To log this cache as found you MUST sign the actual log provided. Please do not perform any maintenance without contacting me first.
* * UPDATES - MOST RECENT TOP TO BOTTOM * *
03/29/13 Moved GZ about 75 feet and with the most appreciated help from DOTD and Terry from country wanderers, 29 of the 31 containers were moved and reattached in different trees. Please note, there is one brown container which does not necessarily indicate it is the container with the log in it, I just didn't have blue and white paint when I painted it. 
Have fun and be safe!
10/10/11 Checked this one today. The tree "bridge" is still in place, but only partially, so there is now no need to cross it, or check the containers directly above or on the "bridge". All 31 containers are accounted for and the container with the log in it is still good to go. Multiple trips may be necessary to plan the ascent. Good luck!
08/28/11 Well, I have good news and bad news, lol. The good news is, you do not need a boat to access this cache. The bad news is, you're in for about a mile (round trip) hike through 8 foot tall lake plants. Crazy! No need for a boat, but a machete might be very helpful! I came out to do a maintenance run tonight, but left the needed wire in my ride's Jeep... no comment... so there are currently three freebies lying on the ground at the base of a tree. Made the climb at night, so I cannot verify that there are exactly 31 containers still in the trees (minus the three on the ground), but the container with the log in it IS still in place. I do not recommend tracking this cache down alone! AND, if you are uncomfortable making the climb for the cache, please let me know and I will GLADLY come out with you and help... day OR night. Thanks!
05/08/11 Due to the intentional lowering of the water levels at Santa Fe Lake during the fall of 2010 (to fix the erosion problems on the spillway), combined with the current drought conditions, there is currently no water on the north end of the lake where this cache is located. No kayaks, canoes or boats needed at this time...just a hike to the cache. Thanks to everyone who has made the trek out to this one to check it out. Happy hunting!
01/23/11 Some apparent damage to the tree may have been caused by the hidden container, so now it is in plain sight. There is no need to look in the nooks and crannies of any of the trees now, so please do your best to preserve the integrity of GZ. Please log all DNF's to help me in my maintenance efforts of this cache. Thank you ! ! !
This cache is hidden along the shoreline of Santa Fe Lake but is NOT accessible from the land to the north or west. You will need to park at the given parking coords and boat, kayak or canoe your way there. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake, although the cache is an easy one mile trip from the boat launch and makes for a leisurely paddle cache adventure (see Canoe/Kayak Rental Waypoint below for nearby rental information).
Santa Fe Lake is privately owned by the City of Augusta and is open for daytime recreation from sunup til midnight. There is a $5-$6/day recreation fee per vehicle required to have access to the lake area, and additional rates apply depending on your watercraft. Camping is also available for an additional camping fee. Santa Fe Lake is a great place for outdoor family fun. You can plan to spend the day on the hiking/biking trails, swim along their two sandy beaches, boat, fish or just have a nice picnic. While you're here you might want to check out these other great caches: Santa Fe Scrmabler..returns! by barondriver and Just Because Cache by elmoandco316.
This cache is not a "run out the door and grab" kind of deal and I encourage you to plan accordingly. Please visit Santa Fe Lake's website before heading out to see if there are any restrictions in place for lake access. During the mid-summer months of 2010, there was a toxic algae warning for the water, and swimming/wading was ill-advised. You will not be able to boat right to the treeline during times of low water. When I hid this cache, a 300 foot hike through shin deep Kansas lake clay was also required, which sucked my hiking shoes right off my feet. So again, go prepared.
Getting accurate coords for this cache were a bit spotty under the tree cover, but once you get to GZ look up. It will be obvious if you are in the right place.
You can blame Jonathan for this one. I was going to hide this last cache in my FNL Series as a 3/1 rating in honor of his number, but he said, "Heck, no! I want it to be a 5/5... and risk of death would be nice." So, here you go.
As always, please follow the geocachers' creed; particularly, "When seeking a cache, know your limitations and be aware of your surroundings. Don't attempt anything beyond your abilities."
