[Az-Geocaching] The Anniversary Present
Justin Sever
listserv@azgeocaching.com
Thu, 31 Oct 2002 07:09:06 -0700
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Congratulations Team Tierra Buena! Way to get on your one year
anniversary, and your 300 feat! Great Poetry also!
-Frobro Goose
-----Original Message-----
From: az-geocaching-admin@listserv.azgeocaching.com
[mailto:az-geocaching-admin@listserv.azgeocaching.com] On Behalf Of Team
Tierra Buena
Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2002 7:59 PM
To: listserv@azgeocaching.com
Subject: [Az-Geocaching] The Anniversary Present
The Caching of Stan McBee
(With profound apologies to Robert W. Service, whose poems should be
read and enjoyed by all.)
There are strange things found on the caching-ground
'Neath the Arizona sun;
There are rattlesnakes sly, and cholla that fly,
And temps that reach one twenty-one,
What's 'round the next bend could make hair stand on end,
But the strangest sight you'll ever see,
Is if you find the cache that has nothing but ash --
The remains of old Stan McBee.
Now, Stan McBee always went out with glee
To locate the latest site.
He found quite a few, even placed one or two,
Just to keep his Cache Karma right.
He lived all alone, so the urge to get goin'
Was no cause for family strife.
'Twas but one little fly in the ointment, or I
Would say Stan had a cache-perfect life.
That flaw had to do with his left and right shoe;
Seems he never once got them to trod
As a pair, or a team. Sad to say, it would seem
That my caching friend Stan was a clod.
Ten yards with his gait, sure as flush beats a straight,
He'd be sprawling out flat on the trail.
He fell once too often, and started to soften,
Old Stanley was getting quite frail.
He called me one day in his affable way,
And said, "Meet me. I'll buy you a beer!"
But when I got there and saw him in the chair,
I knew there was no cause for cheer.
"I just came from the doc's. I've tripped too many rocks,
Son, I ain't got much more time to stay.
When I take the last fall, my attorney will call
You, and please do what she has to say."
I was saddened no end, but a friend stays a friend,
And I promised I'd honor his plea.
We shook hands in farewell. Though it hurts me to tell,
'Twas the last time he ever saw me.
Weeks passed, one or two, then a phone call came through
from a law office down in Tempe.
"At our office near Mill, we'll be reading the will
Of the late cacher, Stanley McBee."
I arrived right at ten, and was soon ushered in
To the office of Mary Sinclair,
She asked me to sit, and I near threw a fit
When I saw there was only one chair.
"You were Stanley's one friend, it was right at the end
He left all his possessions to you.
But to get his bequest, he left one last request
That you alone can and must do."
With that she reached o'er, and up from the floor
Moved a green ammo case to the table.
"Stan's been cremated. His will clearly stated
You must do this task if you're able.
Here's a long and a lat; now you must go seek that
Site, and under a cottonwood tree,
Hide this ammo-can cache, though it be filled with ash.
It stays secret between you and me."
Armed with my GPS, and just barely a guess,
I set out to seek the location
Of that place in the land where my good old friend Stan
Wished to rest his remains of cremation.
Without too much grief, and to my great relief,
'Round that waypoint I steadily tightened,
As I drew near the spot, my nerve endings were shot,
For some reason I felt rather frightened.
The site suited him, it was up on the Rim,
(Maybe not. These are beans I won't spill.)
And in spite of the trees, I got signals with ease:
There's the spot, just atop a small hill!
As I set down the case, my heart started to race,
Beause someone had been here 'fore me!
There's a lined yellow sheet, that was folded so neat,
'Neath a rock by that cottonwood tree.
"Son," said the note, and you know who wrote,
"You're a fine cacher and a good friend.
In spite of my spills and my physical ills,
You were here for me right to the end.
Now I want you to savor the depth of the favor
You've done me. It's not overstated:
Thanks to you and your Garmin, this clumsy ol' varmin'
Can at last say: I'm COORDINATED!"
There are strange things found on the caching-ground
'Neath the Arizona sun;
There are rattlesnakes sly, and cholla that fly,
And temps that reach one twenty-one,
What's 'round the next bend could make hair stand on end,
But the strangest sight you'll ever see,
Is if you find the cache that has nothing but ash --
The remains of old Stan McBee.
C Copyright 2002, Stephen N. Gross. All rights reserved.
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<DIV><SPAN class=3D001560614-31102002><FONT face=3DArial color=3D#0000ff =
size=3D2>Congratulations Team Tierra Buena! Way to get on your one =
year=20
anniversary, and your 300 feat! Great Poetry=20
also!</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=3D001560614-31102002><FONT face=3DArial color=3D#0000ff =
size=3D2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=3D001560614-31102002><FONT face=3DArial color=3D#0000ff =
size=3D2>-Frobro Goose</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE dir=3Dltr style=3D"MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV class=3DOutlookMessageHeader lang=3Den-us dir=3Dltr =
align=3Dleft><FONT=20
face=3DTahoma size=3D2>-----Original Message-----<BR><B>From:</B>=20
az-geocaching-admin@listserv.azgeocaching.com=20
[mailto:az-geocaching-admin@listserv.azgeocaching.com] <B>On Behalf Of =
</B>Team Tierra Buena<BR><B>Sent:</B> Wednesday, October 30, 2002 7:59 =
PM<BR><B>To:</B> listserv@azgeocaching.com<BR><B>Subject:</B> =
[Az-Geocaching]=20
The Anniversary Present<BR><BR></FONT></DIV>
<DIV>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dleft><B><FONT face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN =
class=3D617534802-31102002><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'; =
mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times =
New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; =
mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">The=20
Caching of Stan McBee</SPAN></SPAN></FONT></B></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" =
align=3Dleft><B><FONT face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN =
class=3D617534802-31102002><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Book Antiqua'; =
mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times =
New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; =
mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"></SPAN></SPAN></FONT></B><I=20
style=3D"mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">(With profound apologies to Robert W. Service, =
whose poems=20
should be read and enjoyed by all.)<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">There are strange things found on the=20
caching-ground<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=3D"Book =
Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>'Neath the </SPAN><st1:State><st1:place><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: =
bold">Arizona</SPAN></st1:place></st1:State><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">=20
sun;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">There are rattlesnakes sly, and cholla that=20
fly,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=3D"Book =
Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>And temps that reach </SPAN><st1:time Minute=3D"21" =
Hour=3D"13"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">one=20
twenty-one</SPAN></st1:time><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: =
bold">,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">What's 'round the next bend could make hair =
stand on=20
end,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>But the strangest sight you'll ever =
see,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">Is if you find the cache that has nothing but =
ash=20
--<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>The remains of old Stan McBee.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">Now, Stan McBee always went out with=20
glee<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>To locate the latest site.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">He found quite a few, even placed one or=20
two,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>Just to keep his Cache Karma =
right.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">He lived all alone, so the urge to get=20
goin'<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>Was no cause for family strife.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">'Twas but one little fly in the ointment, or=20
I<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>Would say Stan had a cache-perfect =
life.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">That flaw had to do with his left and right=20
shoe;<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>Seems he never once got them to =
trod<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">As a pair, or a team. Sad to say, it would=20
seem<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>That my caching friend Stan was a =
clod.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">Ten yards with his gait, sure as flush beats a=20
straight,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>He'd be sprawling out flat on the =
trail.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">He fell once too often, and started to=20
soften,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=3D"Book =
Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>Old </SPAN><st1:City><st1:place><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: =
bold">Stanley</SPAN></st1:place></st1:City><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"> was getting =
quite=20
frail.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">He called me one day in his affable=20
way,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>And said, "Meet me. I'll buy you a =
beer!"<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">But when I got there and saw him in the=20
chair,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>I knew there was no cause for =
cheer.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">"I just came from the doc's. I've tripped too =
many=20
rocks,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>Son, I ain't got much more time to =
stay.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">When I take the last fall, my attorney will=20
call<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>You, and please do what she has to =
say."<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">I was saddened no end, but a friend stays a=20
friend,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>And I promised I'd honor his plea.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">We shook hands in farewell. Though it hurts me =
to=20
tell,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>'Twas the last time he ever saw =
me.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">Weeks passed, one or two, then a phone call came =
through<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=3D"Book =
Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>from a law office down in </SPAN><st1:City><st1:place><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: =
bold">Tempe</SPAN></st1:place></st1:City><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: =
bold">.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">"At our office near Mill, we'll be reading the=20
will<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>Of the late cacher, Stanley McBee."<BR=20
style=3D"PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=3Dall>I arrived right at =
ten, and was=20
soon ushered in<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>To the office of Mary Sinclair,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">She asked me to sit, and I near threw a=20
fit<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>When I saw there was<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =
</SPAN>only=20
one chair.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=3D"Book =
Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">"You were=20
</SPAN><st1:City><st1:place><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: =
bold">Stanley</SPAN></st1:place></st1:City><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">'s one friend, =
it was=20
right at the end<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>He left all his possessions to =
you.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">But to get his bequest, he left one last=20
request<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>That you alone can and must do."<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">With that she reached o'er, and up from the=20
floor<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>Moved a green ammo case to the =
table.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">"Stan's been cremated. His will clearly=20
stated<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>You must do this task if you’re =
able.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">Here's a long and a lat; now you must go seek=20
that<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>Site, and under a cottonwood tree,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">Hide this ammo-can cache, though it be filled =
with=20
ash.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>It stays secret between you and =
me."<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">Armed with my GPS, and just barely a=20
guess,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>I set out to seek the location<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">Of that place in the land where my good old =
friend=20
Stan<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=3D"Book =
Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN></SPAN><st1:State><st1:place><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: =
bold">Wis</SPAN></st1:place></st1:State><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">hed to rest his =
remains of=20
cremation.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">Without too much grief, and to my great=20
relief,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>‘Round that waypoint I steadily =
tightened,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">As I drew near the spot, my nerve endings were=20
shot,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>For some reason I felt rather =
frightened.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">The site suited him, it was up on the=20
Rim,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>(Maybe not. These are beans I won’t=20
spill.)<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">And in spite of the trees, I got signals with=20
ease:<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>There’s the spot, just atop a small =
hill!<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">As I set down the case, my heart started to=20
race,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>Beause someone had been here 'fore =
me!<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">There's a lined yellow sheet, that was folded so =
neat,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>'Neath a rock by that cottonwood =
tree.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">"Son," said the note, and you know who=20
wrote,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>"You're a fine cacher and a good =
friend.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">In spite of my spills and my physical=20
ills,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>You were here for me right to the =
end.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">Now I want you to savor the depth of the=20
favor<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>You've done me. It's not =
overstated:<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">Thanks to you and your Garmin, this clumsy =
ol’=20
varmin'<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>Can at last say: I'm COORDINATED!"<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I=20
style=3D"mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">There are strange things found on the=20
caching-ground<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=3D"Book =
Antiqua"><I=20
style=3D"mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>'Neath the </SPAN></I><st1:State><st1:place><I=20
style=3D"mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: =
bold">Arizona</SPAN></I></st1:place></st1:State><I=20
style=3D"mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">=20
sun;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I=20
style=3D"mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">There are rattlesnakes sly, and cholla that=20
fly,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face=3D"Book =
Antiqua"><I=20
style=3D"mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>And temps that reach </SPAN></I><st1:time Minute=3D"21" =
Hour=3D"13"><I=20
style=3D"mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">one=20
twenty-one</SPAN></I></st1:time><I style=3D"mso-bidi-font-style: =
normal"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: =
bold">,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I=20
style=3D"mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">What's 'round the next bend could make hair =
stand on=20
end,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I=20
style=3D"mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>But the strangest sight you'll ever=20
see,<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I=20
style=3D"mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">Is if you find the cache that has nothing but =
ash=20
--<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I=20
style=3D"mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
1"> &nbs=
p; =20
</SPAN>The remains of old Stan McBee.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><I=20
style=3D"mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua"> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: right"=20
align=3Dright><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: =
bold"><FONT=20
face=3D"Book Antiqua">© Copyright 2002, Stephen N. Gross. All =
rights=20
=
reserved.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></BODY></HTML>
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