The trivia part of this
cache is something to do ahead of time (using the internet or other resources) when the weather or schedule doesn't
permit hitting the trail. (Feel free to email me to verify your coordinates before setting out, if you like, although certainly not required). After you have completed the quiz below to get the correct coordinates, it's time to seek out the cache.
Because the theme is locks and keys, the original content of the cache
is skeleton keys, all different shapes and sizes, from regular sized keys
used for doors to tiny skeleton keys used in cabinets or clocks.
Most of these keys came from England, purchased on auction especially for
this cache. Some are tiny enough to use as a charm on a bracelet or necklace. Each person in your caching party is welcome to take a key
as a souvenir of the cache, but please only one key per person so that many
may enjoy these unusual prizes. You may trade anything you like,
just like any other cache, but note that the cache container is fairly
small. It is an oval cigar tin about 5.25" tall by 4" wide at the
widest part, and only 2.25" thick.
The cache is hidden in
a park with a very appropriate name. Though in the shadows, it is extremely
close to the road and you will have to use extreme caution so that you
do not alert passersby to its presence. I averaged coordinates from
two different GPSrs each showing an accuracy of 20-24', so when you get
close, you may need to decrypt the hint to find the cache.
Good luck!
-honeychile-
"a joyful heart is good
medicine"
NOTE AND
DISCLAIMER: This cache is not handicap-accessible without assistance. This
cache is hidden in the great outdoors. Welcome to the South! We've
got skeeters; we've got chiggers; we've got ticks; we've got ants; we've
got snakes and other critters; we've got poison ivy, oak, and sumac; we've
got mold and allergens; we've got kudzu and other pesky vines; and boy,
have we got briars, brambles, and stickers! Depending on the place
you elect to enter the off-trail portion of the hunt, you may very well
find these and other denizens of our environment. Please dress accordingly
and take adequate precautions whenever you interact with nature. And don't
forget to cache in, trash out.
The coordinates given
are not correct. You
must answer the following questions, then manipulate the answers as instructed
to derive the actual coordinates of the cache. Information is the
keystone in this cache.
1. A famous person
said, "If I had only known, I would have been a locksmith." Below
list the birthdate of this famous person in MM/DD/YYYY format.
___________
Use the second digit above
as the first blank in the latitude.
2. On the water,
locks and "keys" are very important. Though it can be pronounced
like "key," what is the spelling of the word that refers to a wharf or
reinforced bank where ships are loaded or unloaded? Print the word
below.
___________
Count the number of letters
in the answer and multiply by 1.5 and put the resulting answer in the second
blank of the latitude.
3. The Czarina of
Russia from 1762 to 1796, had one of the most notable lock collections
of her time. She admired the fine workmanship of artisans who designed
ornamental faceplates for locks and created padlocks in fanciful forms
to please a lady or a favored child. It is said that a famous Russian locksmith
gained his freedom from banishment to Siberia by making a chain for this
famous czarina. What was her first name?
___________
Count the number of syllables
and subtract 3. Put the resulting answer in the third blank of the
latitude.
4. A famous key
was present at the defense of Fort McHenry. This key was instrumental
in the formation of something important to our nation. What was it?
Print the answer below.
____
______-____________ __________
Two of the words have a hyphen
between them. Using those two words only, add the total number
of letters. Divide by two. Then subtract one. Put the
resulting answer in the fourth blank of the latitude.
5. One kind of lock
is detachable, with a U-shaped bar hinged at one end, designed to be passed
through the staple of a hasp or a link in a chain and then snapped shut.
What is this kind of lock called?
___________
How many syllables in the
word? Put this answer in the fifth blank of the latitude.
6. The
first mechanical locks, made of wood, were probably created by a number
of civilizations at the same time. Records show them in use some 4,000
years ago in Egypt. Fastened vertically on the door post, the wooden lock
contained
moveable pins that dropped by gravity into openings in the cross piece
or "bolt," and locked the door. What is another name for these pins?
___________
How many times does the letter
"a" appear in this word? Put the answer in the sixth blank of the
latitude.
7. A "Masterpiece"
lock was never used on a door. It was designed and produced as a one-of-a-kind
by a journeyman locksmith, or iron monger as what?
a
___________
This word begins and ends
with the same letter. If A=1, B=2 and so forth, determine what value
the beginning and ending letter have. Add these values together and
divide by five. Put the result in the last blank of the latitude.
8. Identify the
kind of lock which will open only when its dial is turned through a predetermined
sequence of positions identified on the dial face by numbers or letters.
___________
lock
How many syllables in the
word? Multiply by two and put the resulting answer in the first blank
of the longitude.
9. One
of the kings of France had an unusual interest in mechanical items. He
was particularly proud of an iron security cabinet, concealed in a wall.
This king was one of many by the same name. Below, list the two-digit
number that the roman numerals usually attached to his name represent.
Hint: He was the husband of Marie Antoinette.
___________
Add the two digits together
and subtract 7. Put the resulting answer in the second blank of the
longitude.
10. From the Scottish
Gaelic, what word means "lake" or "an arm of the sea similar to a fjord"?
Print the word below
___________
How many syllables in this
word? Put the answer in the third blank of the longitude.
11. According to
the book of Revelation in the Bible, who claims to hold the keys of hell
and death? (Use the name that has five letters.)
___________
If A=1, B=2, and so forth,
add up add these five numbers in the Word. Subtract four
from the total and then divide by 14. Put the result in the fourth
blank of the longitude.
12.
Every night, the Chief Warder locks the gates to the Tower of London and
brings the keys to headquarters in the ancient fortress. The sentry calls
out "Halt! Who comes there?" "The Keys." "Whose keys?" "Queen Elizabeth's
keys." Everyone presents arms and the warder calls out, "God preserve Queen
Elizabeth." The guard responds, "Amen." The warder, who is dressed
in a red tunic and wearing a Tudor hat and ruff, is known by another, more
familiar name. What is it?
___________
How many letters in the answer?
Put the result in the fifth blank of the longitude.
13. Peter &
Gordon sang this song by Lennon/McCartney: "Please lock me away, and don't
allow the day here inside, where I hide with my loneliness. I don't care
what they say, I won't stay in a world without love." What year was
this song released?
___________
Multiply the last digit of
the answer by two and put the resulting answer in the sixth blank of the
longitude.
14. Originating
in the southernmost part of Florida, a unique variety of fruit is used
to make a special, tart dessert with a three-word name. What is it?
____
_______ ______
How many letters in the word
in the middle? Put the answer in the last blank of the longitude.
You're done! Go
claim your prize!