Bone Collector II Traditional Cache
J,Co: Not around for maintenance
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(small)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
This cache is located along one of the premier trails in the Black Hills. Trail markers are constructed with the sun-bleached bones of various indigenous critters. Whether it's a testament to South Dakota's commitment to recycling, just whimsy or an actual spiritual place, Bone Collector embodies the features of the best trails in the world. It has become the one trail you have to do while you’re in the Black Hills.
For a long time people (or spirits) have been collecting animal bones (we think they are animal bones) along the trail and hanging them in the trees. It is said that this ridge might have been and ancient burial ground and to this day Wakan Tanka , watches over it. No one knows that for sure but what we do know is in the ancient ones who have roamed the Paha Sapa (Black Hills) for thousands of years believed in the great Wakan Tanka which is the term for "the sacred" or "the divine". This is usually translated as "The Great Spirit". Wakan Tanka is thought of as the creator of the world or universe; believed to be the All-Providing One. This Spirit is paid reverence as providing for the needs of everyone. This reverence is displayed when the people honor the four directions, the Sun, Mother Earth, and their fellow man because these are Wakan Tanka creation; when honoring them, people honor the spirit of Wakan Tanka, which resides within each of them. The American Native does not attempt to describe this Great Power that Created All because "it is a Mystery," they advise, "leave it alone."
The bones along this trail could also have been placed here, as an offering to the people who have come before us or it could just be mountain bikers pulling a Halloween practical joke. Wherever the custom came from the first time you step into the forest here you will feel the power of the spirits in this unique and beautiful area.
To get to the cache take Log Porch Road off of Hwy 44 to access the parking. The lower parking area would be at these coordinates: N 44 05.070 W 103 25.408. Park then walk back down the road about 50 yards to find the trail. The upper trail parking is located at: N 44 05.311 W 103 25.624 From here cross the fence and you find the trail about 100 feet. You can do a loop hike of about 2 miles should you want to walk the entire trail. It is really suggested to get the full effect of this trail do the entire length. Start on one end and then walk the road back to you car. This road is closed to motorized traffic from November 15 to May 15 each year.
The cache originally included a trackable (please carry it to another cache), a guitar pick from The Gas Light Anthem band, guitar pick from A Day To Remember band, a bone whistle, and a bird band.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
Loading Treasures