Guardians of the Lakes LbNA #31027

April 2014: minor updates to clue for #1 and #3

Please note: "moderately rugged terrain" means there are some pretty good hills in this park.
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Nymphs are part of Greek mythology. Similar to fairies, they were spirits that were closely associated with the gods, but were mortal. Naiads are water nymphs – worshipped as essential to fertility and human life. All of the water nymphs’ spirits are tied to a particular body of water. If the body of water dies, the nymph dies with it.

This series will take you to visit three marsh nymphs. These naiad sisters have been sent by the ancients to Seven Lakes State Park, in order to protect the lakes there.

I. Dickinson Lake Guardian
Start at the Dickinson Lake boat launch. If there is no parking there, you can park by the Dickinson shelter and take the green trail to the boat launch. From the boat launch parking lot, follow the green trail west into the woods. Soon you will pass a bench on the left where you may rest. If you stayed on this trail, you would begin to veer away from the lake. Since the nymphs prefer to be near their chosen body of water, when you reach a decision point, choose the path that will keep you closer to the lake. Crossing a small bridge, again choose the path that stays nearer the lake. At the top of the hill you will see a large tree on the left with a very prominent growth on the side of it. The first naiad saw this, and imagined it to be the face of a protector. Since she was the youngest of the nymphs, and nervous about taking her post as guardian of this fine lake, she decided to settle close to this sentinel. Downhill from this mighty warden of the woods, there lies a conspicuous fallen soldier. You will find the guardian of Dickinson Lake in the near end.

II. Big Seven Lake Guardian
Return the way you came, across the bridge, to what was your first decision point. Continue on the trail you were originally following, shadowing a stream that leads you to your next naiad. At the next intersection, maintain your course, following that trail to the end. Behold a lovely beach – perhaps you will be lucky enough to see the otter that lives in the marsh. The oldest naiad, having been accustomed to caring for the others, saw the otter and wished to stay and guard this lake, so she could care for him also. She turned and walked back into the woods. Past the top of the hill was a sentinel whose out-stretching arm had fallen across the path. Although she had passed under this sentry on her way to the water, barely marking its presence, she now saw that it could provide a secure place from which she could guard her lake. She nestled in behind it to make her home.

III. Little Seven Lake Guardian
Return to the last crossroads. Take the only path on which you have not yet traveled. At the next junction, flip a coin - either trail ends up at the bench at number 5. Go ahead and have a seat - you're earned it. You will be looking at a trail, which you should venture down. A short way down this path, across from a small side path on the left, you will see a log to the right that has fallen into Little Seven Lake. The Guardian of Little Seven Lake lies beneath, at about the midpoint of the tree.

To return to your car there are multiple options: stay on the path you’re walking on, which will take you 1.8 miles in the wrong direction, and then you can call a cab; alternatively, you can turn around and retrace your steps. If you’d rather take the shortest route back to your car this is it: if you parked by the shelter, follow the green loop back; if you parked by the boat launch, follow the green trail past marker 17 to 16, then take the red trail back to the park road. Turn right, and either follow the road all the way, or when you see a bench on your left you can take a shortcut down the hill, but only if you like steep descents.

Moderately rugged terrain, some of which may be wet, depending on the season. 1.5-2+ miles depending on where you park.