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The Hidden Hippo at Lake Mercer LbNA #69529

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Dec 31, 2015
Location: Lake Mercer Park
City:Springfield
County:Fairfax
State:Virginia
Boxes:1
Planted by:The Lion and the Shell
Found by: Super Rod
Last found:Jan 9, 2016
Status:FFa
Last edited:Jan 1, 2016
The Hidden Hippo at Lake Mercer
We had heard the tales of a hidden Hippo guarding a treasure at Lake Mercer. We decided to start our adventure at the trail head on Hooes Road. Once parked, we armored up and brought our swords, bow and arrows and food supplies with us. We were uncertain as to how long it would take to find this treasure and we wanted to be prepared in case we needed to battle the Hippo.
We entered the trail and took the path to the right leading us uphill. At the top of the hill we had the choice of going left and viewing the lake, or going right through the barrier. If we viewed the lake we would risk exposing ourselves to the Hippo before we were ready. So we took the path to the right. We knew the territory of the Hippo was on our left and that of the denisen’s of Mercer Lake on the right. We must move silently so as to not give away our plot!
We finally came to the end of the path and turned left next to the two sister trees. From here on if we were not careful the Hippo would have us before we could find its treasure! We could hear the birds and the call of a fox as we slowly approached the lake. Our path again ended and spilt to the left and right. After much deliberation we chose the path to the left.
The gravel was loud under our feet. We were warily watching the water for signs that the hippo had discovered us. The only other sound was that of the birds calling to each other. Or were they warning the Hippo that we were here? We quickened our pace to the opening in the trees. We were blinded by the beauty of the view. No wonder the Hippo chose this location to hide its treasure! But where? We turned in circles trying to determine just where the treasure could be. Certainly not close to the water? There were rocks that could hide treasure there but what happens if it floods. Maybe somewhere slightly uphill? It is then that we view the chewed trees. Could this be the work of the hippo or of another animal here at the Lake? Just then the light flashed on something within a group of trees. Could that be where the treasure is hidden? We moved closer cautiously, wary that if we made too much noise the Hippo would discover us. A pine tree was in front of two other tress, forming a triangle at their base. Hidden within we discovered the treasure!
In our excitement we became too loud, for we heard the splashing and roar of the hippo behind us! We turned to face it, but it quickly charged us and swatted away our swords. Its hide was too thick for our arrows. Our only choice is to escape! To the left there is a path through the trees, we quickly race towards it. We pass three sister trees and consider hiding within, until we see the trap of poison ivy! We race on over a foot bridge and up a hill. The path is littered with trees that the hippo must have knocked down so as to delay the escape of intruders. Beware for some are lined with spikes that would pierce our armor! We emerge through the line of trees and white rocks to part of the path that we entered on. We race back down the trail to our car. Only pausing to catch our breath once safely inside. It is then that we discover that not only did we lose our weapons to the Hippo but it’s treasure also!
But we lived to tell the tale of the Hidden Hippo at Mercer Lake!


Hike length: 1-2 miles