This series of geocaches are located in Hotchkiss, Colorado. The posted coordinates will take you to a mine timber planter (MTP) located in the historic downtown of Hotchkiss. You will use the mine timber planter itself and/or the surrounding area to solve a puzzle. The correct solution of that puzzle will take you to the second location where the actual log is hidden.
NOTE: THE ACTUAL CACHE IS NOT HIDDEN AT THE POSTED COORDINATES
The mine timber planters are part of a larger downtown development project intended to beautify the small town of Hotchkiss. The goal is that planters will add a nice splash of color and beauty that locals and visitors alike will find appealing. Here is a brief history of the planters:
The incredibly large planters were added during the second summer of the project (2013). The wood from the planters is the same type of timbers that are used in the local coal mines. Known underground as ‘cribbing,’ the timbers are used to support the roof underground. The timbers were sawn at the local saw mill and are held together by roof bolts donated by West Elk Mine. Like the timbers, the roof bolts are also used to support the roof underground. The planters were constructed by the Hotchkiss FFA and shop students. The third summer of the project (2014) saw the addition of artwork to some of the planters by local artists. During the winter the planters sit empty, but once the warm spring weather descends, the planters are filled with beautiful flowers and even a few vegetable plants by volunteers and business owners.
Use the marquee located next to the MTP to solve the following puzzle:
For the North coordinate:
If the mascot depicted on the marquee is a member of the canine family, then the coordinates to the second location are N 38˚ 47.523.
If the mascot depicted on the marquee is a member of the feline family, then the coordinates to the second location are N 38˚ 47.986.
For the West coordinate:
Use the first word in the title of the marquee to fill in the following key:
X X X X X X X X X
1 2 3 4 1 5 6 7 7
Then, use the digit code for each letter to fill in the numbers needed to solve the following puzzle which will give you the coordinates to the second location:
W H0S˚ CH. IOK
CAUTION: There may be high vehicle and muggle traffic at the second location depending on the time of day. During the day and evenings/weekends are optimal.
Happy Hunting!
Congrats to Team kekj on the FTF!