GCH5PB Ferry Cache I - Seattle to Bremerton (Multi-cache) in Washington, United States created by Bull Moose

This cache has been archived.

Bull Moose: This cache had a good run. Unfortunately, I don't live in the area any more and can't keep up with maintenance.

GCH5PB ▼

A cache by Bull Moose Message this owner

Hidden : 11/2/2003

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

This cache is located in Bremerton, however, you’ll have to hop the ferry from Seattle in order to determine the exact location.
Be sure to do the sequel: Ferry Cache II - Bremerton to Seattle.

With this cache, I am encouraging some of the East Sound cachers to hop the ferry to Bremerton, where there are many fine caches to be found. It also gives West Sound cachers to do on their way home from work or a Seattle event something to do.
If you drive on the ferry, you can make a day of caching by starting in the Bremerton/Silverdale area, proceeding down to the Port Orchard and Gig Harbor areas and then home via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The Kitsap Peninsula is a cache rich area.
If riding the ferry is rare for you, then I encourage you to wait for a crystal clear day. I ride the ferry every day, M-F, but my breath is still taken away by the views on a clear day. At minimum, in order to collect the required numbers it must be light with a minimum visibility of ½ mile!

Ferry Information:

Click here for schedule information

Click here for fare information. Please note walk-on fares are collected from Seattle only! The Bremerton to Seattle ride is fare free for walkers.

Suggested Equipment:
Sunglasses, preferably poloraized If it is a sunny day a pair of sunglasses will reduce glare off the water when reading the numbers.
Sport Glasses/Binoculars If you have less than 20/20 vision a pair of binoculars would be helpful. I have only fair eyes and was able to pick out the numbers, though.

Gathering the numbers:

Definitions: Starboard = The right of the boat when facing the direction the boat is proceeding.
Port = The left of the boat when facing the direction the boat is proceeding.
All directions are referenced from a Seattle to Bremerton run. If collecting numbers on a Bremerton to Seattle run, use the opposite direction reference.

Take note of the name of the ferry you are getting on as you board

Waypoint 1: In dock at the Seattle ferry terminal.
Once you are on the ferry, proceed to any passenger area and look port. You’ll see a bunch of orange Port of Seattle cranes. On the crane closest to the ferry there is a two digit number. Write the number down. This number is A.
If you are at the terminal early, you’ll probably be able to find the number before getting on the boat.

Waypoint 2: Boat specific information.
If you are on the Kaleetan:
Find the ship’s office. Near the ships office you’ll find some plaques. Find the year the Kaleetan was refurbished and subtract the year the boat was dedicated from it. The resulting number = B

If you are on the Kitsap:
Find the small orange rescue boat located on one of the outside shelters. How far do you have to stay away from the gate surrounding it if you are smoking? That number = B

If you are on the Walla Walla:
Find the large reliif map. Next to the map on the ladies room side, there is a green plaque. A year is listed twice on that plaque. The year = B.

If you are on the Hyak:
Find the large dedication plaque. It is on an interior wall in the lower passenger deck. Find the year the Hyak was delivered. The four-digit year=B.

If you are on the Chelan:
Find the plaque between the men's and women's bathroom entrance. The three-digit hull number=B

Waypoint 3: N 47 33.975’ W 122 31.061’
On your toes! As you approach this waypoint look for a buoy starboard. Note the color of this buoy.
If it is blue/green C=4, if it is red/orange C=8
The next waypoint comes fast!

Waypoint 4: N 47 34.241’ W 122 31.745’
Look port. As you approach this waypoint, you will see the Manchester Naval Refueling Station. Through a clearing you will be able to see some large, white, cylindrical fuel tanks. How many are visible? This number = D.

Waypoint 5: N 47 35.212’ W 122 34.204’
As you approach this waypoint, look port. There is a piling with a green square on it. What is the number on the green square? This number = E.

OK you’re done. Enjoy the rest of the ride in and calculate the coordinates.

Coordinates for the final microcache: N 47 33.XXX’ W 122 37.YYY’
XXX= ((A-19)*D*C)-((E*2)+1)+4
(Because of recent changes on the boats - no more smoking and remodeling, I'll just give you YYY until I can fix it. YYY=410)
If you were on the Kaleetan: YYY=(B*13)+7
If you were on the Kitsap YYY=(B*40)+10
If you were on the Walla Walla YYY=(B/4)-83.25
If you were on the Hyak YYY=B-1557
If you were on the Chelan YYY=B+63

The final cache is a painted Altoids tin. Bring your own pen or pencil.

If you drove on the ferry:
Drive off the ferry and take the first possible legal left (Burwell Street). Park anywhere on the street where there is free parking. You shouldn’t need more than 30 minutes. Go find the cache.
If you walked on the ferry:
The cache is within easy walking distance. Go find it.

Welcome to Bremerton and happy caching!