Plastic Town Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

CacheGator & Lola: Checked with Eglin AFB Jackson Guard. Because of construction near this cache, public access to the area is prohibited "until further notice." I will inquire again in several months and re-activate cache, if possible.

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Hidden : 5/26/2006
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

On the hunt for the lost civilization of the RangeRats... Don't miss this site... It is unlike anything you're likely to find.

We had done our homework. It was rumored the way to find the cache was to head northeast on Main Street, take the 2nd right, then the first left to the dead end. That was the business district, and on a back alley behind the businesses was a small shed where a trader collected the goodies. This civilization had a myth about the weight (1 ton) of the small 'Goodies Hotel', which is the inspiration for the waypoint ID: Weight (W8) of Goodies Hotel (GH) (i.e., GCW8GH).

We had made satellite images of the area, and studied them well. Make sure you look at the satellite image before visiting this cache (click Google Maps link below, then click Satellite). We had precisely determined the coordinates. We took off from our special ops field at 1530 in our MH-68A "Stingray" and headed directly for the target zone at a cruise speed of 140 knots, just above the tree-tops.

Our Stingray had a full suite of equipment for whatever we might encounter: Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), visual video camera system, ground mapping radar, Infrared searchlight, Night vision (if the search went on that long), and of course a weapons suite in case we encountered any hostiles (7.62mm area fire weapon, .50 cal heavy caliber fire rifle, 7.62mm light caliber rifle).

We were there in what seemed like no time, and as we approached the area, I could a see clearing of trees which I knew had to be the zone. As we crossed the treeline, the pilot immediately spotted a clearing at the southeast and made a high-performance, fast landing that planted us with a thud. Dust and sand was flying everywhere and I was immediately disoriented. I could not see a single building.

Then I realized the reason: I couldn't see any buildings because they weren't there, at least not above the ground. The remains of this lost civilization have mysteriously sunk until the roofs were just above ground level! How was this possible?!? It sunk like the lost city of Atlantis, except this city sunk into the ground.

I regained my focus, and quickly led my team to ground zero. The cache was right where it was supposed to be.


DISCLAIMER: Be very careful of unexploded ordinance in the area. This is always true while on the Eglin reservation as you learned when you got your Recreational Permit and watched the 5 minute video. I stress it here because I saw one unexploded ordinance (UXO) in the town. It was painted blue, which usually indicates inert. However, I would not conceive of testing that theory by disturbing it in any way. Keep a sharp visual scan (as you watch for snakes, thorns, and other dangers). If you see any UXO, do not even get close. Do not pick it up, roll it over, kick it, poke it, or even get close. It could cause serious injury or cost you a life. Please be careful, and use common sense and good judgment.

Also, please be respectful of this test site. Please do not damage it or destroy it in any way. You can get to the cache by taking the trail along the eastern boundary. A lot of work and expense went into making this test site.

This cache is within the Eglin air force base reservation. A pass is required to be on the reservation. It cost $7 (2006) for October - September and comes with a great map. It can be obtained from Eglin AFB Natural Resources Branch (Jackson Guard Office), located at 107 Highway 85 North, Niceville FL 32578. See GCKC1A or coordinates N 30° 31.480 W 086° 29.585.

Office hours are: Monday-Thursday 7:00-4:30pm; Friday 7:00am-6:00pm; Saturday 7:00am-12:30pm; Closed on Sunday and Federal Holidays.

A pass can be obtained by going to Jackson Guard or by mail. (See above address). Mail a copy of your most recent pass to Jackson Guard at above address with any changes in address noted. It takes 1 to 2 weeks to process. If you do not have a pass, mail a copy of your driver’s license with your phone number. Payment by mail must be by check. They will accept it made out to Jackson Guard. Phone # is (850)882-4164. A pass can also be obtained immediately by going to Jackson Guard in person during office hours.


Additional Information
This cache is a 50 Caliber ammo can (larger size).
It is filled with goodies. Please trade equal or up.
The cache is a short 240 yard walk from Range Road 213. RR213 is unpaved, but a major range road that is wide, and well packed clay. Any vehicle should be able to drive to this cache from the northeast without 4-wheel drive or extra ground clearance, assuming good recent weather conditions. Be careful of some areas of soft sand on the road shoulder.
Please post a note on this cache page or email me if you have any history knowledge or additional information about this site.

Additional Note:
It seems many geocachers have been going on Eglin AFB Property without the required range pass. See this log and this log. PLEASE get a pass if you intend on doing this geocache. It is less than the cost of a movie, and provides many more hours of entertainment. If you don't intend on getting a pass, I respectfully ask that you not find this geocache. It could ruin the geocaching on Eglin AFB property for everyone.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

ohfu oruvaq furq

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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