This geocache is located at one of several water bridges that are part of the Juana Diaz irrigation canal system. Water bridges are ancient structures that originally were used in the Roman aqueduct system to cross water along low areas. The concept is still used today for water supply and irrigation purposes. The water bridge at GZ was built in 1923 and is identified as J.D. #18. Look carefully to the side walls at both ends of the bridge and you will see the date when the bridge was built and its ID number engraved in the concrete. Most water bridges in the Juana Díaz irrigation canal system are identified in the same way. The construction of the Juana Diaz irrigation canal system took place during the 1910-1930s. The system is still active and operational.
This geocache was placed with mountain bikers and hikers in mind. It cannot be reached by car. To start your search, choose one of three trailheads to the service dirt road that goes along the irrigation canal system that can take you to GZ (areas to park are available near the three trail heads):
- Trailhead 1 - Located at Road PR-535 in the Rio Cañas community. Roundtrip distance to GZ from this point is approximately 4.2 miles. [To access Road PR-535 by car from Highway PR-52, take the exit to Juana Díaz, take Road PR-584 going east (this is the road that runs in front (south) of Juana Diaz Shopping Center and the Cooper Vision facilities), take Road PR-510 going north, and then take Road PR-14 going east until you find the intersection with Road PR-535 going south. You can also access Road PR-535 from Road PR-1 that borders the south coast of the municipality of Juana Díaz].
- Trailhead 2 - Located at Road PR-510 near the Juana Diaz municipal athletic field track. Roundtrip distance to GZ from this point is approximately 4.0 miles. [To access Road PR-510 by car from Highway PR-52, take the exit to Juana Díaz, take Road PR-584 going east (this is the road that runs in front (south) of Juana Diaz Shopping Center and the Cooper Vision facilities), which will take you to Road PR-510 going north].
- Trailhead 3 - Located near the Rosa María Zambrana public school in the Lomas de Santa Marta community. Roundtrip distance to GZ from this point is approximately 3.0 miles. [The easiest way to access this point is from Highway PR-52, take the exit to Juana Díaz, take Road PR-584 going east (this is the road that runs in front (south) of Juana Diaz Shopping Center and the Cooper Vision facilities), take Road PR-510 going south, pass under the Highway PR-52 bridge, keep going until PR-510 makes a T-intersection with a municipal road (you will see an irrigation pond to your right), make a left at this intersection, and keep going straight until you find the school].
You will be going through a very scenic route with fantastic views of the south coast agricultural valleys, Caja de Muertos, Cayo Berbería, and the Caribbean Sea. Please use your GPS, Google Earth, Google Maps, topographic maps, or any other mapping system or device to research the route and area before you start your search. The dirt road that goes along the irrigation canal branches out and intersects with other dirt roads in the area - doing some basic research will keep you on the right track. The route runs across mostly level terrain with a few moderate slope areas. You will pass through or around some gates that are usually kept closed to prevent vehicular traffic through the dirt road system. The area is used regularly by walkers, joggers and mountain bikers. You should bring your own pen or pencil to sign the log. Please do not post photos of the container. Also, return and hide the container in the same location where you found it. Enjoy the trip!