Got Milk? Friesian Traditional Cache

Cows have been with us since the early Neolithic period, occupying an important role in our development as a society and culture. This is in tribute to that ubiquitous bovine that has made such an important contribution to the history of the wild, wild, west, including some of histories more famous mavericks .

All caches are along the frontage road and are not accessed from the freeway.

The exact origins of the Friesian breed is difficult to determine. In the 18th century, herds of small black-and-white cattle were brought into northern Holland and Friesland from northern Denmark to replace animals that had fallen victim to disease and flooding. These animals were crossed with the existing Dutch cattle and formed the basis of the Friesian.

Production levels of this breed declined during the 1950's. During the 1970's Holsteins were imported from the United States and used to improved the milk production in Friesian cattle. This resulted in larger animals with more pronounced dairy characteristics. The mixing of these two breeds is such that now many Friesians are 25% to 75% Holstein. As a result, the two breeds tend to resemble each other.

The idea of this series is a community project honoring the Bos among us.

As you drive the road, please feel free to place your own tribute cache to that great animal- the cow.