beerslayer2000: I visited the site again a couple of weeks ago and searched in several locations I didn't really search all that thoroughly the previous time I was here. Then I searched the whole surrounding area yet again. Still nothing.
I don't know whether this tree will survive here or not, but the cache is almost certainly gone and I haven't the gumption to replace it when it could just disappear with the tree in a month or two. So I am reluctantly choosing to archive it without replacement since this isn't the greatest location for a cache anyway (no parking).
This cache has had a good run, and not too many caches have ever received a favorite point from their owner! Thanks to all who found or attempted to find this cache over the years!