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What's That Tree? #17 Mystery Cache

Hidden : 5/4/2020
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
3.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   other (other)

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Geocache Description:


*** This cache is not at posted coordinates ***

 

Identifying Features:

bark leavers-needles-cones tree

Whether we are out enjoying nature by walking, caching, snowshoeing, skiing, or biking we find ourselves asking, "What kind of tree is that?". So, we decided to make a concerted effort and learn about ALL of the trees found in Northern Minnesota. We are sharing what we have learned so far with the Geocaching Community through a series of caches we call, "What's That Tree?". Hopefully when you finish this series you should be able to identify what type of trees are in the area you are in.

Basically, trees are classified in one of two categories, with some exceptions. (determine this first):

  • Coniferous - cone bearing, with needles, stays evergreen year round
  • Deciduous - leaf bearing. lose their leaves in the fall

In the state of Minnesota there are 53 varieties of trees, 10 Coniferous and 43 Deciduous . However, not all of these varieties are found in the Northland.

Depending on the season, you may want to bike, snowmobile, snowshoe, cross-country ski, or hike to grab some of these hides. The difficulty is relative to the challenge portion of the cache, but the terrain was rated using the following scale:

1      Wheelchair accessible.
1.5   Can get to it easily without the need of a TOTT, (Tool Of The Trade).
2      Can still get to it, but it won't be easy, may require a TOTT.
2.5   Just off the trail a bit, up or downhill likely,may require a TOTT..
3      Probably should watch your footing, bit of a challenge!
3.5   A short TOTT was used to place the cache.
4      A 10 foot TOTT was used to place the cache. Look UP!
4.5   More than 10 feet up, use a long TOTT.  Look way UP!
5      Tethered!  Not for the faint of heart. You'll need to climb...  maybe bring a different TOTT.

Some Good Resources:

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/willard_munger/index.html

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, MNDNR

 

Many of the photo links are provided with permission, coutesy of The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, MNDNR.

Check your answer on the geochecker below. The correct answers will yield you the final coordinates.

 


You can validate your puzzle solution with certitude.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Hfrq sbe znxvat xrtf, oneeryf, gehaxf, rgp.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)