Micke's Grove Park was a gift from the late Lodi farmer turned philanthropist William G. Micke. This 132-acre park remains one of the most popular attractions in San Joaquin County. Micke's Grove Zoo is one of the more popular attractions within the park. The Micke Grove Zoo is a small 5-acre zoo that opened in 1957. Other features in the park include a Japanese Tea garden, the San Joaquin Historical Museum, an amusement park, and picnic shelters.
William G. Micke was one of the most successful grape growers in central California. A native of Missouri, he was born on April 25, 1874, and raised on a farm until he was 21 years old. In 1895 he moved to Nebraska where he engaged in farming for two years. He then came to California, settling in the Florin area in Sacramento County. He worked as a ranch hand for a year, then rented the ranch and managed it for four years. It is here he received his first knowledge of grape culture. In 1902, he moved to Lodi and after a year was occupied by ranch work.
In 1903 Micke purchased the 56 acre Race Track Ranch with John Merrill. The ranch was located on Cherokee Lane and Lodi Avenue. Micke dedicated his half to Tokay grapes, while Mr. Merrill chose peaches. While his vines were growing, he bought small crops of fruit and grapes and shipped them through a local packing house. In 1908 he purchased Mr. Merrill's half of the partnership and erected a packing and shipping shed. In 1918 he bought another 25 acres to the south and in 1919 bought 24 more acres to the north, making a total of 105 acres. He shipped his products under the “Race Track Brand,” which had become a very popular brand in the eastern markets. In 1920, Micke shipped 100 carloads from his packing house. That same year, Micke purchased the Simpson Grain Ranch. The Simpson Grain Ranch was two and a half miles south of Lodi. The ranch was 465 acres, eventually becoming what is now Micke's Grove Golf Course and Micke's Grove Park.
The cache can be found at: N 38° 05.CFA W 121° 16.DBE
A: From the posted coordinatess, you should be able to see a blue bench a short distance away. There is a name on this bench. How many letters in this name?
B: After looking at the bench, head over to the tractor museum. Nearby you will find a picnic area on the southwest side. How many letters are in the name of the picnic shelter?
C: Find the entrance to the historical museum. How much is the society member entry fee?
D: At waypoint N 38 04.819 W 121 16.171 is a small grove of trees. How many large oak trees are in the small grove?
E: Head over to N 38 04.741 W 121 16.313. Be wary of wild beasts in this area. How many lions do you see?
F: Over near the northwest staff entrance of the zoo, there is a sign mentioning Ms. Hunter. How many letters in her first name?
Checksum for the unknown numbers: 22
Now you should have all you need to go find the cache. Now go find it and have fun!