This cache is inspired by Shakespeare's comedy The
Merchant Of Venice. A tenuous link at best, the name of the
area made me think of this play. A synopsis of the play as well as
the full text can be found here. Recently, a film
adaptation of the play was produced starring Al Pacino, Jeremy
Irons, and Joseph Fiennes.
"If you prick us, do we not bleed? if
you tickle us, do we not laugh? if you poison us, do we not die?
and if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?"
(Act III, Scene I)
Like all my other Shakespeare caches, you do not have to read
the play to find the cache.
The Area
The conservation easement on the land was donated to the Bedford
Land Trust in 2000. They hired the Appalachian Mountain Club to cut
the trails and build a really cool bridge across Riddle Brook. Two
Eagle Scouts also helped; one built the trail and kiosk you'll pass
as you start your cache and the other blazed trails and made
signs.
The area was officially opened to the public on May 12,
2007.
I hope you enjoy the area.
The Cache
The cache is at the top of a loop. Shortly after passing the
kiosk, you'll come to a fork in the trail. I suggest you take the
right fork to continue following the Van Loan
Trail which will bring you on a pleasant hike along Riddle
Brook and past the newly constructed bridge across the brook. If
you were to cross the bridge and continue following the trail, you
would end up at Benedictine Park; the location of two of my other
caches - Much Ado About Nothing and Gas Saver NH #1. Instead, continue on finding
yourself on the Anna & Pic Loop Trail.
Once you find the cache, you can continue along the Anna
& Pic Loop Trail. It will bring you back to the kiosk
and parking area. I hope you enjoy these new trails!
Please Note
- Being a Bedford park, the area is closed dusk to dawn.
- The cache is a medium sized lock & lock.
- Minimal bushwhacking is required for this cache. Trails will
take you to within about 10 feet of the cache.