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Emmett's Wild Adventure IV - The Theft Mystery Cache

This cache has been archived.

emmett: It is time to finish with archiving my caches. I understand some may be interested in completing this series. The containers are still out there as far as I know so you can still log finds but I will not be doing any maintenance. I don’t want them listed on GC.com any longer and will not be working on any of them unless and until I have the time to modify and publish these as new caches on another site.

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Hidden : 4/27/2007
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:


About the EWA series

The EWA series is comprised of nine basic caches, plus a bonus cache, and an Epilogue cache that was published last to offer additional help and tips for those interested in completing the series.

All of the EWA caches have been set up uniquely to allow for some extra fun and/or something different at the beginning. In general, there are two ways to complete each cache and you get to choose which option you think you will enjoy the most.

Those who complete the series will have visited a wide assortment of trails and terrain while finding micros and containers of all different types. It is hoped that the series will serve as a fine introduction for newcomers yet still hold the interest of veteran cachers with some twists and turns not commonly found in more traditional hunts.

For maximum enjoyment, it is strongly advised you consider the impact seasonal changes will have on some hunts. All of the EWA locales are spots that are very nice at certain times of the year, but not necessarily all year round. Make the best of the EWA collection by planning your visits at the optimal times. This is explained in more detail with the “Owners Tips” provided in the Epilogue cache.


About EWA-4: The Theft

EWA-4 derives its name from the puzzle below which must be solved to determine the location of a mystery waypoint. Once the mystery waypoint is identified, it will then be possible to calculate coordinates of a second mystery location located within the two mile radius of the posted coordinates. At this second location, you must find numbers on a plaque that will be needed to calculate the coordinates of the first stage of the hunt. In keeping with EWA policy, there are two paths to the cache. You get to choose which one suits you best.

Option “A” will take you on a four stage, one-and-a-half mile round trip tour of a nice area in Westboro. Though this is the longer of the two options it will be somewhat easier in that hints will be available for each stage.

Option “B” involves only three stages and is shorter at about one mile for the round trip from the parking area and back. You’ll visit a couple of nice spots before heading for the final stage but trail choices will be less obvious and there are no hints available so this option may be more difficult.

All micros for both options have been hidden within five feet of the trail. The final cache is close to the trail also, but a little further in compared to the micros.


The puzzle

The poem below points to a specific place that should be marked and called Waypoint X.

The Theft

All eyes were upon him, the mission was clear;
He was planning a theft, yet stood without fear.

Surrounded by enemies yet cheered by a crowd;
He launched himself forward amidst voices so loud.

Churning then diving, he arrived at the place;
Just fast enough to win this fate changing race.

He’d been a bit player up until then;
But will now be revered ‘til who knows when.

It was a steal for the ages, that turned the tables;
Giving birth to one of sports greatest fables.

There was more to accomplish to finish the deed;
The theft of this “item” was not all they would need.

But the men who seemed beaten breathed new life that night;
And soon would be conquerors in a most stunning fight.

The Empire of darkness was humbled at last;
‘cause Roberts the savior was simply too fast.

The waypoint you seek is a place easily found;
The midpoint of the “item” on that most hallowed ground.


Getting started:

Determine as best as possible the coordinates for Waypoint X.
The information below should help you arrive at the best solution

ab.cde north
be.fge west

d = c + 2
e = g + 1

north plus west = 26.635

Now, using the letter values above and the additional equations below, determine a second mystery waypoint, a place you must visit first before you can begin your hike to the cache.

hg.gdj north
jk.hke west

h = 1
j = 3
j = g - 2

At the second waypoint location, there is a plaque on which you will find a two digit number near the top and a date near the bottom.

Call the two digit number “nn,” and convert the date into mm/dd/yy.

To confirm you have the correct numbers:

nn + mm + dd + yy = 132

Now perform the following math:

A = (dd x yy)
B = (nn x mm)

To confirm you have the correct numbers: A + B = 622

You now have the information you need to determine Stage One of both options available to find the cache. Based on the descriptions above, decide which option you wish to pursue, and perform the math below to determine the coordinates for the corresponding Stage One.

Option “A”

Stage A-1 is at the base of a tree within a few feet of the water at:
N 42 (A x 0.04701), W 71 (A x 0.1214967)

Option “B”

Stage B-1 is at:
N 42 (B x 0.0444161), W 71 (B x 0.1131739)


About the EWA-4 locale

After you determine the coordinates for A-1 and B-1, it is probably best to drive to a different parking area that is roughly south, southwest of both A-1 and B-1. Attempting to navigate on foot directly to either of these stages from the second mystery waypoint may prove problematic.

Located on town-owned conservation land, EWA-4 will take you over a mix of wide and narrow trails. There are several access points you could use but the hunt is set up to begin from the main parking lot to the south. A map is available at (visit link)

In general, the trails that run close to the shore could be treacherous in some places for biking and also for hiking if there is snow on the ground. The stages have been set up to take you along some of these trails because they are the most scenic. However, if you choose to bring a bike or hike in the snow, there are alternate paths that should work OK for the most part. Make sure you bring a trail map to use as a guide.


The EWA Lineup:

EWA-1: Callahan Bypass - (visit link)
EWA-2: Which Way From Here? - (visit link)
EWA-3: Big Rock - (visit link)
EWA-4: The Theft - (visit link)
EWA-5: Micros or Mystery? - (visit link)
EWA-6: Kids Treasure Chest - (visit link)
EWA-7: The Ledges - (visit link)
EWA-8: Points of Interest - (visit link)
EWA-9: Upton Woods - (visit link)
EWA-10: The Final Conquest - (visit link)

EWA-Epilogue: Owner's Tips - (visit link)


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Additional Hints (Decrypt)

N-1: Yrff guna svir srrg yrsg bs genvy N-2: Yrff guna svir srrg yrsg bs genvy N-3: Yrff guna svir srrg yrsg bs genvy O-1: 35zz svyz pbagnvare O-2: 35zz svyz pbagnvare

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)