Danish Fest 17.5: Blue Spruce Traditional Cache

This is a traditional cache hidden in a traditional manner. I recommend parking at the museum and walking the trail to get to this one.

Blue spruce is a native of the Rocky Mountains and is a favorite ornamental due to the bluish cast on the needles. They are often farmed for Christmas trees in the region. The needles are a little longer than most spruces, sometimes over an inch long.  They are also stiffer and more painful to handle than other spruces.  The cones are light-colored and may grow to 3 inches long.  Mature trees may reach 70-80 feet in height and take on a scruffy appearance.   Trees are quite prone to attacks from gall aphids, which is usually just a visual problem and not life-threatening.