This Letterbox is located at Camp Tongawood near Tonganoxie, KS, just west of the Kansas Speedway. It hosts science and technology programs in their environmental outpost and wetlands for area Girl Scouts. Made up of eighty acres of woods, hills and a small pond that provides ample opportunities for exploration and discovery this is a popular location for scouts.
This cache celebrates Tu'i Malila a radiated turtle originally from Madagascar. Tu'i Malila was the longest living tortoise. According to records, Tu’i Malila was given to the Tonga royal family by Captain James Cook as a hatchling in July of 1777.
In 1953, during Queen Elizabeth II’s Royal Tour of Tonga, Tu’i Malila was shown to the monarch at the time having been an icon for the royal family. The above picture shows the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh meeting the 176-year-old tortoise. Tu’i Malila remained in the care of the Tonga royal family until her death. She is currently on display in the Royal Palace of Tonga.
Please do not block the driveway when seeking this cache and leave the themed stamp inside for future visitors to use. There is no need to pass through the gate to seek this cache. Permission for placement received by camp manager M.C. Rose.