To find the cache, from the given original waypoint above, project a waypoint 312.75 degrees and 724 feet (221 m) for the final location.
The site was named Belle Fontaine, “Beautiful Fountain”, after the clear spring that flows from the limestone outcropping along the bank of the Missouri River.
General James Wilkinson, first governor of the Louisiana Territory and military commander, selected this spot in 1805 to build the first American fort west of the Mississippi River due, in large part, to this source of fresh clear drinking water.
Belle Fontaine Spring could supply water to 1,000 men daily in the early 19th century.
Today the spring is just a small trickle and can be hard to locate with high water levels of the Missouri River.
Note: This cache is not located near the Spring due to placement of other geocache containers, but if you walk the trail near the Grand Staircase here is how to look for it: When you get to the bottom of the Grand Staircase, turn left and walk until you get to a park bench. From there, walk out toward the river. Head for the point. Before you reach the end of the point, look back over your right shoulder toward the bank. If the river isn’t up too high, you will see and hear the spring. (See additional waypoint.)
Park hours are 8 a.m. to one half hour past official sunset. The park shares property with a state facility, so there is a guard gate at the entrance of the property. Sign in as a park visitor.
IF ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY OR DAMAGE IS NOTICED IN A ST. LOUIS COUNTY PARK, PLEASE CALL 314-615-8911 AND REPORT IT.
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTICE: Please be respectful of the posted park hours. If you enter the park after hours you are trespassing. If you are stopped you can be ticketed or arrested and will put the future of geocaching in the parks in jeopardy. |
|
|
|
|
Special permission to hide caches in St. Louis County parks is NOT needed as long as the Groundspeak rules are followed. "Blanket Permission" has been worked out in advance with the park service. DO NOT CALL THE PARK as they cannot handle the calls. The Groundspeak cache reviewer does need to know exactly how and where the caches are hidden and what type of containers are used. The geocaching liaisons will notify the park service of new caches. Remember NO AMMO BOXES or PVC PIPE caches. |
|
|