March 23 (Thursday) 9:20 AM - Spy Hike - Pocahontas S. P. - Chesterfield (C/3)
Jeff Samuels (804 536-2671) or
jefflsamuels@yahoo.com.
Exactly 20 years ago, on March 23, 2003, the FBI unearthed 11 caches of top secret military documents at Pocahontas State Park. A final 12th cache was unearthed a few days later.
A spy intended to sell the buried caches’ GPS coordinates to Iraq, Iran, Libya, … for $13 million. He also wanted to sell secrets to China. This treasure trove of military secrets was stolen from the National Reconnaissance Office, an agency that manages the nation’s spy satellites. On March 20, 2003, President George W. Bush declared war on Iraq.
Jeff, as he did during his 2017 version of this hike, will share some rather fascinating tidbits about this true spy thriller. He will do so during breaks at the Gill-Dance Cemetery and at the historic Group Camp 7 Lake. Bonus: Jeff will take us to the vicinity of where one of the buried caches was reportedly unearthed.
Hike about 6.6 miles on wide, fairly level to gently rolling, multi-use horse trails and unpaved forest roads, and on about 0.2 miles of easy off trail. Rock hop across one stream but be aware that the rocks are subject to being submerged if it had been raining. Restrooms only at start. Bring water, snacks. No need to sign up, just show up.
Enter park at Bright Hope Horse Complex directly across the street from the main park entrance on Beach Road (Rt. 655) 4 miles west of Rt. 10 (Ironbridge Rd.). Display state park pass or pay $7 parking fee (unattended collection box with payment options located 0.3 miles into complex).
Park at far end of the large lot at the Bright Hope Horse Complex. Meet at 9:20 AM at the large gravel piles near the restrooms.
