Trekking for Tracks Series LbNA #785
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Nearby Boxes
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Add Location| Owner: | Rocklun  |
|---|---|
| Plant date: | Mar 20, 2003 |
| Location: | |
| City: | Princeton |
| County: | Worcester |
| State: | Massachusetts |
| Boxes: | 1 |
| Planted by: | Ginger Blue |
|---|---|
| Found by: | Nairon |
| Last found: | Jul 30, 2017 |
| Status: | FFFFFFFaFFFFF |
| Last edited: | Aug 24, 2016 |
NOTE FROM ROCKLUN: In August 2016, Ginger Blue graciously transferred ownership of this series to me so that I could care for the one remaining box in this series, Moose on the Loose. I've kept all of the original clues in this listing but modified the Moose on the Loose clues to reflect its new location, which is not far from its original location. The hike length is about 1.75 miles, out and back. I would strongly recommend reading this very helpful description of the trails before you set out: http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/wachusett-meadow/about/trails.
Trekking for Tracks Series
The following are letterboxes planted at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton, MA. Permission to plant these boxes has been granted providing the sanctuary rules are followed (no dogs, cross-country skiing or mountain bikes allowed, stay on trails, non-members pay a small fee) and that staff members are not approached with letterboxing questions. This sanctuary offers various wildlife habitats, beautiful views, peaceful viewing areas, and nearly 13 miles of trails. Be sure to pick up a trail map outside the visitor center and check on trail status before heading out. A fiercely protective Goshawk has closed the Fern Forest Trail for the past few seasons. Also, take note that the sanctuary is CLOSED ON MONDAYS.
Getting There: In Princeton center,at the flashing light intersection of Rtes 62 and 31, follow Rte 62 West .75 miles to the Mass. Audubon sign on the right. Turn right onto Goodnow Road and proceed 1 mile to the Wachusett Meadow parking area on the left.
MOOSE ON THE LOOSE
Planted on 3/22/03; Rocklun moved box and updated clues on 8/24/2016
The Moose on the Loose, an excellent swimmer, wandered to the beaver swamp on the sanctuary’s western border to graze on water plants, and sip a tall drink of water. ***NEW CLUES START HERE*** He passed a snake on his left but was relieved to see that it stayed coiled up as passed by. After entering the woods again, he started climbing the hill but stopped as the trail began to flatten out. He could see a gate ahead in the distance and didn't want to encounter humans, so he instead walked through a 10' opening in the stone wall on his left. He immediately turned left and followed the inside of the wall about 8 steps to a double oak tree. As he turned to face the wall, keeping the oak on his right, he noticed a little cave at the base of the wall in front of him. His hiding spot is in this little cave, behind leaves and sticks. He did NOT move any rocks when he hid, so you shouldn't, either! ***NEW CLUES END HERE***
(Note: The trail to this box, originally a cart road, is wide but minimally maintained. It was virtually a stream bed for several yards after an unusually snowy winter. Unless you have watertight boots, or don’t mind getting wet up to your shins, do not attempt this hike in early spring. In late spring this trail was soggy for a short distance.)
***THE REMAINING CLUES IN THIS SERIES ARE HERE ONLY FOR HISTORICAL PURPOSES. --ROCKLUN***
The Fierce Fisher is MISSING
Planted on 3/20/03
Start out heading north through the Visitor center breezeway. Head westerly on North Meadow Trail. You may want to pay your respects to the Crocker Maple that was felled by an early winter ice storm in the Fall of 2002. Pick up the trail that starts at the northern end of the meadow and head toward the summit for just a bit. Veer off to the right, looping around Brown Hill. Pass the Otter pond on your right and wind your way uphill through a forest that is dominated by shaggy bark hickory trees. An opening in a stone wall is marked on the left by a large one of these trees. Step between the tree and the wall. You may notice the empty shells of hickory nuts left on the stone wall, perhaps by a red squirrel. Beneath a large rock in the wall, pieces of bark shed from the hickory hide The Fierce Fisher Letterbox. You will not need to move any rocks to find it. This predator may look gentle but is fierce enough to deliberately hunt porcupines! Though she’s often referred to as a ‘fisher cat’, she is a member of the weasel family and is as comfortable in trees as she is on the ground.
THE RIVER OTTER Removed for maintainence 9/30/06
Planted on 5/10/03
Content after a lunch of brook trout and tired after a morning of swimming, tumbling, wrestling with and chasing her brother, the river otter snuggled in between a couple of rocks for an afternoon nap. To find her, go to the trail’s end at Otter Pond. You will certainly see signs of the beavers that are living in the lodge by the pond. No sign of otter? Turn your back to the pond and look back up the trail where it brushes a large rock on its left.
THE BOBCAT is MISSING
Planted on 5/10/03
(6/10/04 This box has been reported missing. However, don't miss the view and peace at the summit if you have time.)
The solitary bobcat bounded up to the 1312’ summit of Brown Hill. Once at the top his keen eyes spotted heron nesting in the swamp trees far below to the S-SW. Much further south turkey vultures were soaring over the Wachusett Reservoir. To the N-NE the bobcat could hear the cry of an eagle over Mount Wachusett while Mount Monadnock’s 3165’ peak rose directly north nearly 30 miles away. Two graceful birch trees near the summit beckoned him to rest in their branches. However, he suddenly heard footsteps on the trail and the shy, elusive bobcat scampered under a juniper bush and beneath two flat rocks nestled between two larger rocks.
To ensure discretion, take your find away from the exposed summit to stamp in. A short unmarked trail off the Summit Trail brings you to a peaceful spot under the two fine birches. This is a perfect spot to ponder the beauty that surrounds you and may be a good place for stamping in if no one else is there.
THE SPINY PIG (probably MISSING)
Planted on 6/19/03
Find the glacial boulder and have a seat to take in its size. Look under the boulder at 30 degrees and you may note the prolific amount of scat that identifies a porcupine den. As you're sitting, look back at 310 degrees and notice the small hemlock nearby. A closer look at it's north side will show where this spiny pig has chewed the bark. He climbs easily and spends most of his time in a tree. Don't see him in the tree? Head downhill down the path straight as a porcupine quill, past a hook to the right over a brook, to the place where the trail bears 60 degrees. Count 20 paces to a sawed tree trunk resting on a stone wall. Beneath this log, on the NW side of the wall, two smaller loose stones mark the Spiny Pig's den.
MOOSE ON THE LOOSE ***Original clues; no longer valid***
Planted on 3/22/03
The Moose on the Loose, an excellent swimmer, wandered to the beaver swamp on the sanctuary’s western border to graze on water plants, and sip a tall drink of water. The path ahead was obliterated by a beaver dam. After plunging in for a dip he sought shelter for a nap. To find him, turn back towards the trail you just came down, with a tree of seven trunks on your right. Walk 17-18 paces (closer to 23 paces in snow)now heading east. A large hollowed out tree stump leans toward the trail, giving away his hiding spot. If you don’t find him it’s because his keen sense of smell warned of your coming ½ a mile away!
(Note: The trail to this box, originally a cart road, is wide but minimally maintained. It was virtually a stream bed for several yards after an unusually snowy winter. Unless you have watertight boots, or don’t mind getting wet up to your shins, do not attempt this hike in early spring. In late spring this trail was soggy for a short distance.)
THE BLACK BEAR is MISSING
Planted on 6/19/03
Go to the pond that shares a name with the bear. At the fire hydrant take 22 paces in a northeasterly direction. Turn toward the pond and walk to a fallen soldier whose two legs stretch toward this murky frog haven. Carefully step down and look beneath the right leg where it lies over a stone wall. The Black Bear will be peering out at you there.
Black Bear Trivia: Weight - 1/2 lb. at birth, 600+ lbs full grown. Lifespan - 25 yrs. Speed - can run up to 32 miles/hr, also strong swimmers and expert tree climbers. Diet - largest meateater in New England but is fond of sweets like honey and blueberries.
last revision-9/30/06
Trekking for Tracks Series
The following are letterboxes planted at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton, MA. Permission to plant these boxes has been granted providing the sanctuary rules are followed (no dogs, cross-country skiing or mountain bikes allowed, stay on trails, non-members pay a small fee) and that staff members are not approached with letterboxing questions. This sanctuary offers various wildlife habitats, beautiful views, peaceful viewing areas, and nearly 13 miles of trails. Be sure to pick up a trail map outside the visitor center and check on trail status before heading out. A fiercely protective Goshawk has closed the Fern Forest Trail for the past few seasons. Also, take note that the sanctuary is CLOSED ON MONDAYS.
Getting There: In Princeton center,at the flashing light intersection of Rtes 62 and 31, follow Rte 62 West .75 miles to the Mass. Audubon sign on the right. Turn right onto Goodnow Road and proceed 1 mile to the Wachusett Meadow parking area on the left.
MOOSE ON THE LOOSE
Planted on 3/22/03; Rocklun moved box and updated clues on 8/24/2016
The Moose on the Loose, an excellent swimmer, wandered to the beaver swamp on the sanctuary’s western border to graze on water plants, and sip a tall drink of water. ***NEW CLUES START HERE*** He passed a snake on his left but was relieved to see that it stayed coiled up as passed by. After entering the woods again, he started climbing the hill but stopped as the trail began to flatten out. He could see a gate ahead in the distance and didn't want to encounter humans, so he instead walked through a 10' opening in the stone wall on his left. He immediately turned left and followed the inside of the wall about 8 steps to a double oak tree. As he turned to face the wall, keeping the oak on his right, he noticed a little cave at the base of the wall in front of him. His hiding spot is in this little cave, behind leaves and sticks. He did NOT move any rocks when he hid, so you shouldn't, either! ***NEW CLUES END HERE***
(Note: The trail to this box, originally a cart road, is wide but minimally maintained. It was virtually a stream bed for several yards after an unusually snowy winter. Unless you have watertight boots, or don’t mind getting wet up to your shins, do not attempt this hike in early spring. In late spring this trail was soggy for a short distance.)
***THE REMAINING CLUES IN THIS SERIES ARE HERE ONLY FOR HISTORICAL PURPOSES. --ROCKLUN***
The Fierce Fisher is MISSING
Planted on 3/20/03
Start out heading north through the Visitor center breezeway. Head westerly on North Meadow Trail. You may want to pay your respects to the Crocker Maple that was felled by an early winter ice storm in the Fall of 2002. Pick up the trail that starts at the northern end of the meadow and head toward the summit for just a bit. Veer off to the right, looping around Brown Hill. Pass the Otter pond on your right and wind your way uphill through a forest that is dominated by shaggy bark hickory trees. An opening in a stone wall is marked on the left by a large one of these trees. Step between the tree and the wall. You may notice the empty shells of hickory nuts left on the stone wall, perhaps by a red squirrel. Beneath a large rock in the wall, pieces of bark shed from the hickory hide The Fierce Fisher Letterbox. You will not need to move any rocks to find it. This predator may look gentle but is fierce enough to deliberately hunt porcupines! Though she’s often referred to as a ‘fisher cat’, she is a member of the weasel family and is as comfortable in trees as she is on the ground.
THE RIVER OTTER Removed for maintainence 9/30/06
Planted on 5/10/03
Content after a lunch of brook trout and tired after a morning of swimming, tumbling, wrestling with and chasing her brother, the river otter snuggled in between a couple of rocks for an afternoon nap. To find her, go to the trail’s end at Otter Pond. You will certainly see signs of the beavers that are living in the lodge by the pond. No sign of otter? Turn your back to the pond and look back up the trail where it brushes a large rock on its left.
THE BOBCAT is MISSING
Planted on 5/10/03
(6/10/04 This box has been reported missing. However, don't miss the view and peace at the summit if you have time.)
The solitary bobcat bounded up to the 1312’ summit of Brown Hill. Once at the top his keen eyes spotted heron nesting in the swamp trees far below to the S-SW. Much further south turkey vultures were soaring over the Wachusett Reservoir. To the N-NE the bobcat could hear the cry of an eagle over Mount Wachusett while Mount Monadnock’s 3165’ peak rose directly north nearly 30 miles away. Two graceful birch trees near the summit beckoned him to rest in their branches. However, he suddenly heard footsteps on the trail and the shy, elusive bobcat scampered under a juniper bush and beneath two flat rocks nestled between two larger rocks.
To ensure discretion, take your find away from the exposed summit to stamp in. A short unmarked trail off the Summit Trail brings you to a peaceful spot under the two fine birches. This is a perfect spot to ponder the beauty that surrounds you and may be a good place for stamping in if no one else is there.
THE SPINY PIG (probably MISSING)
Planted on 6/19/03
Find the glacial boulder and have a seat to take in its size. Look under the boulder at 30 degrees and you may note the prolific amount of scat that identifies a porcupine den. As you're sitting, look back at 310 degrees and notice the small hemlock nearby. A closer look at it's north side will show where this spiny pig has chewed the bark. He climbs easily and spends most of his time in a tree. Don't see him in the tree? Head downhill down the path straight as a porcupine quill, past a hook to the right over a brook, to the place where the trail bears 60 degrees. Count 20 paces to a sawed tree trunk resting on a stone wall. Beneath this log, on the NW side of the wall, two smaller loose stones mark the Spiny Pig's den.
MOOSE ON THE LOOSE ***Original clues; no longer valid***
Planted on 3/22/03
The Moose on the Loose, an excellent swimmer, wandered to the beaver swamp on the sanctuary’s western border to graze on water plants, and sip a tall drink of water. The path ahead was obliterated by a beaver dam. After plunging in for a dip he sought shelter for a nap. To find him, turn back towards the trail you just came down, with a tree of seven trunks on your right. Walk 17-18 paces (closer to 23 paces in snow)now heading east. A large hollowed out tree stump leans toward the trail, giving away his hiding spot. If you don’t find him it’s because his keen sense of smell warned of your coming ½ a mile away!
(Note: The trail to this box, originally a cart road, is wide but minimally maintained. It was virtually a stream bed for several yards after an unusually snowy winter. Unless you have watertight boots, or don’t mind getting wet up to your shins, do not attempt this hike in early spring. In late spring this trail was soggy for a short distance.)
THE BLACK BEAR is MISSING
Planted on 6/19/03
Go to the pond that shares a name with the bear. At the fire hydrant take 22 paces in a northeasterly direction. Turn toward the pond and walk to a fallen soldier whose two legs stretch toward this murky frog haven. Carefully step down and look beneath the right leg where it lies over a stone wall. The Black Bear will be peering out at you there.
Black Bear Trivia: Weight - 1/2 lb. at birth, 600+ lbs full grown. Lifespan - 25 yrs. Speed - can run up to 32 miles/hr, also strong swimmers and expert tree climbers. Diet - largest meateater in New England but is fond of sweets like honey and blueberries.
last revision-9/30/06