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West Pike Fire Tower-USGS Marker Cache Multi-Cache

Hidden : 7/20/2001
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Public Land

This is a 2 Part Cache, you will need information obtained from the listed coordinates to obtain the actual cache coordinates.
This location has served two functions, a forest service fire tower, and a US Geodetic Survey Station. This type of station consisting of 3 Bronze disks set in a concrete column extending 10 inches above the ground is known as a first order horizontal triangulation station. Although all signs of the fire tower are gone we were able to find 2 of the 3 disks.
The listed coordinates will put you at one of the markers. You will need to note the year that has been stamped into the disk. If you want to be sure you have it right the second disk can be located by walking 96 feet at a compass bearing of 90 degrees from the disk you found. It also has the year stamped and is a little easier to read.

The coordinates for the cache are:

N41° 47.AB4'

W077° 39.CD1'

To obtain A subtract 4 from the second digit of the year. For B, subtract 2 from the third digit. You now have the Latitude. Now on to the Longitude. To obtain C Multiply the fourth digit of the year by 2, For D, add 4 to the third digit.

Now you have the coordinates to the cache. If your GPS tells you more then a couple tenths of a mile take another look.
This cache is a round Tupperware like container. It is not on the ground, as the fern ground cover is dense. We will be more specific in the encrypted hints, but think you will have more fun without looking at them.
This cache contains a well-traveled Hitch Hiker. She is known as the M & M Babe. She has her own log book which will direct you to a web site that explains what she and her several companions are all about.
After an attack by a Bear the original cache container was replaced and you are now looking for a ammo can.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ybbx va gur pebgpu bs n gevcyr bnx gerr.

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)