This geocache was placed with mountain bikers and hikers in mind. Note that it cannot be reached by car. The search for the cache will take you through what is probably the most scenic route along the Juana Díaz irrigation canal system. You will see various components of the irrigation system including the irrigation canal itself, water bridge structures, siphons, water drops, and fantastic views of the south coast agricultural valleys, Caja de Muertos, Cayo Berbería, and the Caribbean Sea. The construction of the Juana Diaz irrigation canal system took place during the 1910-1930s. The system is still active and operational.
The bridge (J.D.F. #14) was built on 1924. You can see both the name of the bridge and the date it was built engraved on both ends of the bridge. Once you reach the geocache area, wander and explore around both sides of the bridge and the wooded areas and you will find some of the water diversion structures that were built along creeks, rivers, and other natural features intersecting the Juana Diaz canal system.
There are many trailheads and routes that you can use to start your hunt for the cache, some of which require strong local knowledge of the area. The trailhead included here is probably the most straightforward and easy to follow route for people that is not familiar with the area. There are several spots in the vicinity of the trailhead where you can park your vehicle. Once you reach the trailhead, pretty much all you have to do is follow the dirt road that goes along the irrigation canal. Just follow the path along the canal and you will get to GZ. The following is a description of the trailhead:
- Trailhead 1 - Located at Road PR-535 in the Rio Cañas community, right at the entrance of a paved municipal road that leads to Algarrobo Sector. The paved municipal road eventually turns into the dirt road that goes along the irrigation canal. Roundtrip distance to GZ from this point is approximately 5.54 miles (8.76 kms). [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 the 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].
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. There is a relatively steep area right at the subject "1924" water bridge. 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.
The price for the FTF is a Travel Bug that has not been activated. The original contents of the cache also includes various books, geocoins, a foreign coin, bracelets, a wine bottle opener carabiner, and stickers, among other goodies and toys. A Rite-In-The-Rain log, a pen and a pencil are also included. Also, return and hide the container in the same location where you found it. Enjoy the trip!