I was out for a run and was looking for a place to hide a geocache in this area and I came across this sign. Although I am a long time east side resident, this sign shared a piece of history I was completely unaware of. I thought the hero mentioned in this sign should be recognized with a geocache using the information from this sign to raise awareness for their sacrifice. You might be able to get the information from the internet or other sources, but I encourage you to go to the sign and read it and think about the sacrifice made. Cache meets the requirements for a multi-cache. No night time caching please, there are neighborhood houses very close. Park hours are 4 AM to 10 PM.
Final container is at N 43 ab.cdf W 089 gh.jkm
a = tens digit of the model of the plane
b = number day of the month when the tragedy occured
c = the sum of the hundreds digit of the plane and the ones digit of the plane (single digit answer)
d = the tragedy occured in the year 19xd
f = read from the plaque.....He _________ upon impact (count the number of characters in the word)
=====
gh = number of characters of the group that dedicated the plaque (do not count spaces) PLUS 1
j = number of characters in the last name of the pilot PLUS 1
k = take the x from clue d and subtract 2 to get k
m = read from the plaque .... his ____________ heroism (count the number of characters in the word that fills in the blank)
Enjoy and take a moment to take in the scenery at ground zero.
I found additional information from the Madison newspaper website about the dedication of the plaque here (but it is not necessary to read this to find the cache, the plaque will do)
http://host.madison.com/news/fifty-one-years-later-heroic-pilot-will-get-his-due/article_56e8eb78-a70a-50c3-8326-fdf655cb80b4.html
I also found an abbreviated version of the story here (again, it is not necessary to read to find the cache)
http://www.surroundedbyreality.com/misc/Know/JetMonona.asp
IN CITY OF MADISON PARKS You must abide by all Madison Parks Ordinances. Geocaching is only allowed in general parklands in the City of Madison. It is prohibited at the following locations: Forest Hill Cemetery, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, all City of Madison conservations parks, all City of Madison golf courses and all areas with identified Indian Mounds. All geocachers will be respectful of all public parkland. No digging or penetration of ground surface will be permitted. Trees, shrubs and plants will not be disturbed or altered at any time.