Calico Honeymoon

LOCATION: Pine Barrens, NJ

CHALLENGE:

DATE/NUMBER: 03-Mar-2001/34

MAP:

Forsaken Calico, most elusive of the Lost Towns,
was found only after many persistent expeditions. -- Henry C. Beck

Many of the Lost Towns still appear on modern maps. Some, like Calico, are so forgotten that you won't even find reference to them in GNIS. But some have claimed that it did exist, and that its fingerprints can still be found somewhere amongst the whispering Pines.

The idea of wandering the Pine Barrens looking for such a place is enough to get any ghosttowner excited. Any excuse to be in the Pines gets me excited. The beauty of ghosttown letterboxes is that the puzzle is real and provided by the past, and the hider gets the thrill of solving it as well.

If, by chance, you come to the same conclusions and locations that I did when I (presumably) found Calico, consider the following ...

From the southeast corner of the farmhouse foundation pit, look for the twin tree 7 paces in a northerly direction. Thence, proceed 20 paces at 104 degrees to the largest pine. Thence, 21 paces at 162 degrees thru a bit of a thicket (sorry :-)) to a short gnarled log on the ground.

NOTE 1: The New Jersey Pine Barrens are a special place. Replete with unique ecosystems, plant life (the area is noted for carnivorous plants), paddling rivers, and of course the fading fingerprints of the lost towns and the maze of sandy roads and trails that connect them. Grab your tent or canoe, and plan to spend the weekend.

NOTE 2: Off-trail walking is involved. Not recommended for the novice navigator or ghosttowner, you will get lost without proper preparation and navigational aids. Consider 4WD, although it certainly can be done on foot if you enjoy hiking.

NOTE 3: Be wary of snakes and other wildlife when reaching into dark places. No need to dig for this box. All bearings magnetic unless otherwise noted. A pace is a long stride counted on a footfall of either foot, i.e. two paces are counted each time the right foot hits the ground. Be aware of if or when there is game hunting in the area.

NOTE 4: Please re-hide the thing well just as you found it, and be discreet when stamping up.

DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT: PERSONS USING THIS CLUE OR HUNTING THIS LETTERBOX DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK. Do not hunt this letterbox without reading and agreeing to the waiver first. Children, do not hunt this letterbox without the supervision of an adult who has read and agreed to the waiver. Possession of this clue does not imply rights of access to particular lands and route choices, or the safety thereof, including the location of the box itself. Always observe current local regulations, signs, property rights, and customs; you are responsible for your actions. Clue not indended to be taken literally or to suggest route choices; route choices (and the choice to proceed at all), are your choice.
This clue, photographs, and associated stamp art are copyright © 2001, by Randy Hall. Permission to reproduce for personal use granted; all other rights reserved.