Similarly to my "The Curse of the Gypsy Queen" multi-cache (GC3GF9F) just across Delaware Ave. in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, this is a super-simple 2-stage multi-cache where the final container is less than 150 feet from the starting point. It’s as close to a park-and-grab multi-cache as you can get. And a pretty cool thing to see!
If you enjoy the cache, please consider leaving me a favorite point.
Stage 1: You’ll be searching for the famed “Merchant Ball”, a 5200 pound granite ball serving as the center piece of the Merchant family grave plot. The 5 foot tall polished sphere rests atop of a pedestal and is surrounded by several other smaller granite balls marking individual family members’ graves.
The large sphere was first erected in 1886. After a few years, the lone unpolished portion of the sphere (the part that sat upon the pedestal) could be seen. In other words, the Merchant Ball appeared to be moving…very VERY slowly. In fact, it’s estimated that the sphere rotates about 2 inches per year. Eventually, the Merchant family had the massive ball reset upon the pedestal and even applied a bit of tar in hopes of stopping the movement. Their efforts were in vain and the ball continues to rotate over 100 years later.
The cause for the rotation of the Merchant Ball remains a topic of debate. Scientists point to the Coriolis Effect and/ or seismic activity. Paranormal believers point to something a little more unnatural. Either way, it’s worth checking out for yourself.
Stage 2: The physical element of this cache can be found in a tree 136 feet from the Merchant Ball on a bearing of 128 degrees. I know, I know. Some of you are thinking, "Say what?". For those of you that aren’t complete geocaching nerds, pretend that the Merchant Ball is a big eyeball and the unpolished circle is the pupil. Now, imagine this giant eyeball is looking at a tree roughly half a football field away. Now, go to that tree and look for a container.
You'll be searching for a regular size container with room for trackables and small swag. No climbing is required. Please, please, PLEASE place the cache back so that it is not seen. This can be a busy cemetery for walkers, so be mindful of the muggles.
Signing the logbook is a requirement for this cache. Simply finding the Merchant Ball will not suffice and any online logs lacking a physical signature in the logbook will be deleted.
Caching only during daylight hours please!
Good luck.