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Treasures of Temenos LbNA #39717 (ARCHIVED)

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:May 10, 2008
Location:
City:???
County:Mystery
State:Massachusetts
Boxes:7
Planted by:Curious Crow
Found by: ???
Last found:Jul 19, 2009
Status:FFFar
Last edited:May 10, 2008
Treasures of Temenos

RETIRED APRIL 2011!

These kid-friendly letterboxes are located near a place called Temenos. They are hidden along Mt. Mineral road, at the base of Mt. Mineral starting at the entrance to Temenos. Park near the round green and white “Welcome to Temenos” sign - cars don’t travel down the road any further than this, though the road continues south. This is a highly buggy area in late spring and early summer so prepare accordingly or come at a less buggy time. Plan on walking a mile to obtain all 7 letterboxes, each of which contains a stamp pad and logbook. Most of the subjects of these letterboxes are found on top of Mt. Mineral. Finding them is another adventure. See the end of these clues for an orientation to Temenos.

1. Monk’s Cave - A mysterious stone chamber, much like a hobbit hole, is located nearby. It’s origins are unknown. It may have originally been a colonial food storage cellar or some type of meditation chamber or something else entirely. Start at the “65" sign, walk about 34 steps up the lane towards Temenos, and look right. On a small steep knoll the Monk’s Cave should come into view. Feel free to enter and enjoy the interior space (not recommended in winter). There is room for 2-3 people inside. When finished exploring this enchanting place, continue up to the top of the knoll and cross the stone wall. Turn right and walk to a large stump next to the wall. Step carefully left around the stump and over a double branch. Follow the left arm of the branch to the wall. Notice 3-4 flat rocks in the middle of the stone wall. The Monk’s Cave letterbox is located under the middle flat rock and shows the cave in winter.

2. Little Red Dragon - This letterbox depicts a familiar resident of the woods here especially favored by children. Return to the “65" sign and turn right. Travel south on Mt. Mineral Road. Before you reach the brown metal gate notice a large pine on the left side. Hidden on the back side beneath a little house of pine bark you’ll find the little red dragon.

3. Om - The character or symbol for a vital resonant sound chanted in meditation is the theme of the next letterbox. Pass through or around the gate, admiring the rock with mossy hair as you go. Cross over a seep of water with pools on both sides of the road. Keep walking until you come to a large hemlock tree behind a big rock next to a big dead tree on the left. Behind the rock under a living branch, and another bark house, chant “Om”.

4. Deep Source -This letterbox stamp was inspired by children’s delight in this connection at Temenos. You’ll find it at an old mill site deep in the woods. Continue down the road. See a swamp on the left with signs of beaver activity and enter a grassy clearing. Take the fork left and walk along. Soon a brook will run alongside the trail on your left and cross underneath. Notice some pillars built of rocks downstream. Turn right off the trail and proceed along with the stream on your right. Walk carefully as the ground is uneven. Pass the first two pillars and go to the place where the third pillar should be (you’ll see its mate across the brook). Look underneath a rock under the pillar base.

5. Bhodisattva - Turn around and retrace your steps, returning back the way you came along the road to the clearing. Continue walking looking left for a large green rock standing alone, shrouded in pine needles, just off the road. You’ll find Jizo, the patron “saint” of travelers and lost children, at the base of this rock. Please re-hide this one extra carefully to avoid unnecessary exposure.

6. Monolith - This mysterious carving was unearthed near the top of Mt. Mineral and is currently located not far from where it was found in 1950. The origins of this stone figure are unknown. It has become the official logo for the New England Antiquities Research Association (NEARA). To find the Monolith letterbox, continue onwards and just before the gate look left. See a large round pale rock up an embankment. Look under a smaller version of this rock next to it.

7. Water Lily - Pass through the gate and continue up the road as usual. Pass junk piles right and left and shortly after turn right off the road where you find a low rock covered in pine needles. A vague trail proceeds towards a small open swamp area within a short distance. Walk in and watch to the right of the knoll for a small boulder then a larger one laying low to the ground. At the base of this low boulder you'll find the box wedged in behind sticks - a new location to help prevent it from being carried away by high water. Inside the box you’ll find just the wild lotus flower - logbook and stamp pad went missing in 2010, so bring some green ink for this one if you have it. Up on the mountain, if such a place appeals to your nature, you are likely to find Nirvana.

About Temenos and visiting:

Temenos is a year round rustic retreat at the top of Mt. Mineral which is about a half mile walk uphill from the Monk's Cave. People spend time here to step away from the bustle and get closer to nature. You can rent cabins and enjoy a Thoreau like experience of heating by wood, pumping water and reading by candlelight during your stay. Information is available in the Lodge or at Birch Cabin where the director lives. Do not enter the Lodge if groups are present without permission as workshops or events may be taking place there.

Out of respect for the wishes of the Temenos Council, please do not look for or plant letterboxes on Temenos property. Letterboxers are welcome to explore Temenos on foot, where you’ll find the actual treasures of Temenos as depicted in this letterbox series and much much more. Maps of Temenos are available and recommended for exploring Mt. Mineral. Please be quiet when you explore Temenos, as retreatants are usually present.