Phantom Lake LbNA #15099 (ARCHIVED)

We are making this box semi-active for awhile. There has beem two reports of poison ivy near this box. We found the trails nearly grown over in the summer, requiring some major bush whacking. We planted this box in the early spring, but now in the middle of summer the paths that the clues lead you on are almost nonexistent. Because we want all of our boxes to be "family friendly" and this box no longer fits our criteria, we are choosing to notify you that this box may be more trouble than it is worth right now. Of course if you are adventuresome and willing to deal with the poison ivy, the bush whacking and the now hard to follow clues then by all means search for this box. We figure if we are unwilling to go to the box location ourselves, we want to give fair warning to anyone wanting to hunt for this box. You've been warned.... We will keep it open from November through April and closed from May through October.

Phantommmmmmm Lake!

This is a short hike of half an hour or less just east of Sun Prairie on Stone Quarry Road, near Patrick Marsh Middle School. This area is viewable from Hwy. 151, but there is no exit at that location. We recommend that you locate Bristol Street, which is an exit from Hwy 151 and at the intersection of Bristol and Wilburn Rd near the Business Park just north of Hwy 151, go east on Wilburn Rd. to Columbus St. Turning right, you will go under Hwy 151, then take the first left, which is Stone Quarry Rd. Once you are on Stone Quarry Rd., the first right will be the trail head to Patrick Marsh, aka Phantom Lake. Expect to do a little bush wacking, consider using bug spray and be sure to check for ticks following this hike.

Once you park and have read about Phantom Lake on the backside of the trail head sign, begin down the gravel trail. As you walk, spy the "phantom fisherman" standing out in the lake pointing you towards the location of this "phantom box".

The gravel trail will turn to grass and eventually divide. Take the wider, grass path to the left that will lead you along the waters edge. The trail will split again and again stay left. Here, the trail will get a bit damp and muddy, but nothing too difficult to handle. Follow the path along the waters edge going south, past a bench, until you see a large tree to the left. The path will then go up and slightly to the right, narrowing, before arriving at a second bench in a small clearing. Go straight through the clearing to a foot path going southwest. This footpath will continue south along the water and at each divide, stay left. Before this path comes to a dead end, search for an old wood pile where you will find our Phantom Lake Box. Stamp in and rehide well.

At this point you have the option of retracing your steps to your vehicle or for a longer hike, return to the last trail divide and go left(west). This trail will loop around the frog pond as you walk away from the lake. You will be able to hear the frogs on your right until the trail turns and goes northwest. The frogs are quieter here. As the trail turns again to go north, the water tower will be in sight and you will begin walking the border of the wooded area with prairie grass on your left. Midway along this portion of the trail you will hear the sound of frogs again. Continue on until the fence line, where you will turn east toward the Lake. The trail head will be in sight at this point and you can find your way back to your vehicle.

The Puddlejumpers and KDkadiddlehopper