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Kensico Dam Mystery Cache

Hidden : 9/3/2009
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Welcome to the Kensico Dam! The above coordinates will not take you to the final cache, but to the base of the dam. The final location is 1/3 mile away, easiest way to get it is by any means other than car.

Here's some information on the dam, to help you with both a quick history lesson as well as to help aquaint yourself with some of your local surroundings.

In 1885, the Kensico Dam was built south of the village of Kensico, NY as an additional source of water for New York City. A granite dam formed a small lake from water supplied by the Bronx River and the Byram River, but it was still not enough for the ever-increasing population of New York City. A reservoir was needed that would contain waters from various new reservoirs and act as a holding tank for distribution to New York City.
The village of Kensico, NY was surrounded by hills that came to a natural V-shape. There was also a nearby quarry on Silver Lake, in North Castle, making the town a logical site for the new dam. Although relatively small--with a population of about 200 people--Kensico had houses, stores, churches, hotels and a railroad station.
In 1905, legislation was passed by New York State to allow money to be raised for the building of the Kensico Reservoir. The next year, final planning by the state was approved, and preliminary surveys were started. Seventeen miles of railroad track were privately built to carry materials from quarries at nearby Cranberry and Silver Lakes to the dam site; this spur railroad and a highway network had to be built to move supplies into place. A camp for the workers and their families had to be constructed, along with facilities such as schools for their children.
To prepare for the dam construction, each individual lot of land was condemned and appraised, and the owner paid a "fair value" for the land. Many of the families had to move to such surrounding towns as Valhalla, Armonk and White Plains. The village of Kensico was then flooded to make way for the dam.
After the events of September 11, 2001 the road running across the top of the dam was closed indefinitely for fear of an attempt to destroy the dam holding back the reservoir that supplies water to New York City and to communities between the Kensico Dam and New York City.
Behind the Dam is the Kensico Reservoir. Formed by impounding the Bronx River and receiving most of its water from the aqueduct system.
In front of the Dam is the Kensico Dam Plaza. A 98 acre county park at the base of the dam that hosts many activities including ethnic celebrations, concerts, antique shows, arts and crafts, outdoor movies, etc. In the past, even a geocaching event! Favorite past times at this county park include picnicking, in line skating, biking, walking, nature study, play grounds, etc. A sculpture park and most recently the 9/11 Memorial, the "Circle of Remembrance".

Surrounding the 80 foot tall Memorial lists 111 victims and inscriptions which are solemnly placed for all visitors to pay tribute to.

Open year round from morning to dusk. Extremely wheelchair and stroller friendly, dogs must be leashed and curbed.
In its day, the walk up to and across the top was a spectacular excercise whose rewards of an awesome view was most memorable. A notable part of local history.

The cache itself, however, is not at the above posted coordinates, but is located a short distance from the Dam Plaza. In order to log this find, you must come to the dam by going to the above coordinates and enjoy the serenity of this county park while marveling at this incredible piece of architecture. While reading the plaques at the base of the dam, gather the necessary information to fill in the missing coordinates to find the actual cache, which has now been upgraded to a sterilite container, large enough for trade items and stocked with some swag, also containing a log book. Coins will be added as there's always room for those. Don't forget to leave some inspiring words of wisdom in the log book for the next cachers to read!
Answer these questions, and insert the third digit of the answer to "A" in the missing space for the northern ones column, answer "B" and insert the first digit of the answer in the western missing tens column.

A) The dam is tapered masonry construction. How thick is it at its base?
B) The dam stands 168 feet tall above the ground, but actually how tall is it standing on its foundation?

FINAL COORDINATES: N 41 04.11A W 073 46.0B3

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Haqre onex arkg gb gerr

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)