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This is an opportunity to see several churches in Quincy before arriving at a nice picnic spot. The picnic spot has three tables and a small barbecue and boasts a nice view of American Valley, Quincy, and particularly the airport. The cache is located about 150 feet away from the picnic tables. Unfortunately, I had to hide the cache in the grass so that vandals wouldn't discover it. I'd like to think it should be relatively easy to find. Do NOT climb over any fences; it's not necessary. This picnic spot is quite out of the way, unknown to many locals, and about a 50 yard walk from where you park your car. The trick is to find the coordinates! To get these coordinates, you will go to 4 different churches in Quincy. You can walk or drive. If you park your car at the first site, and walk to the 3 others, you will walk about a mile on level terrain and relatively quiet streets.The coordinates of the picnic site are as follows:N 39 degrees 56. (A)___ (B)___ (A)___ minutes W 120 degrees 56. (C)___ (D)___ (B)___ minutes To find the number for A, go to the following church:N 39 degrees 56.115W 120 degrees 56.670 Once there, you will notice a blue handicapped sign directly next to the front door. Subtract the number 5 from the number of letters in the three words printed on the sign. This is the number A. This church was built in 1957. Pastor Dave Olson has said of it: "It is a smallish structure, but it is inviting, peaceful, and unique.To find the number D, go to the following church:N 39 degrees 56.248W 120 degrees 56.516 Once there, count the number of letters in all the words that appear on the crossbar of the wooden cross in front of the church. Add one to this number and divide the sum by two. The result is D. This church was built in 1947. The bell tower was added in 1952, the front porch in 1955, and the inside balcony in 1961. If the door is unlocked, check out the nice woodwork inside. To find the number B, go to the following church:N 39 degrees 56.140W 120 degrees 56.651 Once there, count the number of letters in the words that are etched in stained glass above the front door; ignore any punctuation. Subtract eight from that number. The result is B. This church was built in 1875 at the exorbitant cost of $250(!). Up until then, the congregation met for Sunday service in the courthouse. The same basic structure has been maintained, repaired, and refurbished with loving care by its parishoners for well over a century.To find the number C, go to the following building:N 39 degrees 56.164W 120 degrees 56.798 Add up the number of wooden columns on the front porch. The result is the number C. Technically speaking, this is not a "church," but more of a meeting hall. However, church-like ceremonies still take place in the second floor temple room and the local members take very good care of it. Notice the new paint job! Incredibly enough, this building was built in 1855(!), making it the oldest building in Quincy, and one of the oldest wooden structures in the state that's been continuously in use. School classes were once held on the first floor and, from 1915-1921, it was home to the county library. Its hand-hewn pillars and wide wall boards still bear evidence of hand-planing.To make sure you gathered the correct numbers, the sum of A,B, C, and D (notice that A and B are only counted once) is 20.Unfortunately, when I placed the cache right near the picnic tables, it was easily vandalized. So I've placed the cache about 50 paces away from the picnic tables. After you find the cache (a clear plastic container with a white lid somewhat hidden in the grass next to a fence), the picnic tables are 50 paces away in a southwesterly (215 degrees) direction.As you eat your picnic lunch, can you spot any of the previous buildings?('Thank you' to Sally Tromley of the Plumas County Museum for her help!)
P.S. I am going to be temporarily out of the country. Please e-mail your find to plumasm@sbcglobal.net
Regrettably, sometime in May 2007, the County, in its wisdom, decided to remove the picnic tables and cut down all the trees and bushes immediately around them. The cache was taken as well, but has since been replaced. It is still a nice spot, but you'll have to bring your own folding chairs and portable grill for a picnic. Sorry!!
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