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Hare Moon LbNA #61723

Owner:Wisconsin Hiker
Plant date:Apr 19, 2012
Location:
City:Fairchild
County:Seminole
State:Georgia
Boxes:1
Found by: Woodswoman
Last found:Dec 27, 2014
Status:F
Last edited:May 14, 2016
Last checked/found: 19-APR-12

Location: The park whose name means “wild” or “runaway”. The 2012 entrance fee was $5/vehicle. When you enter the park, follow the main road as it winds around the lake, then take a left onto a short dead-end road. Park in the small lot on the right at the GT trail head.
Time/Distance: ~1 hour
Terrain: Level sandy/dirt trail.

The association of rabbits, hares, and the moon can be found in numerous cultures the world over - ranging from Japan to Mexico, from Indonesia to the British Isles. Whereas in Western folklore we refer to the "Man in the Moon," the "Hare (or Rabbit) in the Moon" is a more familiar symbol in other societies.

Get a jackrabbit start by heading down the trail and staying straight through three intersections. You’ll then notice some informative signs along the way. Take note of the longest needles (N)______ and longest cones (C)_______.

Spring is a time of fertility, and May is a fiery month indeed - full of lust and passion! It's sometimes called the month of the Hare Moon - and we all know what hares are busy doing in the spring.

Stay straight again.

Now take note of the number of species of the dreaded mosquitoes: (M)_________.

At the next intersection, stay straight and do NOT follow the arrow (unless you want to do some exploring or take a break).

We think of hares (and their cousin, the rabbit) mainly as symbols of fecundity. The Egyptians sacrificed Osiris in the form of a hare each year to ensure the flooding of the Nile - and therefore, the return of life to the land. Romans gave them as gifts to women trying to conceive. The Chinese thought they could become pregnant just from the touch of moonlight, and white rabbits are common fertility symbols at moon festivals in China to this day. Europeans, likewise, thought both hares and rabbits could become pregnant as virgins. The Germanic goddess Holda (a goddess of childbirth, said to have a sacred pool through which the souls of newborns entered the world) was escorted by hares. The Norse goddess Freya, associated with love, sensuality and childbirth, was also attended by hares, among other animals. As symbols of love and fertility, hares were linked with both Cupid and Aphrodite.

Take the trail south for M/(N+C) ______ steps, then look for a fallen log in the woods on the east side of the trail. The frisky hare took a rest on the south side of the log, near the standing tree. Please rehide this special creature carefully so it can continue to act as an inspiration to others who may be thinking of creating future little letterboxers.

You can then retrace your steps or continue looping on the trail to return to the lot. If you end up walking on the border of the park, be sure to take the next left turn after the “Prohibition” sign. You’ll then have water on your right. Take a left at the next intersection, then a right at a 4-way and then straight at the next 4-way.

We do not live in the area, so we would greatly appreciate an email to let us know that the hare is safe and prospering!


Hike length: 1-2 miles