Keesling's Shade Trees Traditional Cache
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Size: 
(micro)
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Almost a park and grab but as there is no legal parking near GZ a short hike is necessary. Fortunately, a crosswalk has been provided so you can safely walk across the highway from the suggested parking area. The cache might be accessible for some wheelchair cachers but some cross-country travel is required.
Have you ever noticed the trees lining Monterey Road from San Jose to Gilroy? These black walnut trees were planted in the early years of the 20th century by Horace Keesling to provide shade to travelers. Originally they were planted along both sides of the then two-lane road, but in this area they are now on just the west side of the expanded highway. It is incredible that they are still here after 100 years! There is a very good article about The Keesling Trees in "The Journal of the California Pioneers of Santa Clara Valley". (Note: as of December 2017 the newsletter is no longer online. Until it returns I can send you a PDF, just let me know your email address and I will send it your way.)
E Clampus Vitus placed a plaque about the trees on Monterey Road near Capitol Expressway in San Jose, but it is now difficult to access as you cannot stop by the side of the road; you can read the inscription online or in the photo gallery. (I first learned about the history of these trees from the ECV plaque.) Just north of GZ is California Historical Marker 339, though why this particular spot merits a plaque about the New Almaden quicksilver mine is not clear.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Nynf, vg vf abg va gur uvfgbevp gerr.
Treasures
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