Deep Thoughts - Beside the Pool
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“If you go parachuting, and your parachute doesn't open, and your friends are all watching you fall, I think a funny gag would be to pretend you were swimming.”
Situated in the shadow of the Burrard Bridge, Vancouver Aquatic Centre is not the first pool on this site. In 1929, Crystal Pool, a heated indoor salt-water pool, was opened here by a private syndicate. Touted as "The Home of Champions", it was large enough to accommodate 170 swimmers. Crystal Pool quickly became very popular and was host to many swim meets, aquatic displays and early synchronized swim clubs. In addition to the 40 x 100-foot pool, the facility had a total of 9 tub baths, and a lunch counter.
Due to high maintenance costs, the pool was temporarily closed in 1939, but the Vancouver Park Board purchased the facility and re-opened it in 1941. In 1945, Vancouver city council ordered the Park Board to abolish their rules that had set aside separate swimming days for non-whites, making Crystal Pool a place where everyone, “regardless of race, colour, or creed” could swim during public sessions.
When it could no longer meet the demands of the city`s swimmers, Crystal Pool was torn down in 1974 to make way for Vancouver's Olympic-sized natatorium. The present Vancouver Aquatic Centre facilities include a 50 metre pool, a tots' pool, separate dive tank, a pair of 1 metre diving boards, a pair of 3 metre diving boards, 5 metre, 7.5 metre & 10 metre towers, sauna, whirlpool, weight room, and a basketball court. You can pay as you go or purchase a season pass.
To find this cache you don't need to enter this oddly-shaped building with no windows, but feel free to do so if you wish. While you are here, stroll around and enjoy the park-like setting. Sunset Beach to the north is a designated quiet beach, which means amplified music is prohibited. And it is highly unlikely you will see any skydivers.
If you don't like the idea of having to pay to park your car near this facility, there are many other ways to get here. The C21 Yaletown bus will drop you off quite close to the front door. If you ride your bike over Burrard Bridge to enjoy the new dedicated bike lanes there are lots of bike racks at the pool. You can walk, jog, bike, blade, or run along the wide, paved seawall that meanders from False Creek and around Stanley Park. Or you can opt for a short, relaxing cruise on one of the little ferries that ply the waters of False Creek.
You are looking for a small camo'ed rectangular tin (it would fit in the palm of your hand). My GPSr was having issues with the proximity of the cache to the structure so I would allow for up to 4 metres margin of error. Good luck, and keep thinking Deep Thoughts!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
n jvfr pnpure xabjf jurer gb ybbx sbe rayvtugrazrag