Some time ago (has it been years already?), I came across this link to Geoguessr.com. Upon opening it and having a look around, I quickly realized that this had the potential to be a fun set-up for a puzzle cache. Well, it's taken some time but I'm finally getting this cache finalized.
When you follow the link below, you'll be taken to a "Challenge" that I've set up.
First, a bit of a recap on how to play Geoguessr. Google has transversed the globe, getting footage of countless highways, bi-ways, country roads, streets, dirt roads and footpaths and the footage of those adventures are incorporated into the Geoguessr database. You are taken to five different locations and based on what you see, you have to try to guess where you're at in the world. You might recognize a mountain or lake and know exactly where you are...or, like me, I try to move around until I see signs and based on the language/names, take a guess from that. You click on the map to pinpoint where you think you are and are awarded points based on how far away your guess is from the correct location. The closer you are, the more points you get (I believe 5,000 is the maximum points for each location).
Now, that's how to play the game, normally. For this puzzle, however, guessing the location correctly isn't necessary (but you will need to take a guess to move on to the next location). The link to the challenge will take you to five "Famous Places" in the world. Below, I have posted some questions of things you'll need to keep your eyes open for as you explore the scenes. You'll have to move around to find the answers. Some could prove to be tricky...others might jump right out at you. One helpful tip: If you find yourself feeling like you've been searching for clues for too long or you feel as though you're hopelessly lost, it might be best to click on the flag icon. That will bring you back to the start of the location and you can try again.
And here is the link for this puzzles Challenge: Let's Explore: Famous Places (link will open in a new window)
***EDIT 4-14-16 Update: Geoguessr has made some changes. It used to be that if you logged in using the username/password I had created, you could play the map listed on this page. That's no longer the case. Now, when you click on the link, if the account is logged in, sign that person out, close the window and then click on the link from this page to open the site again. Then where it says "Create account", just type in some fake email address (yoohoo@yahoo.com, for example). You won't need a password. Then you should be able to start playing the challenge I set up.
Final Coordinates are: N 44° 23.ABC W 088° 45.DEF
And here are the questions to answer to get the final coordinates!
Location 1 For (A): At this famous World Heritage Site, how many headless goats do you see?
Location 2 For (B): Don't be too dazzled by this incredible place...find your way to the end of a hall and count the number of maroon drapes (but make sure it's only the ones in the hall and do not include the ones in the adjacent room!)
Location 3 For (C): Standing at one of the crosswalks is a man looking quite stern with his hands on his hips. Perhaps he's upset because the thing behind him is not available. What is behind him? Answer: An artists sketch stand (1), a photo kiosk (2), a shuttle that says "out of service" (3), a mime taking a break (4), someone selling tickets for a sold out show (5), a couple of guys drinking some cold beers on a hot day (6), pony rides (7), a refreshment stand (8), a gift shop (9) or a shark in a tuxedo (0)?
Location 4 For (D): How many statues do you see? (+1).
Location 5 For (E+F): Find the Ross store (right next to the Hard Rock Cafe. Get the middle two numbers of its street address and add 22 to that number.
I hope you enjoy searching around these famous places! For fun, if you wish, you can post in your log whether you beat my score or not. I tried to not make this puzzle too challenging as I really wanted you to have fun looking around rather than tax you into finding some impossibly small detail.
***Just wanted to add that I have not tried to access geoguessr using a tablet or smartphone, so I have no idea how it would fare on either of those devices. Your best bet is to be using a PC or laptop, but you're certainly free to test it out on other devices. It might work alright, who knows?***
