[Inspired by the great childrens' book "My Father's Dragon" by Ruth
Stiles Gannett]
[This cache can be best enjoyed by families by starting at the
posted trailhead and following the story of my father, Elmer
Elevator, as I recount his adventure to rescue the dragon. Our
family has enjoyed many outings to the nearby South Run Park (where
suggested parking is) with its covered play area and diverse
wildlife. Enjoy an afternoon with the family as you experience
Elmer's journey.]
One nice sunny day, my father embarked on a great adventure to
rescue an overworked baby dragon from a jungle island bristling
with wild beasts. When he started out, he came upon a sign pointing
towards Wild Island (towards Burke Lake now), from which nobody had
ever returned.
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| (N 38° 44.737, W 77° 16.583) |
The first thing he decided was to find a river, because he had
learned that the dragon was tied to the river bank. Following the
path, he quickly came to the river and checked his compass, which
pointed WNW. After following the path for some time, my father came
to a large clearing, heading for the center to look for anything
that might try to attack him. Wasn't he surprised to see the 14
eyes of 7 hungry tigers. He was so clever the way he escaped from
those tigers (you'll have to read chapter 5 to find out how), but
he was able to continue along the path.
 |
| (N 38° 44.794, W 77° 16.743) |
Back to the trail, my father continued straight until he came to
a little brook with a little bridge crossing it. When he stopped to
get a drink, he was quite surprised by a rhino informing him that
he was invading the rhino's private weeping pool. Chapter 6 details
the rest of this encounter, but suffice is to say that my father
had some helpful items in his pack.
 |
| (N 38° 44.828, W 77° 16.851) |
After a narrow escape from some other unfriendlies, my father
hurried along the path. After crossing under the Wild Island
Expressway (the book left out this detail), my father came upon a
small clearing with a very angry, unkempt lion standing guard upon
his very circular rock. The quick thinking of my father in chapter
7 helped him away from the jaws of that beast before he became
dinner.
 |
| (N 38° 44.890, W 77° 16.982) |
After passing a bridge on his left (why he didn't use it is not
mentioned), my father came upon a crocodile guarding the river bank
to his left. He knew he needed to cross at this point to reach the
dragon, and with the help of some more items from his pack, he
coaxed the crocodiles into a line,
|
| (N 38° 44.970, W 77° 17.200) |
walking across their backs towards the dragon, which my father
discovered was tied to the largest tree on Wild Island. After the
seemingly paved line of crocodiles runs out, my father counted 15
steps to the hiding place of his new friend, the dragon!