This is one in a series of multi-caches at Peoria's historic Springdale Cemetery. The preliminary stages guide you to points of interest that hold clues. The final cache location is in one of the many wooded areas.
Bring along the map in the gallery. Besides guiding you around the winding roads, the map has been modified to identify locations referenced in the stages.
Please show appropriate respect to the markers and grounds. Instructions are added to minimize disruption to the property. The cemetery dates from 1854. While the large grounds show signs of age, recent restorations have brought out the beauty and potential of what could be done.
Stage 1 The Savanna
At posted coordinates.
The monument for Almiran Cole is number 4 on the map. Cole built and operated Peoria's first distillery in 1844.
The monument is in the middle of a field of tallgrass oak savanna, planted by Peoria Wilds, a not-for-profit organization. Due to occasional burning and clearing, the appearance can change from year to year. Park near the curve in the road to look for the path through the savanna.
By the step to the monument ring there is a three-digit number.
A=the first digit.
B=the third digit.
Stage 2 John Reemtsen
N 40 43.128
W089 34.110
His monument is a tree. He died in August, 1905.
X = the second digit of the day of death.
Stage 3 South Bluff Savanna
Substitute the clues from above.
N 40 43 BA9
W089 34 X3X
Across the road is a path to Prairie Gardens a former savanna project that has been repurposed. You are within walking distance of a medium-size plastic container with log, pencil and trading items.
Daylight caching only. The cemetery closes to vehicles at dusk.
See the gallery for location photos.
Placed with permission from Pat Lewis, Springdale Cemetery Management Authority. Other maps are available on the Web and at the cemetery office.
Link to CIGA Home Page