Tales of a Napa Meter Reader #1 Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Nomex: No response from owner. If you wish to repair/replace the cache sometime in the future, just contact us (by email), and assuming it meets the current guidelines, we'll be happy to unarchive it.

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Hidden : 5/15/2010
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

Back in 2002-03 I read meters for PG&E out of the Napa yard. The job had it's occasional rough patches, but I will never forget the experience, especially all of the cool places my routes took me too along the way.

Meter reading opened my eyes to a whole other layer to the landscape and geography around me. Most meters are placed out in the open, but usually they just blend in to the point where they only exist in our subconscious. The meter reader has to bring meters to the forefront of their vision and see what most people never notice. Sound familiar?

I constantly found myself avoiding the watchful eyes of the general public while trying to find the meters, which were often hidden in locations that made me feel intrusive or sneaky. I always had the feeling that someone was watching me skulk about and that I could be caught at any time and be forced to explain myself. Sound familiar?

Some of my favorite meters brought me to places I never would have known about or had the chance to appreciate without this job. Amazing mountain views of the Napa Valley, Beautiful farmlands, ocean and lake views, fascinating plant and wildlife, not to mention those quirky, mysterious spots, little-known places, and long since forgotten landmarks of the past. Sound familiar?

Geocaching has replaced many of my favorite aspects of meter reading, so I decided to start this series to showcase some of my favorite spots in and around Napa County. The series also gives me the excuse to re-visit the (mostly) good memories I have of meter reading and of exploring one of the world's most beautiful regions. I hope you enjoy the series and are inspired to pull over your car once in a while and really explore an area with your eyes to uncover all that is hidden just beneath the surface!

Be safe and happy caching!

#1 in the series should be a quick find after pulling into the turnout at GZ. You are looking for a camo'd micro on this side of the rusty old fence. A little further down the fence line is a locked gate, with access to a "road" that basically goes through the creek and out to the abandoned farm house (down the hill from the cache). Please note this is Private Property and there is no need to trespass to find the cache.

Believe it or not, there was an electric meter down there that I had to walk or drive down to. In the Winter/Spring months the creek would be overflowing and make this a very fun/challenging read. This meter was on one of my favorite routes, which took me to the outermost boundaries of the region covered by the Napa yard. I always brought my camera with me on this route and took my time enjoying the scenery. I hope you do too!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Zntargvp

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)


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