Cache History:
The beginning steps of this multicache were originally developed by Foxpaw / FreedomFinders in July 2003, for America's Cache. However, that cache was mis-listed as a traditional cache and the description included a number of significant errors. The errors were never fixed because the original hider stopped geocaching in August of 2003. Despite the difficulties, many finders successfully located the cache.
When America's Cache needed maintenance in April 2005, the solid-rock-seekers adopted the cache and attempted to fix the errors in the original description while maintaining the intent of the original hider. However, after doing so, it became obvious that nearly all past finders of that cache missed the opportunity to follow the multi-cache. As a result, two caches now exist to replace the original: "America's Cache" preserves the original hide location, and this cache maintains the spirit of the original multi-cache puzzle.
We hope that you enjoy both the original and the "new and improved" versions!
Cache Theme:
We do not know the original meaning for the "America's Cache" name but think it may have been related to its Fourth of July placement! Whatever the original intent, we have now stocked the cache with primarily USA-related trade items. (Think red, white, and blue!) Please try to leave trade goodies in keeping with this theme for "America's Cache."
Location #1: The Playground
N 42° 44.416 W 071° 35.382
Upon arrival at these coordinates you will see a playground. What is the predominant color of the playground equipment support posts? Write down the color of these supports. (See below.) Once you have written down the color of the supports, use those letters with the following chart to find the clue for the next location.
Color of Playground Equipment Supports: __________________
| Conversion Table from Letters to Digits for "Support Color" |
a
5 |
b
9 |
c
6 |
d
3 |
e
2 |
f
1 |
g
8 |
h
0 |
i
4 |
j
7 |
k
4 |
l
0 |
m
8 |
n
7 |
o
1 |
p
5 |
q
9 |
r
6 |
s
3 |
t
2 |
u
2 |
v
7 |
w
4 |
x
8 |
y
1 |
Clue #1 - To determine location #2:
Convert the first two letters of the supports' color to digits using the chart above to give you a bearing. Convert the third, fourth, and fifth letters to digits using the same chart to give you a distance in feet. From the posted coordinates, proceed along the computed bearing (true, not magnetic) for the computed distance in feet to arrive at an obelisk.
Bearing to Location #2: _____ Feet to Location #2: ______
Location #2: The Obelisk
On the west side of the obelisk there are many numbers. However, there are only four numbers which consist of four digits. Place the digits of these four numbers in the appropriate rows below:
row #1 __ __ __ __
row #2 __ __ __ __
row #3 __ __ __ __
row #4 __ __ __ __
Clue #2 - To determine location #3:
Coordinates for location #3 are of the form N 42° 45.ABC W 071° 35.XYZ, where these letters are determined as follows:
| A = (fourth digit in row #1) minus (first digit in row #2) |
| B = fourth digit in row #4 |
| C = (first digit in row #3) plus (first digit in row #1) |
| X = third digit in row #4 |
| Y = (third digit in row #2) plus (third digit in row #3) |
| Z = first digit in row #4 |
Coordinate for Location #3: N 42° 45._ _ _ W 71° 35._ _ _
Although not strictly necessary, you will find it convenient to drive to Location #3. There will be ample parking very near to that location.
Location #3: The Sign on the Gate
Upon arrival at location #3, examine the only sign attached to the gate. There will be nine lines of text on this sign.
Clue #3 - To determine location #4:
Coordinates for location #4 are of the form N 42° 45.DEF W 071° 35.JKL, where these letters are determined as follows:
| D = number of letters in second word on sign |
| E = number of consonants in third word on sign |
| F = number of consonants in first word on sign |
| J = number of letters in third word on sign |
| K = number of letters in first word of eighth line on sign |
| L = number of letters in first word on the fifth line on sign |
Coordinate for Location #4: N 42° 45._ _ _ W 71° 35._ _ _
 |
| Treetop Nests at Pond near Cache |
Location #4: The Cache
The cache container is at the coordinates for "location #4."
In order to allow the first finders the extra challenge of finding the cache without any hints, no hints will be posted until at least one week after the cache is approved.
We should also note that if there is any snow cover at all, this will be a very tricky find.
Location #5: Returning to Your Car
You can use the waypoint you computed for location #3 to help return to your car. If on your way to the cache you passed a trail intersection with a map displayed, I would suggest you return to your car by continuing on the loop trail past where you found the cache, as that trail is prettier!
Lastly, if you find a problem or error with any of the clues or instructions for this multi-cache, please send me an email message privately via my profile, and I will address the problem ASAP. Keeping the email private will help avoid giving away information about the clues to other cachers.
Happy Caching!