The Ascent of Beacon Tower
This is a puzzle cache. The cache itself is not at the posted coordinates, but you will find the necessary clue to solve the puzzle there.
There's always room for one more on Mt. Wire!
I have had the pleasure of hiking to the summit of Mt. Wire (aka Big Beacon) many times a year for the last 47 years. Until more recent times, I would climb the beacon tower at the summit and think nothing of it. However, about 5 years ago, I lost my confidence and would chicken out halfway up or so. This cache is a personal challenge to once again make the tower ascent.
The posted coordinates for this cache will get you to Beacon Tower. It is then up to you to climb the ladder to the top of the tower and retrieve the needed clue to obtain the coordinates of the geocache itself.
Plan to park on Colorow Road in Research Park at the included Parking Waypoint. This is the most popular route to the summit. It will also allow you to grab the cache on the way back down after solving the puzzle at the top of the tower.
Here's how to get the coordinates of the cache:
-
Climb the ladder and stand on the platform at the top.
-
Locate the raised structure in the center of the platform.
-
Identify the 3-digit number stamped by the factory into the top surface of the structure. The letters "AT" are also stamped.
-
Add 255 to the 3-digit number to get ABC.
-
Add 61 to the 3-digit number to get DEF.
-
The cache is at:
If you are willing to hike to the summit, but uncomfortable with climbing the tower, I fully understand! Just email me your answers to another puzzle, Big Beacon Summit, and I will provide you with the coordinates of the final (the finding of which will require a second hike!). Lesdubois, pfeifferhorn, Lockjaw, et al need not apply!
This cache is part of the Cardio Art series. Be sure to take one clue with you before leaving the cache!