Benchmarks by Type Challenge Mystery Cache

This cache has been archived.

Tom.dog: Archiving.

While I strongly disagree with Groundspeak's decision to remove the benchmarking aspect of geocaching.com, it seems that they are unwilling to make any concessions (based on their responses in the forum thread to people’s concerns about this abrupt announcement). It is unfortunate that we are going to lose a major piece of U.S. survey marker documentation through these actions.

That being said, I will be increasing my efforts to post various benchmarks to their respective Waymarking categories to counteract this setback in some small way. Thankfully, I still have the majority of my benchmark photographs from over the years which will provide a decent starting point. I know that a minority of cachers actively search for benchmarks, and that Waymarking and Geocaching do not often cross paths. Nevertheless, if you have found joy in finding and logging benchmarks as a part of this game like I have, I'd recommend you take a look at the U.S. Benchmarks or Azimuth Benchmarks categories over at Waymarking.com.

While it can be a little difficult to get the hang of at first, please take a chance to check out the National Geodetic Survey database for benchmark data sheets (this is where geocaching originally pulled their benchmark records from). There’s a lot of great history that can be found in the benchmark descriptions here. There is also a more user-friendly map-based website called "NGS Benchmark Viewer" by ScaredyCatFilms that I use often to locate survey markers. I have not provided the link here as I believe that individuals should use their own discretion when visiting outside websites, but it should be easily found with a simple browser search.

It’s unfortunate to see this cache have to go. As I'd rather not give some office worker in Seattle the chance to archive it, I am doing so myself now.

More
Hidden : 12/3/2013
Difficulty:
4.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

Challenge cache. The cache IS at the posted coordinates - please read the description below before setting out to log a find.

The Challenge: Log a total of 20 different benchmarks types.

A benchmark's type can be found on a benchmark's description page, as viewed on geocaching.com. You will need to log at least 20 benchmarks in order to qualify for this challenge. Each benchmark must be classified as a different marker type. This could include: bench mark disks, survey disks, triangulation station disks, reference mark disks, metal rods, horizontal control disks, azimuth mark disks, "type not specified," and a large variety of others. You may not be able to find all 20 types in one area.

The rules:

-You must use 20 distinct benchmark types for your qualifying benchmarks, no repeats.

-All past benchmark finds count.

-The benchmark's type must be listed on the benchmark's webpage on geocaching.com.

-Only benchmarks listed on geocaching.com can qualify for this challenge.

-The types "Type Not Specified" and "NGS Benchmark" are the same title, please label only as "Type Not Specified" in your log.

-Photo evidence is not required, but I would be glad to see pictures posted on the pages of the benchmarks that you use for qualifiers.

-If your qualifying benchmarks do not satisfy these requirements, your log is subject to deletion.

-Please format your finds in "Benchmark Type - Benchmark ID / Designation / Date Found" format, as I have done below.

Here is my list of qualifying benchmarks:

Azimuth Mark Disk - MO0491 / HERMOSA AZ MK / 11-28-13
Survey Disk - MO1235 / BGAF 1 / 11-28-13
Type Not Specified - MO1233 / AMES MONUMENT / 11-28-13
Cairn - JK1302 / RITO ALTO CAIRN / 6-26-13
Dome - HF1310 / ARKANSAS CITY FIRST PRESB CH / 6-26-13
Lighthouse - AG1232 / SANIBEL ISLAND LH 1909 / 6-10-13
Bench Mark Disk - KK0179 / C 23 / 2-20-13
Reference Mark Disk - HF1503 / FORK 2 RM 3 / 6-25-13
Triangulation Station Disk - HF0661 / RUTH / 6-24-13
Metal Rod - KK1315 / V 395 / 3-14-12
Horizontal Control Disk - AE4292 / BROWN / 9-30-12
Grain Elevator - HF1290 / OXFORD PARITY MILLS ELEVATOR / 5-12-10
Radio/TV Mast - HF1267 / WICHITA TV STA KTVH MAST / 6-4-12
Radio/TV Tower - HF1229 / WICHITA TV STA KARD TOWER / 6-4-12
Tank - KJ0411 / KANORADO MUNICIPAL TANK / 5-30-12
Elevated Tank - HF1355 / WELLINGTON MUNICIPAL TANK / 1-3-10
Airport Beacon - JF1605 / AIRPORT BCN SALINA MUN APT / 5-30-12
Church Spire - HF1313 / ARKANSAS CITY SACRED HEART CH / 7-20-11
Microwave Tower - HF1354 / DALTON ATT MICROWAVE TOWER / 1-3-10
Stack - MO1260 / LARAMIE UNIV OF WYO STACK / 5-27-09

Good luck and happy cachin'!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Unatvat nobhg 6.5 sg. uvtu, abegu oenapurf.

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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