Happy Hiker #1: The Ten Essentials Mystery Cache
Happy Hiker #1: The Ten Essentials
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(other)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
We know you're a geocacher, but are you also an outdoorsman? Do you have what it takes to hold your own in the woods? The Boy Scout type? Are you experienced, resourceful, and a hands-on problem-solver? And are you very, very persistent? Let's see how long it takes you to sign the log of this multi!
And now, the game is afoot!
Happy Hiker #1 – The Ten Essentials
The "Ten Essentials” are the ten most important items that every backcountry hiker should carry at all times. Some of these items will be used on almost every hike; some will only come out of the pack during emergencies. But all are considered essential for survival in the event of an accident or if you are prevented from returning home in a timely manner. Consider them your backcountry insurance policy against the unexpected.
This multi-cache consists of several stages, each focused on one of the Ten Essentials. At each stage you will need to use your outdoor knowledge and whatever you have with you. You may have to be resourceful; you may even have to go home, re-equip, and return for another attempt!
Be prepared for a minimum hike of somewhat over three miles and at least four hours in the woods, IF you solve all the puzzles on the first try. Should you accomplish this, consider yourself a true outdoorsman! 
A few stages are quite adventurous, some might even say slightly dangerous. Use your brain! If you do not feel comfortable with the conditions or actions necessary at any stage, DO NOT ATTEMPT THEM. You are entering into this project by your own choice and at your own risk. Neither Dare2Geocache nor Dear Dora nor geocaching.com will be held responsible for any mishaps that may befall you. (See geocaching.com disclaimer.)
This is a theme cache. Please bring hiking or camping related trade items. We think you’ll like the contents of the final.
* * * * *
IMPORTANT! A nest of yellow jacket wasps was in Stage 6 earlier; hopefully they are now gone, but poke around with a stick before putting your hand inside. If wasps come out, contact Dare2Geocache for instructions.
HELPFUL! (1) If you are searching for Stage 2 Summer/Muggles, take the low trail. Due to changing stream bank configurations, leave the trail at the cliff. It will be a short but challenging bushwhack to an easier stream crossing. Then go upstream to the large boulder.
(2) If you are searching for Stage 2 Winter/No Muggles, look for a white rock, then look on the opposite side.
~This cache should not be attempted alone.
~Additional logging request (explained at final stage) will require a digital camera.
~If you need a hint, consider your question well, because we will only give one clue per group per day.
~Do not post spoiler photos. All logs containing spoiler photos will be deleted.
~Once you've finished the cache yourself, please keep mum and make the next finder do his or her own suffering! 
~The gate to the larger parking area is locked in winter. Park outside, but do not block the gate. The rescue you impede could be your own!
~Hunting season in general is mid-October to the end of February. Turkey season is mid-April through mid-May. Wear bright clothing, preferably orange.
~Mountain bikers ride crazy fast on this trail. Keep your ears open for their approach.
~Lots of opportunities for snakes here – use your brain and carry a stick for probing.
~Satellite reception is poor at certain locations. Wherever we couldn't get coords closer than about 30 feet, we have posted spoiler photos. However, we're not saying which photos go with which stage, so don't use the spoilers until you have homed in on a specific area.
~Have a Happy Hike!
|
Special thanks to Atrus for volunteering his creative web-genius to spruce up this cache page!
Congratulations to spyderman and Ltljon for being the first to complete Happy Hiker #1 in one trip and with no outside assistance! A job well done!!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Fgntr 1: Orgjrra ebnq naq fcevat. Fgntr 2: Arne juvgr ebpx ng onfr bs fant. Svany: ybjre fvqr bs uhtr ebbgonyy.