Prompted by the discovery of gold in California, the U.S. Congress
ordered surveys of four potential railroad routes from coast to
coast. In 1853, the 35th Parallel Railroad Survey, led by
Lieutenant Amiel Weeks Whipple, began in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. The
Whipple Expedition followed the approximate path of what would
later become U.S. Route 66 and Interstate 40. The wagon train
started out with 240 mules, a flock of sheep and about seventy men,
including several scientists.
West of Anton Chico, Whipple and a few other men detoured north,
and on September 29, 1853, they stood on the bluffs above the Pecos
River and the little village of La Cuesta (later renamed
Villanueva). One of the party drew a picture of the view, which you
can see at La Cuesta
on the Pecos. When you go to this cache, you'll be following in
the steps of the Expedition.
This cache is designed to be easy to find as a reward for
conquering the 300-foot elevation gain from Villanueva State Park
($5 day-use fee). You might also want to look for
Pecos Panorama cache while you're up there. Follow the nearby
dirt "road" rather than bushwhack to this cache. The cache itself
sits about twenty feet from the road, under some rocks.
NOTE! You can also access this cache from the El Cerrito
road - County Road B28A (no fee). You'll see a locked green gate on
the north just about where you are closest to the cache. The fence
and gate are just to discourage folks from hanging out drinking and
tossing bottles around - it's perfectly legal for you to be there,
but you'll need to walk from the gate.
10/22/06: The "road" (goat track!) from the gate to cache has
washed out quite a bit, and you might have to take a few
detours.
If you find this cache from the south, you can continue on the
same "road" to find Pecos Panorama cache and the excellent overlook
above the river.
You're looking for a medium-size ammo can. Initial contents
include jacks, reflective stickers, moist wipes, two balls, silly
putty, three shiny necklaces,a light-up pen, a finger puzzle,
logbook and pen.
If you want to experience the view as Whipple saw it, look into
the valley from the picnic shelters at the west edge of the mesa,
near Pecos Panorama cache.