The Railroad series recognizes the railroads and locomotives of America. They are part of a rich history of transportation which we hope you will enjoy as you log the caches both in the field and online. Each cache will highlight some aspect of railroading in America from the beginning through the 2000's. The one thousand caches in the series create a geoart image of The General--the iconic 4-4-0 steam engine. With its classic smoke stack, boiler shape, large drive wheels, and cattle guard, this small locomotive has been memorialized in American history and has captured the imagination of children and adults the world over. Early steam engines with their trailing smoke plumes and lone whistles have been romanticized in movies and song from "The Great Train Chase" to the "Rock Island Line" and "Casey Jones". As you tackle this art, perhaps you'll hear that lonesome whistle and hear the clack of the wheels on the rails as you imagine the trains of history once again traversing the deserts, canyons, plains and mountains of America.
This set of caches are maintained by the League of Idaho GeocachersThe League's email handles hundreds of notifications every day. Therefore we read all "Did not find", "Write note" and "Needs maintenance" logs but do not have time to read all the "found it" logs. We encourage you to use cut and paste logs if you like (really we don't mind) on the caches numbered 0002 through 1000 but post your thoughts, favorites, positive comments, photos, Mega-Art stories, and whatever you want us to read on the first cache, "0001 RR - 4-4-0 General." We will read all logs of any type from this first cache.
About the art. This art has been placed in partnership with the BLM. We ask that you play responsibly and consider your surroundings. Please don't leave litter and if you find litter pack it out if possible. Caches are all on BLM property. If you feel you need to cross into private property to access a cache then something is wrong. All caches are of the same type, unless specifically noted on the cache page, which should help in finding them. If you are planning a trip to do the art feel free to contact the League ahead of time to ask questions and get information about the area. We're happy to help. The art is not entirely accessible by vehicle and a good deal of hiking is required. The BLM has been very helpful to the geocaching community by allowing this art to be placed so lets kindly return the favor. Please stay on designated roads and trails and avoid using motor vehicles in wet and muddy areas. For your benefit we have noted all access roads as waypoints on "0001 RR - 4-4-0 General" (the number one cache).
Please be aware of your surroundings and take plenty of food and water and dress appropriately. The desert can be very harsh in the summer and winter, and weather can change suddenly in spring and fall. We highly recommend carrying two-way radios for safety. We wish you all the best and have a safe adventure!