At the ancient Mesoamerican site of Izapa a large stone carving was discovered known as Stela 5, or the Tree of Life Stone. Researchers have counted "at least 12" human figures, a dozen animals, over 25 botanical or inanimate objects, and 9 stylized deity masks. The subject matter of Stela 5 is considered mythological and religious in nature. Given the multiple overlapping scenes, it appears to be a narrative. (Wikipedia)
A picture of the Tree of Life stone is included in the cache. This cache is in homage to the wonderful "Maya Silver" cache series nearby. My First Find was Maya Silver Encounter, and I was captured by the rich story line, the hunt for the series, and the final cryptographic puzzle. Enjoy speculating on what narrative is depicted on the stone.
The fenced-in area near the cache contains a spring that is a source of the Agua Caliente Creek from which I surmise the Warm Springs Township derived its name. This spring is said to never run dry even in the most severe droughts. In the early 1990’s there was a prolonged drought in the area. Under the direction of the resident park ranger, my son did his Boy Scout Eagle project here, which was building a cement box with a wooden lid on it to protect the spring from contamination and provide a reliable source of potable water even in drought conditions. The fence and the pipes came later and were not part of the Eagle project. The intent was that the water would eventually be made available to hikers. I don’t know why that never happened.
Below GZ is a sheltered "hollow" where I once observed a cow with her new-born calf that was just minutes old.
Whether it is the life-giving waters of the spring that never runs dry, or the miracle of the advent of new life, the Tree of Life seems appropriate for this cache.
There is a FTF Geocoin in the original contents. Go get'm!
Congratulations to BWCABrice on FTF and first FTF as well!