This cache MAY be AWOL. I'll have one of my locals check it out
when he gets time. At this time, I'm not ready to declare it lost,
but have had 2 no-finds recently. If you want to go up, go ahead,
it's beautiful anyway. This cache is placed on a mountain I've been
coming to for 40 years now. It has a spectacular view of the Upper
Rio Grande Valley, a Ghost Town (Spar City), and three ranges of
mountains to the west. It was fortunately spared the horror of
2002's fires, the nearest being in South Fork. You could definitely
see South Fork's smoke from here. It's one of my favorite spots on
planet earth, especially with me being a flatlander.
I have placed this cache with the approval of the local Ranger.
In fact, I hope to bring him up here to see what caches are, and
how they're hidden. It's in a National Forest, but not a National
Park or a Wilderness Area (I asked the Ranger). A local geocacher
(earthman0_0) and a local, but non-geocacher, have agreed to
maintain this cache for me since I only get a week a year to come
to this place.
Now to the business of the cache itself. Container is a
cammo-painted Coleman water jug. Initial contents are
survival-related items, in memory of all those hapless miners a
century ago who endured very harsh winters. Some of the items
include a multi-tool pocket knife/flashlight, a magnifying glass,
bungee cord, GPS food, a roll of electrical tape, a biner, a blaze
orange safety vest, and a frog toy. I also placed a TB here, Ghost
Town. Felt it was appropriate considering the ghost town down the
mountain, which is now private property. A moderately steep hike up
to the point is required, over rocks, so 3.5 rating on the
terrain.
This is a great spot for a picnic. If you're visiting Creede,
pack a lunch, nab the cache, and sit a while. Pictures will
definitely be welcomed from this spot. 4WD not mandatory to get
here, but highly suggested. If no 4WD, you'll have a good 20 minute
hike. Doing some map-checking before you drive up there will help
you find the right access to it. Should find parking within .15
mile of the cache. THIS IS NOT A DRIVE-UP AND GRAB-IT CACHE.
Please be sure not to leave ANY food or anything else that
attracts critters. Enjoy!
While you're in the area, check out Copper Creek Falls Survivor,
this cache's twin brother.