GC13ZJG UPC's (Unknown Cache) in New Hampshire, United States created by Max Jerome

This cache has been archived.

Max Jerome: I opted to retrieve this cache and bring it home with me.

There have been a lot of sell-offs and acquisitions among grocery lines lately. Though everything listed in the puzzle is still safe, I figure it's only a matter of time before a "front five" changes on something.

GC13ZJG ▼

A cache by Max Jerome Message this owner

Hidden : 6/28/2007

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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How Geocaching Works

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Geocache Description:

Anatomy of a barcode

The number system character is a UPC system number that characterizes specific types of barcodes, such as coupons, produce that needs to be weighed at checkout, and so on.

The manufacturer code is a five-digit number specifically assigned to the manufacturer of the product. All items carried by a manufacturer bear the same "front five." For example, all Post cereals use "43000." Note that as companies get bought and sold off, some parent companies will have more than one "front five," or even share a manufacturer code. However, all items within a specific line share the same manufacturer code. Post cereal is owned by Kraft, but so is Planter's (29000-), for example.

The product code is a five-digit number that the manufacturer assigns for a particular product. Different packaging sizes of the same item each have their own product code.

The check digit is used to determine if the scanner read all of the other digits (number system character, manfuacturer code, and product code) correctly.

For more information on check digits and other barcode stuff, click here.

The puzzle

The coordinates above are for the trailhead. You can probably park there, too. If you have a low clearance vehicle, you may be better off using the restaurant parking lot across the street.

To find this geocache, you will need to concern yourself with the manufacturer codes of grocery items.

The cache is located at N 42° AA.BCD W 072° EE.FGH, where:

AA = (1st & 2nd digit of Kellogg's cereal) + (1st & 2nd digit of Kraft Mac & Cheese)
B = (1st & 2nd digit of Cascade detergent) - (1st & 2nd digit of Bounty paper towels)
C = (2nd digit of Del Monte spaghetti sauce) + (1st digit of Glad trash bags)
D = (2nd & 3rd digit of Rice-a-Roni or Pasta Roni) - (1st & 2nd digit of Crisco oil)

EE = (1st & 2nd digit of Campbell's soup) - (1st & 2nd digit of Quaker Oats)
F = (3rd digit of Airwick air freshener) + (1st digit of French's mustard)
G = (5th digit of Adirondack soda) - (2nd digit of Welch's grape juice)
H = (2nd digit of SOS scrubbing pads) - (3rd digit of Nissen Top Ramen)

From the gate, there's a trail at about 10 o'clock. Go up that. Shortly thereafter, there will be a log to your right. Hop over that and follow the meandering trail until you get to GZ.

The cache is a small Folger's container (Smuckers owned, 25500-) wrapped in duct tape. It can't hold much for swag.

Help!

In a pinch, you can try Route 12 Groceries (head Northbound from parking spot on Route 12; it'll be on the left), though being a discount store, the items carried there are kinda hit-or-miss.

Hannaford is nearby (head Southbound on Route 12; take West Street exit) and should carry everything.

You can check your answers for this puzzle on Geochecker.com.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Vafcrpg ebpx oruvaq ovt ebpx.

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)