Let me take you on a guided tour of the Village of Mendocino. We will visit places of great beauty, local interest, and wonderful art that are basically unknown to the general visitor and even some locals. We will accomplish this by using the GPS to guide us to a series of benches located about the Village. I hope you are not in a hurry and that it is a nice day.
This Tour of Mendocino virtual geocache was created in 2002. As you may have notice in the logs, the original Bench #1 was removed so I have located a new bench near the the original for your enjoyment.
Start here with Bench #1. at (NEW COORDINATES) N 39° 18.441 W 123° 48.142 because there are usually parking spaces available near these coordinates.
Bench #1 may be hard to find because of some tree cover so go ahead and take a look at hint #1. Once you have located this bench, have a seat and note the statue just 10 feet away. Here's the question, "What would you name of this statue?"
Now let’s head for Bench #2. Please remember that all of these benches can be reached by staying on the roads, sidewalks, and or pathways. There is no need to climb over fences or wander around people’s yards. Just go on around the block if you have to.
Bench #2 is located at N 39° 18.304 W 123° 48.161
When you arrive at this site go up the nine steps and have a seat on the porch. Yes, I know this is not really a bench but, well, isn’t this place cool! To verify that you are at the right place note the two main colors of this building. The answer can be deciphered below. Now note the name of this building. There is going to be a test!
Okay, we are now off to Bench #3
Bench #3 is located at N 39° 18.220 W 123° 48.248
This bench had fallen into disrepair Recently the State Park refurbished it. For years it has been called the Hippy Bench and hippies probably constructed it back in the good old days. To verify that you are at the right bench decipher the hint for Bench #3. Sitting on the bench, to the southwest, you can see the trail going down to Portuguese Beach where in the very early days local residents built their boathouses. Worth a visit. But before you go I am going to ask you, how many hearts are carved into the Hippy Bench?
Bench #4 is located at N 39° 18.273 W 123° 48.190
(November 2015 update): This bench has been removed and access to the answer blocked by a gate. Sorry. You might take a break and sit on the bench in front of "Ocean Quilts" before moving on to #5.
Bench #5 is located at N 39° 18.292 W 123° 48.098
This bench will probably be hard to find because it is one of the best-kept secrets around town!! Comfortable, out of the wind, but with an interesting view. To help you find it decipher the hint for Bench #5. Okay. Now that you are seated on Bench #5 please gaze out towards Chapman Bay and note the sign sticking out from the S.E. corner of the building on your right. What does the sign say?
Bench #6 is located at N 39° 18.299 W 123° 47.794
You should now be in an area where there are three benches. Only one faces south though. Have a seat on the south facing bench and check out that view! Incredible! There is a historic building right behind you and to verify that you are in the right location decipher the hint for Bench #6. Okay. Now record the answer to this question. What was the wife’s name of the man who died in 1994?
Bench #7 is located at N 39° 18.515 W 123° 47.810
I brought you to this bench to show you something wonderful. The place before you was built by community spirit and volunteerism. Wander around and check it out. It is a really neat addition to the Village. Things might be hopping when you arrive or, maybe not. To verify you are at the right bench decipher the hint for Bench #7. Okay. Now the test. Who’s name is on the Memorial plaque located just a few feet to your north?
I hope you have enjoyed your tour of Mendocino. I sure had fun setting it up. Head for the coordinates of Bench # 1 to find your parked car!
To claim credit for this virtual cache site tour e-mail roadcow the answer to the following questions about the benches.
Bench #1. What is the name of the statue?
Bench #2. What is the name of this building?
Bench #3. How many hearts are carved into the Hippy Bench?
Bench #4. What is the name of the Indian Chief on the sign between the two benches?
Bench #5. What does the sign say?
Bench #6. What is the wife’s name?
Bench #7. Whose name is on the memorial plaque?
Please don’t post your answer on this web site, even encrypted.