The Summit of Mt. Prospect Mystery Cache
Genius Loci: I'm getting ready to move out of the area, and will no longer be able to maintain this cache. Thanks to all who came to visit!
The Summit of Mt. Prospect
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The breathtaking summit of Mt. Prospect is the final goal of this two-part cache. The coordinates posted above will take you to base camp, where you'll need to find a hidden container which holds the Climbing Registry log sheet. Sign the log, then make your ascent to the summit. There you must answer a simple question (via email) to claim a "Find" for this cache.
There aren't a lot of choices in Chicagoland if you've a fancy to go mountain climbing; in fact, Mt. Prospect is about it. Because of the obvious perils, you are required to register for this climb by signing the log sheet at base camp before attempting your ascent. Therefore, your first task will be to use the coordinates provided to find a hidden cache which contains the climb registry log sheet.
After finding the container and signing the log sheet at base camp, make note of the coordinates listed therein; they will lead you to a virtual cache hidden at the summit itself. Inside the base camp cache you'll also find a secret question (which must be answered correctly while at the summit to claim credit for this cache).
Armed with the secret question and the coordinates for the summit, choose your route carefully, and make your way to the summit with it's final (virtual) cache. Since base camp is located at the very lowest elevation of Mount Prospect, and the final virtual cache is located at the very highest point, be prepared to scale the entire peak from bottom to top!
You'll want to be in prime physical condition before tackling this strenuous hike, and if you're new to the area, spend a week or two getting acclimatized; the air is pretty thin when you get up to the higher elevations. Emergency services and trained paramedics are available directly adjacent to base camp.
Your ascent may require rock climbing shoes, a harness, carabiners, climbing chalk and chalk bag, helmet, belay device, nuts, pitons, a rock hammer, and a stout climbing rope, and be sure to wear comfortable clothing appropriate to the season. Remember that Mt. Prospect is iced-over during much of the winter, and may only be scaled at certain times of the year.
On the way to the summit, wildlife is abundant. While scouting the cache, we spotted a Cougar, two Jaguars, and several Rams. Mustangs have also been reported in the vicinity of base camp.
The climb is a tough one, but with your trusty GPSr and stalwart determination, you'll soon be mounting to the very summit itself. There's no physical cache hidden there, but take a moment to catch your breath while you figure out the answer to the secret question and enjoy the panoramic view from the highest point on Mt. Prospect. If the climb has exhausted you, don't worry; it's all downhill from here!
Remember - to log a "Find" online for this cache you must do two things: 1. Sign the Climb Registry log sheet located in the base camp cache, and 2. Ascend to the summit, discover the answer to the secret question, and send it to the cache placer's email box.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)