Don't expect 5 star service here!
About the
Barracks
This is what is left of the living quarters for those who served at
the
North Concord Air Force Radar Station
Just a couple miles below the summit of East Mountain is this 30
acre cantonment, which served as the base camp for the radar
antenna station.
The cantonment area contains the remains of a dozen steel Quonset
huts for housing, a large prefabricated metal mess hall, bachelor
officers’ quarters, generator building, headquarters, dispensary
and guardhouse. Additional facilities include a recreation hall
with small officer’s club, library, barbershop, theater and
lounges. Although most of these buildings remain in their original
location and retain their utilitarian exterior characteristics,
they are all severely deteriorated due to material salvage and
vandalism. All essential equipment was removed by the Air Force.
Since this was all built in the 50's, there are asbestos warnings
in the area, so be careful.
What We
Found
We stopped here on the way down the mountain after exploring the
Radar Station at the summit. Many of the buildings are completely
boarded up but some offer access. But like those on the top, if
something could be broken or smashed it has been! And of course
there is plenty of graffiti! But still, it is quite an adventure to
explore what was the gym and the dining hall. Don't forget to take
the time to try to imagine living here some 50 years ago working as
an integral part of our nations security!
About The
Cache
When we finished exploring we placed a cache. You are looking for a
sandwich size lock-n-lock. It is somewhat winter friendly (maybe 2'
off the ground). You do NOT have to climb anything and you don't
have to enter any of the buildings to get to the cache.