Strato Cache Traditional Cache

It has been reported that the ammo can cache bandit has aparently stuck again and has stolen yet another cache- This time it is Strato Cache. We are checking into it.

We simply do not know what to do about all these thefts. We may have to make all our caches members only or simply remove them and give up on geocaching. We are simply not sure what to do. Anyone have any ideas?

This the third cache from Team Family Affair. The cache is a well hidden ammo box with a camera (please take a photo of your group and leave the camera in the cache) and a variety of goodies inside. From Strato Cache you can enjoy a superb view of the Strato Bowl. The Strato Bowl is a naturally occurring limestone bowl that was frequently used for conducting balloon and high atmosphere tests during the pioneer times of our nations aviation history. In 1935 the Explorer II was launched and set quite a number of altitude and world records for manned flight. In recent years (The 1990s) an attempt at the "around the world in a balloon nonstop" record was launched from the bottom of the stratobowl, but technical problems caused them to ditch in the Atlantic ocean. The Strato cache is easiest to access along the forest service walking or biking trail from the south east. The cache is well hidden and is in a highly traveled area so make sure you leave it well hidden after you log your visit.

Getting to the cache: The easiest route to hike to the cache is to use the following starting point- If your traveling south from Rapid City on Highway 16 (Mount Rushmore Road) Drive a mile past the big wooden (Gateway to the Black Hills) arches at the top of the hill (past the home away from home-where reptiles live) continue on the road and look for an access road just before you begin to decend down the hill into Rockerville. Park at the gate located on the top of the hill.

Items in the cache include:

• Flashlight with batteries
• Vegemite from Australia
• Deck of cards with senic pictures
• A letter opener
• Suntan lotion
• Military style -Emergency signal mirror
• Bag of Plastic Army Men
• A collection of Army patches and pins
• A package of Post Its and mulitcolored clips
• Emergency water
• Camera (take a photo of your group and leave the camera)
• Log Book- Don't forget to log your visit!
• And extra batteries for your GPS

Note: The Camera has been removed and the photos developed- Thanks for the great photos! While you are enjoying the view be sure to look for the two herds of Mountain Goats that live in the area below.

-Team Family Affair (Scott, Mary, Matt, Mindy and Beth)