The groundhog, sometimes called the woodchuck, is the only mammal that has his own day celebrated around the world. The tradition was brought to the United States in the 18th century from Germany to Pennsylvania.
Groundhog Day, February 2, is the day that groundhogs are watched as they awaken from their winter hibernation and come out of their burrows. Tradition has it, if it is overcast so that groundhog does not see his shadow he will stay out and we will have an early spring. If he sees his shadow he returns to his burrow and winter lasts for six more weeks. The tradition stems from the ancient belief that hibernating creatures were able to predict the arrival of springtime by their emergence.
In the United States the most famous groundhog is Punxsutawney Phil. Each year on February 2 there is a big televised production held at Gobblers Knob, Punsutawney, Pennsylvania, watching to see what Phil’s prediction is about spring’s arrival. There is a Geocache (GC2GKN7) located near the stage used for the annual event.
Did the Groundhog see his shadow this year?
The cache is in a 7" x 9" x 3" Lock & Lock box (Old School Traditional)
UPDATE: NBC reported today that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning so he thinks there will be six more weeks of winter.
This cache is located within Willow Metropark, a part of the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority park system. A Metropark Vehicle Entry Permit is required: Annual Permit $30. Senior (62+) Permit $20. Daily Permit $7.
For General information please call 810-227-2752 or 800-47-PARKS. Or visit our website at WWW.metroparks.com.
All park rules and regulations apply. Park in parking lots only. The Hours for Willow Metropark are from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Dogs, on a leash, are allowed in this park. |
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
First to Find QX56
Second to Find The Walkabouts
Third to Find Tandembiker