"The lark's on the wing; the snail's on the thorn;        
 God's in His heaven - All's right with the world!"       
                               - - Robert Browning       

Hider:   Tom Cooch 
Clues:   Moderate 
Terrain: Moderate 
Hidden:  10/25/98 

Mud Pond encompasses 5 to 6 acres and is the only natural pond in Braintree. Its isolation makes it a favorite locale of both trekkers and wildlife.  Moose, beaver, ducks, and great blue herons may often be seen by those who approach quietly. 

A portion of the pond was purchased by the Vermont Nature Conservancy in 1994. 
 

DIRECTIONS

The towns of Randolph and Braintree are situated in the center of Vermont. Randolph has roughly 5,000 habitants, about half of whom live in Randolph village. Braintree has about 1,000 inhabitants, with no real population center. 

The major access route is I-89. Take Exit 4 and turn downhill (west) on VT Route 66. It is two miles from the exit to the village. 

From the village of Randolph, drive north on Route 12A. After 0.9 miles, turn right onto the Braintree Hill Road. At the top of Braintree Hill there are many fine views of the Green and White Mountains. Turn left at the Meetinghouse (2.8 miles from 12A) and proceed another 0.7 miles to Rolling Rock Road. From there it is 0.4 miles to the site of Rolling Rock Park (wherein another letterbox reposes.) The driving from this point on is quite rough, and those who do not have backcountry vehicles should park and walk. 

The pond is approximately ten minutes by foot from the entrance to the park. Continue eastwards down Rolling Rock Road to a small bridge, which passes over the outflow from Mud Pond and the beginning of Spear Brook.  A few hundred feet beyond the bridge is a small cove, frequently a gathering point for picnickers. 

Click here for a map.
 

CLUES

Take a bearing from the cove of 285 degrees, as the wood duck flies. Home in on this target.  Thence take a bearing of 72 degrees, as the beaver paddles. Back on the eastern shore, lodge yourself by the dead stump and view both sites through the split spruce. Turn south and take a bearing of 185 degrees. Proceed 15 paces, as the moose plods. Five feet to the left, where the chipmunk burrows, you may retrieve the stash. 
 

NOTES

Letterboxers should be prepared for some bushwacking and muddy trails. 

A pace is taken to be the average distance an adult will advance by moving one foot forward - approximately three feet. 

All bearings are magnetic. 

Before you set out read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer.

This letterbox is #2 placed by The Orient Express.