Historic Hamilton is a series of caches that serve to bring cachers to historic places in and around the City of Hamilton. These caches can be placed by anyone, and are not limited to one CO. If you know of a historic place that you would like to bring people to, feel free to add it to the series!
The cache container is a bison tube with only a log book, so please bring a pen. Follow the simple instructions below to calculate the final location. It is within walking distance of the posted coordinates. Two options for 15 min parking in the lay-by on York Blvd have been waypointed.
The posted coordinates bring you to a set of stairs leading down and away from York Blvd. This is an old and abandoned reflecting pool. More on that below.
For the final coordinates you will need to count the number of stairs here on the EAST side, and also on the far side, the WEST side.
NORTH:
Count the # of steps in front you at the posted coordinates (the set closest to York Blvd, ie. the east side), multiply by 3 and subtract 12. (checksum is 9). Divide your answer by 1000 and add to the posted N coordinates: N 43° 17.040
WEST:
Count the # of steps on the far side (west side), multiply by 3 and subtract 19. (checksum is 8). Divide by 1000 and add to the posted W coordinates: W 79° 53.545
The History
Back in the 1930s Thomas B. McQuesten had a vision for a grand north-western entrance into the city of Hamilton. That entrance was to be at the posted coordinates for this cache and consisted of extensive, manicured gardens and parkland. It would have been something to behold. The only parts of the vision ever realized were the high-level bridge (named after McQuesten at a later date), and a reflecting pool where cars could stop and its occupants could enjoy the parkland. The bridge is still operational, but the reflecting pool has long been abandoned...as you will see when you visit GZ.
Courtesy of BWJM, here is a picture of the what the Reflecting Pool and the surrounding area (the Sunken Gardens) looked like in their prime. Now, compare that to what you find at GZ. What a difference.
