Mount Bieterman Letter Box

Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
City of Glendale, Kletzsch Park

Placed by: Birkie Bob on 25 November, 2001 (My
first!)

Clues: Easy
Terrain: Easy, one hill, 30 minutes


This letter box has been placed in honor of Coach
Bernard Bieterman, teacher and cross country
running coach at nearby Nicolet High School. For
many years the Nicolet cross country athletes
trained in Kletzsch Park under his quiet but firm
and focused guidance. Coach Bieterman insisted
that training sessions regularly include "hill
work" on the largest hill in the park. During one
expecially challenging and character-building
session his runners unofficially christened the
hill, "Mount Bieterman" while doubled over,
gasping and hoping for recovery before the next
"hill repeat." In fact those hill training
sessions gave his team a significant competitive
advantage especially during home meets when the
course dictated that the runners make two ascents
of that very hill.

Although Coach Bieterman probably never knew that
a "mountain" had been named in his honor, the
legend stands as a tribute and an expression of
gratitude from at least one of his former
athletes. His calm, honest and direct demeanor
created a supportive atmosphere that encouraged
his students to grow both in the classroom and the
athletic fields. More than two decades later this
tribute is gratefully placed by one of those
students and athletes who in fact is still running
for fitness and competition.

Glendale is a community north of Milwaukee along
Interstate 43. Exit the interstate at the "Good
Hope Road" exit. At the end of the exit go east to
the first street, Port Washington Road and turn
right to continue Southward. At the next traffic
light, Green Tree Road, turn right and travel West
back across I-43. Immediately after crossing the
highway turn left onto Jean Nicolet Road. You'll
pass Nicolet High School on your right. Continue
for about a mile under a railroad bridge and turn
right (west) on Bender Road at the water treatment
plant. Follow Bender Road west across the
Milwaukee River, and turn Right (north) on
Milwaukee River Parkway. About a half mile later
after once again passing under the same railroad
tracks you'll come to the park pavillion on your
right. Mount Bieterman will be on your left
covered by evergreen trees. You'll find ample
parking in the area.

To participate in this tribute and begin your
cross country challenge join the ranks of Coach's
runners and make an ascent of Mount Bieterman.
Upon your successful summit and while enjoying the
view consult your compass. From the summit travel
cross country on a bearing of 76 degrees. Your
course will take you across a road and past a
picnic area sign and then onward to a path into
the woods. Follow the path over painted roots and
past a stand of birch trees on your left. Continue
along the path as it curves to the left along the
top of a steep bank of the Milwaukee River being
careful not to fall over the edge. Stop at the
"Big V." (If you come to the end of the woods,
you've missed it; go back.) Consult your compass
once again and pace off approximately 60 steps on
a bearing of 290 degrees stepping over a log on
the way. You'll come to the trunk of a large
standing tree. Check its opposite side, and you'll
find that it's hollow. Reach inside on your left.
Search deeply within yourself and the trunk to pay
tribute to a good man.

After stamping up, please carefully return the box
to its hiding place and return to the "Big V."
Return by reversing your course on the woods path
or continue in your original direction to a road
that will take you back to the main road to the
left or to a large picnic area to the right. Feel
free to continue your hill work by performing
several more "hill repeats" on Mount Bieterman. If
you're not feeling athletic, enjoy a relaxing tour
of the park including the water fall in the river.
Perhaps a picnic lunch will be enjoyable. Thank
you for your visit.

I'd appreciate email telling me of your visit and
the condition of the box.

BirkieBob@att.net