"The political and social implications were immense; every
person of real intelligence-everyone who looked an inch beyond his
nose-would find his life, his values, his philosophy, subtly
changed. Even if nothing whatsoever was discovered about TMA-1, and
it remained an eternal mystery, Man would know that he was not
unique in the universe. Though he had missed them by millions of
years, those who had once stood here might yet return: and if not,
there might well be others. All futures must now contain this
possibility.
Pandora's box, thought Floyd, with a sudden sense of
foreboding-waiting to be opened by inquisitive Man. And what will
he find inside?"
Arthur C. Clarke - 2001: A Space Odyssey
Did I mention that this cache might be kind of dangerous? If you
want to know what kind of equipment you will need to gain the final
cache location, check out my equipment photo below. If you'd like
to know how to use this type of equipment, I heartily recommend you
take a course. The closest place to the cache to learn how to use
this type of equipment is HERE. If you prefer the
great outdoors and you have some time to drive the 3-4 hours to get
there, I recommend
THIS ONE. Either way, I guarantee you'll have hours of safe and
enjoyable fun at both schools.
Please note: this is a multi-cache. The coordinates above will
take you to a couple of tools that will help you gain the cache
location. Along with the tools, are some instructions, and the
final coordinates of the cache. Please read the instructions
closely, and when you are done logging the cache, return the tools
to their hiding place. Did I mention that YOU
ARE DOING THIS CACHE AT YOUR OWN RISK?
Another note: The Difficulty rating is for the first stage, the
Terrain rating is for the second stage. Rest assured that when you
get to the final cache it will be in plain view. There is no clever
camouflage job on the container, and it's not covered at all. You
can click on the picture below to see exactly what you'll be
looking for.
Optional Guideline: In order to comply with the new
Guidelines regarding Additional Logging Requirements on caches,
I've changed the logging of the Travelbug that is attached to the
cache as purely optional. Attached to the outside of the cache is
THIS TRAVEL
BUG. When you get to the final cache, take a look at the TB
dogtags and remember the number (the number is also inside the
logbook if the dogtags become unreadable because of weathering).
Pictures are always appreciated but not required to log this
cache.
Additional Guideline: Let's say you're caching with a team.
That's fine too. I only require one person to retrieve the cache
and sign the log. Did I mention that pictures are appreciated?
And finally: As the wise old King Pellinore states on
THIS FAMOUS CACHE: Please do not die attempting this cache.
Approach Information: The best way to approach TMA-1 is from
West side (towards the ocean). Parking can be found in the housing
project nearby, but does make it a bit of a walk (maybe 0.3 miles).
Parking on the shoulder of the road can be very hazardous due to
the high volume of traffic, and is not recommended. The area built
up with large boulders along the side of the road is the best way
to get down to the river (Poison Oak free).