The Solar System - Neptune Traditional Cache
The Solar System - Neptune
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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Scale model of the Solar System, using the Grouse Ridge Lookout as the Sun. Altitude 6739'
Scale model of the Solar System - 8 of 9
Scale: 1 inch equals 5000 miles
Object: Neptune
Actual size: 30,778 mi
Actual orbit: 2,798,655,849 mi
Scale size: 6.16 in
Scale orbit: 46,644 ft (8.83 mi)
In this model, the Grouse Ridge Lookout represents the Sun, and each cache represents the location of a planet at its scale orbit. The lookout building is the correct scale size of Sol for this model - 14.4 feet across. (Ok, so it's a square Sun, sorry!) Some caches have a reference planet - a tagged object in the cache of the correct size - but please bring a measuring tape or something to use (reference objects keep wandering off!)
The point is to get a clear idea of the scale of our Solar system. Unlike many other scale models, Sol is visible from all the planets (although you will need binoculars from some of the outer planets!)
If you only visit one planet, visit Earth - it has its moon tethered to it, and the dimensions are a bit of a surprise to most people. 
Most of this series lies above 7000 feet. This cache may be under snow from about November to May. If you want more info on this series of caches go to the website (visit link)
Cache is under a big boulder, visible when you walk around it. View Sol from the cache location.
Here's a trick: find the cache, then set your GPS to find Sol (N39 23.178', W120 36.759', waypoint GCG3AG.) That will give you the heading you'll need to pick out Sol with your binoculars!
NOTE: This cache generally involves a day hike by itself, I wouldn't plan on hitting any others (except maybe Uranus) on the same day. It's true that it is only a 2.5 mile walk, but it's a rather intense 2.5 miles. You will gain about 1000' of elevation, and the trail is Very Rocky. The spot is actually 8.6 miles from Sol, which makes it .14 miles inside the minimum orbit of Neptune. The error factor is less than 2%, which should be acceptable.
Cache is a red Gummie Bear tin. It's not the most water tight container, but it's the perfect size for Neptune. Original cache contents:
- Log book
- Pen
- Tonka truck
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Jr oebhtug bhe guerr-lrne-byq hc urer, ohg jr'er xvaqn ahgm!