A Peaceful Place LbNA #37182 (ARCHIVED)

RETIRED 7/5/09

"The universe is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper."

Directions: On the north edge of Northfield, on highway 19, shortly after crossing over a small bridge, there will be a big blue sign directing you to The Recreational Center to the right. Park in the southern part of the Rec Center's lot and find a hiking/skiing trail on the west edge of the lot (no bikes or motor vehicles allowed.) Take the trail to the north. At the first 'Y' intersection you should spot a big blue water tower in the distance. With your back to the water tower take the trail downhill to the west and through a tunnel under the highway. Immediately turn right and head north. Now the highway should be on your right and a marsh on the left. Continue for about 1,000 feet. A white house might be spotted thru the woods. Continue on the winding path for about 200 feet until you reach a 'T' crosspath. Take it uphill to the east past bird houses in the field on your left. At the timbered fence jog south for 30 paces and then continue east uphill past the "Marc von Trapp memorial" sign. There should be a thorny, wooded ravine to your right and a restored prairie to your left. Continue to the large pink rock with the plaque on it. Thirty more paces to the north under the south side of another rock is where you'll find the letterbox.

The Memorial. This site is dedicated to the memory of Marc von Trapp who died during spring break of his sophomore year when the college van in which he was riding overturned on an icy patch of interstate in Colorado. Marc loved the outdoors, was on the hockey team, and had "an insatiable curiosity about the world." He was the only fatality.

Marc was the great-grandson of Georg and Maria von Trapp whose escape from Austria during the Nazi Anschluss is reported in Maria's award-winning book and fictionalized in the musical play and movie. The von Trapps with their ten children founded a music camp and resort hotel in Vermont and continued touring as "The Trapp Family Singers" until 1955. Many of the family still continue to own and operate hotels in several locations. And their musical tradition also continues; currently, four of the great-grandchildren - Sophia, Melanie, Amanda and Justin - are on tour as "The von Trapp Children".

The quote at the top is from the plaque, the end of which reads:


"May this be a peaceful place to contemplate the universe and sharpen our wits."

This letterbox was placed with the kind permission of the Arb
Csar. Please refer to Guidelines for Geocaching and Letterboxing in the Arb.

Most recent find: 5/13/2009.