Sometimes we look at sights in nature but don't really see. While hiking in the woods the other day, it became a realization that we need to open our heart and eyes to see the beauty of the simple things in nature with each season. There is so much order and purpose in His creation. God has given us awesome beauty in this world to see and enjoy... if we would but stop to see and feel it. Join us as this blog is about stopping to see the real beauty around us...to touch and feel it... "Through the Lens".

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Thursday, February 25, 2010

Geocaching

Today Gerri & I decided to do some geo-caching, so we looked up a couple caches and put the coordinates in our E-Trek hand held personal navigator. There are several reasons we enjoy geo-caching. First, we usually try and find caches that relate to local history in the area we are camping; secondly, usually they are in some very beautiful areas, and thirdly, we get out and do some walking where the caches are. So for us, it is a win –win situation.



Our first cache was at a site called Raid on Smith’s Mill. Back in the 1860’s there was a mill in Baldwin County called Smith’s & Dannellys Mill. It was swampy, sandy river land full of long - leaf pines. James Smith supplied timber for the Confederate barracks and fortifications and ship building for the Navy activities. His property also had a steam engine on it and he never owned any slaves. The mill was in operation until the last part of the summer when the Federals learned of his work and support of the Confederates. On September 11, 1864, a mixed force of union sailors and soldiers came after them and the mill never operated again.

The other cache was a place at Memorial Park in Silverhill, Alabama and the cache is called The Hill. It seems before the 1890’s a turpentine still was operating just east of what is presently called Silverhill. Logging companies were clearing a lot of the forests of Baldwin County and built a railroad through the county. The still was at one of the railroad junctions. A man named Mr. Lowell operated the still and bought / sold all things in silver coins. In fact, when his workers walked up the hill to get paid, he paid them in silver coins. Later when Swedish settlers started arriving, they wanted to name their settlement “Svea’, but too many people had come to know the area as Silverhill thus the naming of the community Silverhill.



So as the day ended up, we found both caches, learned some local history and saw some beautiful sites, and got a good bit of fresh air and sunshine. What more could you ask? I think we will do a lot more geocaching.

6 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing your interest in Geo-caching. I particularly enjoyed the history aspect. Also I noticed the nice day you had to enjoy this wonderful hobby.

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  2. This sounds like so much fun but I have no idea how to go about it... You should do a post all about how to look them up and what you do to find them.... GREAT fun!!!
    Travel safe
    Donna

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  3. great job on your geocaching day!!..we are newbies..only have found 25 so far..and some with the help of our mentors!!

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  4. How cool! Geocaching is something we want to try once we are on the road. What a great to get to know an area and learn things you probably wouldn't have through more traditional visits. Thanks for sharing!

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  5. I like all the outdoor walking, searching, learning stuff but don't have Clue One on how to go about it. :)

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  6. Sounds like a great day of geocaching! We like to geocache too when traveling. We have found the most interesting parks that way. Cache on!

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