Forest Hills Cemetery is one of the most impressive cemeteries I have visited. I call it the Arlington of Berks County. The setting is so beautiful and peaceful.
I have had the idea for this cache for a very long time, but as anyone who has been here before knows, navigating can take some time! The roads are winding with many different route choices-it is like trying to work through a maze.
I finally gave myself a few hours to thoroughly explore this evening. All of the stops on the tour are things that I found to be the most interesting so I hope you do too. While you are here, pay your respects to those who have left us and as always absolutely no night caching.
There are 14 waypoints you will be visiting. The coordinates for the waypoints are listed in the waypoint section. At each stop, you will collect information which will be used to calculate the coordinates to the final cache-an ammo box.
Enjoy the tour!
Letter A: Fisher Boy
The statue of Fisher Boy will welcome you as you enter the cemetery. There is a plaque on the ground hidden between the bushes with information about the statue. The statue was erected in memory of a man.
A=This man died in Reading, PA on June A7, 1936
Letter B: Book Of Psalms
A giant stone Bible sculpture opened to the Book Of Psalms. The Psalm number is 2 digits. It is dedicated by a man to his wife.
B=The first digit in the Psalm number (Psalm BX)
Letter C: Founding Father
Imagine my surprise to find a sculpture of one of our founding fathers here! According to the epitaph, this man was a master something.
C=The numbers of letters in the missing word: Master _______
Letter D: Visit With Jesus
Take a stroll up the hill to pay a visit to Jesus. What is Jesus doing?
Feeding the birds (D=1)
Pouring wine (D=4)
Kneeling and praying (D=3)
Resting on a bench (D=2)
Letter E: Oversized Object
As you pass by this stop, you will see a giant object. If you can, get out and explore as it is quite impressive close up
E=The numbers of letters in the name of the object
Letter F: Bird Girl
A sculpture on a hill depicting a girl who loves birds.
F=How many birds is the girl holding?
Letter G: Stone Planter
Here is a stone planter in memory of a woman by her husband and children.
G=How many children are listed on the plaque?
Letter H: War Memorial
An impressive war memorial is here in the middle of the cemetery. Find the plaque that says Flag Flying In Memory Of Our Veterans At Forest Hills.
H=How many wars are listed on this plaque?
Letter I: Fountain Extraordinaire
At this stop, you will see some spectacular architecture. There is a fountain surrounded by circular stonework all under a gazebo structure.
I=How many human figures are carved on the circular stonework surrounding the central fountain? Take that number and add 1.
Letter J: Navy Memorial?
Another neat memorial that showcases 3 objects. Based upon the objects, my guess is that this is some kind of Navy memorial. On the front of the memorial, there is Bible scripture.
J=What is the verse number of the Bible scripture?
Letter K: Princess Of The Stars
Another sculpture that I was shocked to see here! Does not seem to fit in with the rest of the cemetery, but that is why I thought it was so cool. There is a plaque telling the story of the character depicted in the sculpture.
K=Number of letters in the last word on the plaque
Letter L: Gazing Intently
A statue depicting a man and woman gazing intently into the distance. What direction are they staring?
Right (L=4)
Up (L=1)
Down (L=3)
Left (L=0)
Letter M: Peace On Earth
A statue in memory of a man depicting birds forming a peace circle.
M=How many birds form the circle?
Letter N: The Pond
My favorite place in Forest Hills Cemetery. A great place for peaceful relaxation or quiet reflection. The scene looks like something out of a movie.
N=Number of fountains in the pond
Final Coordinates: N 40 18. (I-F)(G-D)(M-C) W 075 5(A+N).(B-H)(E+L)(J-K)
Checksums:
North: I+F+G+D+M+C=27
West: A+N+B+H+E+L+J+K=30
Forest Hills Cemetery Geocaching Hat Trick:
GC78A5B Forest Hills Memorial Park Cemetery Tour
GC79AC9 Flower Girl
GC7A1YA Peasant Girl