There are few "ordinary" folks wo have been better advocates for issues regarding bicycles, sidewalks or hiking trails in and around Flagstaff than Jack Welch. He led twice-weekly hikes for adult residents of the area, often on trails that connect with the Arizona Trail. He was active in the Flagstaff Biking Organization and the Scalawag Bicycle Club, helped organize Bike to Work Week, sat on the City's Regional Trails, Bicycle Advisory and Pedestrian Advisory Councils, and wrote a regular column for the Arizona Daily Sun, keeping his loyal followers informed abou local civic, environmental and trails issues.
Jack exemplified the art of quiet, persistent persuasion, and the City of Flagstaff benefited from his wise advice and counsel over the years. He died in July, 2023, but his legacy lives on.
This geocache series, "It's A Dillly!" is in recognition of the unassuming man in the plaid shirt who so generously recognized others for their positive actions. Jack's email address was "Armadilllo," the result of an inadvertent typo; hence the series name. We hope you enjoy visiting or re-visiting some of the locations that Jack would lead his walkers to on a regular basis. Have fun, and think of him as you collect your "smileys!"
This particular cache is located near the Joseph C. Montoya Center at Thorpe Park where Jack began many of his walks. He was a regular at the Center where he could often be seen in his signature plaid shirt chatting up the locals as he waited for his hardy walkers to gather for yet another walk about town.