An important step has been taken by geocachers to recognize the unexpected, reclaim and reuse items in the wilds. Items that have not been investigated well or have been long discarded or forgotten have been increasingly recognized by geocachers around the world as special places. We mark them; we discuss them; we visit them.
This cache comprises two hides; each of which is marked by a curious and unlikely item, a relic that has long since been forgotten, if you will. The first location has a container that will give you the coordinates for the second location. It is the second location where you will find the more traditional container and be able to trade items and sign a log.
This area, Waln Run Park is itself an undeveloped open space. It combines woods, marsh and fields hosting a variety of birds and other wildlife in the midst of suburbia. There is no groomed trail.
You should park someplace near the suggested coordinates; please do NOT block the gate.
DIRECTIONS
As you enter the open space area, you will be greeted by a wise old majestic cherry tree. You must use your imagination to determine why there is a board affixed to it. Proceeding past this in season, you will notice a sundry of wildflowers and native grasses, the sky will smile above you. Sometimes the field is mown; sometimes not.
Proceed towards stage 1; if you are quiet, you will often see some deer as you round a bend. Be aware that you must leave the field for no more than 10 yards to get to ground zero on this stage; but those ten yards do host some poison ivy so watch out if you have bare legs. Poison ivy has three leaves together.
As you leave stage 1 and track towards stage two, you may see or hear some birds and see some marsh area on your left. Take a moment to admire the marsh? You do not need to go into the marsh to locate stage 2 (the final). You do however, leave the field for a few yards and enter an area with pesky and pernicious thorns; please be vigilant and careful or bring a Band-Aid.
If you visit in August, as you grab stage two, you will notice ripe blackberries gracing the area just to your left; dodge the thorns and try one or two if you like.
Waln Facts
* The Waln name in the US appears to be derivative primarily of Lancashire England family.
* The "Philadelphia Walns" were a Quaker merchant shipping factory who immigrated here during the 1600's.
* Nicholaus Waln's daughter Sallie Hendrickson managed a grist mill in the 1800s at a time when women weren't doing that. She was active in charity works and in a shocking development, left most of her estate to an African American ranch hand.
* Miny Waln, known as Mighty Mite was a 15 national title motorcycle champion: AMA Nationals 1930, 31, 32. Of note is that he beat Peanuts Sprugeon at the Iowa State Championships at the age of 16.
* 89.3 WALN is a radio station in Alabama with a religious format.
Joke Starters.
In honor of Nearby College and this cache location.
1) Why don't college students do laundry; cause the washer and dryer don't run on remote control.
2) One day, a student decided to wash his sweatshirt. Seconds after he stepped into the laundry room, he texted his mom from his cell, "What setting do I uz on washng mach?" She replied, "It depnds,What doz it say on ur shirt?" . He wrote back "Cheyney University".