Skip to content

Nighttime Isn't Just For Sleeping Mystery Cache

Hidden : 1/28/2004
Difficulty:
3.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

An unusual two stage cache that combines the GPSr with a novel land navigation system, compounded by having to be done after dark! This was placed on my 50th birthday!


Using a navigation system more commonly used by boats you will arrive at point a known distance from the cache. Modifying the co-ords of that point will give you the location of the cache. YOU WILL NEED A FLASHLIGHT TO DO THIS CACHE. This area is mostly paved with some grassy areas. Except for the last little bit to the cache, you don't need to climb on, over or around anything. Normally I would rate the terrain a 1.5, but being after dark I raised it.

The listed co-ords are approximate. They will get you to the right area, then you will start using the reflectors. There are two sets of reflectors, each set has a forward reflector and a rear reflector. The rear reflector is higher and behind the forward reflector. When they are lined up, one above the other, you are on the line. As you move left or right of the line, the reflectors appear off-set (known as parallax). If the front reflector is to the right, move right; if to the left move left. When you get to the listed co-ords you should be able to see the first set (this set has two rear reflectors, you'll see why as you move along the line). Move until you are on the line, then move away from that set until you can find the other set. The second set is more difficult to see as it is built in a couple of 3" tubes (see the notes below for updates), but if you walk along the line scanning with your flashlight you should be able to spot the second set. Due to size these may be a little harder to make sure you're on line. But if you walk towards them you can figure out how to stay on line, then move back until you are on line from the first set also. Standing at the point where both lines intersect, take co-ords and subtract 0.041 to the latitude, and add 0.062 to the longitude to get the cache co-ords. I tested this using a Mini-Mag light (2 AA battery size) and it worked, it may be easier with a more powerful flashlight.

If you're wondering what use to be here, check 47 28.773 122 11.867.

If you haven't done so yet, try 4 Oh 5 Troll Cache GC8A96 which is right near by (and possible to do in the dark).

The cache is Rubber Maid type container (about 6x6x8.5 inches) wrapped in black plastic (ohh, I'm making this harder in the dark...). Original contents are: clock/photo holder; mini-first aid kit, 3' tape measure, mini-screwdriver set, 3-way pen/high lighter, mini-jigsaw puzzle, and a flexible frisbee. There's not a lot of room left, until the clock/photo holder is taken.

6-29-05: Containier is now an ammo can, painted black of course. Reflectors have been replaced where needed. There is one small dirt pile you need to climb on now, but that doesn't change the terrain rating.

1-24-07: Container is a 30 cal ammo can. New second set of reflectors in place, now in a stack pair of tubes to make it a little easier. I do NOT recommend a straight line approach to the final. There is a little scrambling on rocks involved, so the terrain is up .5 stars.

1-28-07: Also check out my newest night cache just down the trail: Nighttime Still Isn't Just For Sleeping.

11-30-07: Many of the reflectors have been changed to FireTacks, so they are smaller but still able to be seen with a AA Mini-Mag flashlight. The second set is farther away then before. Because of this, I raised the difficulty by 1/2 star.

Beware of moving reflectors, I saw an extra set while setting this up (some animal, strangely exactly on line). Oh, there is a way through to the cache without bushwhacking.

1-31-19: Moved the glint sets to an area less likely to be covered in dirt. Reworked the math from the new cross point. The route into the final has gotten overgrown, hand clippers for brambles may be required.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

[First set nudge:] Abegujrfg. [First set big hint:] Hgvyvgl cbyr. [Second set nudge:] Jrfg Fbhgujrfg. [Second set big hint:] Qbt cnex fvta naq hgvyvgl cbyr. [Cache:] Ybbx sbe n zrgny cevfba.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)