5/10/03 - Note: Cache has new coordinates, hiding spot, box, log, and inkpad.
12/15/01 - This cache has been changed to a letterbox-hybrid!
Not far from the original location, the new coordinates will lead you to a tupperware container with a unique rubberstamp, an inkpad and a logbook. Sign the book, and use the cache stamp to mark your own geocaching logbook as a souvenir. Letterboxers always carry their own personal stamp to leave an image in the cache log, and you are encouraged to do that here.
There's no need to bring a cache prize on this adventure because there's no room in the cache box for prizes. Letterboxers don't exchange prizes, just stamp impressions. Some even carve their own stamps. Get a clean art eraser and an Exacto knife, and give it a try! For more information about the sport of letterboxing, go to letterboxing.org.
...previously...
Here's a tiny, intriguing, city park in Syracuse that's almost completely unknown to all but the immediate neighbors. Go see for yourself!
Westminster Park sits atop one of the many drumlins common to the Central New York area. Drumlins are small, oval-shaped hills that were formed by a receding glacier.
The view from this hilltop cache will improve as the leaves come down, so you might want to plan this adventure for late fall. Use the sunrise/sunset function of the GPS receiver to arrive in time for a lovely autumn sunset. If you're a morning person, then come at sunrise for a quiet Tai Chi meditation. You'll have privacy here.
There are two ways to get to the virtual cache location.
A quick and simple, but rather mundane approach will bring you right up to the park from a city street. Any map of Syracuse will show you how to do it. You won't have to walk very far at all.
On the other hand, the approach I recommend will add a little panache to your quest. Warning: Are your quadriceps in good shape? This particular path to enlightenment is often called "Thousand Steps" by the local residents and Syracuse University students who come this way. Then again, you're near civilization and restaurants here, and won't need to lug a 50-pound backpack.
Park your car on Euclid Avenue, between Lancaster and Maryland. You'll see the steps leading to the south...and up...and up...and up. Don't wait for the snow to fall, or you won't be able to see the steps, let alone walk up!
To celebrate your visit to Westminster Park, consider having a fine meal at one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants on Westcott St. The first, Alto Cinco, is a delightful Mexican restaurant with seriouly delicious food. If you're not in the mood for Mexican, try Munjed's Middle Eastern Cafe - love those grape leaves! Both have great prices, and also have take out service for busy geocachers.
During my college days at SU in the early 70's, this neighborhood was known as Westcott Nation. (Get it? Think Abby Hoffman.) Back then I wore a denim workshirt & overalls to class, and sported a pony tail. Gosh! Where did all that hair go? Oh yeah. The wife says it's up in the attic, next to the Navy pea coat and the bell bottom jeans. Hmmm...