The Ruined Palace of Jupiter
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A two part multicache, based upon a fable of Aesop. The posted coordinates lead only to stage one of your hunt - NOT directly to the final cache itself. Coordinates for the final cache will be revealed at stage one.
The Ruined Palace of Jupiter
Jupiter, King of the gods, built a beautiful new palace by the edge of the sea. When it was finished, he invited all the creatures of the earth to attend an inaugural celebration in his new abode, announcing that a most esteemed prize - special words of wisdom from Jupiter himself - would be awarded to the animals at the conclusion of the festivities.
The various animals were greatly excited by this news, and when the day of the celebrations arrived, all put aside their differences, and travelled to the palace to enjoy the feasting and dancing. Soon, the guests were involved in lively conversations, as each creature explained why they should be especially singled out to receive Jupiter's gift of wisdom.
'Surely, the great beauty of my plumage will inspire Jupiter to impart his gift to me,' purported the peacock.
'Nay,' answered the whale, 'my great size will assure the favor of the god.'
'As King of the beasts, I am certain Jupiter will be confiding his secrets with me,' roared the lion.
Only the most humble of beasts, the tiny insects, made no boastful claims to Jupiter's gift.
As the party continued and the food and drink flowed ever more freely, tempers rose, and a great fight broke out among the beasts. In moments, chairs and tables were overturned, windows were broken, and the beautiful palace fell into shambles. Suddenly, a mighty thunderclap sounded, and a flash of lightning announced the wrath of the King of the gods himself. As the clouds of brimstone cleared to reveal Jupiter, the animals stood trembling before the mighty god.
'Behold what your foolish pride has done to my wonderful new palace!' he thundered. 'You have ruined it, and now, it is completely destroyed! Although my treasured Wisdom was intended for all animals, it will now be entrusted to the insects alone, for they were the only ones who did not boast, or take part in your strife. I've hidden my Secret away in a safe place, where the insects will guard it.'
With that, he banished the proud and ungrateful beasts from the ruins of the palace, and they departed in shame.
Moral - Pride and selfishness lead to strife and ruin, humility to honor and wisdom.
To find the cache of Jupiter's Ruined Palace, begin by parking on the street at N 42° 11.034 ~ W 87° 47.190. Although there is a parking lot immediately adjacent to this cache, that lot is reserved for residents of Highland Park only... anyone else will be ticketed!
However, it's a pleasant stroll from the suggested parking (N 42° 11.034 ~ W 87° 47.190) to the park entrance at N 42° 10.964 ~ W 87° 47.037, and then to the coordinates for the first stage of Jupiter's Palace (listed at top of this cache description). While visiting, take a moment to view the remains of the Palace, although only piles of broken stone and battered iron girders are still visible.
Once you've taken in the ruins, use the above posted coordinates to pinpoint the first stage cache marker. That marker will give you coordinates for the final cache, which is a small container just large enough for logbook, pencil, and a few very small items. Be sure to take a clue from the final cache container if you intend to find all five caches in the Aesop's series.
HISTORICAL NOTE: When this hide was installed in 2003, the ancient Palace walls were still standing, and Finding this cache required an onsite interpretation of a riddle (in addition to a careful search). Long years have passed since then, and eventually, even the old Palace walls were demolished (in 2014). Today, only the foundations of Jupiter's Palace are still visible, and although this cache remains to remember its former glory, the hunt itself had to be revised to reflect the changed geography of this historic site.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)