This cache has been placed at Piasa Park
The Piasa Bird is a local legend in the Alton area. (pronounced Pie-a-saw) The original Piasa Bird was a petroglyph (a rock engraving) and its foundings go back to 1673 when Father Jacques Marquette, in recording his famous journey down the Mississippi River with Louis Joliet, described a birdlike monster painted high on the bluffs along the Mississippi River, where the city of Alton, Illinois now stands.
The petroglyph was seen subsequently by LaSalle and other French explorers in the 17th century after which the record is silent for a hundred years. Then additional sightings are reported in the early 19th century, and the earliest-known artist's sketch was made in 1825 by William Dennis. He labeled his creation the "Flying Dragon."
In 1836 John Russell of Bluffdale, Ill., published an article entitled "The Bird That Devours Men," and called the monster the Piasa Bird for the first time. Russell related a legend, much of which he created, which persists as the explanation of the original petroglyph. The Piasa Bird, Russell wrote, was a huge flying monster which lived on the cliffs, destroyed Indian villages, consumed its captives, and resisted efforts to destroy it. Chief Ouatoga, however, during a dream inspired by the Great Spirit, conceived a plan to kill the terrible bird. Using himself as bait and 20 of his bravest warriors to launch poisoned arrows, Ouatoga's plan succeeded and the Piasa Bird fell into the Mississippi and drowned. In commemoration of this event, Russell contended, the grateful Indians placed the image of the Piasa Bird on the bluff.
The Park is open from Sunrise to Sunset, which is the only time the cache is available. Please do not attempt this cache at night.
The container is a medium size Lock and Lock. It will hold small trackables and other small items for trade. Please Replace As Found!
Bugs, Insects, Critters, Snakes or Poisonous Plants could be present. Search accordingly!
There is an unregistered Travel Bug in the cache for the First To Find.
Bring a writing instrument to sign the log.
CONGRATULATIONS TO rjtoolman FOR BEING FIRST TO FIND!