A Monument Idea

FYI there is a pass charge to get to this location, $7 so make a day out of it and go fishing! :) Monument Lake, a beautiful place for family fun and fishing.Also a little something for FTF! Beware of bears in the area! I replaced the cache with a box I made, so when you find it make sure you hide it well again. Check out the log for different coordinates if the main one doesn't lead you to it.

CONGRATS to BrowndogNM for FTF!!

This cache was a family idea after finding several around the area but none were at this beautiful lake, so the family got together and put this cache in action.

As quoted by BrowndogNM go into Ninja Mode here! High muggle area!

Monument Lake is named for a knobby rock formation that stood before today's lake existed and that rose 15 feet above the center of the lake after it was formed. This "monument" was later toppled by a fierce storm and now lies at the bottom of the lake. Legends about its origins—as well as the lake's—remain. Here are two:

Legend #1 At the time of the volcanoes, water disappeared from the mountains, and Native Americans were dying of thirst. Two chiefs, one from a southern tribe and one from a northern, went on a long journey to search for water. When they met, they hugged in friendship. Then, realizing that neither had found water, they wept, and their tears formed a lake at their feet.

Suddenly, one of the volcanoes blew smoke and lava into the air. The two chiefs, still hugging, were covered by lava and turned to stone. The lake remained, encircling the two chiefs who had caused the water to return forever for the people.

Legend #2 Years before the white man came to the lake, this natural basin contained three tiny pools that were named the Little Love Lakes by the Comanches and Utes who camped along the shoreline. The Great Spirit loved to come there at sunset and walk on the waters, blessing the valley and the snow-capped Spanish Peaks rising in the background.

When the two tribes began to fight, the Great Sprit became angry, caused the waters to dry up, alkali to seep in, and the fish to die. Then, having meted out this punishment, he sank into the middle pool. A large rock rose slowly, marking the exact spot.