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From Grapevines to Water & Beyond ~ Morgan Hill Wherigo Cache

This cache has been archived.

Hemlock: Since the cache owner has not responded to the previous note, I'm archiving this cache to clear it off the map.

When/if this cache is replaced, please email me at hemlock@geocachingadmin.com and if it is still within the guidelines for cache placement and publishing, I'll be happy to unarchive it.

Hemlock
Volunteer Geocache Reviewer

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Hidden : 7/16/2014
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

The first stages of this Wherigo involve a short walking tour. It is intended to be a simple process in a quiet, peaceful, important historical location in Morgan Hill.

Wherigo Player required. Use link on associated webpage to download player and cartridge WG7HK for this cache. The local zip code is 95037 if you use that search option.

Access is during daylight hours when the parking lot gates are open. The Final may be accessed at any time.


Solve for final coordinates : N 37 0m.nop W 121 3z.yxw
Further instructions on the "action" tabs of the various stages.


All zones (stages) are in public areas, outside of all buildings. You will harvest numbers at each stop, ten numbers in all (A thru J). Compile those numbers to calculate the coordinates for Ground Zero.

The Final cache location is completely off-site, more than 500 feet away from the starting location. At this time there is no "zone" associated with the final Ground Zero. Your solved coordinates will guide you to the cache location.

It is my hope to bring you more caches that lead you on a tour of the Morgan Hill area. It is an area rich in history, and even more valuable as a major agricultural producing area of California.

This first in the series introduces you to the earliest of Morgan Hill families that established vineyards. After over 100 years this acreage is still in grape production, under the ownership of descendants of the original growers. Every year there are more small vineyards being tucked into neighborhoods and on hillsides to take advantage of the optimum growing conditions.

Summarized History of Morgan Hill

Early Years - lush Santa Clara Valley inhabited by peaceful tribes of Native Americans for more than 6000 years

1778 - Morgan Hill included in one of the most substantial Spanish land grants

1845 - 9,000 acre Rancho Ojo de Agua de la Coche acquired by Martin Murphy Sr

By 1870 Martin's children managed to acquire more than 70,000 acres.

1884 - Diana (Murphy) & Hiram Morgan Hill built estate between railroad and Monterey Road

1898 - railroad station built, called "Huntington"; many visitors requested the train stop at "Morgan Hill's Ranch", which later became the name of the train stop and the local community

1906 - town of Morgan Hill incorporated; from 1896 to 1909 population rose from 250 to 1000 residents. The Mediterranean climate and fertile "Valley of Heart's Delight" attracted European immigrants whose roots were in agricultural production. A large number of Italians settled in the Morgan Hill area, introducing grapes and other crops that thrived in this ideal environment.

By 1920s, Morgan Hill was known for its agricultural products including prunes, apricots, peaches, pears, apples, walnuts, and almonds. The region boasted prosperous vineyards until Prohibition demanded that production temporarily cease.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)