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Capitol Graffiti Mystery Cache

This cache has been archived.

k_statealan: I would think all who searched the dome have had enough time to attempt the final. Pulled the cache out on my way through town today. This one may be back one day. We'll see.

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Hidden : 5/17/2007
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
3.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

***UPDATE 9/3/09***
The Dome will be closing for renovations for two years as of January 1. Get this one now....if you dare!

Important! Read everything before attempting cache! Cache is not at listed coordinates.

You are looking for a small Rubbermaid container roughly 4X4X4. It contains a logbook and a few small Kansas trade items. This cache will require a fair amount of physical exertion. For some, it will also require overcoming fear. First stage is not handicap accessible. Second stage will take you out of the downtown area.

This is a two-part cache that will require you to visit the top of the tallest building in Topeka, the Kansas Capitol Dome. It is the tallest domed capitol that you can tour all the way to the top. From its construction until 1974, it was open to the public without guides (as some of the more oddly placed graffiti will attest). After that time until 2006 it was only available to tour through a member of the Kansas House or Senate. In January, 2006 it was opened to guided tours. Over 40,000 visitors have toured the dome since that time. Tours are provided by the Kansas State Historical Society (www.kshs.org).

The first stage is available by guided tour only and at limited times. No times are available on Sunday. The tour is free. Meet in front of the cage elevator on the 5th floor.

Tours are available at the following times:
December 4 – January 6
Mon-Sat 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30
January 8 - May 26
Mon-Fri 11:45, 12:15, 12:45, 1:15, 1:45, 2:15, and 2:45
Sat 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30
May 27 - Dec 3
Mon-Sat 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30

Note: On very hot days (95 degrees and over) and during thunderstorms, tour times may be cancelled.

Walk-ups are welcome, but reservations for groups are preferred. Call (785) 296-3966 or e-mail capitol@kshs.org. For more information on rules and times for the tour visit (visit link)

To find the coordinates to the final stage:
Latitude: As you are proceeding up the spiral stairs, look for the graffiti written by Earl Potrats of Osh Kosh, Wisconsin (on the ribs up the side not the one on the crossbeam). Look to your right as you enter the spiral stairs to find them. Note what year he made his insane climb (by memory as you are not to have or be seen with writing utensils in the dome area).

Double that number and subtract 94 to get XXXX. Fill into N 39 0X.XXX.

Longitude:
After reaching the room at the top, look at the red steel beams inside the small room. On the front of two of them you will find the names of Jim Adams and Mike Vincent along with dates and their occupation (both the same). Note this occupation and return to the first floor tour desk (by the gift shop) and tell the desk attendant that you are caching and what Adams' and Vincent’s job title is. The attendant will give you a slip of paper with the other coordinate. They have been instructed to only hand out the coordinate after hearing the job title—so no cheating!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

qrnq 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)