2oldfarts (the rockhounders) Posted October 29, 2005 Share Posted October 29, 2005 We are listing the first 2 Marker Types here to start off the contest. Please note the format for the link name. To add a link to this thread click The reply button at the bottom of the page. When you enter your text you click the "http://" button and put the benchmark page address in the box and hit OK. You will then be prompted for a name - enter the PID#, the equal sign, the code number/letter, the equal sign, and the marker type, hit the OK button and you're done. Check the pictures out, the date is visible even in the low light of sunrise on an overcast day. If you need assistance for taking pictures please ask in the other thread about the contest. Please use this thread for entry logs only. GP0103=DD=Survey Disk GP0574=53=Elevated Tank PLEASE, do not wait until the last day to log all your entries! PLEASE! (we are old and slow! ). We will try to keep a running tally in our database and will post entry updates occasionally through out the contest. Have fun, John & Shirley Quote Link to comment
2oldfarts (the rockhounders) Posted October 30, 2005 Author Share Posted October 30, 2005 Here's another for today. St George Mormon Temple Spire HO0629=86=Cupola Quote Link to comment
+BuckBrooke Posted October 30, 2005 Share Posted October 30, 2005 (edited) Here's the weekend's driving results. I've put my entries on a separate page, to provide a little organization. However, I have entered 12 markers: 22 Airway Beacon FO0982 LOS ANGELES AMARILLO AWY BN 71 42 Radio/TV Mast FO1220 ALBUQUERQUE RAD KRZY MAST 45 Microwave Tower FO1108 ALAMEDA FAA MICROWAVE W TWR 53 Elevated Tank FO1172 ALBUQUERQUE VOL ANDIA TANK 62 Flagpole FO1201 ALBUQUERQUE VET CEN FLAG 82 Finial FO1345 ALBUQUERQUE FEDERAL BLDG DOME 90 Church spire FO1128 ALBUQUERQUE CH LATTER DAY ST DD Survey Disk FO0975 3510625001 DH Horizontal Control Disk FO1739 REEVES 2 F Flange-Encased Rod AA3132 G 442 I Metal Rod AA3131 ZAB B R Rivet FO0248 RV 2 Edited October 31, 2005 by BuckBrooke Quote Link to comment
+GEO*Trailblazer 1 Posted October 30, 2005 Share Posted October 30, 2005 I thought it did not start till 1 November, this is still October. Quote Link to comment
gto girl Posted October 30, 2005 Share Posted October 30, 2005 Geo, See "The Contest is Afoot" thread. John and Shirley changed the starting date by request to make it easier for us in the Northeast. lmh Quote Link to comment
+GEO*Trailblazer 1 Posted October 30, 2005 Share Posted October 30, 2005 I better get busy then!!!!!!!!!!! Lets see one stop I can get 7. I should have got that chisled square and stack yesterday I was right there and thought about it but had just completed a HAM Tech test and was plum burnt out. OH well, see ya on the trail. Quote Link to comment
+Harry Dolphin Posted October 31, 2005 Share Posted October 31, 2005 So many benchmarks. So little time! Question. Would it be easier to link to the log, rather than to the bench mark page? That way I could add the required photo to the original log, rather than posting a note. Example: KV6828=DD=Survery Disk rather than KV6828=DD=Survery Disk Lots of photos to work on... Other entry for today is: KU1303=DB=Bench Mark Disk Quote Link to comment
2oldfarts (the rockhounders) Posted October 31, 2005 Author Share Posted October 31, 2005 Harry, It works better for us to have the link to the benchmark page since we can then check the 'Marker Type' and then scroll down and check the photo. If you go to the benchmark page you will find the option to "Edit Log" which includes adding, more photos. Thanks, John Quote Link to comment
mloser Posted October 31, 2005 Share Posted October 31, 2005 Does SURVERY disk count as a separate type from SURVEY disk? I wanna become a SURVERYOR! Quote Link to comment
+Harry Dolphin Posted October 31, 2005 Share Posted October 31, 2005 Okay, so Harry Dolphin has problems typing! Let's see what I can mangle today! KU2166=14=navigation light KU3943=13=lighthouse KV4105=54=water tower This is a really great water tower!! KU1424=DJ=tidal station disk Okay. That's what I did this weekend. Three on Manhattan, one in Brooklyn, one in Weehawken and one in Nutley, NJ. Oh, and eight geocvaches. Quote Link to comment
+Harry Dolphin Posted November 2, 2005 Share Posted November 2, 2005 I know that you said to post them in groups. But I ran into problems getting my GPS to show the date in focus. Six pictures later, this is the best I got: KV5791=53=Elevated Tank Does this qualify? Or do I have to go back, or find another? Quote Link to comment
2oldfarts (the rockhounders) Posted November 2, 2005 Author Share Posted November 2, 2005 Harry I copied your picture and used a photo imaging software and could just make out a date (barely). We accept it as a valid find. John Quote Link to comment
+GEO*Trailblazer 1 Posted November 2, 2005 Share Posted November 2, 2005 (edited) DS= TRIANGULATION STATION CASSVILLE GF0908 57= LOOKOUT TOWER LOHMER GF0902 53= ELEVATED TANK CASSVILLE OLD MUNICIPAL TANK GF0912 I=METAL ROD N 349 GF0985 DV= VERTICAL CONTROL DISC S 349 GF0599 B=BOLT CXIII GF0599 GOT TO ADD THE YOUNGEST WITH THE OLDEST BENCHMARK HUNTER. 4 AND 90.SEE NOTE: I AM ADDING A FLICKR PAGE FOR THE PHOTO'S It will be updated as the marks are recovered. You can see all sizes of the images at FLICKR. By clicking on the photo. BENCHMARKCONTEST Edited November 3, 2005 by GEO*Trailblazer 1 Quote Link to comment
2oldfarts (the rockhounders) Posted November 2, 2005 Author Share Posted November 2, 2005 Geo I think you misread the datasheet. From the original datasheet - GF0985_MARKER: I = METAL ROD GF0985_SETTING: 49 = STAINLESS STEEL ROD W/O SLEEVE (10 FT.+) GF0985_STAMPING: N 349 1989 The marker type is I=METAL ROD I think your eyeballs were getting a bit heavy and slipped down one line. John PS: Could it be that old age thing catching up with you..... Quote Link to comment
+GEO*Trailblazer 1 Posted November 2, 2005 Share Posted November 2, 2005 Geo I think you misread the datasheet. From the original datasheet - GF0985_MARKER: I = METAL ROD GF0985_SETTING: 49 = STAINLESS STEEL ROD W/O SLEEVE (10 FT.+) GF0985_STAMPING: N 349 1989 The marker type is I=METAL ROD I think your eyeballs were getting a bit heavy and slipped down one line. John PS: Could it be that old age thing catching up with you..... I,EYE,AYE IT MUST BE MY i!'S ME OLD AGE NAH CAN'T BE THAT. How are they looking so far? Not my I's Quote Link to comment
+GEO*Trailblazer 1 Posted November 4, 2005 Share Posted November 4, 2005 (edited) DS= TRIANGULATION STATION CASSVILLE GF090857= LOOKOUT TOWER LOHMER GF0902 53= ELEVATED TANK CASSVILLE OLD MUNICIPAL TANK GF0912 I=METAL ROD N 349 GF0985 DV= VERTICAL CONTROL DISC S 349 GF0599 B=BOLT CXIII GF0599 GOT TO ADD THE YOUNGEST WITH THE OLDEST BENCHMARK HUNTER. 4 AND 90.SEE NOTE: Z=SEE DESCRIPTION CV HE0206 63=STACK MONETT PRODUCERS CREAMERY STK 42=RADIO/TV MAST MONETT RADIO STATION KRMO MAST I AM ADDING A FLICKR PAGE FOR THE PHOTO'S It will be updated as the marks are recovered. You can see all sizes of the images at FLICKR. By clicking on the photo. BENCHMARKCONTEST R=RIVET RV 4 GG0056 Edited November 4, 2005 by GEO*Trailblazer 1 Quote Link to comment
2oldfarts (the rockhounders) Posted November 4, 2005 Author Share Posted November 4, 2005 Geo, CV = HE0206 = "MARKER: Z = SEE DESCRIPTION" from the NGS datasheet. John Quote Link to comment
+GEO*Trailblazer 1 Posted November 4, 2005 Share Posted November 4, 2005 (edited) Duh!!!!! Should have looked there first. Sorry. Edited November 4, 2005 by GEO*Trailblazer 1 Quote Link to comment
2oldfarts (the rockhounders) Posted November 4, 2005 Author Share Posted November 4, 2005 Geo, CV = HE0206 = "MARKER: Z = SEE DESCRIPTION" from the NGS datasheet. John I went back and looked I still do not see the Z on my end on the original data sheet,I,eye must need glasses. Arhhhhhh HE0206 *********************************************************************** HE0206 DESIGNATION - CV HE0206 PID - HE0206 HE0206 STATE/COUNTY- MO/JASPER HE0206 USGS QUAD - SARCOXIE (1971) HE0206 HE0206 *CURRENT SURVEY CONTROL HE0206 ___________________________________________________________________ HE0206* NAD 83(1986)- 37 04 10. (N) 094 06 56. (W) SCALED HE0206* NAVD 88 - 331.568 (meters) 1087.82 (feet) ADJUSTED HE0206 ___________________________________________________________________ HE0206 GEOID HEIGHT- -29.43 (meters) GEOID99 HE0206 DYNAMIC HT - 331.299 (meters) 1086.94 (feet) COMP HE0206 MODELED GRAV- 979,807.5 (mgal) NAVD 88 HE0206 HE0206 VERT ORDER - FIRST CLASS II HE0206 HE0206.The horizontal coordinates were scaled from a topographic map and have HE0206.an estimated accuracy of +/- 6 seconds. HE0206 HE0206.The orthometric height was determined by differential leveling HE0206.and adjusted by the National Geodetic Survey in June 1991. HE0206 HE0206.The geoid height was determined by GEOID99. HE0206 HE0206.The dynamic height is computed by dividing the NAVD 88 HE0206.geopotential number by the normal gravity value computed on the HE0206.Geodetic Reference System of 1980 (GRS 80) ellipsoid at 45 HE0206.degrees latitude (g = 980.6199 gals.). HE0206 HE0206.The modeled gravity was interpolated from observed gravity values. HE0206 HE0206; North East Units Estimated Accuracy HE0206;SPC MO W - 100,250. 884,190. MT (+/- 180 meters Scaled) HE0206 HE0206 SUPERSEDED SURVEY CONTROL HE0206 HE0206 NGVD 29 - 331.476 (m) 1087.52 (f) ADJ UNCH 1 2 HE0206 HE0206.Superseded values are not recommended for survey control. HE0206.NGS no longer adjusts projects to the NAD 27 or NGVD 29 datums. HE0206.See file dsdata.txt to determine how the superseded data were derived. HE0206 HE0206_STABILITY: D = MARK OF QUESTIONABLE OR UNKNOWN STABILITY HE0206 HE0206 HISTORY - Date Condition Recov. By HE0206 HISTORY - UNK MONUMENTED USGS HE0206 HISTORY - 1933 GOOD NGS HE0206 HISTORY - 1977 GOOD NGS HE0206 HISTORY - 1977 GOOD NGS HE0206 HE0206 STATION DESCRIPTION HE0206 HE0206''DESCRIBED BY NATIONAL GEODETIC SURVEY 1933 HE0206''AT SARCOXIE. HE0206''AT SARCOXIE, JASPER COUNTY, OPPOSITE THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF HE0206''THE PUBLIC SQUARE, ON THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE BLOCK, AT A HE0206''BRICK BUILDING ONCE OWNED AND OCCUPIED BY THE FIRST NATIONAL HE0206''BANK OF SARCOXIE, AND ON THE UPPER SURFACE OF THE LOWER STONE HE0206''STEP. THE BOTTOM OF A SQUARE HOLE SURROUNDED BY THE LETTERS HE0206''USBM. NOTE-- THE LETTERS U S C AND G SURVEY AND ALTITUDE ABOVE HE0206''GULF OF MEXICO 1088 FEET ARE ALSO CUT IN THE STONE STEP. HE0206 HE0206 STATION RECOVERY (1977) HE0206 HE0206''RECOVERY NOTE BY NATIONAL GEODETIC SURVEY 1977 HE0206''RECOVERED IN GOOD CONDITION. HE0206 HE0206 STATION RECOVERY (1977) HE0206 HE0206''RECOVERY NOTE BY NATIONAL GEODETIC SURVEY 1977 HE0206''RECOVERED IN GOOD CONDITION. How's this? HE0206_MARKER: Z = SEE DESCRIPTION HE0206_SETTING: 30 = SET IN A LIGHT STRUCTURE HE0206_SP_SET: STEP HE0206_STABILITY: D = MARK OF QUESTIONABLE OR UNKNOWN STABILITY HE0206 HE0206 HISTORY - Date Condition Report By HE0206 HISTORY - 1894 MONUMENTED USGS HE0206 HISTORY - 1933 GOOD NGS HE0206 HISTORY - 1977 GOOD NGS HE0206 HISTORY - 1977 GOOD NGS HE0206 HISTORY - 20030319 GOOD GEOCAC HE0206 HE0206 STATION DESCRIPTION HE0206 HE0206'DESCRIBED BY NATIONAL GEODETIC SURVEY 1933 The top line.... From the NGS datasheet, (from the NGS site) not the GC.com edition. John Quote Link to comment
+Harry Dolphin Posted November 5, 2005 Share Posted November 5, 2005 (edited) Today's efforts. LY2561=57=Lookout Tower (Only took five tries to get the date to show!) LY2560=DH=Horizontal Control Disk (Okay, so they're only a few hundred feet apart.) LY2247=DV=Vertical Control Disk Two more for Sunday: LY0393=R=Rivet This one's not in Geocaching, so I put the photos elsewhere: DF7147=I=Metal Rod Three more feet, and I would have parked on top of this one! Edited November 6, 2005 by Harry Dolphin Quote Link to comment
+GEO*Trailblazer 1 Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 (edited) DS= TRIANGULATION STATION CASSVILLE GF090857= LOOKOUT TOWER LOHMER GF0902 53= ELEVATED TANK CASSVILLE OLD MUNICIPAL TANK GF0912 I=METAL ROD N 349 GF0985 DV= VERTICAL CONTROL DISC S 349 GF0599 B=BOLT CXIII GF0599 GOT TO ADD THE YOUNGEST WITH THE OLDEST BENCHMARK HUNTER. 4 AND 90.SEE NOTE: Z=SEE DESCRIPTION CV HE0206 63=STACK MONETT PRODUCERS CREAMERY STK 42=RADIO/TV MAST MONETT RADIO STATION KRMO MAST R=RIVET RV 4 GG0056 I AM ADDING A FLICKR PAGE FOR THE PHOTO'S You can see all sizes of the images at FLICKR. By clicking on the photo. BENCHMARKCONTEST 11-7-2005 Q=CHISLED SQUARE CIX GF0603 DH=HORIZONTAL CONTROL DISC AURORA GF0887 65= GRAIN ELEVATOR AURORA MFA MILLING CO ELEVATOR Edited November 7, 2005 by GEO*Trailblazer 1 Quote Link to comment
+Harry Dolphin Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 Not fair! We don't have grain elevators in New Jersey! (Or the one that we did have, I marked as destroyed.) Quote Link to comment
2oldfarts (the rockhounders) Posted November 7, 2005 Author Share Posted November 7, 2005 (edited) Harry- just a quick question. How many tidal stations are in MO? John Edited November 7, 2005 by 2oldfarts (the rockhounders) Quote Link to comment
+Harry Dolphin Posted November 7, 2005 Share Posted November 7, 2005 Probably not a lot of lighthouses either. (I was teasing, you know.) Quote Link to comment
+GEO*Trailblazer 1 Posted November 8, 2005 Share Posted November 8, 2005 Probably not a lot of lighthouses either. (I was teasing, you know.) I got a Windmill that's 800 miles west,It is the only one I found. But won't get that way soon enough. That mountian peak is calling, I can hear it now but thats 900 SW miles. But maybe we can get that one and the 2 Country 3 state Boundry Monument. Around Christmas....maybe Quote Link to comment
+BuckBrooke Posted November 8, 2005 Share Posted November 8, 2005 (edited) I've logged a few more, to my list 03 Mountain Peak CZ1943 PICACHO PEAK 63 Stack FO1253 ALBUQUERQUE INDIAN HOSP STK 87 Dome FO1414 WEST MESA FAA RADAR DOME (needs a better photo) DB Bench Mark Disk FO1308 I25 30 DS Triangulation Station Disk FO1402 BLACK 2 DR Reference Mark Disk FO1403 BLACK 2 RM 4 DZ Azimuth Mark Disk FO0822 EDGE AZ MK (needs a better photo) We may have grain elevators out here, but I don't think I'm going to be able to log many of the water based markers, particularly a DOLPHIN, lighthouses, etc. It's not many to the top few, but I'm over halfway (280) towards my goal of finding 520 PIDs this year. I'll definitely break 400, but the contest is so intriguing. Edited November 8, 2005 by BuckBrooke Quote Link to comment
+Harry Dolphin Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 (edited) 2oldfarts, didn't your mother ever tell you that it isn't polite to challenge a Scorpio dolphin?!? Single-mindedness seems to define them. And this is definitely cutting into my geocaching! We only found one geocache this weekend. mloser: There are many nice things in Newark, even if it is the largest major city with an airport that people fly into and never visit the city. I definitely enjoy the PAC, and the Newark Bears. On to this weekend's benchmarks: KU362=92=Antenna on roof. taken from our cache West New York Aerie KV4313=82=Finial KU3959=70=Monument KU4006=86=Cupola KU1432=Q=Chiseled Square KU1431=B=Bolt KV4023=H=Drill Hole KV4024=85=Chimney KV4142=55=Tower KV4709=89=Spire KV4696=87=Dome KV4695=90=Church Spire KV0095=X=Chiseled Cross AI7796=F=Flange Encased Rod KV4693=62=Flagpole Edited November 15, 2005 by Harry Dolphin Quote Link to comment
mloser Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 Harry, Actually, I was stereotyping. I had a GREAT Portuguese dinner in the ironbound section a couple of weeks ago. Almost good to travel the 3 1/2 hours back to do it again! Matt Quote Link to comment
2oldfarts (the rockhounders) Posted November 20, 2005 Author Share Posted November 20, 2005 Here are a couple of more for the contest. 57=lookout tower Z=description The first has an interesting pair of logs by the NGS (added to our log from the original datasheet) that doesn't appear on the Geocaching page. :ph34r: The second is an unknown benchmark in more ways than one. John Quote Link to comment
+Harry Dolphin Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 Dolphin run amok. (It's all Shirley's fault!) Weekend in New York, Bergen and Hudson counties. KU3973=52=Standpipe Tank Though how this tower qualifies as a standpipe tank is beyond me. KU4017=83=Flagstaff Now, someone explain to me the difference between a flagstaff and a flagpole. KU3935=63=Stack With windows in it, no less! KU3926=22=Airway Beacon Hard to find in daylight, but it's still there. KU4063=DS=Triangulation Station Disk 6.6 feet from a five hundred foot drop off the Palisades. KV4054=43=Radio/TV Tower Funky looking critter! KV4074=91=Church Cross Quote Link to comment
+seventhings Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 Harry - Is KU3926 a rotating beacon? Will Quote Link to comment
+Harry Dolphin Posted November 21, 2005 Share Posted November 21, 2005 Will, We spotted it during daylight. The light was visible intermittently. I could not say for sure without visiting it at night. Mayhaps, we will revisit it at dusk to check, but I do not drive at night. I had not realized that there were beacons atop the towers of the George Washington Bridge until we went looking for them Quote Link to comment
+maggieszoo Posted November 27, 2005 Share Posted November 27, 2005 (edited) Here are the results for this morning's hunting: JY1230=I=Metal Rod JY0461=Q=Chiseled Square JY0463=DD=Survey Disk Tomorrow....who knows what I'll find?! Edited November 27, 2005 by maggieszoo Quote Link to comment
+GEO*Trailblazer 1 Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 (edited) DS= TRIANGULATION STATION CASSVILLE GF090857= LOOKOUT TOWER LOHMER GF0902 53= ELEVATED TANK CASSVILLE OLD MUNICIPAL TANK GF0912 I=METAL ROD N 349 GF0985 DV= VERTICAL CONTROL DISC S 349 GF0599 B=BOLT CXIII GF0599 GOT TO ADD THE YOUNGEST WITH THE OLDEST BENCHMARK HUNTER. 4 AND 90.SEE NOTE: Z=SEE DESCRIPTION CV HE0206 63=STACK MONETT PRODUCERS CREAMERY STK 42=RADIO/TV MAST MONETT RADIO STATION KRMO MAST R=RIVET RV 4 GG0056 I AM ADDING A FLICKR PAGE FOR THE PHOTO'S You can see all sizes of the images at FLICKR. By clicking on the photo. BENCHMARKCONTEST 11-7-2005 Q=CHISLED SQUARE CIX GF0603 DH=HORIZONTAL CONTROL DISC AURORA GF0887 65= GRAIN ELEVATOR AURORA MFA MILLING CO ELEVATOR 70= Monument Joplin Hwy Marker 44= Microwave mast SW Bell Microwave Edited November 28, 2005 by GEO*Trailblazer 1 Quote Link to comment
+Harry Dolphin Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 Dolphin and Bear's Excellent Adventure, or A Dophin in Search of a Dolphin. AI8459=DO=Not Specified or See Description KV0497=DR=Reference Mark Disk KV3523=Z=See Description KV4208=51=Tank KU3503=45=Microwave Tower KU3505=21=Airport Beacon The dolphins, unfortunately, are iffier. As Papa-Bear-NYC pointed out, they might look more like nun buoys. So: is they is, or is they isn't? Opinions, please. KV4524=12=Dolphin? Final totals for the four day weekend are: 19-21 finds, 14-16 DNFs, close to 200 miles travelled. We invaded two gated communities (hey, we walked through the gates!). One a Russian Hasidic enclave at Seagate, the other a seaside enclave at Breezy Point (one in Brooklyn, the other in Queens). And, we had a lot of fun. Unfortunately, we are running out of interesting benchmarks to search for. Oh, well. Quote Link to comment
Papa-Bear-NYC Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 (edited) Hi Harry Here's my thinking on the dolphin: 1) It's a fixed navigational aid, mounted on pilings and the description states the mark is the tall center pole. Here's a schematic picture from this site: http://www.esva.net/~rwest/atons.html The picture you show, although admittedly it is at a considerable distance, seems to show no pilings and it seems to lean, indication it is floating in the current, not fixed. 2) The Coast Guard's 2005 "Lights List" ( http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pubs/LightLists/LightLists.htm ), which lists all Aids to Navigation, shows no dolphin in that vicinity. Although I find it hard to read, I searched for "dolphin" and only turned up a couple nearby (off the Manhattan South Ferry terminal), plus a few dozen others at various points along the coast from Maine to Delaware. 3) The map shows it close in to Coney Island, but your picture shows it quite far out in the channel. Topozone shows it about 100 yards off the point ( http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=40.577...=25&datum=WGS84 ). Since it's a horizontal control point, one would assume this is fairly accurate. It may be the perspective but it looks in your picture to be nearer to Staten island than to Brooklyn. As I said, this may just be perspective. Did it seem to you as close as the map shows it to the point? We need someone with nautical experience who could probably say "yes or no" in an instant. Where is the U.S. Power Squadron when we need them? Pb Edited November 28, 2005 by Papa-Bear-NYC Quote Link to comment
2oldfarts (the rockhounders) Posted November 28, 2005 Author Share Posted November 28, 2005 Harry, Irregardless of what is at the site for the dolphin, it qualifies as "12=DOLPHIN" since that is how it is listed on the NGS datasheet. If that is where the coordinates say it is, then it meets the requirements. We found Kanab South Cairn and when we checked the NGS we found it is not a "cairn" at all, but a "Stone Monument"! We have seen other benchmarks that are different from what we would consider the marker type. The Marker type was probably decided by whoever did the original field notes/monumentation work and what they thought it was. Is it a spire, steeple, tower, etc? John Quote Link to comment
mloser Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 Given the evidence I think it qualifies as Not Found. Papa Bear makes a good case by his description of a dolphin having pilings and being a fixed monument. Even Mr Dolphin himself had some doubts. The only way to really be close to sure would be to take a boat out to the marker and see if it in the location on the description. Even then, it would classify as a Found, Poor in NGS terminology since the mark described is not the mark found, even if it is in the same location. As for Kanab South Cairn, the name and the monument type disagree, and there was even some doubt about the object in 1933 GQ0323''RECOVERED IN GOOD CONDITION EXCEPT FOUND BASALT (OR MALAPAIS)GQ0323''ROCK IMBEDDED IN GROUND AND MARKED WITH CUT CROSS. NO EVIDENCE GQ0323''OF ROCK MONUMENT OR WOOD TARGET. What is odd is that there is no mention of the cairn in the descriptions from 1933 and 1953, even though it was obviously there or it would not have been named "cairn". The original 1871 description is lost so the 1933 one has to serve. They may have reestablished the station in 1933 (the measurements, not the monument). Cairns are sometimes pretty tough because they are often not the actual mark, but are simply covers over the mark. Without tearing down the cairn to see what is in the middle it is impossible to tell if it covers the mark or a rattlesnake nest. Benchmark hunting is never a cut and dried thing is it!? Quote Link to comment
Papa-Bear-NYC Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 Irregardless of what is at the site for the dolphin, it qualifies as "12=DOLPHIN" since that is how it is listed on the NGS datasheet. If that is where the coordinates say it is, then it meets the requirements. ... The Marker type was probably decided by whoever did the original field notes/monumentation work and what they thought it was. Is it a spire, steeple, tower, etc? John There are two points in your note. 1) That if the observed object is at the correct location, it must be the designated object. I would not agree with this. What if the datasheet said "flagpole" and you found a "church steeple"? Surely you would look further and perhaps conclude that you didn't find the mark. 2) That the original reporter may have chosen "dolphin" for want of something better, or from ignorance. This does not jibe with the description, which not only notes that the object is a dolphin (a particular type of navigational aid) but made a note that the mark was "THE TALL CENTER PILE", an attribute that is specific to a dolphin. DESCRIBED BY COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY 1945 (RLP) THIS STATION IS THE TALL CENTER PILE OF A DOLPHIN AT NORTON POINT, IN GRAVESEND BAY. IT IS APPROXIMATELY 80 METERS W OF THE ROCK BREAKWATER OF CONEY ISLAND, APPROXIMATELY 190 METERS NW OF CONEY ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE, IN ABOUT 8 FEET OF WATER. IT IS THE MORE S OF TWO DOLPHINS ABOUT 70 METERS APART. THIS IS AN INTERSECTION STATION. 60 years is a long time for something like this to last. Aids to navigation change all the time, that's why the Coast Guard comes out with a new list every year. Listen, I don't want to be a nay-sayer, I want Harry to find a dolphin as much as anyone, but this may not be it. Pb Quote Link to comment
+Harry Dolphin Posted November 29, 2005 Share Posted November 29, 2005 Lesson 1) Never let wishes and hopes taint reality. Lesson 2) Dolphin is the only category available for buoys (?) or whatever they are. The only other option is Z=See Description. I did not observe the buoys moving in the waves. They may well be stationary. The GPS indicated that the coordinates were approximately right. Also, this was high tide, which makes them look further out to sea/bay. Google Earth and Topozone, however, would place the dolphins closer to the breakwater than the objects that I found. These were definitely north of the breakwater. Lesson 3) Most of the benchmarks in NGS are long missing, and NGS knows it. One wonders why there are still listed? As much as the dolphin wanted to find a dolphin, he will admit that they have probably gone to the great fish fest in the sky. These were the only listed dolphins within any close proximity. So, alas, I shall probably never see one. With a broken heart, I withdraw my entry for 12=dolphin. We did, however, find an excellent radar tower, and airport beacon on our trip. Plus a lighthouse (but not for the contest), and a virtual cache at Fort Tilden. And we had a lot of fun. BTW, 2oldfarts has me listed for a 98. I think that should be an X=Chiseled cross. Under the Gilbert & Sullivan theory of "Things are seldom what they seem", what do we think of KV3915, a chiseled triangle that is really a C & GS bronze disk? Quote Link to comment
2oldfarts (the rockhounders) Posted November 29, 2005 Author Share Posted November 29, 2005 Harry, That 98 was actually a 92-Antenna on a roof. I have the chiseled cross listed in the PID# category, I just didn't get it into the type category. Counting the 12=Dolphin you are at 41 finds. KV3915 was a chiseled triangle until 1933 (?) when someone made a drill hole where the cross was and set the current disk. It is possible but not probable that the triangle is under the disk. Ask Deb for clarification on this one, since I don't think they would want you to "Lift" the disk to check for the chiseled triangle. As for Kanab South Cairn, the actual mark is a chiseled cross under the cairn/Stone monument, but it is still classified as a stone monument. For the contest that is what it would be accepted as and NOT a chiseled cross. If the NGS misnames a marker type we use the "Type" listed on their datasheet. Whether the navigational marker is a Dolphin or just a common buoy, the NGS has classified it as a "Dolphin". John Quote Link to comment
+GEO*Trailblazer 1 Posted November 30, 2005 Share Posted November 30, 2005 DS= TRIANGULATION STATION CASSVILLE GF090857= LOOKOUT TOWER LOHMER GF0902 53= ELEVATED TANK CASSVILLE OLD MUNICIPAL TANK GF0912 I=METAL ROD N 349 GF0985 DV= VERTICAL CONTROL DISC S 349 GF0599 B=BOLT CXIII GF0599 GOT TO ADD THE YOUNGEST WITH THE OLDEST BENCHMARK HUNTER. 4 AND 90.SEE NOTE: Z=SEE DESCRIPTION CV HE0206 63=STACK MONETT PRODUCERS CREAMERY STK 42=RADIO/TV MAST MONETT RADIO STATION KRMO MAST R=RIVET RV 4 GG0056 I AM ADDING A FLICKR PAGE FOR THE PHOTO'S You can see all sizes of the images at FLICKR. By clicking on the photo. BENCHMARKCONTEST 11-7-2005 Q=CHISLED SQUARE CIX GF0603 DH=HORIZONTAL CONTROL DISC AURORA GF0887 65= GRAIN ELEVATOR AURORA MFA MILLING CO ELEVATOR 70= Monument Joplin Hwy Marker 44= Microwave mast SW Bell Microwave 87=DOME HD1358 MT VERNON DOME Quote Link to comment
+Harry Dolphin Posted December 11, 2005 Share Posted December 11, 2005 Benchmark hunting in the snow. This ain't easy! Found by coordinates and description, after digging through the snow: LY2813=DQ=Calibration Base Line Disk. Unfortunately, the disk is badlly scarred and illegible. So, we went looking 580 meters (that's meters, Harry, not feet) to the sound, and found only the shank. LY2812=DQ=Calibration Base Line Disk. And, remember, the airplanes have the right of way. Oh, well. Next try: LY2896=DZ=Azimuth Mark Disk. Coordinates and descriptiona are right on. Disk is tough to read, and I cannot see 'AZ MK' on the disk, after 'Smiths Hill 2 1990'. So we went on to the Geocaching Event 'Caching Through The Snow Too' at Krogh's Brew Pub in Sparta! That was easy to find. Quote Link to comment
2oldfarts (the rockhounders) Posted December 12, 2005 Author Share Posted December 12, 2005 Circled in yellow is "AZIMUTH MA**" I haven't gotten to the others yet. John Quote Link to comment
+BuckBrooke Posted December 12, 2005 Share Posted December 12, 2005 I haven't been able to get more than 2 hours a weekend to benchmark recently. *sigh* Might have to take a day or two next week. Here's my lone addition: DV Vertical Control Disc AC8346 J 424 RESET. I've also added it to my log page. Quote Link to comment
+Harry Dolphin Posted December 27, 2005 Share Posted December 27, 2005 (edited) Dang. Couldn't find the chiselled triangle, or the clay pipe. Oh, well. Running out of time, and the weather has not been cooperating. So we headed off to central Jersey on Christmas day. Dense fog, which changed into heavy rain. (Who's the idiot who wrote "I'm dreaming of a wet Christmas'?) KV5336=16=Daybeacon. Coordinates food. Description of location good. Found by NGS in 1984. Might be 20' high, might be higher. What I did not see is a 'round, black, iron target surmounting an iron pipe'. Compare with KV5335. Both were monumented in 1930. Hmm. Comments. KV5331=56=Skeleton Tower. Not quite what I was expecting, but the coordinates are right on. The top of the tower was obscured by the fog. Edited December 27, 2005 by Harry Dolphin Quote Link to comment
+Harry Dolphin Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 (edited) One more trip with failures. Oh, well. I knew I was pushing my luck, and I haven't been able to get back to Queens and Brooklyn for the interesting marks there. So, on the penultimate day of the contest, and the first day of the year, we wandered off to Harmony Township, in rural Warren County, NJ, looking for KV1610=DG= Gravity Station Disk. The road has been widened since 1937. Perhaps the snow cover didn't help, but I can't help thinking this one was lost during road widening. In a desperate fit of naiveté, we considered KV3560=V=Stone Monument, but, we agreed with juanbob that it is definitely on private property (with recent tire tracks in the snow.) Oh, well. We did, however, find a much nicer KV1608=DZ=Azimuth Mark Disk than the previous one that we submitted. (Okay, so the Power Squadron missed the witness post attached to the 'steep grade' sign.) Oh, well. Andy Bear says that Harmony is about as far out into the boonies as he ever wants to go! Happy New Year, all. May all your benchmark hunts be fun. Edited January 2, 2006 by Harry Dolphin Quote Link to comment
2oldfarts (the rockhounders) Posted January 3, 2006 Author Share Posted January 3, 2006 Attention: The sun is setting - the contest is now over. You have 48 hours to get your paper work done and post to this thread any finds that you want to submit. We will announce the winner 48 hours from now and they will get to choose between a free year's subscription to Geocaching or a lifetime subscription to GSAK. the 2oldfarts Quote Link to comment
2oldfarts (the rockhounders) Posted January 5, 2006 Author Share Posted January 5, 2006 The final tally is.............. maggieszoo with 3 I=metal rod, Q-Chiseled square, DD-Survey disk Geo_Trailblazer! with 16 DS=Triangulation station disk, 57=lookout tower, 53=elevated tank, I=metal rod, DV=vertical control disk, B=bolt, R=rivet, Z=see description, 42=Radio/TV mast, 63=Stack, Q=chiseled square, DH=Hor. cont. disk, 65=grain elevator, 44=microwave mast, 70=monument,87=Dome Buck Brooke with 20 22-airway beacon, 42-radio/TV mast, 45-microwave tower, 53-elevated tank, 62-flagpole, 82-finial, 90-church spire, DD-survey disk, DH-horizontal control disk, F-flanged encased rod, I-metal rod, R-rivet, 03-Mtn peak, 63-stack, 87-Dome, DB-benchmark disk, DS-Tri-Sta disk, DR- Ref Mark, DZ-Azimuth mark disk, DV-Vertical Control Disk Harry Dolphin with 45 DB-Benchmark disk, DD-survey disk,14-navigation light, 13-lighthouse, 54-water tower, DJ-tidal station disk, 53-elevated tank, 57-lookout tower, DH-horizontal control disk, DV-vertical control disk, R-Rivet, I-metal rod, 92-Antenna on roof, 82-Final, 70-Monumeent, 86-Cupola, Q-Chiseled Square, B-Bolt, H-Drill Hole. 85-Chimney, 55-Tower, 89-Spire, 87-Dome, 90-Church Spire, X-Chiseled Cross, F-Flange Encased Rod, 62-Flagpole, 52-Standpipe Tank, 83-Flagstaff, 63-Stack, 22-Airway Beacon, DS-Tri-station Disk, 43-Radio/TV Tower, 91-Church Cross, DO-not specified, DR-Reference mark disk, Z-see description, 51-tank, 45-microwave tower, 21-airport beacon, 12-dolphin, DQ-Calibration Base Line Disk, DZ-Azimuth Mark, 16-day beacon, 56-skeleton tower The list after each name is in the order they found the benchmarks. Congrats to Harry! Let us know what you choice is....Premium membership or GSAK? Good contest and congrats to all! John & Shirley - 2oldfarts Quote Link to comment
+Dew Crew Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 Congrats Harry Dolphin! Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.