The cache is not at the posted coordinates.
After the Royal Jewels were plundered (GCP6C1) of the 10,000 gold dubloons by the dread pirate LeChuck, the Royals had a major spat and haven't seen each other since. Shortly after the plunder, the dread pirate LeChuck hid the take in a foreign land that was not friendly to the realm. Little did LeChuck realize it, but negotiations were already in progress to open these lands for access by all the citizens of the realm.
LeChuck had made a foolish mistake (all pirates eventually screw up) and hid the take on an island surrounded by suburbia. One lovely day in the fall of 2005 (October 2nd, to be specific), the Royal Treasurer finally located Hellbeard's hidden stash (GCQR2B) by using the latest in GPS and Internet technologies.
He then took the stash to the coordinates listed on the Queen's cache page and tried to make a deposit. The foolish bankers turned him away as they had never seen golden dubloons before. So after Skyping with the Royal couple, it was decided that he should place the cash in the Royal Piggy Bank and stash it far away from the peons (and the bankers).
So, if you want to get your share of the booty, you must visit both the King and the Queen to get the coords of the Royal Piggy Bank.
- The Queen (GCQ98Z): You will need to go to the coordinates posted on her page and find the 4 digit address. Those digits correspond to ABCD. You will find The Queen at:
N37 48.[B+D][B+D][A+B+D] W121 55.[B*D][A+B][A+C] (watch the operations)
The Queen is accessed via a fire road/trail which will lead you to an animal trail. No weed-whacking required.
If you bow respectfully once you arrive, The Queen may let you know where The King is holed up with his mistress.
- The King (GCQYEQ): After bowing to The Queen, you will need to set off in your cache mobile for access to the King's western palace.
There are numerous gateways to get to the palace (including the coords posted for GCRE43), just follow the well marked route (EBRPD maps). Once you arrive you will also need to address The King with the proper reverence. Once satisfied, he will provide you with the coordinates of the Royal Piggy Bank.
- $10,000 Cache (GCQNN0): As you would expect, the Royal Treasurer will not part easily with the cash. So, remember to bring your hiking boots, stick and plenty of water.
Each cacher is allowed to take one and only one item from the piggy bank. Please note in your log the amount you've taken and the amount left in the stash. (As with all governments, the monarchy will need to collect taxes to replenish the treasury as needed.)
Any treasure seekers attempting this quest should be prepared for the perils of the EBRPD. Each step is more challenging than the previous and each one will require a hike of increasing length and altitude.
In answer to your questions:
YES - the total purse is really $10,000. FTF, STF and TTF get extra plunder.
