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Prospect Hill Traditional Cache

Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

You are looking for a camouflaged micro, log-only cache hidden in Arlington's Prospect Hill Park. The cache may best be reached from S. Arlington Ridge Road where parking is plentiful, though hoofers or bikers can also access the park from the corner of Army Navy Dr. and S. Lynn. Remember to bring a writing utensil and enjoy the view from the top of Arlington Ridge.

Prospect Hill Park is a nice little spot I came across after finding the nearby Cuarto de Julio cache. From this hilltop you get views of the Air Force Memorial, the Pentagon and Washington Monument. There are often locals out enjoying the views as well, so some amount of judicious stealth may be necessary.

Panoramic view from Prospect Hill showing Air Force and Washington Memorials

There are two historical markers placed here. The Prospect Hill historical marker reads:
The mansion which formerly stood here was built in 1841 by James Roach, a prosperous contractor who supplied most of the brick and stone used in the construction of the Aqueduct Bridge and Alexandria Canal (under construction 1833-1843) and the Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad (under construction 1853-1859). His property, which extended to Roach’s Run, was ruined and vandalized during the construction of Fort Runyon and Fort Albany in 1861. His mansion was demolished in 1965.
The Fort Albany historical marker reads:
Immediately to the northwest stood Fort Albany, a bastioned earthwork built in May 1861 to command the approach to the Long Bridge by way of the Columbia Turnpike. It had a perimeter of 429 yards and emplacements for 12 guns. Even after Forts Richardson and Craig were built, 1300 yards to the west and north respectively, the heavy guns of Fort Albany served to support them, and to dominate them if they were captured. The ground on which the Fort stood was cut away during the construction of the Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway in 1942.

UPDATED 10/12/2023: Hide as changed since the old hiding spot has seen better days. SPOILER PICTURES IN THE GALLERY if you need it!

** Congrats to lwillie63 for his FTF! **

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Whfg unatvat nebhaq va n fxvaal oenapul ohfu arne n cnve bs gjva gerrf

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)