Kids' Cache Traditional Cache

Update 10/18/04: Someone trashed this cache around the same time that we (PartnersInCrime) adopted it, so we took it offline for a spell in case the person responsible came back again. This cache is now a multi-cache. We didn't want to put a cache in the same spot, should said muggle return, as it appears that they have. Since the main point to this cache is the spot you are taken to, we put a redirector somewhere at the old location just not the exact same spot, with the final cache down the tracks a ways.

The Kids Cache coords still take you to the same place with a slight modification added ONLY to make it harder to muggle. So...same cache, no new smileys.

Since it's Halloween time, this cache (at least until November) is a Halloween cache for the kiddies!!! It's loaded with creepy crawly toys and other cool Halloween swag, so act fast. After November, we'll probably replace the contents with the usual kiddie swag. ENJOY!!! Now, back to stellalunag's original cache description........

I've had my eye on this particular location for quite some time, seeing as I can stand in my yard and and almost see the cache site. I wondered if it was public property, but I didn't know how to find out. Today, quite by accident, I chanced into one of my neighbors who told me the saga of this place.

It seems that my neighbor, Roger, got very sick of seeing this vacant lot overrun with weeds and trash. This lot features an historical pumphouse once used by the city water supply, dating back to the 1920s. The stonework on this building is really lovely. Take a look while you are there. Roger called up the city and tried to find out who owned the property.

It turns out the city owns the property, but the city was loathe to admit it. If they did, it meant they would have to go out and maintain the property. Roger tried to convince them to send out some crews to take care of it, but they wouldn't. He took matters into his own hands and spent years mowing the lot and nursing up pecan and cypress trees on this creekside lot.

Finally, after the lot starting looking nice, the city came in and started taking care of it. They realized what hard work this was, and tried to palm the lot off on the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), but SAWS wouldn't claim it. The city then tried to foist this lot off on the neighborhood association, but the neighborhood association's response was, "Hey, why should we pay for the use of something that we can use for free now?"

So, as it stands, this lot is still owned, grudgingly, by the City of San Antonio, who comes and mows down Roger's efforts at nursing up little saplings and ornamental plants every chance they get. In the meantime, there are some pecans and cypress, yaupon, and other trees thriving here. There are also stray beer cans and there is some gang-related graffiti on the side of this beautiful old building. Sad, really. CITO, please. Let's pitch in and help Roger take care of what the city does only a nominal job of doing. After all, this little lot does belong to all of us.

Too bad they don't just break down and make a park of it. As we've seen of late, the city will make a park of anything. . .no matter how small!

Original contents include: crayons, car-shaped flashlight, pez dispenser, yo-yo, train whistle (after all, the train is very nearby), GameBoy game, gel pen, cool bookmark, inspirational card. Please leave the silica pack.

Stick to the theme and make an effort to trade nifty toys and fun things into the cache so that when folks do bring their children or young friends geocaching, there are real goodies in there for them to find. That doesn't mean you can't take something for yourself. This cache is also for the kid in all of us!

Please cover cache thoroughly. As I said, it looks like this site gets used as a hangout by neighborhood drinkers and teens.

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