The posted coordinates will not lead you to the cache, but they will take you to the entrance of the cemetery where you will need to solve a short field puzzle to get the true final coordinates.
Sunrise to sunset caching only! Absolutely NO night caching is allowed!
This cache was originally hidden for the That's Not Fair . . . or Is It ?!?? Part Deux event on September 2, 2023.
East Claridon Cemetery is a typical country cemetery in rural Geauga County. Long and narrow, this well-kept cemetery has most of its historical gravesites near the entrance, with the newer plots farther back. According to the sign out front, the first person buried here, back in 1830, was Captain James Wood, an Indian fighter. He was only 29 or 30 at the time of his death and his gravestone can still be seen at N 41° 31.756 W 081° 06.804, but sadly it has fallen over face down on the grass, so it can no longer be read.
At the posted coordinates near the entrance, you will find an interesting veterans historical marker with the names of many locals who served in the armed forces. During my last visit to the cemetery, I took a closer look at this marker and noticed that the name of someone I used to work with many years ago was recently added to the names on the list. I hadn't heard that he had passed away, nor did I know that he was a veteran, but now his name will forever be enshrined on this monument.
While I was searching for a good hiding spot for this cache and for interesting markers to visit, I crossed paths with a husband and wife who told me that they like to come to the cemetery to stretch their legs and get some exercise when the weather is nice. They said that their house was just a short distance down the road, so they could easily walk over to the cemetery. Then they would take several trips around the asphalt driveway since it was nice and smooth, with only the slightest of elevation changes. They also liked that they rarely had to deal with any cars, except of course when I was there.
The happy couple seemed to be enjoying their relaxing stroll around the cemetery, as did I, and so I thought that everyone else might also enjoy a nice short relaxing stroll around this beautiful country cemetery to gather information to find the final cache. The driveway that goes around the cemetery is a single-lane loop, so you can park anywhere, but be aware that you may need to move if someone else shows up. The entrance is at the northwest corner and the exit is to the south. Please be courteous to all other visitors, and respectful of all who rest here.
To get the final coordinates for the cache, all you need to do is visit four grave sites and find the information listed below. The sites can be visited in any order.
Final coordinates are:
N 41° 31.AB2 W 081° 06.CD7
Site A
Look for an older, fairly tall marker at this location. The family name on the marker is unusual and the first part of it may describe the weather at certain times.
- Take the first number in the age of the husband when he died to get A.
Site B
Look for a short but distinct type of marker that is very different from all of the other markers nearby. I only observed three markers of this type in the entire cemetery, although there may be others that I missed. The family name on the marker has two parts, separated by a space.
- Take the number of letters in the second part of the family name to get B.
Site C
Look for the marker with a picture etched on the left side that represents a recreational or sporting activity. The person who enjoyed this activity also had an unusual nickname.
- Take the number of the day of the month his wife died to get C.
Site D
Look for a dark marker with very commonly-used shapes at the top. There is a picture etched on the left side that represents a vigorous recreational activity. The marker is for two brothers who both sadly passed away very young, one as a baby and the other just before his 18th birthday.
- Look for the brother who passed away as a baby and take the number of the day of the month that he died to get D.