For me, one of the most enjoyable aspects of geocaching is finding caches that offer some local historical background, information that engenders a special atmosphere of time and place, and often adds some insight into how an area developed, reminding us that many of our urban and suburban neighbourhoods were formerly much more pastoral.
I am grateful to Loungelions for their Dairies of Vancouver series, and I offer this cache in that same spirit. This is a very kid-friendly place so plan to spend some time exploring the farm or the park that surrounds it. Here is a brief historical note from the Maplewood website:
“In the early 1900’s Mr. Akiyo Kogo first discovered this idyllic little spot nestled at the foot of Mount Seymour on the banks of the Seymour River. He could not have known then that this land would be the last remaining farm on Vancouver’s North Shore.
During the twenties, the farm developed into a thriving dairy, delivering fresh milk and cream to customers from Deep Cove to Lonsdale for almost three decades.
By 1970, agriculture had all but disappeared from North Vancouver but luckily the farm land came under the protection of the District Parks Department, being preserved for future generations to enjoy a truly rural experience in our ever expanding urban area.
Officially opened to the public in 1975, and now home to over 200 domestic animals and birds, Maplewood Farm strives to provide a unique experience, incorporating enjoyment, education and a recollection of the rural heritage of this pastoral 5 acre setting.”
This geocache is placed with permission but access is only available when the gates are open. Once inside the gates there is another door to pass through to an area that can be visited freely.