Welcome to the King's Wood. Some of you may call this Sherwood
Forest, however, it and all the deer in it are the property of the
King. You are welcome to pass through and even kill the wolves that
live herein, but if you kill a deer, you will be hanged for
poaching. It is also home to the outlaw Robin Hood and his band of
Merry Men. They have lived here since the 13th century. Don't be
fooled by your Hollywood version of this pack of thieves. They are
equal opportunity bandits stealing from both the rich and the poor.
But they are also fair. If you are a rightous person, you might be
allowed to escape with your purse. If not, you may not escape with
your life. Robin and his Men are scattered though the forest lying
in wait for those that seek their pilfered treasure which they have
hidden in caches. Remember, there is honor amoung theives, so do
not remove their take. Keep your eyes open and tread lightly and
you may return to tell your own adventures.
Good luck to knights and thieves alike!
Friar Tuck is very overweight and seems to love food and ale as
much as his God. He can be jolly, foolish, lecherous, an alcoholic,
a devout holy man and sometimes wise. He is also a dangerous
opponent. Just ask Robin Hood. The outlaw leader was foolish enough
to pick a fight with him.
Tuck lived by a small ford. Robin wanted to cross the river. So,
he climbed on Tuck's back and ordered the friar to carry him across
the water. Tuck did so. But then he forced Robin to carry him back
across the water. Now, Robin climbed onto the friar's back again.
But halfway across, Tuck dumped bold Robin into the water.
To avenge himself, Robin asked for an archery contest. Tuck won.
He then asked to fight with swords. Again, Tuck won.
Robin then asked for a favor. He blew three blasts of his horn
and fifty Merry Men appeared. Tuck asked a favor in return and blew
a whistle. Fifty dogs appeared to fight the Merry Men. (In the play
version, Tuck summons some men of his own. It's hard to get fifty
fighting dogs on the stage.)
But Robin Hood wisely called the fight off and asked the friar
to join his band. Tuck accepted.
He was a former monk of Fountains Abbey (or in some cases, St
Mary's Abbey in York, which is also the scene of some other Robin
Hood tales) who was expelled by his order because of his lack of
respect for authority. Because of this, and in spite of his taste
for good food and wine, he becomes the chaplain of Robin's band. He
is specifically sought out as part of the tale of Alan-a-Dale:
Robin has need of a priest who will marry Allan to his sweetheart
in defiance of the Bishop of Hereford.
Tuck is also the Sheriff of Nottingham's chaplain. In some
stories, his connection with Robin is unknown by the bad guys and,
like Marian, he can give secret help to the outlaws.
Important Information Regarding This
Series
The best way to complete the series in one day is to begin at
King Richard
(GC1JXPM). The parking coords for the park can be found
here also. Proceed south to Will Scarlet
(GC1JXQW) and so on in a clock-wise direction so that your last
cache will be Guy of Gisborne
(GC1JXX5). It should take 3 to 4 hours at a leisurely
pace.
The Director of the Mount Lebanon Baptist Encampment knows about
the caches. Please respect the camp by not disturbing
anything and staying north of the main camp. Please do not
park there either.
Yes, there is wildlife in the woods! In the parking
lot there is a sign that says "Beware of Snakes". It's there
for a reason. There are corals, copperheads and rattle snakes
out here. There is also a fairly large cat out here; about 50
pounds. I know because we tracked each other for about 2
hours one day until he decided I wasn't a threat. A few
people have reported wild dogs too. There are spiders out
here. Big garden spiders, black widows and brown recluse.
There are critters such as armadillos, possum and raccoons.
In other words, use your common and your geo senses at all
times! Be careful where you are walking, don't stick your
hands in holes and be generally aware of your surroundings.
That being said, I have been out here many times by myself
and have only had the one problem with the cat. But if you're
not comfortable being by yourself, then don't go or wait until
someone can go with you.
Some people have said the terrain rating was a little high.
Three forth's of the series is up hill. You will climb a
tree, cross old barbed wire fences, a dry creek bed, bushwhack and
fight briars and poison ivy. And the wildlife. And
Texas heat. You decide. The difficulty rating is for
the hides themselves.
I hope this helps answer some questions. Remember to have fun
and I hope you enjoy the woods!
 Cache In -
Trash Out!
 Long pants
suggested
Dangerous area - use caution
 Snakes
 Some Climbing (No
special equipment required)
Off-trail Hiking Required
 Steep Hike
 Mud!
 Bring a pen or pencil
 Ticks
 Wear bug repellant!
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