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One by Land, One by Sea LbNA #1324

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Apr 28, 2003
Location:
City:Mansfield / North Windham
County:Tolland
State:Connecticut
Boxes:1
Found by: Sedahaus
Last found:Apr 29, 2018
Status:FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFO
Last edited:May 17, 2016
Placed by : Friends of Mansfield Hollow
Rated: Moderate, (easy if you know the area!)

This can be found in two ways--by water in a canoe, kayak or fishing boat, by land from a parking lot.

Mansfield Hollow is a huge area, fed by three rivers and divided into sections according to the DEP's use: this section is open to hunting, and part of the Field Trail Area for hunting dogs. Be aware that on many weekends it will be in use by the field trail folks, and that during the hunting season walkers must be cautious. Sunday is a good day--no hunting allowed. With all that said, it's one of our favorite spots for exploring and admiring a place emptied of residents by flood control.

By land: heading east on route 6 in North Windham turn left at intersection of 203(traffic light). A sign points to Mansfield Hollow. Cross the bridge over the Natchaug River and immediately take a left on N. Windham Rd. In .3 mile park in dirt lot at the yellow gate. Go back, pass the gate, walk down the old paved road (closed in 1949), down hill, then up. On the right, when the foliage is off, there is an old barn foundation. At the top of the hill the road follows an esker, with land dropping off on each side-another glacial sign--a kettle hole down on the left. On the right is the remains of a retaining wall built by some roads crew long ago. Now is the time to look carefully for a cart path turning to the left; turn here, follow to the edge of the river. There is an open space here, and signs of a well-worn path along the banks (save this for another day). A ghostly fireplace stands in the clearing; look for evidence that once there was a lean-to built into it.

Now, stand with your back to the fireplace, with your left shoulder toward the river; take out your compass, set it at 340 degrees. Step off 30 steps/15 paces toward a big oak tree that resembles a fielder's mitt. (4 fingers, one dead), circle it, look in the pocket where the box may be found. Cover me up well--lots of pine needles etc. nearby, say goodbye, go back to the paved road. Right back to your car.

If you want a different way back, cross the paved road to a rough path--it will take you up and down, back past that old barn foundation to the parking lot. Warning--lots of brush, thorns and briars. It's used by the dog trail folks, but is a favorite of mine.

Now, By Sea:

Put your boat in at the boat launch, head south past the beach area where the Canoe club hangs out, keep to the left (eastern) shore. You are in the widest part of the lake, but soon will curve left, with the dike on your right, and enter the Natchaug River. Continue to follow the left bank--you will see that it is high, covered with pine trees. The river makes a gradual curve to the left, then to the right, and looks the way the river must have pre-flood control. Watch carefully for two large, dead trees, first one on right, then left. Here the river bank is shallow, and there is a rocky shore, with an old stone wall on its side. Beyond the bank becomes a marsh--if you got this far, turn around. Beach the boat, look ahead in the clearing and there's that chimney. Follow the by-land directions. This
spot in the river was in the Courant recently. It's a great picnic stop.