Lymm Dam(n) Frustration! Mystery Cache
Royal Oak: This cache is being archived.
Royal Oak
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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CHANGES IN THE LOCAL SCENARY HAVE MADE IT NECESSARY TO RELOCATE TWO STAGES. PLEASE DO NOT USE ANY PRINTOUTS MADE BEFORE 18TH MAY 2007.
A multi cache on public ground around the reservoir south of Lymm Dam leading to the final cache location the nature of which provides the mystery element. The cache is set mainly on woodland paths and tracks which can get muddy when wet. There are a number of short (never more than a few metres) excursions off paths with steps and bridges to negotiate. The final cache location is within the overall multi area.
Park at above co-ords.
Goto Stage 1 - Information Board 11.
Location of Stage 2 is at N53 22.ABC W2 28.DEF
A = pictures minus 2
B = since the late 1B80s
C = greatest number of people in any one picture
D = Cop... heading number of letters
E = number nearest Library
F = total number of people in all pictures, minus 1
Apply Hint 7 to find Stage 2
So, off you go then! Make sure you study carefully and digest the information available at each Stage. Intermediate points are clear plastic beakers with lids containing a laminated card giving information to find the next stage. The final cache is a slightly larger beaker size container inside a camouflage pattern pencil case, this won't help you find it but at least you'll know when you've found it! The yellow Geocaching information cards do not play a part in the strategy of this cache. A note book would be extremely useful so please do not remove any Stage information cards as there could be another Geocacher following behind you on the cache. Particularly pay attention to anything that appears unusual!
You will struggle with your GPS as woodland reception is not wonderful, but this is part of the frustration of the cache! A trick I use is to close in by repetitive use of the goto command. Obviously I have checked and double checked the positions but have done so under different atmospheric conditions so they've kept shifting. If you disagree with any of the co-ordinates please let me know and I'll cross reference and adjust as necessary.
Expect to take between two and three hours (family) on foot. Distance entirely depends on how difficult you make it for yourself! It is possible to get round on bike in considerably less time. You will need the list of Hints below which will be selected from during the stages of the cache.
Under no circumstances is it necessary to leave the public area, climb over fences, wade through water or climb any trees. All Stages are accessible from ground level.
Prepared to be frustrated! When you're at almost boiling point I would suggest you are in the wrong place as that is another cache nearby at N53 23.599 W2 29.260 (GCKRNP) and you might like to do that one after as a stress relief!
Good luck!
IN YOUR CACHE LISTING LOG PLEASE MAKE NO REFERENCE THAT WILL REVEAL THE MYSTERY OF THE FINAL CACHE LOCATION OTHERWISE YOUR LOG WILL BE REMOVED AND YOU WILL BE INVITED TO RESUBMIT IN ORDER TO BE CREDITED WITH THE CACHE FIND. PLEASE TAKE CARE TO RESTORE AND SECURE THE FINAL CACHE IN ITS UNUSUAL POSITION.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
[Hint 1:] Haqre n cvyr bs ybtf naq oenapurf.
[Hint 2:] Haqre n ebggra ybt arkg gb gerr 5z sebz cngu.
[Hint 3:] Orgjrra gerrf 2z sebz srapr naq 5z sebz genpx.
[Hint 4:] Biretebja fghzc arkg gb gur cngu.
[Hint 5:] Va bar bs gur ornxref.
[Hint 6:] Va n ebggra gerr fghzc ba rqtr bs sbyvntr 6z sebz cngu.
[Hint 7:] Oruvaq ynetr gerr 3z sebz pbapergr cbfg naq 5z sebz genpx.
[Hint 8:] Va gur zvqqyr bs gur cngu.
[Hint 9:] Va gur abegujrfg pbeare bs gur nyyvtngbe cra.