The cache is not at the posted coordinates. Please read below to solve for the correct location.
This is part of an ongoing project started by Tom.dog to place "a cache in every quad" - the 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle maps made by the U.S. Geological Survey during the 20th Century. He has focused his early caches in the series on quads within Wyoming, and has encouraged Denali41 to place caches in 7.5-minute quadrangles within Colorado. These particular maps have captured both of our interests for many years and have inspired our exploration of the far-and-near reaches of the mountains, canyons, and plains of the American West. It is worth noting that Tom.dog has no realistic intention of hiding a cache within the boundary of every quad map, even with assistance! With over 55,000 such maps covering the Lower 48 alone, many of which contain no publicly accessible land, it's highly unlikely that a cache can be hidden in every quad (not to mention that life is probably too short to visit the lands illustrated in each map). Fundamentally, the objective of this project is to broaden exploration of the country in areas both familiar and unknown and to inspire fellow geocachers to do the same.
A fairly simple puzzle is provided for each cache in this project. Aside from geocaching, a favorite hobby of Tom.dog and Denali41 over the years has been survey mark documentation. The puzzles are a derivative of this interest and aren't intended to be difficult, assuming that the solver has an awareness of publicly available survey mark records. We will only be referencing survey marks with adjusted coordinates - assume that the coordinates provided in the public records are spot-on due to their adjusted nature. Please also note that we are using the NAD83 position given for these survey marks to develop the puzzles, thereby making the technically false (but not egregiously incorrect) assumption that NAD83 is identical to the WGS84 datum that we use for Geocaching. There is no need to adjust anything because of our use of NAD83, nor is it necessary to physically visit any survey mark to solve the puzzle.
Loveland
Good-sized lakes and many smaller water bodies, all fed by irrigation water from mountain snow melt capture, are prominent features of this Quadrangle, but the principal map theme is the expansive residential and commercial areas that now cover most of the area. Loveland and Fort Collins have done effective joint land-use planning to maintain distinct city boundaries by establishing expansive open space areas between their respective city limits. These provide fine, diverse habitats for mammals and birds as well as a significant system of paved and gravel walking/jogging and biking trails for recreational use. The Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport and its surroundings provide further “open space” for wildlife. But the majority of the quadrangle is now covered by dense residential and commercial developments.
The cache is located south of a major biking/walking trail that is bounded on its north side by a natural area. Look for it on the uphill side of an unusual, small cottonwood tree that has Russian Olive saplings growing up through the cottonwood’s base. Be prepared to push your way through a dense patch of Canada thistles as you make your way to th cache site. Ugh.
Puzzle:
LL1314
North: -0.337
West: -0.744
Coordinate check:
NXX XX.XX4 WXXX XX.XX2