I am calling this box the "Phoenix Tree" box because it is hidden
inside a tree that rose from it's own ashes(so to speak). Years ago,
this tree fell over, pulling some of it's roots out of the ground.
The trunk broke off about four feet above the roots. But, the lowest
limb remained and grew nearly straight up to form an almost normal
tree. The original trunk lies at an angle of 70 degrees from vertical
and is hollow. The open end is between the exposed roots. The trunk's
diameter is one foot.
This box is located in Brainard Forest, which is on the West
side of the MDC reservoirs on the North side of Farmington Avenue,
West Hartford, CT.
From the main parking area, make your way to the South end of
reservoir #3, which is about 1/4 mile to the North-West. From there,
go west on the paved road and turn right at the corner going North.
Continue the 250 yards to the dead end where there are two large
cylindrical gas storage tanks. To the North-East of those tanks,
there are tall cliffs. There are two gaps in the cliff face through
which you can climb to the top. Be sure to use the gap that is
farther West. The direction of the gap from the South-Easternmost
tank is 44 degrees (magnetic). As you approach the top of the gap,
stay along the East wall and climb the narrow, 4 foot high step.
Above the step, the slope begins to level off. Proceed at 40 degrees
a distance of about 50 feet to a small cliff. the Phoenix Tree is
about 9 feet from the South-East side of that cliff. Good luck.