Mitey Wite 'Tites EarthCache
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Although the title may seem to suggest it, this geocache has
nothing to do with your longjohns.
Have you ever been in a cave, over a hundred feet below the
surface? Well if the answer to that question is no (or even if it
is yes), then today you are in for a treat!
For this Earthcache, you are going to actually go inside the Earth.
You are going to descend down into an awesome catacomb of caverns.
Caves with great color and formations. You are going to learn a
lot. And you are going to have a lot of fun. I promise.
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Your adventure through these caverns will be by guided tour. You
need to stay alert and keep your eyes and ears open. If you do
that, there are many things that you will learn while down there.
Among the things you will learn are the answers to several
questions. These are questions that you must answer to obtain
credit for completing this Earthcache.
You are going to see lots of geological formations. Most have taken
many thousands of years in the process of forming. Everybody knows
the common memory association about stalactites and stalagmites,
right? Stalactites hang "tight" on the ceiling, while stalagmites
"might" make it to the ceiling. 
You will see lots of great
stalactites and stalagmites. You will also see columns! Soda
straws! Helictites!
The posted coordinates take you to the entrance to the park where
these caves are located. If you are traveling from the east
(Columbus) the best way is I-270 to west US-33 to SR-245. Coming
from the south, I-70 to US-68 to US-36 to SR-814 to SR-245. From
the west, I-75 to US-36 to SR-814 to SR-245.
There is an entrance fee for the tour. It ain't cheap, but consider
that you will be hiking a mile through the caves, and will have a
knowledgeable guide with you the entire time. It's worth it.
Click here to see the
latest fees and hours.
Unless otherwise posted, hours are 9am to 4pm.
LOGGING REQUIREMENTS:
The Photo: A photo is required of course. Go to N40 14.292
W083 41.830, and you will find an Ohio historical marker nearby.
You need to post, with your find log, a photo of yourself and GPSr
with the historical marker in the background.
Okay. The photo is done. Now you have to answer the questions...
Following are the questions that you must answer.
Question 1: While down in the caves, you will see lots of
colors. You will see purple. Also red. Also white. Three colors.
Each color is caused by the presence of a different mineral
composition. I want you to identify, in your email to me, the
substances that cause the occurrence of purple and white. As an
example, I am going to tell you here what causes the color red - it
is iron oxide, also known as rust. So I'm looking for two answers
here, one for purple and one for white.
Question 2: While you are down there, you will also see the
Crystal King.
Click here to see the Crystal King. It is the largest known
stalactite in Ohio. In your email to me, I want you to tell me its
estimated weight and age. That is two numbers. Weight. Age. Weight
and age.
Question 3: You will also see the Crystal Sea, which is a
water pool that reflects a grouping of stalactites and crystal
formations from above. It is very cool. In your email to me, I want
you to tell me how far below the surface you are when you are
gazing at the Crystal Sea. Plus or minus ten feet.
Logs not accompanied by email within a reasonable amount of time
will be deleted per Earthcache rules. I don't like doing that. So
please be careful to get done what you need to get done.
Have fun. And stay warm. It's chilly down there.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)
Treasures
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