Trees 3 Juniperus deppeana Traditional Cache
Dansclan: It's been a good run. Sadly I have to retire this cache due to a forest fire. The tree no longer exists. :(
Trees 3 Juniperus deppeana
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Alligator Juniper
This cache is in a series of caches with the theme of “Trees.” Each of these caches will be placed near a different species of tree common to the Grants, New Mexico area.
To get here, turn off Interstate 40 at exit 81 and go south on route 53. Take the first right at the Blue Spruce R V Park. (N 35 08.985, W 107 52.475) Follow Zuni Canyon (Mountain Road 49) road to the top of the canyon. (Along the way there are three caches that may catch your interest.) Watch for a right turn onto Mountain Road 480 (N 35 06.424, W 108 01.225) This road is a little rough in some spots, but family cars can travel here if going slow. Proceed up this road for about five miles. You will pass a wind mill and water tank on the right and a short while later you should see a gate on the right side of the road. If the gate is closed, open it and drive through making sure you close it behind you. The entire area is Cibola National Forest, but ranchers who lease the land put fences up contain their cattle.
You can park in a camping area a short distance in or if you have a high clearance vehicle, you can drive up the track on the left side of the small draw to within a few feet of the objective.
Alligator junipers are typically 20 to 50 feet tall and may be 2 to 4 feet in diameter., growing at altitudes of 4500 to 8000 feet in Arizona and New Mexico. It is easily recognized by its distinctive bark which is blackish or gray in color with thick, rough deeply furrowed grooves resembling an alligator’s back. Although not very tall, this tree has been around for many years if its girth is any indicator.
The cache is a one pound plastic coffee can painted in camo colors. FTF gets a "Drummer Boy" quarter. Log book, mech pencil and some trade items.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Nobhg guerr be sbhe srrg nobir tebhaq yriry.
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
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