Homeland Defense #1 - Archie's Place Multi-cache
Homeland Defense #1 - Archie's Place
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This is a three-step cache with two offset waypoints. The given coordinates provide your parking location. Your hunt involves a short walk to the three sites and features some unparalleled views of the ocean and San Diego harbor. The cache is hidden in the shadow of a stark reminder of two previous generations’ experiences with Homeland Defense. An entrance fee or presentation of an annual pass is required to access this site.
Updated 11/7/2020 Due to reports of the second missing sign, the cache page has been revised to reflect the final coordinates if you scroll down to "Final". We still encourage taking a look around the first and second waypoints. WP1, Military History Exhibit: N 32 42.408, W 117 14.505 WP2, Whale Viewpoint Bunker: N 32 40.234, W 117.14.493 Waypoint 2: Updated 2/13/2015 After visiting the site a number of times over the past few months, including yesterday, I confirmed the regimental flag has gone missing. I have been unable to discover if this is temporary or permanent. Consequently, I am adding a photo showing the original flag so that the second coordinates can be determined. -Gecko Dad Updated 5/20/2003 I checked the cache site today and discovered, unfortunately, that the final cache container has walked away once again. Since the Park Service has instituted a policy against physical caches, this is a convenient time to convert it to a virtual placement. There are still three steps involved to reach the final destination. We ask that you confirm your find by emailing answers to the three questions posted below. Please do not post the answers with your log. You will be only able to approach the general area from the north. This location is accessible weekdays and weekends but only between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm. As described below, the first waypoint puts you in front of an interpretive exhibit that provides clues to determine coordinates for the second waypoint and the second waypoint provides the final clues to compute the cache coordinates. The first waypoint is N 32 40.408, W 117 14.505. As you approach it and face west, you should see a red and blue banner that features a two-digit military unit number, 19, and two dates, 19ab-19cd. Add all eight individual digits of the dates as follows to get a new two digit number: 1 + 9 + a + b + 1 + 9 + c + d = x0. The second waypoint coordinates are computed as: N 32 40.23x, W 117 14.x93. Before continuing to the second waypoint, we recommend you go inside the building for an informative historic display about Homeland Defense and protection features of this area. At the second waypoint, as you face southwest and downhill toward the ocean, you will see another sign, designating a Control Station, with two dates 19ef – 19gh. As before, add these eight individual digits to get a new two digit number: 1 + 9 + e + f + 1 + 9 + g + h = y7. The cache coordinates are: N 32 40.x00, W 117 14.52y where x is the same number used in the first calculation. The new virtual cache as of 5/20/2003 is a specific location. Walk 4 paces - about 12 feet - east of the coordinates you calculated from step #2. To confirm your find, please email answers to the following three questions: 1. What historic transportation symbol appears below the two dates on the adjacent sign? 2. How many steps take you to a locked door? 3. What is the brand and serial number on the lock? For more online background on the military history of this area, try the following link: http://www.nps.gov/cabr/military.html Good luck and have fun!
Additional Hints
(Encrypt)
First waypoint: They Stood the Watch; Second waypoint: A whale of a view; Cache location: Entrance to a man-made shelter but not inside