Operation Iraqi Freedom II Traditional Cache
Operation Iraqi Freedom II
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This is overlooking the Tehachapi Loop railroad tracks, including the tunnel - it's quite a sight. There are 2 other excellent caches nearby, Tehachapi Loop & Tehachapi Treasure. Please stay on the established trail.
Operation Iraqi Freedom II
This is another cache dedicated to the Iraqi people who are currently being freed from the life-sapping clutches of the evil despot, Saddam Hussein. As this cache is placed, an international coalition is fighting to help the Iraqi
people enjoy freedom similar to that we take for granted in the United States, Great Britain, and Australia. This cache looks forward to the near future and the establishment of an Iraqi nation that allows its people to
decide for themselves, the course of their lives, without the threat of execution for disagreeing with the government.
This coalition consisted of brave men and women from several countries, the lion's share from the U.S. We will never forget those who fought and were either killed, wounded or fought and returned to our grateful nation. This generation of young people will return to our country "enlightened" by the truth. They will know the meaning of atrocities, and enablers from other countries and some media outlets. We are eternally grateful.
UPDATE: 12/13/03 U.S. ARMED FORCES CAPTURE SADDAM HUSSEIN ALIVE NEAR HIS HOMETOWN OF TIKRIT. Following his capture on 13 December 2003, the trial of Saddam took place under the Iraqi Interim Government. On 5 November 2006, Saddam was convicted of charges of crimes against humanity related to the 1982 killing of 148 Iraqi Shi'ites, and was sentenced to death by hanging. His execution was carried out on 30 December 2006.
Exit Hwy 58 at Keene, then drive approx 3 miles east on Woodford-Tehachapi Road. Good parking at N35 11.714,
W118 31.997. YOU WILL NOT NEED TO CROSS ANY RAILROAD TRACKS OR FENCES TO REACH THIS CACHE. DO NOT PARK OR STOP ALONG HWY 58. The world famous Tehachapi Loop was constructed between 1874 and 1876. This steep line averages 2.2% in gradient in its 28 miles of length. This feat of civil engineering genius was the crowning achievement of civil engineer William Hood of the Southern Pacific Railway Company.The Tehachapi Pass Railroad Line was cut through solid and decomposed granite by up to 3,000 Chinese laborers from Canton China. They used picks, shovels, horse drawn carts and blasting powder. This line which climbs out of the San Joaquin Valley through the Tehachapi mountains had 18 tunnels, 10 bridges, and numerous water towers for the old steam locomotives. It was completed in less than 2 years under the leadership of J.B. Harris, Chief of Construction. Leaving Bakersfield at an elevation of 400 feet, in 50 miles the tracks climb to an elevation of 4,028 feet at Tehachapi Summit. The loop is 3,799 feet long and eastbound trains containing 99 or more cars pass through an entry tunnel, perform a counter-clockwise loop, then pass 77 feet above the cars below. Approximately 36 trains pass through the loop every 24 hours.
Even though this in the middle of nowhere, on some days train-watchers can be very numerous. So be very discreet.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Cynfgvp cvyy obggyr haqre fbzr ebpxf