The spiders are so happy!
After 18 years of lonely living in a swamp, human friends have rescued them. In appreciation, they have set up a new home across the street to make it far less complicated to visit them.
Once again, they would like to share the story of why they have 8 eyes.
A Tale from the Folklore of the Winnebago Tribe:
When Earthmaker had completed his creation of the world, he looked for a creature that could watch over his creation. First Earthmaker appointed Turtle to oversee things, but his legs were so stubby that he could not see very far at all. So he was recalled. Then Earthmaker appointed Kaghiga (Crow/Raven) to oversee the world. Kaghiga could see far and wide, but he did more than just watch: he gave orders to everyone, and never was he silent for even a moment. Thus Earthmaker recalled Kaghiga. Then Earthmaker appointed Bear. Bear could stand on his hind legs and see well and could even climb trees so that he could see in every direction. However, Bear had a terrible temper, and soon frightened the whole of creation. So Earthmaker recalled him as well.
Then Earthmaker appointed Spider to watch over the world. Spider was without any passion, so no one feared her. Her voice was so small that only Earthmaker himself could hear her. Because she could climb, Spider was able to see far and wide. In the beginning, Spider had only two eyes like everyone else, but just to make sure that she could see everywhere, Earthmaker gave her six new eyes, one eye for each direction. Ever since, spiders have had eight eyes.
How to find the the spiders' new home, using glints rather than coordinates:
> Park at the given parking coordinates in the diagonally striped area.
> Cross the street to the stated coordinates, then use your light source to find the first glint tacks/spider eyes. The first set will be a double set.
> Stand by them to spot the next single spider eye.
> The eyes will have variety - orange, yellow and white - round or arrow shaped. When you spot one, stand next to it in order to spot the next one.
> Some eyes will be high, and some low. Many will be on trees, with some on posts. If you don't see one, continue in the same direction on the trail until you have success.
> When you see a set of three spider eyes on one tree, it is time to leave the trail just past that tree. Spot the next spider eye before going off trail.
> Proceed with care as there are many small branches on the ground.
> When you spot a spider with all eight eyes focused on you, be careful, for it is guarding the tree selected for their new home. It contains their guest register.
> Sign the log and return their home with care to prevent "spider revenge."
> To return to your vehicle, retrace your steps.
Suggested supplies:
- two sources of light in case one fails - both headlamps and flashlights will work
- batteries
- sturdy footwear
- a caching buddy always makes it more fun