you can see in the picture gallery, this cache has sadly met its maker. I am in the process of replacing it and probably moving it. But for now, you can still find it and (maybe even) sign the log.
Oct, 2010 - The coordinates have been updated.
Aug, 2010 - Made it up to the site after my vacation out West. Most of the contents where found in a plastic bag still at the site. Unluckily the bag was not waterproof so the items were in pretty bad shape. A new container has been put in its place and I hope is even more securely tied to an immovable object than the first one. A new log book has been provided along with fresh pencils but no trading items for right now. Please add!
July, 2010 - Sadly I have been told by a Geocacher that the cache was ransacked but is OK. The nice metal ammo can was taken but all the items were left behind in a plastic garbage bag. A nice thief? Hmmmm. I will try to fix it very soon.
May 2, 2008 - The camera has long since been removed.
Feb 14, 2004 - Cache was created on My Birthday!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Na nzzb pna vf nggnpurq gb gur jrfg fvqr bs n ynetr ryz (?) gerr nybat gur jrfg fvqr bs gur zrnqbj. Vs lbh fgnaq ba gbc bs n arneol evfr jvgu 3 bnx gerrf naq gura urnq ~300 srrg ng nobhg 300 qrterrf (AAJ), lbh jvyy svaq gur pnpur. Tbbq yhpx!