RIDE THE WAVE WITH LINKY - S/B
The WSGA had a recent Geo Cafe Zoom meeting where we talked about multicaches in depth. We discussed what made a good multicache and cachers shared some of their favorite multicaches. It was clear that geocachers DO like multicaches. Inspiration for this multicache was born out of that zoom meeting.
Riding the rails and multicaches seem to go together. European geocachers have done many multicaches based upon inner city rail systems and subways. Here in the Puget Sound, we don't have a lot of multicaches based upon rail transit systems.This cache will address that problem.
This multicache consists of 8 waypoints which includes the final cache location. I have the visable waypoints listed below. The cache location waypoint is missing which is what you need to figure out. To do that, you simply need to "ride the rails' southbound and visit the 7 stations on the Link light rail system which are noted below. At each waypoint station you will need to find the item at the coordinates that corresponds to one of the number pictures that are at the bottom of this cache page. Once you do that, then simply take the number of the picture and plug it into the final coordinates below. Clues at each waypoint is provided. I also have a spoiler picture and a check sum. All items can be found at the stations and are usually on the platforms. Some may be just off the platforms but can be seen from the platform and the trains.
At the listed coordinates, you will find the first item. To find the item, you will need to descend underground to the Beacon Hill Link station. You will find the first item on the platform for the southbound trains which is where your journey will begin.
You can visit the waypoints in any order and you don't have to do it all in one day. The waypoints are in order as you travel southbound on the Link. The "spirit" of this multicache is for you to ride the Link light rail system. However, you can go to each waypoint without riding the rails by driving to them or going for one heck of a long bike ride. Just be aware that some of the items you are looking for will not be visible from the road and therefore riding the Link to the waypointed stations would actually be easier than if you drive to each location, try to find parking etc. The other nice thing about riding the Link is that there are some geocaches within easy walking distance from some of the stations you will be passing through. So you can Multi-Cache (see what I did there) and find other caches while you are working on this one. I will include a public bookmark of some caches you can find that are near the waypointed stations that you will be going through while working on this multicache.
If you do plan to ride the Link, here's some info and "links" that may be of help to you:
ORCA Card - Riding the Link will cost money, albeit a small amount. You will either need an ORCA Card or be ready to pay for your train fare. Each station has machines that will collect your fare. The easiest way to do this is to get an ORCA card which you can load funds on when it gets low. However you can purchase one way fare cards as well or day passes. To find out more about the Link Light Rail fares and other info, visit this HERE. To find more info about the stations and schedules visit Routes & schedules | Sound Transit. One way fare from one end of the Link to the other is $3.25.
Cell Phone or a notebook - You will need to keep track of what picture item was found at each stop. You may want to take a picture and make a note if need be.
The one way trip from Beacon Hill Station to Angle Lake Station will take about 20 - 25 minutes. You may be able to see each item without getting off the train. However, if you need to jump off, you can always catch the next southbound train. They run roughly at 10 - 15 minute intervals.
Here are the waypoints and clues for each stop:
WP A - BEACON HILL STATION (Listed Coordinates)
The station is underground. Look for the passageway to the northbound platform. This will be on the left side of the train. The item is on the corner. WP A = ____
WP B - MT. BAKER STATION
Left side of the train just beyond the platform. Fairly good size and should be easy to spot even while the train is moving. Towards the end of the platform. Look outward. WP B = ____
WP C -COLUMBIA CITY STATION
Left side of the train, about mid way down the platform, large in a planter box. WP C = ____
WP D - OTHELLO STATION
On both platforms. Can be seen from either side of the train. Along the railing next to the covered part of the platform. WP D = ____
WP E - TUKWILA INTERNATIONAL STATION
Right side of the train beyond the platform, low and hanging. May need to get off the train to see this one. WP E = ____
WP F - SEATAC AIRPORT STATION
Left side of the train, on the platform, hanging above the escalators. WP F = ____
WP G- ANGLE LAKE STATION
Hanging above the platform exposed to the elements towards the end of the platform. Easy to spot. WP G = ____
The final is at N 47 25.ABC W 122 1D.EFG
A geochecker and spoiler picture are provided.
FTF honors go to Peach of Peach and Pete. Well done on a solo trip on the rails!
Depending upon the feedback I receive via the logs, I will consider doing a Link northbound multicache. Enjoy!