BEST Geo-Art: T03/47
Oley Township, Berks County, PA
Oley Township boasts the largest tree in Berks County, as well as the largest tree of its kind in the United States. It is estimated to be somewhere in the range of 500-700 years old.
The tree got its “Sacred” moniker from the Lenni Lenape Indians who inhabited Berks County.
According to legend, a beautiful woman, the wife of a powerful Lenape chief, became very ill. All the tribe's medicine men were called in; they "pow-wowed" and administered herbal medicines, to no effect. Slowly, the chief's wife became weaker and sicker. Finally, desperate for a cure, the young chief traveled to the sacred tree and prayed to the Great Spirit for his wife to be saved. Amazingly, when he returned to camp, his wife was well again. Several years went by and the tribe was threatened by a hostile tribe. Once again, the chief traveled to the tree and prayed to the Great Spirit, who gave him guidance. The chief gathered blankets and beads and journeyed to the camp of the enemy. His gifts were accepted, and before he left, he smoked the pipe of peace with the chief of the other tribe. From then on, the tree was looked upon as the shrine tree of the Lenape. They went to the tree in times of trouble to pray, to perform ceremonies, and it was also the destination to conduct peace treaties between warring tribes.
The “Sacred” tree is called…
A. The Sacred Elm of Oley (N 40° 27.916 W 075° 54.962)
B. The Sacred Cedar of Oley (N 40° 27.922 W 075° 54.965)
C. The Sacred Oak of Oley (N 40° 27.922 W 075° 54.954)
D. The Sacred Maple of Oley (N 40° 27.922 W 075° 54.943)
Note: The tree faces an uncertain future after its owner was ordered to vacate the property as part of a bankruptcy proceeding in 2013.
Note: This cache has the hunting attribute selected. Hunters wear orange, and when the time is right, and so should you. During hunting season, it is best to do this series on a Sunday. The majority of the cache containers are hidden within 10 - 20 feet from the trail. Since these caches are hidden in the woods, you will encounter things like wildlife, poison ivy, bugs, ticks, etc. That is just part of geocaching in the great outdoors. Good Luck.
Please note that GC4PCTM - Math Madness AC: Unknown was archived to make room for this BEST Geo-Art geocache. Thanks Rentell.
Congratulations to Appledon - FTF Prize Drawing Recipient from the Saving the BES(T) for Last Event!