The Ridge Multi-cache
DS#1/CM#1: Final stage of the cache needs to be moved to a different location. Since the cache is not easily accessed during winter months due to road closure, it will probably be replaced in the spring.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This multi cache should be approached via the right fork of a road leading south off Forest county highway W at the Himley Lake CCC camp sign (N45° 26.936 W 088° 45.086). Parking coordinates are: N45° 26.323 W088° 44.784. The first part of the walking trail is quite easily followed but becomes more difficult as stage 1 is approached. The area is high land.
Stage 1: Hanging tag labeled with coordinates for the final cache. The area where this multi-cache is located has several interesting aspects. The area represents a divide between two watersheds. Zarling Lake to the east drains to the Oconto River. Shoe Lake to the west has its main drainage southwest to the Wolf River except during high water levels when some overflow drains to Zarling Lake which is a different watershed. This overflow drainage would not occur if the cut between the two lakes to create an ice road for moving logs had not been constructed many years ago during the logging of the area. Ice roads across frozen lakes and along streams were watered during the winter to create an icy surface so large sleigh loads of logs could be more easily moved by teams of horses or oxen. Since the lakes and stream drainages were relatively level, the large loads of logs didn't have to be pulled over hilly terrain. Another aspect of the area was described by my Grandpa. Years ago, when deer were hunted with hounds, this ridge was a popular place to intercept the deer being driven by the dogs. The area was prepared by falling large trees across the narrow part of the ridge to channel the deer close to the hunters. Hunters with a horse and sleigh or wagon would go out ahead and take a stand on the ridge. Hounds were released in the area of Range Line Lake 3 miles to the east. For some reason deer always seemed to run to the west and either swim the narrows near the south end of Shoe Lake to attempt to lose the dogs or run across the ridge between the lakes where the hunters waited. While not visible, midway between stage one and the final cache, an archaeological dig was conducted several years ago. The findings of that activity determined that approximately 750 years ago a group of Native Americans used the area for a summer season camp. Perhaps some questions for you to ponder while you observe this area would be: 1. What brought the Indians to this area? 2. Did they arrive here by traveling and exploring up the Oconto River or the Wolf River? I expect the answers to these questions will never be known but it's interesting to think about. Final cache is a medium sized container with a log book, pen/pencil and items for trading. *NOTE* While it appears that the cache entitled "CITO" is quite close to the first stage of this cache it would require rugged bushwacking to get there. "CITO" cache would be better approached from the directions described on that cache's page.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
1. Fgntr 1 Juvgr gnt va rireterra 4 sg. hc ba abegu rqtr bs vpr ebnq.