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Hexaflexagon Mystery Cache

Hidden : 5/2/2013
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

The cache is not at the posted coordinates, but within two miles. In order to find the location, you will have to solve the puzzle of the hexaflexagon. The cache is a small camoed lock and lock container, please bring your own pen.

A flexagon is a flat folded model, usually constructed from paper, that can be flexed in order to reveal different faces that were originally hidden from view. The flexagon was first discovered in 1939 by British student, Arthur Stone, while studying at Princeton. His new American notebook paper didn't fit his English binder, so he cut off the edges and began folding them into different shapes. One of these shapes became the first flexagon, a hexaflexagon with three faces. In it's natural state, the hexaflexagon has two visible faces, the front and back. The hexaflexagon is folded by pinching two sides together and pushing the opposite side inwards, flattening the shape vertically so it has three prongs. Then, it is opened from the center, revealing a different face. (animated gif of folding hexaflexagon)

In order to find the coordinates of the cache, you must construct your very own hexaflexagon. A template and instructions are available at this link hexaflexagon template. Once you have it constructed, begin flexing! You will eventually discover the solution. GPS bounce is surprisingly high, so feel free to use your geosense, it is not an evil hide.



A few tips: You may not fold the hexaflexagon correctly the first time. Try to follow the directions and use tape instead of glue if you are unsure. Flexagons flex better with age, feel free to be a little rough with it and make those creases deep. Also, depending on how perfectly you crease, the faces may not align perfectly. This is ok! It just may require a little additional deductive thinking on your part, or you could just deconstruct it and build it again. A little practice may help prepare you for your next challenge...

Congrats to foragess for battling crippling illness to fight for the FTF!
Temporary offset until I update the puzzle: add .007 to North and subtract .001 from west.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

tebhaq yriry, orgjrra n gerr naq pbatybzrengr.

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)