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Blanchard's Descent Traditional Cache

Hidden : 10/1/2007
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

Blanchard's Balloon Ride -- The First Air Voyage in America

Jean Pierre François Blanchard was born July 4, 1753 in Petit Andelys, France. Blanchard was best known for his many pioneering balloon flights. He took up ballooning following the Montgolfier brothers' 1783 demonstrations of hot-air-balloon flying in Annonay, France.

On January 9, 1793, Blanchard made the first balloon ascent in North America. That day, he ascended from the Washington Prison Yard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and landed on this site in Deptford, Gloucester County, New Jersey at 10:56 AM. He was carrying the first airmail letter handed to him by President George Washington who, after shaking his hand, wished him well. The "Passport" letter in short read "" To all citizens of the United States, and others, that... they oppose no hindrance...to the said Mr. Blanchard" and assist him in his efforts to "advance an art, in order to make it useful to mankind in general.".

There is a plaque on this site located by the "Clement Oak" (see GC16AGC) which reads..

"This Plaque rededicates the landing site of Jean Pierre Blanchard's ascension from Philadelphia on this the 200th anniversary of "The first Air Voyage in America".

Presented on January 9, 1993 by Favia 200 Inc. & the Township of Deptford, NJ.

If you look closely near the Clement Oak on the left side you can see the Plaque which is facing slightly away from the viewing area hence you cannot read it.

You are looking for a very tiny cache for this big event, Bring a pen, and please, no hints or spoilers in the logs.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Lbhe onyybba jbhyq ohefg ng TM! Abg n anab (qbhoyr fvmrq znlor) !

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)