We always wanted to take a walk through this large cemetery,
especially in the spring when the flowering trees are in full
bloom. It was one of those things that we would do 'someday'. So in
looking for a not too far out of the way place to hide a cache, as
well as provide a scenic experience to others, this finally
prompted us to explore this area. Strange enough it ended up quite
close, as the crow flies, to
Calling California, but has a totally different approach.
This is part of a walking tour of the cemetery, a map link
provided for your convenience (last page). The road to the cache
(north end of pond) has a 'Keep Out" sign at the beginning which
seemed somewhat paradoxical. An inquiry revealed that it was due to
vandalism which was occurring but we were welcome to enter. Also,
since it is part of a walking tour, please do not
drive up the road. Intuitively, since one is in a cemetary,
please show respect for the area. At the top of the hill is the
Whittier Mausoleum constructed in 1932 by Dr. Emile Alfred Muller,
an internist and surgeon from Manhattan. Shortly before his death,
he searched for the perfect spot to find eternal peace and he
finally settled on this breathtaking site in the Poughkeepsie Rural
Cemetery, for a memorial to his housekeeper Alice Whittier and his
family. Also known to locals as "Lovers Leap", a name derived from
the legend of a Native American woman who chose to jump from the
cliff to her death rather than consummate an arranged marriage.
Cache is a small Lock & Lock container with the usual type
of goodies. Should be an easy find as hiding spots were limited and
this one is an obvious construction. Note that the gates are open
from 8am-4:30pm everyday and the cache should be attempted
only during those hours.
