GCJ9MZ Wiley Oakley (Traditional Cache) in Tennessee, United States created by Shaconage

This cache has been archived.

The Seanachai: Greetings from Geocaching.com,

While we feel that Geocaching.com should hold the location for you for a reasonable amount of time, we cannot do so indefinitely. In light of the lack of communication regarding this cache it has been archived to free up the area for new placements. If you haven’t done so already, please pick up this cache or any remaining bits as soon as possible. If you are in the process of replacing or repairing your cache please e-mail me in response to this archival and, if possible, I will unarchive your cache.

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The Seanachai
Geocaching.com Volunteer Cache Reviewer for Tennessee

GCJ9MZ ▼

A cache by Shaconage Message this owner

Hidden : 4/25/2004

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Wiley Oakley was renowned as the "Roamin' Man of the Mountains" and the "Will Rogers of the Smokies"

Cache In - Trash Out!

Available year-round

Less than 500 ft. from car to cache

Less than 500 ft. from car to cache

Restrooms available

Generated by The Selector

Wiley Oakley

"Roamin' Man of the Mountains"
Mountain Guide
Philosopher
Naturalist
Writer

'Wiley loved his mountains
and all God's creations therein'.

Wiley Oakley was born on Sept. 12, 1885 to Henry Coleman and Elmina Conner Oakley at the base of Mount LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountians. He was one of nine children born to the mountain family and they made their home in a simple cabin farm. A disaster suddenly struck the Oakley family with the death of Elmina while Wiley was still a young boy. His mother’s passing had a profound affect on Wiley and, to deal with his grief, the child began wandering the hills and hollows of the mountains as if looking for her. In his later recollections, he would speak of trying to climb the highest peaks to see if he could catch a glimpse of her in heaven. Thus began the story of the "Roamin' Man of the Mountains".

In his own words, he...."liked to hunt, fish and hike" the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and into North Carolina. By the 1950s, Wiley Oakley had achieved almost legendary status among the region’s natives. From the city of Gatlinburg to the inner reaches of the Cherokee Nation, the mountaineer was regarded as the principal source of information on the mountains. His reputation among the Cherokee was particularly noteworthy as he was, for all intents and purposes, regarded by many of them as an unofficial member of the tribe, who wandered freely on the Reservation. It was always his talents and abilities as a guide in the Smoky Mountain wilderness, however, that earned him his greatest reputation and a place in the annals of American history. He was a guide to many well known visitors of the time, including Henry Ford. On Nov. 18, 1954, Wiley Oakley quietly passed away and was laid to rest in White Oak Flats Cemetery in his beloved Gatlinburg.

When the Great Smoky Mountain National Park unveiled its new auditorium, it also debuted a new introductory film for visitors to the Park. Sprinkled in among the scenic views and wildlife was a section devoted to the hardy mountaineer culture that once pervaded the region. The voice and interview used to help tell the story was 93-year-old Gatlinburg native Lucinda Ogle [Jun 9, 1909 to Dec 30, 2003], the daughter of none other than Wiley Oakley. Geocachers are encouraged to search out the "Ogle Cache" which is also in Gatlinburg.

This cache is a small Lock n Lock container containing a logbook and pen and is only large enough for small trade items.

A “spoiler” hint is provided if you so choose to use.

Have fun and enjoy your roamin'!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Abg Ernyyl Arrqrq.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)

This cache has been archived.

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Wiley Oakley Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

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Geocache Description:

Attributes

Inventory

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