Apollo 18... Returning to the Surface of the Moon. Letterbox Hybrid
Apollo 18... Returning to the Surface of the Moon.
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This is a letterbox hybrid. It is similar to a cache except it uses clues instead of GPS technology to reveal the location of the letterbox. The above coordinates take you to the starting location for the search, you then have to follow the clues to the final cache location. It can be done as a letterbox or a cache depending on whether or not you have a stamp.
The posted coordinates will take you to the starting location. There are multiple places to park nearby (too many to list). At the starting location you will be walking to the final location of the cache. Along the way, you will be crossing a few roadways (not too busy), please be careful to watch children as you are doing so.
Finally, as with most letterboxes, this one requires you to use your imagination.... You are "piloting" a spacecraft (Apollo 18) to the surface of the moon. Back in the early 1970's Apollo Missions were canceled and # 18 never got to fly. Nearly 40 years later you are taking the mission and Returning to the Surface of the Moon.
The coordinates put you at the starting location. From there begin by standing next to Neil. Begin your journey by taking "one small step...." over the word 'step' on the ground. Continue walking away from Neil on the sidewalk which will lead you to the launch pad. You’ll know your at the launch pad when you hear the countdown clock beeping . When your crew is all on the launch pad, signal mission control that you are ready for blast-off by pushing the all clear button to your right. When mission control signals blast-off begin piloting your ship North until you are clear of the launch area. Keep following the flight-path ahead of you in an Northerly direction, careful to keep the black fence on your right side. When you and your crew spot six sets of entry hatches to your right turn 90° to the left and carefully navigate your way across the road. When you reach the other side turn your shift 90° right and continue your course bearing North. You will come to a galaxy crossroads, follow the one that will keep you in the same Univers.
Its time to fire up the boosters because you will now begin to climb in altitude as you proceed up the incline. You will notice as you pass the sign that even here in space, you must watch your speed. It must have been transported from the Earth as it should read “Limit Mach 20” not “20 mph.” Just make sure that you keep it to your right as you pass. Continue to gain altitude as you pass 3 groups of stars overhead, which will “light” your path. You will then briefly fly by the Boilermaker Constellation on your right and the Echo Galaxy on your left. As you continue your mission you will count 2 more groups of star lights and another incorrect Limit Mach 20 sign. When you pass this sign, slowdown be ready for further vectoring on course. When you arrive at the two way (spaceship) traffic indicator – steer 90° left and cross the street. Follow the sidewalk. As you continue you will want to pass just to the right of the 11 pillars of the Foxtrot Galaxy and then on to the 3 pillars of the Golf Galaxy. You are arriving near your final destination- the surface of the moon, now it is time to start the pre-landing checks. Turn right 90° and cross. Continue straight until you cross over 2 yellow/white stripes. You will see a Blue Shuttle sign (note: been told it is only there seasonally), put your back to it and proceed away from it until you begin seeing the moon gravel beneath your ship.
You will notice a (wooden) barrier to your right side, this is the atmosphere barrier you will soon be crossing over during your decent to the surface. Continue climbing the small hill with the barrier to your right and the inter-stellar communication tower directly ahead of you. Count 13 sections of the barrier. You will come upon a yellow sign on the 13th section. Cross the atmosphere barrier here for your final decent to the surface. You will have arrived on the surface when you are among plaques from others that have come before you . You will notice a plaque in English and one in a graphical alien language. The cache is located just under the surface the alien plaque is on. YOUR MISSION IS COMPLETE!
Please feel free to trade items and sign the log; however, please leave the stamp and inkpad so that cachers may stamp their “Earth Passports”.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)