Hello all,
Did my first benchmark dig on 10-17-2006, NH0399. An updated NGS data sheet showed a "Mark Not Found" on 3/31/2001 by the US Powers Squadrons. Last recovery was 1943.
Okay, this could be a challenge. I've found a few other BM's but recovering a lost marker just seemed more worthwhile. Used the GPS coordinates and got within 100'. Found a Western Union manhole cover but it looked to new. Decided to do some rough measuring and paced out an arch 30' SW from the manhole. Paced out another line 20' from the W rail. X marks the spot right? Don't we all wish?
Started by clearing away all the under growth and brush, then about 6" of dirt. At this point I realized I was already more than 1' below rail top (per NGS data sheet). Decided to do some probing and about 2' S of X I started hitting something. Cleared more dirt away and could see it was concrete. I kept brushing dirt away, looking for the edges and with a few more swipes of dirt I saw some brass. There it was, on its side about 2' deep. What a rush!
Note to self: Probe first, and then dig!
Submitted it to the NGS.
This is my 1st post here, hope I didn't make too many mistakes. Not sure how to post a photo here but did post some on http://www.geocaching.com/mark/details.aspx?PID=NH0399
Thanks,
Milo Jacks