The Hobbit- There and Back Again by J.R.R Tolkien (1937)
This series of caches (each one named after a chapter in The Hobbit) will be placed counter-clockwise around the Aurora Reservoir as a tribute to J.R.R. Tolkien and an educational spurning for children of all ages to read the book for themselves. I’ve tried my best to pattern the finds and their physical locations after the content of the chapters themselves (see "cache note(s)" below). I hope you enjoy this series.
Chapter 1- “An Unexpected Party”
Synopsis
Hobbits are introduced, and Bilbo Baggins receives a visit from the wizard Gandalf. The next day, Gandalf returns with thirteen Dwarves. After eating, they discuss the recovery of the treasure that the dragon Smaug took from the Lonely Mountain, and Bilbo is hired as their "burglar," despite his protests.
Summary
The hobbit Bilbo Baggins of the Shire meets Gandalf the Wizard for the first time at Bilbo's home. Bilbo recognizes Gandalf when the wizard mentions Bilbo's mother, Belladonna Took. Gandalf invites Bilbo to go on a journey, but Bilbo declines. Gandalf leaves, but unknown to Bilbo, Gandalf places a mark on his newly-painted door.
The next day, as Bilbo is about to have his lunch, the doorbell rings. He assumes it's Gandalf, but a dwarf named Dwalin immediately makes his way inside the house. Not wanting to be rude, Bilbo welcomes him despite not knowing him. After a few moments, more Dwarves begin to arrive. When everyone is present, Gandalf finally arrives with the leader, Thorin Oakenshield.
Gandalf volunteers Bilbo to be the Company's "burglar", something Bilbo instantly refuses. As Bilbo protests, Gandalf brings out a map of the Lonely Mountain with a secret entrance. He shows Thorin the key to the entrance, but no one knows how to find it. When Bilbo demands of their objective, Thorin states that his grandfather was once the King under the Mountain. He had a great love for treasure and it attracted unwanted attention: the dragon Smaug. The dragon attacked and claimed the Lonely Mountain as his own, forcing Thorin and what was left of his people in exile.
Although conflicted, Bilbo decides to remain at home, while Thorin and his Company announce they will leave the following morning. Bilbo goes to sleep and has troubled dreams throughout the night.
Image Credit
An Unexpected Party, digital image of pictographic material, The Lord of the Rings Wiki, accessed 5/31/2023, <https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Portal:The_Hobbit_Chapters>
Caches note(s)- This cache is hidden in fairly close proximity to the Beacon Point Recreational Center which is host to many “an unexpected party” throughout the year.