Duct Tape Mystery Cache

DUCT TAPE - The Ultimate Material

Neither the flimsy masking tape nor the filmy clear tape can compare with Duct Tape. But how did this wonder material originate? To all of our caching friends, clear that haze round your brains and listen up - here is its history. With reeling minds, take it in!

Duct tape (the WWII military version) was first created and manufactured here (better than in England!) in 1942 by the Johnson and Johnson Permacel Division. It soon became the height of military fashion. Its original use was to keep moisture out of ammunition cases. Because it was waterproof, people referred to the tape as "Duck Tape." Also, the tape was made using cotton duck - similar to what was used in their cloth medical tapes. Military personnel quickly discovered that the tape was very versatile and used it to fix things. Duct Tape worked on a bulldozer or a backpack, or even in emergencies, as rope.

Lest we stray from the truth, we note: It's been used on guns. It's been used on jeeps. It's even been used to repair aircraft!

After the war, Duck Tape was even made in a silvery grey version, for joining heating and air conditioning ducts, resulting in the "Duct Tape" we are familiar with today.

If I've bored you so far, I'll add drama: The power of our "ultimate material" was demonstrated in 1970, when duct tape was used to match square carbon dioxide filters to round receptacles in the Apollo 13 lunar module, which was being used as a lifeboat after an explosion in space interrupted their trip to the moon. Duct tape saved the astronauts! Don't scoff - I've seen the movie, so it must be true. Even in empty space, gaze round and you may see.. Duct Tape, the Ultimate Material.

You can check your answers for this puzzle on Geochecker.com.