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Big Al in the Sky? Mystery Cache

This cache has been archived.

Hemlock: Since the cache owner has not responded to the previous note, I'm archiving this cache to clear it off the map.

When/if this cache is replaced, please email me at hemlock@geocachingadmin.com and if it is still within the guidelines for cache placement and publishing, I'll be happy to unarchive it.

Hemlock
Volunteer Geocache Reviewer

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Hidden : 8/5/2007
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Given coordinates are for a Y in the road. Follow GPS.

We all know this very abundant element by its lightness, strength and beauty in everyday items. However, we may not realize that Al is never found free in nature (ore is called bauxite). Al is a remarkable material because it is soft, lightweight, nontoxic, stiff, ductile, and easily machined. It is also resistant to corrosion and has high reflectance. All these qualities are important for many practical products,like kitchen utensils and tools (cans, foils, food and medicine wrappers) as well as metal siding for the outside of houses and modern buildings. In industry it is used to make airplane parts, rockets and other high tech things. Al is also used in electrical transmission, even though copper and silver are better conductors. Large amounts of Al are used in transportation: cars, trucks, boats, aircraft, and aircraft engines all use Al. Road signs and high-voltage power lines are also made mostly of aluminum.

We chose this interesting location hoping to see some airplanes or 'copters close up or nearby. However, we have not seen any current activity of this type during our stops here. We understand that this area has been used for observing the skies by amateur astronomers. Please indicate in your logs if you have any knowledge of the current uses of this facility.

Solving this puzzle will test your knowledge of Al trivia.

Cache is located at: N 39° 16. ABC W 120° 42. DEF
Please do not approach buildings or any other installation.


• In 18B8 Sir Humphry Davy (of Great Britain) established the existence of Al and named it Aluminium. This name was used until the 1920s.
• German chemist Friedrich Wöhler was the first to secure a pure sample of the element in 1C27.
• The first all-Aluminum-faced skyscraper (ALCOA building in Pittsburgh, PA) was built in 19D3 and is still being used today.
• Aluminum was introduced in metal can making in 19A7.
• The first 12-oz Al can was introduced by Royal Crown Cola in 196E.
• In 19F4 William Shroyer obtained a patent for the first metal baseball bat. However, Al bats were not seen in the game of baseball until 1970.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

GEL YVSGVAT N FZNYY FYNO NG TM

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)