Springbrook's First Cache Traditional Cache
Springbrook's First Cache
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Cache is located in Springbrook Alberta, just 10 minutes south of Red Deer. Cache is in a camo lock and lock container in an old day use camp ground. The grass is rather tall here, so watch where you put your feet.
Depending on the map you look on, the cache may appear to be on airport property, which would be in violation of the terms of agreement. However, when the regional airport authority took over operation of the airport in 1999, they sold a lot of the land to developers. So the cache is not actually located on any airport owned land.
Now for some history of this quaint little community.
During the summer of 1939 earth moving machines started excavating the land of a small farm 10 miles south of Red Deer, (population 2800). Local residents suspected that it had something to do with the anticipated war in Europe.
Later it was announced that it was a part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. The goal was to have a safe air field to train airmen from all over the Commonwealth. This included men from Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
The Facility opened as R.A.F Penhold. It had 31 buildings, and 5 large double hangers (which are still standing today) with 20 training aircraft. By the end of 1943, more than 3 000 students were graduating each month across Canada. By the end of the war, the BCATP had produced 131 553 aircrew , over 1 600 were trained at R.A.F Penhold. The base was closed and most of her equipment was disposed of when the program ended in March of 1945.
The base re-opened in 1951 as R.C.A.F Penhold to support No. 4 Flying Training School for NATO using the North American Harvard aircraft. In 1965, military flying operations ceased and the City of Red Deer operated the airport for several years.
The base was named CFB Penhold in 1966 as the result of the unification of the armed forces. Leadership and radar schools operated from 1973 to 1986. In the early 1980’s CFB Penhold became an Air Cadet school and to this day space is leased during the summer for 1700 cadets. In 1990 CFB Penhold was downgraded to a detachment of CFB Edmonton. Most operations ceased in 1992 and completely closed down in 1995 when it was sold to private developers and renamed Springbrook.
Today it is still home to over 1000 people, serving as a bedroom community for Red Deer workers . It also serves as training facilities for air and band cadets, police and k-9 units, oilfield personnel, flying instruction, search and rescue services, motorcycle training and hockey (of course).
When we placed the cache the Cadet band was practicing. Depending on what part of the training season you come in depends on how good the band is...lol.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
va gur gnyy tenff haqre fbzr fgvpxf.
Treasures
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