Mine Timber Planter #5
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 area around the MTP to solve the following puzzle:
For the North coordinate:
If the area behind (to the South) the MTP is a vacant lot then the coordinates to the second location are N 38˚ 47.986.
If the area behind (to the South) the MTP is part of the next door business then the coordinates to the second location are N 38˚ 49.693.
For the West coordinate:
If the MTP is located on Highway 92 then the coordinates for the second location are W 107˚ 42.399.
If the MTP is located on Highway 133 then the coordinates for the second location are W 107˚ 46.130.
Driving Directions
I have included these driving directions for convenience only. The cache could most likely be found by using these directions, but please play along by visiting the first location and solving the puzzle. From the posted coordinates, travel East on Bridge Street .2 miles to 4th Street. Turn left on 4th Street and travel .2 miles to Hanson Mesa Road. Veer onto Hanson Mesa Road and travel 1 mile to Powell Mesa Road. Turn left on Powell Mesa Road and follow it to the secondary location (follow your GPS once on Powell Mesa Road). The secondary location is approximately 2.4 driving miles from the first location.
Happy Hunting!
Congrats to Team kekj on the FTF!