This cache is part of a series I am working on about the trees in Camp Claiborne which is part of Kisatchie National Forest. I am a Tree Nerd. I am sure people get tired of me turning around and going back just to look at an unusual tree I had just seen out of the corner of my eye. Some may grow strange/in an awkward shape. Some may have weathered storms, parasites, fires, etc but refuse to die. Some may be just a mighty majestic tree that has stories that I would love to hear but will probably never know. I LOVE nature but I really really love trees. Their beauty, their smells, their resilience….
I received a message the other day from a fellow geocacher and friend saying she had seen where I was putting out caches on trees and I should put one at The "Moon Tree". She had one there at one time but archived it due to health reasons. This geocacher has helped me in the geocaching world in so many different ways. From sharing contacts with me to always putting up with my endless questions to actually meeting up with me at one of her caches just to say hi. I am dedicating this cache to her. She actually introduced me to The "Moon Tree" before she had her cache out. When I went to visit this tree for the first time I had my youngest daughter and husband with me and not only was I blown away by the history of this tree but the wild horses were there and that was the first time I had ever seen them. It made for a special evening. The second time I took my grandson to see it. He loved it too. I owe the knowledge of this tree to my friend because I had no idea it existed until she told me.
Sequoia_2 this cache is for you!
When I went to put this cache out I was highly disappointed that the sign was gone. It has been reported and will be replaced. I will tell the history of this special tree though here so when you look upon this tree you will know just how special it is and how it got its name. This is what the sign said when I went to see the tree the first time....and second...and third....
Moon Tree
Planted in April 1976.
The "Moon Tree" is a Loblolly Pine grown from a seed that in January 1971 was carried to the Moon and brought back to Earth by Major Stuart Roosa, command module pilot for Apollo XIV and a former U.S. Forest Service smoke jumper. Roosa's effort to honor the Forest Service stands today as a living tribute.
This seed was one of many taken aboard Apollo to study the effects of prolonged weightlessness on seed germinaton and seedling growth. The Loblolly Pine tree to the right of the Moon Tree was planted from a seed from the same cone but not sent to the moon.
HOW COOL IS THAT HUH?
This should be an easy park and grab but I hope you take a few minutes to enjoy the majesty of the trees and notice the difference between the one that was grown from the seed that went to the moon verses the one grown from the same cone but never left Earth.
Anytime you are in Kisatchie or Camp Claiborne, Beware of hunters or others just hanging out in this area. If you go during hunting season wear bright colors (Orange or Bright Pink) so you can be visible. As always when in nature, watch for Snakes or other wild animals and this is Louisiana, so bring you some mosquito repellant.
Keep in mind that the roads through Camp Claiborne and Kisatchie are either very old concrete roads or Gravel Forestry Roads. They have the potential to be either wet and muddy or dry and dusty or heavily overgrown. Some are drivable and some are walk in only.
Please, if you do not find this cache or any of my caches do not replace it. Let me know and I will check on it immediately.
CONGRATS TO CREWSVM ....FTF!!