To earn your degree, simply solve this puzzle and locate the cache.
And sign the logbook, of course.
This cache comes with a fairly hefty prequisite in order to log
it, which is why it's rated at 4.5* difficulty, because clearly
this isn't going to be that hard to solve by itself. To log this
cache and earn your degree, you must have previously logged ALL
FIVE of these other puzzle caches:
Finding all of those caches completes your coursework and shows
that you have perhaps - just maybe - almost earned your degree in
Puzzleology. If you log a find on this cache without having
successfully completed the prerequisites, your log with be
ruthlessly and mercilessly deleted without so much as a warning,
and we'll enjoy it too!
After completing those, this last puzzle should be a piece of
cake. Now, on to the final exam!
1. The closest benchmark to the final of "Nothin' Up my Sleeve"
has a PID of HSxxxx. From those 4 numbers, you get the values for
ABCD.
2. Look at the final coords for "California Dreaming?". The last 3
digits of LAT = EFG (be sure to round your answer), and the
last three digits of LON = HIJ.
3. There's a historical sign on a tall green pole near the final
for "Heil Kaiser!" The number of words in the larger letters at the
top = M. This place was one of San Jose's leading cultural
and educational institutions between 189L and
19KQ.
4. Near the final for "Who is?..." is a treasure map. Carefully
count the number of Xs on the map, and that answer is R.
Then find the treasure. At its widest, the gold is ST
squares wide, including partial squares.
G + Q = U
L + K = P
C + J = V
B + F + K = W
E + R = X
D - H = Y
P - I = Z
The final is an ammo box located at N37 UV.MWA' W12T
XY.ZKW'. There is a little poison oak around you'll want to
watch for, and it's on a hillside after a short hike so good shoes
are in order. Of course, watch for snakes etc.
The first ten finders get a cheesy inkjet deluxe
certificate to go with their new degree, because we spare no
expense here at the University of Mordor. As a special bonus, the
FTF also gets an equally lame fine FTF certificate as well
for graduating at the top of the class.
UPDATE: I've changed the information needed from the Heil
Kaiser! location so that you don't need to look over the
construction fence. The new sign is much more interesting
anyway.