WELCOME TO THE MOUNT MERCY GROTTO GEOCACHE!
The coordinates above will take you to a grotto at Mount Mercy University. This is the begining of your two stage quest. Answer the questions below. The grotto reveals the final location...
N 42° AA.BCD W 091° EF.GHI
A = HOW MANY ROSES SIT ATOP THE MAIN/BIG BRIDGE? Then subtract 5
B = HOW MANY BRIDGES ARE AT/PART OF THE GROTTO? Then add 1.
C = HOW MANY CROSSES ARE ON THE MAIN/BIG BRIDGE? (Include the two up high). Then subtract 3.
D = LOOK FOR THE TEMPLE-LIKE MONUMENT ON AN ISLAND IN THE LAGOON. WHAT ROMAN NUMERAL DO YOU SEE ON THE PILLAR/SUPPORT ON THE SOUTH-EASTERN MOST CORNER (THE PILLAR NEAREST TO A SMALL BOULDER WITH A MEMORIAL PLAQUE)? Then subtract 7.
E = HOW MANY BENCHES (TO SIT ON) ARE IN THE GROTTO AREA? (COUNT EACH BIG "DUAL" WOOD BENCH AS A SINGLE BENCH). THEN SUBTRACT 1.
F = HOW MANY PILLARS ARE SUPPORTING THE TEMPLE-LIKE MONUMENT ? Then subtract 1
G = ON THE NORTHERN SIDE OF THE TEMPLE-LIKE MONUMENT (THE SIDE FACING THE WATERFALLS), LOOK FOR THREE PILLARS/SUPPORTS WITH A GOLD BAND. ABOVE THE GOLD YOU'LL FIND ROMAN NUMERALS. ADD THEM TOGETHER. Then add 3.
H = HOW MANY WATERFALLS ARE AT THE GROTTO? Then subtract 1.
I= HOW MANY ROMAN ENTRY ARCHES (THE GIANT ONES TO WALK THROUGH) CAN YOU FIND? (DON'T COUNT THE MAIN/BIG BRIDGE). THE ARCHES ARE ON THE SIDEWALKS LEADING TO/FROM THE MAIN GROTTO. Then add 2.
~The final is along the Cedar River Trail~
You can check your answers for this puzzle on GeoChecker.com.
The Grotto and campus of Mount Mercy University is open to the public, but please be respectful and only hunt this cache during daylight hours. Mount Mercy University takes security very seriously. They also have camera's recording the area 24 hours a day.
This cache was inspired by the Dickeyville Grotto virtual cache in Dickeyville, WI.