Since this cache is called Spooner's Mesa it's sole purpose for existing is to collect random spoons that have found their way into your kitchen! :~) Anyone who knows of the Iron Chef knows that my signature item is my UCSC engraved Spoon of Great Justice. I have a special place in my heart for that universal utinsel which we call the Spoon. And if your home is anything like mine then there are random spoons in your silverwear drawer. What's more puzzeling is that most people don't even know how the spoons get there.I like to believe that they materialize out of thin air just to puzzle us and make our mothers think that we steal other people's silverwear. But anyways... this is a chance to get rid of some of those unwanted ugly spoons that don't quite fit the look that you want your silverwear to sport. So, come on down to the border and place them in my cache. If you want to, put a piece of tape around it and put your name on the spoon. :~)
Down by the border, down Monument way. The Border Lands.
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What was once a productive farm sitting right on the US-Mexican border has now become a desolate mesa from which US Border Patrol agents continually keep watch over the international border. This farm several years ago came into federal posession as they needed it to build access roads to the mesa for their patrol vehicles.
To the east of the mesa is Smugglers' Gulch where undocumented aliens used to be sheparded through on a regular basis. Although this was a crossing point for many people, they were often forced to carry drugs and other illicit material across the border and into the US by the guides who often left the immigrants at the first sign of trouble. These days the canyon is quiet except for the sound of Border Patrol SUVs or the quiet hum of generators at night when the border is lit up like a football field during a game. To the west you can find reminants of old World War II fox holes where the military kept an eye on the boarder since they were fearful of a Japanese attack from Mexico (at the time there was a large Japanese population there). Although no attack from our southernly neighbors ever came, the fox holes remained and a few can be explored on the western end of the mesa.
It is possible to drive up near the cache, but it also makes for a nice walk if you choose to park on the only nearby street. Do not access the cache from Smugglers Canyon as it is thick with border patrol agents. Go past the canyon and over a concrete piece of road that looks like it gets washed out frequently to find the access point. There is a sign that says no tresspassing, but that is a relic from a time long past when the land was private property. Be assured that it is ok to pass this point and continue on to the cache.
Once you get to the area it is just a short walk to find the cache in it's convient hiding place. :~) It's actually really obvious where it is, just make sure to hide the cache better than you found it when it comes time to replace it.
Also, don't be surprised if you see a car or two with some couples ''spooning'' themselves as this is sometimes a makeout spot because of it's relative remoteness and nice vista. ;~)
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The cache is safe for children, but they should be supervised because the area can be dangerous. Mountain Bikes and Dogs are allowed! Cache is night-time accessible, but not suggested due to it's proximity to the border. Be alert to US Border Patrol agents and rehide the cache better than you found it. 3D Differential (WAAS) EPE was 10.5 feet with a Garmin GPS V. ICG waypoint ID G-NX-132.
The most southwesterly geocache in the continential United States.
Original Coordinates: N 32*32.468' W 117*05.765'