Note: the original ammo box for this cache was removed by person or
persons unknown. This has been replaced (6/4/2002) and a number of
trinkets included. My regrets to those who visited but could not
find the cache box/log.
If you would like to hike — expect a 1000 ft change in elevation
— you can start at Armstrong Woods State Park, near Guerneville.
Park in the parking lot and take the Pool Ridge Trail road for less
than two miles (but a steep climb beginning near sea level and
rising to 1250 ft) until you reach the trail head on Pool Ridge
Road.
If you prefer an easier route, you can drive through Armstrong
Woods and take the road toward Bull Frog Pond. The road is paved
but is steep with many switch-backs and is a one-lane road
(downhill yields to uphill traffic) which is not suitable for all
vehicles. (Bicycles okay but, again, very steep.) When the road
branches, take the left branch to the Gilliam Creek and Pool Ridge
trailheads. Proceed 100 yards past end of pavement to parking area
at: N 38° 33.33935' / W 123° 00.1461' (Pool Ridge trailhead).
By either route, you will pass the old Pond Farm Pottery
somewhere around 600-650 altitude.
From the Pool Ridge trailhead, follow the foot path along the
ridge to the ENE, approximately 150 yards. You will be within 100
feet of the cache. Look for three oaks branching just above ground
level. The cache is in a plastic jar in the hollow formed by the
three oaks.
You should also notice that the ground is rough where wild pigs
have been rooting for acorns. You may see deer in the area (dwarf
coastal variety, hunting not allowed) and there are bobcats,
coyotes, foxes and other wildlife but you are unlikely to see any
of these (although you may hear them at night).
From the ridge, to the SSE, you can see Korbel Vineyards; to the
South, a glimpse of the town of Guerneville… but most of what
you'll see are redwoods, oaks, madrone, etc. Enjoy the view both to
the North and the South.
This cache now contains clue slips to assist you in finding
Chris's Cache
December, 2007 update:
Chris' Cache was in a burned out area that needs some recovery
time, so the cache is now archived. Unfortunately, it is also a
link in this chain of puzzle caches. So, when you've received the
longitude from Pool Ridge Trail for Chris' Cache, subtract .163
from it for Ethan's Cache. I'm just going to give you the latitude:
38° 33.551
Now, off to
Ethan's Cache with you!