Mt. Eschol Traditional Cache
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Size: 
(regular)
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Mt. Eschol is Biblical from Numbers 13:24. "The place was called the brook of Eschol because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from, thence; the word "Eschol" signifying a "cluster". This cluster was typical of Christ, who may be compared to this being in him a "cluster" of all perfections of a deity. In the valley of Eschol was a vineyard, or at least a vine tree, on which was observed one cluster which was of an uncommon size. It was as much as two men could grasp with both arms and bore clusters of two cubits long and produced clusters of 25 pounds weight and more. The kernals of grapes were as big as a man's thumb. I recall harvesting wonderful black/red and yellow raspberries not too long ago from this hill and it reminds me again how aptly named this spot is.
The first home erected on Mt. Eschol can be seen on the hill about 1 mile NE of here. It was built around the time of James Monroe's presidency (1817-1825). The brick house immediately to the south was built around 1836. The most fascinating feature to me was the basement. Foundations are the "heart" of a home and truely reveal the builder's talents. The clay used for the manufacture of the bricks was actually dug from the basement excavation and fired "in situ" with a portable kiln brought to the property for just that purpose. Mt. Eschol has been in continuous operation by the same family since around 1822. The farm is primarily a beef cattle operation, but also raises row crops. Hardwood trees for lumber grace the wooded portions. The owners have even tapped the nearby sugar maple trees and boiled their own Maple Syrup! The horse pasture is dotted with fine Arabians (dare we call the bucking "pig" a fine Arabian?) and Selle Francais broodmares await their foaling time surrounded by good friends, lush pasture and loving owners. Do not be surprised to see a visiting Fox Trotter, Tennessee Walker, Spotted Saddle Horse or even a quarter horse or two - the owners are very social and welcome visiting friends (and rides).
The new barn was built for the operation of the farm for the next 184 years. It doesn't have the warm, cozy feel of the old barn with it's hand pegged beams and awesome rafters, but it is unique with its attached "barngalow" for visiting guests.
FOR EXTRA CREDIT, E MAIL ME WITH THE NUMBER OF STARS ON THE FLAG ON THE ROOF OF THE NEW BARN. The listed coordinates will afford you a wonderful view.
My sincere thanks to my good friends Marti and Dave for allowing me to visit their wonderful home and for granting permission to place a cache at this site.
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