444 Rings LbNA #53700

The Center Pharmacy is a small family business in Granby MA. In 1979 its owner was John Lalond. At the time of the Iran Hostage Crisis, Mr. Lalond took it upon himself to climb the 46 steps of the bell tower in town and ring the bell each and every day of the crisis, as a reminder to everyone that our people were still in captivity. When the hostages were released 444 days later, Mr. Lalond stuffed his ears with cotton, gloved his hands, and climbed up for the last time when he rang the bell 444 times.

Clue:
Enter Dufrense Park in Granby from the east side at 33 Kendall Street. As you drive in, there will be a large pavilion with restrooms on your right. From this point, take a left across the parking area/field to see the start of a very wide trail that goes straight up hill. (This is not the trail near the map board, nor any of the other trails blocked by gates or boulders.) Park your vehicle and head up this trail.

At the top of the hill go straight past a boulder marked 5K. The path soon levels off and comes to a “T” with the white path. Turn right. At the fork, turn right again. (This is a gentle downhill right, not a sharp right onto the stairs). Follow this to the next intersection where you will see a tree with two yellow blazes on your right. From here, turn right, so the tree with blazes is on your left. Take 46 steps (like Mr. Lalond’s 46 stairs) into the woods at this point and you will see boulders up ahead. 444 Rings is behind the largest one near a point where it meets a small tree.

When back on the trail, turn right at the intersection and proceed down the hill and back into the parking area.

Note: Lucille and Holy Thursday letterboxes are also in this park.