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An Asp in the Garden of Birds Mystery Cache

This cache has been archived.

Genius Loci: I'm getting ready to move out of the area, and will no longer be able to maintain this cache series. It had a great run; thanks to all who came to visit!

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Hidden : 9/13/2003
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

This cache is a simple little two part multi, hidden in a beautiful location and based upon an Aesop's fable. Please read the cache description, it lists the closest legal parking and other information which will help you find the cache.

An Asp in the Garden of Birds
Ceres (the goddess of the earth and the harvest) created a beautiful garden located near the seashore, which was renowned for the beauty of its lush vegetation and exotic flowers. From the first days of spring until after the frost, the carefully tended beds, trellises, and hedgerows were resplendent with blooms, and the decorative pond was graced with flowering lilies. The goddess also invited dozens of songbirds to build their nests within the garden, for the tiny creatures took great delight in the beauty of its sheltering confines. From dawn till dusk, the area up and down the seashore rang with their songs, which were all filled with praise for the wonders of the fabulous garden.

Far and wide the birds flew, singing, chattering and bragging about the beauty of their special home. 'How wonderful is our garden, and how special we are to be living there. Surely this proves that we are the finest of all creatures, for we have been invited to live in the most beautiful place on earth.'

At last, through the constant bantering of the birds, an asp heard about the garden, and one evening during the dark of the moon, the evil serpent found his way to the garden. He made his nest nearby, sleeping by day, and raiding the nests of the poor birds by night.

Although the birds appealed to Ceres for help, she turned a deaf ear to their pleas. 'The blessings of my garden are open to all creatures,' spoke the wise goddess. 'For many years, the garden was yours alone, but through your clamor and bragging, you have drawn evil hence of your own accord'.

Moral - Do not brag of your blessings, lest they turn to curses.

If you choose to help the birds, you must start by discovering the secret nest of the asp, which contains a marker tag. The marker tag will indicate the location of the final cache itself. Begin by parking on Hazel Street at N 42° 11.034 ~ W 87° 47.190. From there, it's a short walk to the park entrance gate at N 42° 10.964 ~ W 87° 47.037. Once on the grounds, simply proceed to the posted coordinates and locate the marker. The marker will lead you to the cache. When you find it, sign the logbook (and take a clue to help you find the 'Aesop's Villa by the Sea' cache). There isn't enough room in this container for trading items, and please be careful not to post spoilers in your online log.

Restrooms and drinking water are not available, and the garden closes at sunset; please don't search after dark! Dogs are permitted in the garden (but not in all parts of the villa's grounds).

Please be extra careful searching for the final cache. This is a beautiful, but fragile area, and the cache is visible without having to move anything. Ceres thanks you for your care!

Additional Hints (No hints available.)