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An arm-chair cacher's view of the tower's top as seen in Google
Earth with 3D buildings turned on. Wimpy's Marina and Dead
Horse Island are in the background. |
The tower as seen from near ground level at the
listed coordinates in Google Earth with 3D
buildings turned on. Walnut Grove is out of
view on the right. |
The world's 6th tallest structure is 1261 meters away from the listed coordinates, across the Delta Cross Channel and east of Walnut Grove. (Actually, it is the 4th tallest because one taller structure collapsed and the other is partly underwater.) It is the 624.5 meters tall KXTV/KOVR Tower. It is also California's tallest structure.
If you know how, you can determine that you would be looking upward at a 26.34 degree angle while you are looking at the structure's top from the listed coordinates.
The listed coordinates are within the Delta Meadows State Park, which the state recently closed because of budget cuts. Don't let the closure prevent you from walking in. The state's official policy allows pedestrians to stroll around the park.
The Puzzle
You will find the cache at N38 14.xxx W121 30.yyy on public land, quite near the listed coordinates.
Not to get off on a tangent here, but as you solve this puzzle, make sure you co-sign and sign as you make the find. Otherwise, I may never know you tried this.
Solving the puzzle will take you to flat terrain near the listed coordinates that has a clear view of this structure and its nearby cousins. This view is as interesting at night as it is by day. You will be looking for a film cannister sized camouflaged hanging container.
You will have to walk 200 feet through a patch of
star thistle and occasional
nettles as you approach ground zero. So you might want to wear long pants and close-toed shoes to spare yourself from some mild momentary discomfort that many people easily ignore.
You can validate your puzzle solution with certitude. It will agree with any answer that is within 30 feet of the correct answer. For certain wrong answers, it provides hints to help you get the right answer.
You can also check your answers for this puzzle on GeoChecker.com. Geochecker will agree with any answer that is within 25 feet. (But it won't provide any additional clues for certain common wrong solutions.)