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Elves in the Heights Multi-cache

This cache has been archived.

The Leprechauns: I checked on the cache last weekend and I did not like what I saw. The path across the mowed field from stage two to the beginning of the maze is now overgrown, ruining the compass bearing feature. Even worse, the hedgerow "maze" that was the most memorable feature of this cache has been clearcut. A posted sign explains that this is part of the forest management activities seen throughout the park. Any adjustments to skip the maze stage would fundamentally alter the character of the original cache, so I've reluctantly decided to archive this page instead. My favorite hide had a good run.

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Hidden : 8/21/2002
Difficulty:
4 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

A challenging four-stage multicache located in Sewickley Heights Park on Fern Hollow Road.

Drive up the Orange Belt after hunting our Elves in the Forest cache. If you thought the elves were mischevious down there, they've redoubled their efforts!

There are two parking choices for this cache: Park partway up the hill at N40° 34.237', W080° 09.032' for an easier hunt on Stage 1, and a shorter overall walk, or for a bit more of a challenge, park in the main lot at N40° 34.278', W080° 08.713'. You'll need to use the main lot if the few spaces at the first location are taken (do not block the gate there). From either parking lot, you can also access the trailheads to hunt Bridal Falls cache to the east, and both Harper's Halfpipe and The Elves Join the Badger Patrol, located past stage one on the same side of this Park.

The coordinates given above are for the first stage. Take an instruction sheet from the container, and then the fun really begins! Along the way, you will find virtual clues, do some basic math calculations, and even put your GPSr away for awhile in order to navigate a hedgerow maze. A compass (or the ability to use your GPSr to take a compass bearing) is needed in order to navigate from stage two to the correct entrance into the maze. You will also need a pen or pencil.

At no point during this hunt will you need to bushwack more than 100 yards off an official trail, and when you do, the undergrowth is light. If you are thrashing in the woods, find your way to a trail and re-think your strategy. At Stage 4 you will find a traditional cache with goodies and logbook.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The park closes at 8:00 p.m. in the summer, 5:00 p.m. in the winter, and the entrance gate will be locked. This cache involves hiking more than two miles over a variety of terrain. Allow several hours for your hunt.


Additional Hints (Decrypt)

[GENERAL:] Juvyr lbh jba'g unir gb pebff nal cnirq ebnqf qhevat nal fgntr, teniry ebnqf naq jvqr tenff genvyf pna or lbhe orfg sevraqf sbe trggvat sebz bar uvxvat genvy gb nabgure. [STAGE 1:] Fznyy Ehooreznvq uvqqra va L sbezrq ol oenapurf bs snyyra gerr. [STAGE 2:] Arne srapr. [STAGE 3:] Znmr ragenapr vf yrff guna 10 srrg jvqr. Qba'g pebff cnirzrag![STAGE 4: No hints for the final cache container, but you may e-mail the cache owner to confirm whether your final coordinates are calculated correctly.]

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)