#1: [24-Feb-01]

10-Mar-2007 -- My first visit, and it was successful. I've been a GPS enthusiast since first learning to use it in the military in 1990. I've been using my laptop with the Delorme unit for almost 3 years, but since finding out about the DCP, I've been jonesing for a handheld. Unfortunately, most of the CPs in the USA have already been visited. Fortunately for me, most of the visits in my area were made years ago, so I figure that it's time to update the photos.

My day began at 5:00am with a quick trip to Wally World to pick up the handheld unit I've been eyeballing. The night before, using Google Earth, I'd already settled on the approach I wanted to take. The land is posted, but there was no phone number and the two cars that I stopped could offer no information on the hunting club that has the lease this year. I parked at what appeared to be the hunting club's trailer to the northeast of the CP. There is a path across the street that leads to a clearing, the southwest end of which is only about 120 meters from the CP.

The tricky part was crossing the creek. We haven't had that much rain in these parts, but the creek was flowing more than I expected. Just to the north of the direct route was a small rapid created by rocks, so I was able to walk across the creek in my rubber boots without getting my feet wet (but just barely!). The rocks were slippery though, so if you follow me, bring a stout walking stick.

From there, it was just a short 30 meters to the CP. After a bit of dancing, I took my photos and started back. All told, I only spent 50 minutes outside the vehicle.

Lessons learned:

• The brush is not too thick. You can definitely make it without a machete.
• Bring a walking stick and rubber boots or waders if you are going to cross the creek. The rocks were slippery.
• Looking at Google Earth, there appears to be a path from the west that gets you close (0.5 mile) to the CP without having to cross the creek. It was also gated, so I chose the shorter path. I almost wish I had gone that way, however, after worrying about spilling myself and my gadgetry in the creek.
• It appears that the previous visitor took a path from the southeast. I chose not to take the same path because it was 6:30am and that approach is littered with houses and fences. My approach minimized my intrusion on the neighborhood.