Planted by Waterbird. Follow the directions to the "no-name" park
and Elephant Walk Letterbox.
The Astronaut. America's first astronaut, this intrepid fellow's
1961 sub-orbital flight began the USA's space program. Those
who knew him remember him with affection and respect.
Follow the broad trail until it turns almost due East to head
downhill. Instead, keeping "X marks the spot" (look at the tree
ahead of you) to your right, follow the path that goes straight
ahead. When you come to a fork, bear right and from here walk
about 34 paces to the "Phil Dimi" beech tree on your right. From
Phil, walk another few paces to "Dick Brown", set back on the
right. Across the path from Dick is a group of 4 trees; stand in the
center of these and, on a bearing of 22 degrees walk 24 steps to
another tree with a blackened stub at its base. Standing by the
stub, on a bearing of 50 degrees walk 24 steps to another tulip
tree with a hollow at the base. The Astronaut dwells here under
leaves, sticks and a rock.
The New King. Since we all know the erstwhile king of the jungle
is actually a denizen of open woodlands and savannahs, we
propose this fellow for the post. A mild-mannered,
family-oriented vegetarian, his imposing stature and regal
bearing, not to mention his habitat, make him the perfect
candidate. Long live the New King! Follow the clues to the
Elephant Walk box. After stamping in and replacing it, continue
on up this trail. You will pass another trail coming in on the left
and soon after that you will come to a fork. Bear left. After another
12-14 minutes you will come to another fork just past the tree on
the right that's sticking its elbow out. Bear left here also and stay
on this main path until you can see a road, houses and
meadows ahead in the distance, about 3 minutes, where a
narrow path comes in on the left. Take this path and follow it as it
turns right downhill and then left along a fence line. Ahead you
will see a large beech on the left. Step around this tree to find the
encouraging statement carved into its NW side. The New King is
at the base of the tree below this carving, under leaves, sticks
and a rock.
To return to your car: Retrace your steps back up this path to
where it ends at the trail you followed from Elephant Walk. Turn
left and then immediately right. At the next "T" you may go left
down to the road and then right to walk to your car. Or, if you want
to stay in the woods a bit longer, go to the 4th intersect and then
turn left, which takes you back to the start and also your car.