June 6, 2004 Update - Cache is back in play
I've made several changes to this cache.
- I made a minor tweak to the coordinates for Stage #7 (used to be 93 * 03.198 West).
- The sign used for the old Stage #8 has dissappeared, so I removed that stage.
- I rehid the cache within a few feet of the old hiding location, and updated the final stage coordinates and final stage hints. If you have the old solution to this cache (using the cache page prior to May 2004), the coordinates are probably close enough that you can find it. However, if you remember where Stage #7 is, I'd suggest recalculating the coordinates.
Instructions
Here I'm going to explain how this cache works. Those who are familiar with how multicaches typically work may choose to skip this section.
This cache is an eight stage multicache. I'm giving you the coordinates for Stage #1. At the first seven stages, you will be asked a question that can only be answered by visiting the location. Based on this answer, and some basic mathematics, you will be able to determine the coordinates for the next stage. At the eighth stage, a typical cache container is hidden with a logbook and prizes for exchange.
Example
How many sides does a square have? ___4____
Multiply the number of sides by five, and then subtract three: ___17___
Coordinates for example stage:
45 * 22.113 North
87 * 51.##4 West
Now take the number 17 and substitute it for the number symbols in the coordinates.
Coordinates for example stage:
45 * 22.113 North
87 * 51.174 West
Now you know how to do it.
Coordinates for stage one:
41 * 41.333 North
93 * 03.335 West
Stage #1
At this location, you will find a freshly renovated water enjoyment facility complete with shallow and deep pools, waterfalls and a water slide. A brass plaque lists private contributors.
How many letters are in the name of the first contributor listed? _______
Add 11 to the number of letters: _______
Coordinates for stage two:
41 * 41.##3 North
93 * 03.388 West
Stage #2
Here at the far SW corner of the park, you’ll pass by a couple of the many picnic shelters along with some large lawns for impromptu sports or just a pleasant stroll. At this stage, locate the retaining wall for the flower box.
How many blocks are used in the top row of the wall? _______
Add 11 to the number of blocks: _______
Coordinates for stage three:
41 * 41.277 North
93 * 03.##6 West
Stage #3
This hodge podge of metal parts serves some purpose. Perhaps it is an intrusion detection device. Can you figure out what it is for?
How many vertical chains are used in this assembly (count both top row and bottom row)? _______
Multiply that number by 2 and then subtract 7: _______
Coordinates for stage four:
41 * 41.398 North
93 * 03.##8 West
Stage #4
Check out this creature.
Have you ever seen such a thing in a place like this?
Molded into the creature’s back are some shapes.
How many shapes are in the creature’s back? _______
Multiply that number by 4, and then subtract 6: _______
Coordinates for stage five:
41 * 41.##8 North
93 * 03.267 West
Stage #5
There are several sets of steps leading up to a platform.
Find the set of steps that are closest to the stage five coordinates.
How many steps are there (the number of times you step up including the platform itself)? _______
Multiply that number by 28: _______
Coordinates for stage six:
41 * 41.350 North
93 * 03.### West
Stage #6
The building constructed at this location is rather interesting.... almost an oddity.
How many horizontal rows of logs are used in the West wall? _______
How many vertical poles are used in the construction? _______
Divde the number of rows by the number of poles - this should be a whole number: _______
Multiply the above number by 14: _______
Coordinates for stage seven:
41 * 41.##0 North
93 * 03.199 West
Stage #7
At this location, you will find a couple of marker stones to commemorate this particular construction. The stone you should consider contains the date of the construction.
What is the date that it was built? _______
Subtract 1627 from this number: _______
Coordinates for stage eight:
41 * 41.### North
93 * 03.180 West
Stage #8 - Final Stage
At this location, you will find the cache. Good luck. Due to the public nature of this spot, and because our first and second caches in this park were discovered and raided, please use discretion when searching for and when opening this cache. What does that mean? Wait for any non-cachers to pass out of sight before entering the woods (a word to the non-street-wise: try retying your shoes or make a call on your cell phone so you have a reason to be waiting). Use your "indoor" voices -- if you must talk at all -- while searching for this geocache. Shouting out "I found it! It's over here!" is bad form at any cache hunt.
Cache container is somewhat on the small side. It is a Rubbermaid "sandwich" container, approximately 5x5x2 inches. Container is made of clear plastic with a white plastic lid.
Remember, as with all caches, to rehide the cache exactly as it was hidden and to sign the logbook. Due to the difficulty of this cache, I will be making a special effort to verify all finds. Failure to sign the logbook in the cache will result in your find being deleted.