Abandoned Satellite Complex 2 Multi-cache
Abandoned Satellite Complex 2
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This is a two-stage cache with the final stage hidden along one of the borders of the Witkowsky State Wildlife Area. To get the coordinates for the hidden container, you will need to gather information at an abandoned satellite ground tracking complex within the area at the listed coordinates. The abandoned complex is now part of the state wildlife area land and is available for public viewing.
Notice about "No Trespassing" Sign at Road Entrance: I contacted the Apple River Canyon Park Land Manager (also governs the Witkowsky area) about this. Here is their response: "The DNR owns 17' on both sides of the center line of the road. It is not an easement. It is open for public use." Staying on the driveway for the 1/4 mile until you reach the closed gates is allowed despite the sign. Do not, however, venture into the bordering fields which is private property.
About the Complex: The Iris and Jack Witkowsky State Wildlife Area is bordered on two sides by Blackjack Road. It consists primarily of 1069 acres of restored prairie and wildlife areas. Hidden deep within the area is an abandoned satellite ground tracking complex. It was originally constructed to steer two gigantic parabolic satellite dishes to track several Telstar communication satellites in the 1970’s through the 1990’s before finally being dismantled. The Telstar satellites were used to relay telephone and television signals from continent to continent. Because the satellites circled earth in low non-geosynchronous orbits, the giant dish antennas needed to be continuously turned and precisely controlled as the satellites traveled overhead. Most of the buildings and the dishes themselves have been removed, but two massive cylindrical concrete bases remain (probably due to the large expense that would be required to demolish and dispose of them). To imagine what this area had looked like before the dishes were removed, click here to see a photo of a similar Telstar ground tracking complex. Notice the size of the dish antennas compared to their bases. Each base is about 70 feet across with inside ceilings of more than 15 feet high. More information on this site can be read in my 06-07-2014 log note.
Directions to Stage 1: To find and log this geocache, you will first need to visit the satellite complex at the coordinates posted for this listing. (I have also included additional waypoints for the entrance to the driveway as well as where to park to aid you.) You will start by driving about a ¼ mile down the service road until you reach closed access gates. At the closed gates, you will need to park your vehicle and continue down the road on foot or bicycle for another ½ mile. This part of the road is heavily shaded and is a very peaceful, easy walk surrounded by wildlife. The old road was paved so no bushwacking is necessary. (Note that the service road and parking area will probably not be cleared of snow in the wintertime. This will add approximately ¼ mile to your walk and some parking challenges.) You can also check out the large culvert with electronics near the end of the trail. See additional waypoints for exact location.
Note that this wildlife area is open to public hunting so you may want to wear blaze orange if entering the area during the hunting season. Also, I doubt that you will be able to get cell phone reception at the satellite complex due to it being surrounded by hills on all sides.
Getting the Info: Once you reach the complex, you will need to go to the dish base entrance near the posted coordinates. Looking into the entrance, you will see another doorway to the right with a three-digit number next to it. I don’t know what this number means, but I have decided to use it to calculate the final cache location. By the way, go ahead and enter the antenna bases to further explore, if you dare!
The Calculations: Using the three-digit number obtained at stage 1, let’s call that number ABC with A being the first digit, B the second, and C the third. Now do these very simple calculations to determine D, E, and F for use in the final coordinates:
D=A+4
E=C-1
F=A+3
Final Cache Coordinates: The coordinates for the final cache is
N 42° 1D.EBF’ W 090° 2B.AED’
The Cache: The cache container is a camouflaged plastic jar. This cache contains a logbook, pencil, and a few nice starting trade items. Please sign the log, trade fairly, and return the container to its original location and state of concealment for others’ enjoyment.
Also note that this is a replacement for my original “Abandoned Satellite Complex” geocache which needed to be disabled and ultimately archived due to road construction near the original hiding place. This is a different cache with a new hiding place, so if you’ve found the original, feel free to seek and log this one as well.
Also, if you like this type of cache, you might want to consider finding my “1960s Era Bomb Shelter” cache as well.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)