The cache location is in a popular Muggle area and consequently
will be busier at certain times of the day. For the shy cacher be
warned that this cache involves a dive into a thicket. This spot is
a rather peaceful escape from the hubbub of the city with a Weir
and canal criss-crossing nearby. Regular canal boats travel by
which you can view either sitting on one of the benches or
exploring the nearby footbridge over the two river courses. You
might like to bring a camera as rare birds have been seen in the
area. Depending on approach direction, you will see the Blue Streak
in the rocket tower either just before or after the cache site (if
you walk far enough). It's only 5 mins from the nearest car park
and its located next to a regular bus route from the city centre.
There is plenty of space to park at the National Space Centre. If
you have time you could also pay a visit to the Abbey Pumping
Station Museum next door [entrance free], which has occasional
steam days including a mini-railway and its own original vast beam
engine which are a nice contrast to the 21st Century technology at
the Space Centre.
Parking is available at the National Space Centre between 10am
and 5pm, daily except Monday. The centre of the car park is
approximately at N52°39.260,W001°07.961 but will cost £1 during
opening hours.
Other places to park if you want a slightly longer walk:
N52°38.824,W001°07.843 (Abbey Park Road)
N52°38.993,W001°08.261 (Entrance to Abbey Park car park area)
These are either side of the bridge over the canal, adjacent to
which you'll find a footpath that takes you to the cache site.
Blue Streak was originally a British weapon delivery system back
in the 1950s. Happily that project was cancelled, and a more
positive one evolved, which was to use the Blue Streak as the first
stage (the bottom part) of a European satellite launcher. After
repeated failures of the second and upper stages, the whole project
was cancelled - despite the Blue Streak having a 100% success rate
- something no other rocket ever built has achieved except the
USA's Saturn V.
Spacebocs worked within 30m of the only standing Blue Streak in
the world for over a year, and thought it was about time he placed
a cache somewhere nearby. I have now adopted it from him.
More details about the Blue Streak can be found at:
this site.
You can't of course claim this cache without signing the log book.
Please ensure the lid is replaced securely, and rehide well. Please
log any DNF's.