Note:February 16, 2022 - I have had problems keeping this box from going missing at the Memorial. So, I have found a new spot not too far from the Memorial and hopefully it will last a bit longer.
June 7, 2016 - Finally got out to Angel Fire to replant this box. New clues below.
Information:Vietnam Veterans Memorial State ParkVietnam Veterans Memorial State Park became New Mexico’s 33rd State Park, on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2005.
The Memorial was established in 1968 by Victor and Jeanne Westphall to honor their son, Lt. David Westphall, who was killed in Vietnam in May 1968. When it opened in 1971, it was one of the first Memorials of its kind in the United States dedicated to Vietnam Veterans. Until recently, it was funded and maintained by the David Westphall Veterans Foundation. The Memorial was formally transferred to New Mexico State Parks in 2005, making it the State's 33rd park. Now it is the only state park in the U.S. dedicated solely as a Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial provides veterans, and those who honor them, a refuge in which to reflect and heal. A representative from the Department of Veterans Affairs is present to offer assistance to veterans who require or request it. The 6,000 square foot visitor center/museum houses exhibits, videos and memorabilia. Veterans can use on-site computers to locate friends or loved ones. Tours are available, with advance notice by calling ahead, for schools and other groups wishing to learn more.
Visitation
Since its inception in 1971, it is estimated that there have been more than 2.5 million visitors. In fact, there are between 70,000 and 80,000 visitors each year.
Directions:The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located off Hwy 64 just north of Angel Fire, NM. But the box is located at the Elliot Barker Trail. From Taos – Follow US Highway 64 approximately 19 miles east over Palo Flechado Pass. The trailhead is on the right at the bottom of the hill as you exit the final horseshoe turn. Parking is available at the trailhead. From the Vietnam Veterans Memorial - leaving the Memorial, turn right on to US Highway 64 and drive 2.3 miles to the trailhead.
Clue:From the parking area go through the gate and follow the trail straight ahead. Continue until you reach a wooden fence. Continue on through the opening in the fence for 25 steps. You should see two trees growing right next to each other (or maybe it is a two trunk tree) on the right. Look uphill for a pointy stump about 32 steps away. Box is hidden in front of the stump, slightly to the left side under a root, covered with rocks.
Hike Length: 0.25 miles
Elevation Gain: 0 feet
Special Note:
Alphabetical New Mexico Series AwardsI have placed 26 letterboxes around the state of New Mexico relating people, places, things, and events to the letters of the alphabet. On the suggestion of Desert Flower I have created a three-tier awards program.
Level 1 – Pinon Award To receive this award you need to find 8 of the 26 boxes in the series.
Level 2 – Roadrunner Award To receive this award you need to find 16 of the 26 boxes in the series.
Level 3 – Zia Award To receive this award you need to find all 26 boxes in the series.
Each time you reach a level you will receive an 8½ “ x 11” certificate, so that means if you find all 26 boxes you will have three certificates.
In order to qualify for the certificate you have to log your finds on Atlas Quest. This is how I am monitoring how many boxes you found and when they were found. If you don’t log your boxes on Atlas Quest you can make a copy of the stamps for the boxes you found and the date you found them and mail those copies and dates to me, or you can scan them into your computer and then email them to me with the dates you found each box. I need both the image and the date to count it as found. Again, this is only if you don’t log your finds on Atlas Quest.
Below is a link to all the boxes on Atlas Quest.
Alphabetical New Mexico SeriesAnd here is a list and a map to help you on your quest to find all 26 boxes.
Alphabetical New Mexico ListAlphabetical New Mexico Map
