The Solar System - Pluto Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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Scale model of the Solar System, using the Grouse Ridge Lookout as the Sun. This cache is near a spillway. Not recomended for small children. Although not as scenic as some of the other caches in this series, this is the most dramatic in scale. Altitude 4760'
Scale model of the Solar System - 9 of 9
Scale: 1 inch equals 5000 miles
Object: Pluto
Actual size: 1,413 mi
Actual orbit: 3,674,490,971 mi
Scale size: 0.28 in
Scale orbit: 61,242 ft (11.60 mi)
In this model, the Grouse Ridge Lookout represents the Sun, and each cache represents the location of a planet at its scale orbit. The lookout building is the correct scale size of Sol for this model - 14.4 feet across. (Ok, so it's a square Sun, sorry!) Some caches have a reference object in the cache of the correct size - but please bring a measuring tape or something to use (planets have been known to wander off!)
The point is to get a clear idea of the scale of our Solar system. Unlike many other scale models, Sol is visible from all the planets (although you will need binoculars from some of the outer planets!)
If you only visit one planet, visit Earth - it has its moon tethered to it, and the dimensions are a bit of a surprise to most people. 
Most of this series lies above 7000 feet. The cache is under snow from about November to late May. If you want more info on this series of caches (including a full spoiler, so you can do the whole tour of all planets in one day with no hunting) go to the website (visit link)
Cache is at the base of a tree. View Sol from N39 15.122', W120 44.936' (not at the cache.)
Here's a trick: find the cache, then set your GPS to find Sol (N39 23.178', W120 36.759', waypoint GCG3AG.) That will give you the heading you'll need to pick out Sol with your binoculars!
Original cache contents:
- Logbook
- Pencil
- Planet.
Please do not remove planets! If people have left trinkets, feel free to exchange, but the original cache items should remain.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Jngre vayrg bs Qehz Sberonl. Ybbx ng onfr bs gerrf.