The Goldsmith Reservation Epic Quest LbNA #53428
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Nearby Boxes
Add Note
Add Location| Owner: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Plant date: | May 9, 2010 |
| Location: | |
| City: | Andover |
| County: | Essex |
| State: | Massachusetts |
| Boxes: | 5 |
| Planted by: | moment.um
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|---|---|
| Found by: | Nairon (2) |
| Last found: | Dec 14, 2024 |
| Status: | FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF |
| Last edited: | Nov 7, 2015 |
You are about to embark on an epic mystical journey into the heart of Goldsmith Woodlands, a place of magical encounters. For this voyage you must plan ahead to bring water, bug repellent, a printout of the Goldsmith Reservation Map (http://www.avisandover.org/maps/Goldsmith.pdf), and as much imagination as you can gather. A compass is helpful but not necessary. The logbook is located in the final letter box of the 5 box series.
Begin in the gravel parking lot for A.V.I.S. “Goldsmith Woodlands” at 491 South Main St., also known as Route 28, near the intersection of Gould Road and Old Country Road. Park off to the left side of the gravel parking area. At the trail entrance, you’ll find an info kiosk which may be helpful to get your bearings for the quest.
As you begin your trek on Zack’s way, beware, for you are entering into an ancient land rich in folk lore of Gold and Goblins. For centuries there was rumored to be an enormous wealth deposit of gold hidden somewhere in this reserve. Stories of ancients past suggest that Zack, the Goblin King, one attempted to pursue these riches with no success. A long time ago, the path that you walk on right now was actually dug by the servants of Zack, the Goblin King.
Proceed on this trail, passing a bench at the top of a small hill, until you find your way to a major trail junction in a Dancing Pine Grove. These ancient trees decided to live here to serve as protectors of the land. They mostly sleep all day, but are often awoken by wind or rain. Look up towards the sky and you may catch a glimpse of their dance.
At this major trail junction on the top of a small mound, you may find GieDar, (pronounced Jee-Darr) the friendly golem that sings when you tap his head or belly. Many fortune seekers believe it is good luck to give GieDar a few taps before proceeding on your quest. It is said that he might be a distant relative of a family of pinstripe baseball players.
Turn to your left and set out for the New Trail. This trail is marked with a sign, and heads slightly down, then up a big hill. Continue on this trail weaving your way through a baby pine grove to a T in the trail. Turn Right on the trail and make your way over the tangled roots of the swampy swamp of slithery serpents. Next, proceed up to the summit of Mount Zackary, but beware, the treacherous slopes of this mountain have been said to be foreboding to all who scale her… especially cross country skiers in winter.
Just after you reach the top of Mount Zackary, you will come to another major trail junction. Kitty corner (Northwest) to where you have entered the trail junction, you will see the remnants of Zack’s Goblin Dungeon. Nowadays people call this unique feature, “Zack’s house,” but you can consider yourself one of the specially selected few who know that it is really a Goblin King’s Dungeon. Zack created this dungeon as part of this plan to scour this beautiful parcel of land in search of great riches.
Congratulations for you have reached the location of the first letter box! Carefully climb your way into the depths of the dungeon, being sure not to disturb the vegetation. On the west wall, at about knee-height, you will find a magic red brick that cloaks the secret hiding place of the first letter box. This stamp is the Earth Element. Stamp this stamp in your personal logbook, leaving enough room on the page for its sibling stamps.
Carefully climbing out of Zack’s Dungeon, head your way (330 Degrees due Northwest) on the major trail, keeping the dungeon on your immediate right. Before long, you will see a turn on your left. Take this turn left then bear right, winding your way into Scout Hollow. Here you will find a fire pit (for use with permit only) and what also happens to be the lair of Molly the Magician. From the fire pit, look towards Foster’s Pond and find Molly’s Bench (marked with a plaque) at the peak of the mountain near the pull-up bar. Here you must sit on the bench, facing the pond, saying the magic words, “Go hang a salami, I’m a lasagna hog.” These magic words must be said aloud both forwards and backwards (keeping the letters in the exact same order) before you look for the next letterbox. Once said aloud correctly, you may find your way to the Fire Element stamp. This letterbox is hidden beneath the ancient log immediately behind the bench in the direction of the fire pit.
Once you have added the Fire Element stamp portion to your Earth Element stamp, continue your quest on the trail North, keeping Foster’s pond on your left. After one or two minutes walk, you will find yourself wandering into the whispering wind landing. Here you will find two ancient pine trees beside one another (one bearing the sign for Wind Landing). These old growth pines are the home to the “whispers of the wind” fairies. The fairies settled here in search of the rumored gold to replenish their supply of special gold-fairy-dust, they use to magically enchant good-doers to pursue political careers or endeavor to assist local non-profit agencies. Have a look behind the base of the second old growth pine to find the letterbox containing the Wind Element Stamp. Stamp this stamp on your logbook page containing the previous two elemental stamps.
After placing the Wind Element Stamp back to its home with the fairies, stand facing the sign for Wind Landing. Directly to your right, you will see a smaller path winding through the enchanted forest away from Foster’s pond. Follow this path, winding left and right until you reach the trail junction at the top of a hill. At this junction, take a left onto the major trail leading you towards Bessy’s Point. Here you will find a small hill where Bessy’s bench is perched. Bessy’s Point is known to some as the land of the giants. Bessy called on the help of the giants to assist her in protecting this land from the mischievous plans of Zack, The Goblin King. To this day, you can find remnants of the giant’s staircase, making its way down the slope of the North side of the small hill. Using big giant steps, follow the giant’s staircase down towards the small peninsula to where Bessy hid the Water Element letterbox. This letterbox can be found near the base of the second lonely pine tree on the left of the small peninsula. Stamp this stamp in your logbook, so that it aligns with the previous three elements, forming the Amulet of Unity. Please take great care in replacing this letterbox and hiding it well.
While you are here, have a look at the beautiful view of Foster’s pond at the end of the peninsula. Perhaps even dip your fingers in the magic waters, being careful not to fall in! It is said that Bessy’s giants were able to grow so large and lived to the age of 106 years-old because they ate some of the Largemouth Bass and Pickerel found in these waters. I’m sure finishing all their veggies before starting desert helped a lot too.
Continue on the last leg of your epic voyage by heading back to the entrance of Bessy’s Point, making your first left onto the major trail. This trail heads East and guides you back to where you first met up with “GieDar,” the Golem, in the Dancing Pine Grove. Continue straight (East) on the major trail you have been on, keeping the entrance to the “New Trail” on your right. Proceed until you reach a bench on the left side of the trail at the top a small hill. This is the location of the final letterbox containing the key that unlocks the riches of the Goldsmith forest. Near the left side of the bench, you can find the letterbox nestled in the gnarled roots of the Pine “Tree of Wisdom.”
In the completion of this letterbox series, you have discovered the key to the mystery of the wealth of gold rumored to be hidden in this precious forest reserve. “This Is” marks the words of the final stamp, with reference to the ancient story often told that the greatest source of wealth, power and prosperity can be found in the Spirit of Balance and Harmony in the Moment. This wealth, as you know, can be found in the simplest of pleasures, like that of letterboxing, and creating memories shared with dear friends and family.
The story of the Amulet of Unity:
An ancient Celtic Symbol of Unity, the equal armed cross represents the four directions North, South, East and West together With their elements Air, Fire, earth, and Water. At the center of the cross is the Self, balanced and in harmony with all creation. The center is also the crossroads, a place of magical encounters. Celtic shaman wore this amulet as a symbol for the mystic connection with All Worlds, and the ability to travel between them.
You can find your way back to the parking lot entrance simply by continuing East on the main path, Zack’s Trail. Thank you and best wishes.
Begin in the gravel parking lot for A.V.I.S. “Goldsmith Woodlands” at 491 South Main St., also known as Route 28, near the intersection of Gould Road and Old Country Road. Park off to the left side of the gravel parking area. At the trail entrance, you’ll find an info kiosk which may be helpful to get your bearings for the quest.
As you begin your trek on Zack’s way, beware, for you are entering into an ancient land rich in folk lore of Gold and Goblins. For centuries there was rumored to be an enormous wealth deposit of gold hidden somewhere in this reserve. Stories of ancients past suggest that Zack, the Goblin King, one attempted to pursue these riches with no success. A long time ago, the path that you walk on right now was actually dug by the servants of Zack, the Goblin King.
Proceed on this trail, passing a bench at the top of a small hill, until you find your way to a major trail junction in a Dancing Pine Grove. These ancient trees decided to live here to serve as protectors of the land. They mostly sleep all day, but are often awoken by wind or rain. Look up towards the sky and you may catch a glimpse of their dance.
At this major trail junction on the top of a small mound, you may find GieDar, (pronounced Jee-Darr) the friendly golem that sings when you tap his head or belly. Many fortune seekers believe it is good luck to give GieDar a few taps before proceeding on your quest. It is said that he might be a distant relative of a family of pinstripe baseball players.
Turn to your left and set out for the New Trail. This trail is marked with a sign, and heads slightly down, then up a big hill. Continue on this trail weaving your way through a baby pine grove to a T in the trail. Turn Right on the trail and make your way over the tangled roots of the swampy swamp of slithery serpents. Next, proceed up to the summit of Mount Zackary, but beware, the treacherous slopes of this mountain have been said to be foreboding to all who scale her… especially cross country skiers in winter.
Just after you reach the top of Mount Zackary, you will come to another major trail junction. Kitty corner (Northwest) to where you have entered the trail junction, you will see the remnants of Zack’s Goblin Dungeon. Nowadays people call this unique feature, “Zack’s house,” but you can consider yourself one of the specially selected few who know that it is really a Goblin King’s Dungeon. Zack created this dungeon as part of this plan to scour this beautiful parcel of land in search of great riches.
Congratulations for you have reached the location of the first letter box! Carefully climb your way into the depths of the dungeon, being sure not to disturb the vegetation. On the west wall, at about knee-height, you will find a magic red brick that cloaks the secret hiding place of the first letter box. This stamp is the Earth Element. Stamp this stamp in your personal logbook, leaving enough room on the page for its sibling stamps.
Carefully climbing out of Zack’s Dungeon, head your way (330 Degrees due Northwest) on the major trail, keeping the dungeon on your immediate right. Before long, you will see a turn on your left. Take this turn left then bear right, winding your way into Scout Hollow. Here you will find a fire pit (for use with permit only) and what also happens to be the lair of Molly the Magician. From the fire pit, look towards Foster’s Pond and find Molly’s Bench (marked with a plaque) at the peak of the mountain near the pull-up bar. Here you must sit on the bench, facing the pond, saying the magic words, “Go hang a salami, I’m a lasagna hog.” These magic words must be said aloud both forwards and backwards (keeping the letters in the exact same order) before you look for the next letterbox. Once said aloud correctly, you may find your way to the Fire Element stamp. This letterbox is hidden beneath the ancient log immediately behind the bench in the direction of the fire pit.
Once you have added the Fire Element stamp portion to your Earth Element stamp, continue your quest on the trail North, keeping Foster’s pond on your left. After one or two minutes walk, you will find yourself wandering into the whispering wind landing. Here you will find two ancient pine trees beside one another (one bearing the sign for Wind Landing). These old growth pines are the home to the “whispers of the wind” fairies. The fairies settled here in search of the rumored gold to replenish their supply of special gold-fairy-dust, they use to magically enchant good-doers to pursue political careers or endeavor to assist local non-profit agencies. Have a look behind the base of the second old growth pine to find the letterbox containing the Wind Element Stamp. Stamp this stamp on your logbook page containing the previous two elemental stamps.
After placing the Wind Element Stamp back to its home with the fairies, stand facing the sign for Wind Landing. Directly to your right, you will see a smaller path winding through the enchanted forest away from Foster’s pond. Follow this path, winding left and right until you reach the trail junction at the top of a hill. At this junction, take a left onto the major trail leading you towards Bessy’s Point. Here you will find a small hill where Bessy’s bench is perched. Bessy’s Point is known to some as the land of the giants. Bessy called on the help of the giants to assist her in protecting this land from the mischievous plans of Zack, The Goblin King. To this day, you can find remnants of the giant’s staircase, making its way down the slope of the North side of the small hill. Using big giant steps, follow the giant’s staircase down towards the small peninsula to where Bessy hid the Water Element letterbox. This letterbox can be found near the base of the second lonely pine tree on the left of the small peninsula. Stamp this stamp in your logbook, so that it aligns with the previous three elements, forming the Amulet of Unity. Please take great care in replacing this letterbox and hiding it well.
While you are here, have a look at the beautiful view of Foster’s pond at the end of the peninsula. Perhaps even dip your fingers in the magic waters, being careful not to fall in! It is said that Bessy’s giants were able to grow so large and lived to the age of 106 years-old because they ate some of the Largemouth Bass and Pickerel found in these waters. I’m sure finishing all their veggies before starting desert helped a lot too.
Continue on the last leg of your epic voyage by heading back to the entrance of Bessy’s Point, making your first left onto the major trail. This trail heads East and guides you back to where you first met up with “GieDar,” the Golem, in the Dancing Pine Grove. Continue straight (East) on the major trail you have been on, keeping the entrance to the “New Trail” on your right. Proceed until you reach a bench on the left side of the trail at the top a small hill. This is the location of the final letterbox containing the key that unlocks the riches of the Goldsmith forest. Near the left side of the bench, you can find the letterbox nestled in the gnarled roots of the Pine “Tree of Wisdom.”
In the completion of this letterbox series, you have discovered the key to the mystery of the wealth of gold rumored to be hidden in this precious forest reserve. “This Is” marks the words of the final stamp, with reference to the ancient story often told that the greatest source of wealth, power and prosperity can be found in the Spirit of Balance and Harmony in the Moment. This wealth, as you know, can be found in the simplest of pleasures, like that of letterboxing, and creating memories shared with dear friends and family.
The story of the Amulet of Unity:
An ancient Celtic Symbol of Unity, the equal armed cross represents the four directions North, South, East and West together With their elements Air, Fire, earth, and Water. At the center of the cross is the Self, balanced and in harmony with all creation. The center is also the crossroads, a place of magical encounters. Celtic shaman wore this amulet as a symbol for the mystic connection with All Worlds, and the ability to travel between them.
You can find your way back to the parking lot entrance simply by continuing East on the main path, Zack’s Trail. Thank you and best wishes.