In keeping with the idea of sharing some of the lesser known
attractions of Washington, the Garmen ( & Women) Group brings
this all-season renovated site to the attention of fellow
geocachers. This readily accessible location includes seasonal
displays that will delight visitors of all ages. The enclosed site
is quiet and restful, providing a welcome break from hectic visits
and long lines at other nearby attractions. The renovation and
reconstruction took four years to complete from December 1997 to
December 2001.
Open to the public from 10 AM to 5 PM daily. No admission
charge.
NOTE: A 'virtual cache' is a location (usually without a log
book). 'Cache finders' wishing to claim credit for ACTUALLY
VISITING THIS VIRTUAL CACHE should answer the following question:
WHAT ARE THE MIDDLE TWO of the four words engraved in stone above
the front entrance? Logged entries on the website should be
accompanied by a separate email to the 'cache hiders', which
correctly answers the question, to assure 'cache seekers' entry is
not deleted.
ADDITIONAL INFO/SPOILERS
Established by Congress in 1820, this is the oldest botanic
garden in North America. It includes annual flower shows, and
displays of some 4000 exotic plants from tropical, subtropical and
desert regions worldwide.
Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species, the U.S. Botanic Garden
is a designated rescue center and repository for plants seized in
illegal trade activities.
On Oct. 15, 2001 officials representing the federal Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, among other agencies, commandeered
the Conservatory to respond to the anthrax contamination of
congressional offices on Capitol Hill. Portions of this
Conservatory were transformed into the government's 24-hour Anthrax
Command Center, primarily because the building was considered to be
totally anthrax free, having been closed and not receiving mail for
four years.
Across the street, and enroute to the nearby 'Capitol View
Cache' is the west lawn of the Capitol where the "other" National
Christmas Tree is annually placed. This 'Capitol Holiday Tree',
with thousands of decorations from the state of origin, is well
worth a visit during the holiday season. It tends to be less gaudy
than the "other" tree which is made to look good for national
TV.
Another nearby and lesser known bonus (located at N 38 53.470
and W77 01.364) is the National Gallery Sculpture Garden and Ice
Rink. It has ample outdoor seating and a small cafe. Children will
enjoy the 'Giant Spider' as well as the long-eared 'Thinker on a
Rock'.