Concentrated run in Jackson, TN 1/30/2014

In the last couple of years geocaching in Jackson, TN has changed with most caches being placed by lookingUPward.  Overall, the current way of geo-business in Jackson is no longer satisfying by this cacher.  This is part of the reason why this cacher is considing geo-retirement in the coming months.

My occupation takes me on the road to the point that I average about 30,000 business miles a year.  Current work policies recommend using a rental car or state car (which is an unmarked leased car) for distances over 136 miles.  Since I don't concern myself for numbers; I try to focus more on interesting caches or small clusters of caches.  Being that I have cached for neary 10 years, it is very doubtful that I will run across an interesting location in Jackson, TN.  Prior to going on active duty in late 2009, I had made a find in the Jackson area for 50 Consecutive months.

On a cold January day, I went after some caches in a park just west of Jackson.  Being it was cold, I had the park to myself.  Typically, I try to park in the midde of a cluster of caches and make a circle around the park.  That day, I picked up a few, one being my favorite at a fire station.

MCFD #5, I have had the honor of meeting this cacher whom is a full time firefighter.

No where to go

Walk in the park

Pope Park

What's the Score???

Day Four, trip back home

All of us were very tired after two hard days of caching and hiking.  I had decided to do some light caching on the way home due to the condition of my knees.  Twin Falls would be my favorite of that day and then made a bee-line towards home.

Day Two, the big hike

The first full day of hiking would take us for a 10 mile hike at Virgin Falls.  It was the second time this group visited the falls.  Their first trip was very difficult due to wintery conditions.  The hike going in worked well for me; I was able to keep up.  However on the return trip, my knees were in much pain despite the constant use of Advil.

The area was one of the most scenic of my geocaching career and my favorites were:

Virgin Falls Earthcache

Virgin Falls Cache

Big Laural Falls Earthcache

I hobbled back to the vehicles and returned to the cabin at Rock Island State Park.  It took everything I had to climb the stairs to the cabin.

As for dinner, chili was on the menu.  Being that this cacher has resumed big game hunting and had bagged two deer this season,  I had several pounds of ground venison and provided for the feast.

Day Three

Day Three of the cachepedition, began with a nice breakfast and fellowship with other cachers at Rock Island State Park.  I awoke with my knees sore but felt I could carry on with the mission.

Selection of caches of the day were selected and generally were short hikes.  The most notable cache was Piney Falls Bridge.  I had been to this location a few years prior but unable to find.  Made the find with the large group.  I did find that hiking downhill was very painful on my knees and that would burden me the rest of the day.  Towards the way back to Rock Island State Park we stopped for an extended stay at Sunset Rock a nice earthcache with a great view.  There is a cache on top of the massive rock, but for legal and medical reasons, I opted not to go after this cache.  There were signs on the rock not permitting climbing or repelling of this rock and with my knees in bad shape, it was better I did not attempt.  We stopped in Sparta and I mind the find with the webcam cache.  It's only me second webcam find, they are more difficult and with smartphones, it was easier today.

We retreated back to the cabins for more rest and fellowship.