Smiley Victoriana Traditional Cache
Doghair Duo: This cache has been archived
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This cache is hidden off Lake Shore Trail in Lake Minnewaska State Park, route 299, near New Paltz, NY. The park opens at 9 am and there is a $6 parking fee; no charge for seniors during the week, and dogs are allowed on lead. Lake Shore Trail is a two mile walk around the lake; it would be shorter to the cache to go clockwise, but you'll get gorgeous views if you go counterclockwise. Whenever the trail forks, take the fork closest to the lake.
This is one of the five "sky lakes" in the Shawangunk Mountains, so named because they are at the top of the ridge, 2000' above sea level. Your walk starts from the parking lot on top. These lakes owe their existence in part to the Ice Age glaciers; the lakes are located in bedrock hollows which the overriding ice scoured. As the ice melted, bouldery debris was deposited across the drainage gaps, damming the water to form the lakes which are now fed by precipitation and runoff from surrounding watersheds. The white Shawangunk Conglomerate cliffs surrounding the lake are visible most of the way and quite a sight. The hardness of the stone has made "The Gunks" a mecca for rock climbers. The cliffs are steep, so watch children and dogs carefully. From some spots you can also see the Catskills in the distance.
At the turn of the last century the Smiley brothers began buying up vast amounts of land on the ridge, and they built their two famous mountain houses; one still stands at Mohonk and is a popular resort; the other at Minnewaska burned. As you walk around the lake you will see where Cliff House once stood. The Smileys built a vast network of carriageways for their guests, which make lovely hiking trails today. Your trail will take you to a spot where the Victorian ladies swooped down from the carriages in their long skirts to admire the view. We won't tell you what is at the spot except to say that this is the only one left at Minnewaska. Do NOT descend the cliffs.Tnis is a popular spot for muggles so we hid the cache a short distance away. Stand with the lake behind you, facing the woods. The cache is well concealed about 60' straight ahead. If you come to an old foundation in the woods, that's interesting- but you've gone too far!
Ammo container contents: Dick Francis novel (Thank you, Jonboy), Birds of America playing cards, recorder, Geocache October button, large funny Geocache button, stencil, abalone bead, postcard from one of our favorite restaurants, Chinese top, Geocaching magnet, Where's George.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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