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Mt. Bieterman Letterbox
*I'll be very happy to give any of these boxes back to their
original owners upon request. I have only adopted these
boxes for upkeep and historical means and do not count them among my
planted boxes.
Wisconsin
Letterboxes of Antiquity Homepage
Dragon's Homepage
Originally placed by BirkieBob. Adopted for safe-keeping by
The Dragon.
| Placed by: BirkieBob |
| Placement date: Nov 25, 2001 (LbNA Post
#9015) |
| State: Wisconsin |
| County: Milwaukee |
| Nearest city: Glendale |
| Number of boxes: 1 |
Clues
**Box originally placed by Birkiebob --
adopted for caretaking by The Dragon 4/05**
Clues: Easy
Terrain: Easy, one hill, 30 minutes
This letter box has been placed in honor of Coach Bernard
Bieterman, teacher and cross country running coach at nearby
Nicolet High School. For many years the Nicolet cross country
athletes trained in Kletzsch Park under his quiet but firm and
focused guidance. Coach Bieterman insisted that training
sessions regularly include "hill work" on the largest hill in
the park. During one expecially challenging and
character-building session his runners unofficially christened
the hill, "Mount Bieterman" while doubled over, gasping and
hoping for recovery before the next "hill repeat." In fact those
hill training sessions gave his team a significant competitive
advantage especially during home meets when the course dictated
that the runners make two ascents of that very hill.
Although Coach Bieterman probably never knew that a "mountain"
had been named in his honor, the legend stands as a tribute and
an expression of gratitude from at least one of his former
athletes. His calm, honest and direct demeanor created a
supportive atmosphere that encouraged his students to grow both
in the classroom and the athletic fields. More than two decades
later this tribute is gratefully placed by one of those students
and athletes who in fact is still running for fitness and
competition.
Glendale is a community north of Milwaukee along Interstate 43.
Exit the interstate at the "Good Hope Road" exit. At the end of
the exit go east to the first street, Port Washington Road and
turn right to continue Southward. At the next traffic light,
Green Tree Road, turn right and travel West back across I-43.
Immediately after crossing the highway turn left onto Jean
Nicolet Road. You'll pass Nicolet High School on your right.
Continue for about a mile under a railroad bridge and turn right
(west) on Bender Road at the water treatment plant. Follow
Bender Road west across the Milwaukee River, and turn Right
(north) on Milwaukee River Parkway. About a half mile later
after once again passing under the same railroad tracks you'll
come to the park pavillion on your right. Mount Bieterman will
be on your left covered by evergreen trees. You'll find ample
parking in the area.
Clues
To participate in this tribute and begin your cross country
challenge join the ranks of Coach's
runners and make an ascent of Mount Bieterman. Upon your
successful summit and while enjoying the view consult your
compass. From the summit travel cross country on a bearing of 76
degrees. Your course will take you across a road and past a
picnic area sign and then onward to a path into the woods.
Follow the path over painted roots and past a stand of birch
trees on your left. Continue along the path as it curves to the
left along the top of a steep bank of the Milwaukee River being
careful not to fall over the edge. Stop at the "Big V." (If you
come to the end of the woods, you've missed it; go back.)
Consult your compass
once again and pace off approximately 60 steps on a bearing of
290 degrees stepping over a log on the way. You'll come to the
trunk of a large standing tree. Check its opposite side, and
you'll find that it's hollow. Reach inside on your right. Search
deeply within yourself and the trunk to pay tribute to a good
man.
After stamping up, please carefully return the box to its hiding
place and return to the "Big V." Return by reversing your course
on the woods path or continue in your original direction to a
road that will take you back to the main road to the left or to
a large picnic area to the right. Feel free to continue your
hill work by performing several more "hill repeats" on Mount
Bieterman. If you're not feeling athletic, enjoy a relaxing tour
of the park including the water fall in the river. Perhaps a
picnic lunch will be enjoyable. Thank you for your visit.
Placed by: Birkie Bob on 25 November, 2001 (My first!)
I'd appreciate email telling me of your visit and the condition
of the box.
BirkieBob@att.net |
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