Fountain of Youth EarthCache
Hidden : 5/24/2011
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: large (large)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works
Looking for a different adventure?

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:




About two miles east of Meadville Pennsylvania is Ponce de Leon Sulfur Spring.


The History of Ponce de Leon Spring
From the time of the earliest settlers it's waters have been known to possess great curative powers, and had been successfully used by the farmers of that vicinity as a cure for stomach and liver troubles. In 1887 an association was formed to place this water upon the market, and upon analysis by distinguished chemists, it was found that the water is decidedly alkaline, containing quantities of the carbonates of sodium and calcium. It was thus found to belong to the important class of springs of which Vichy is a type, and since being placed upon sale it's uses have been the same as those to which these famous waters are applied. Large quantities are shipped to the neighboring cities, not only of the plain water, but of the excellent carbonated water and ginger ale as well, and the Ponce de Leon brands have become widely and favorably known. The spring is finely located at the foot of a high hill, far from any possible source of contamination, and the water, springing directly from the living rock, in full view, is of remarkable clearness and purity. The temperature of the water varies but little in summer or winter, showing from what a remote depth it bubbles up through the rock, laden with health giving properties. In connection with the line of street railway now being laid in Meadville. A branch has been constructed to the Ponce de Leon Springs, the forerunner, without doubt, of a summer hotel and other attractions in this spot so fitted by nature to be a health resort. Situated in the midst of most picturesque scenery, with pure water and fresh air in abundance, it will furnish an ideal resort for the seekers after rest and pleasure.
Our country and its people. A historical and memorial record of Crawford County, Pennsylvania.
Copyright 1899

Postcard from 1910.

The Vichy of America

The Pittsburgh Dispatch
Thursday, September 19,1889

Mineral Springs
 Mineral springs are naturally occurring springs that produce water containing minerals, or other dissolved substances, that alter its taste or give it a purported therapeutic value. Salts, sulfur compounds, and gases are among the substances that can be dissolved in the spring water during its passage underground.

Mineral water obtained from mineral springs has long been an important commercial proposition.

Mineral spas are resorts that have developed around mineral springs, where (often wealthy) patrons would repair to “take the waters” — meaning that they would drink or bathe in the mineral water.

Historical mineral springs were often outfitted with elaborate stone-works — including artificial pools, retaining walls, colonnades and roofs — sometimes in the form of fanciful "Greek temples", gazebos or pagodas. Others were entirely enclosed within spring houses.


Types of Mineral Springs
  • Lithia Springs contain lithium salts.
  • Chalybeate springs contained salts of iron.
  • Alum springs contained alum.
  • Sulfur springs contained hydrogen sulfide gas.
  • Salt (saline) springs contained salts of calcium, magnesium or sodium.
  • Calcic springs contained lime (calcium hydroxide).
  • Thermal (hot) springs could contain a high concentration of various minerals.
  • Soda springs contained carbon dioxide gas (soda water).
  • Sweet springs were springs with no detectable sulfur or salt content (arguably not 'mineral' springs at all).
  • Alkaline springs contained an alkali.
  • Radioactive springs contain traces of radioactive substances such as radium or uranium.

Logging Requirements:
1: Using your senses (The water is NOT potable, so do not taste the water), try to determine the type of spring that Ponce de Leon spring is.(multiple answers possible)
2: Determine the output volume of the spring?
3: What is the temperature of the water?
4: What year was the brick building built, that is near the spring?
5:(This task is optional) Please include a picture of yourself AND/OR your GPS with the spring in background.




CONGRATS TO JohnConklinJr FOR THE FTF!!!!!!!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Oevat n wht naq n gurezbzrgre

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


Advertising with Us