GC14M3H Order Chaos (Unknown Cache) in Colorado, United States created by jmike

This cache has been archived.

HighCountryAdmin: I am archiving this defunct geocache to keep it from continually showing up in search lists, and to prevent it from blocking other cache placements. If you wish to repair or replace the cache sometime in the future, please contact me via my profile, and assuming it still meets the guidelines, I will be happy to unarchive it.

Thank you,
HighCountryAdmin
Volunteer Cache Reviewer

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GC14M3H ▼

A cache by jmike Message this owner

Hidden : 7/24/2007

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

A multi-cache consisting of 5 legs currently rated 4 in difficulty - let me know what you think. 8/6/07 The final stage has been moved 121' from its original location because the recent storm made access difficult. It should fare better in its new digs.

This is an urban cache and at times there may be considerable activity closeby. Parking should not be a problem. Kid friendly play structures are near all stages however some stages are close to water requiring supervision appropriate to your situation. Most stages are adjacent to or back up to residences where there may be observers out enjoying some quiet time on their deck, precluding night searches at certain hours/times of the year. Concerned citizens can and will notify LEO's of suspicious (to them) activity outside of "normal" hours even though there appears to be no prohibition to 24 hr usage within any of the stages of this cache. Follow the link to read Fort Collins Park Rules and Regulations: (visit link)

Please rehide any/all items exactly as you find them being careful to "leave no trace" of your presence or search in any of the areas so as to preserve the experience for the next cacher.

Stage 1: The Beginning of Chaos
At N 40° 32.053 W 105° 01.917 there is a bright prominent sign. Ignoring duplicate letters, alphabetize the first ten unique letters then assign 0-9 to the letters. Substitute numbers for letters to find stage 2 at N 40° 32.ADC W 105° 01.REA

Stage 2: View a Split Personality Through the Looking Glass
Sit and think a while. Stealth may be required due to high public use at certain times. Use the letter=number code developed at Stage 1 to translate the coordinates for Stage 3.

Stage 3: Confusion Reigns Here
If you are really good at puzzles and arranging things in your head, this stage might be accomplished on the first trip but some may find the use of "scratch" paper helpful in keeping things straight and it may also be necessary to do some internet homework to bring it all together.

While I was researching this cache, an elderly couple out for a stroll noticed me studying the signs and the man commented on the new implements. According to him the previous system incorporated instructions at each location making it quite understandable, however the new layout just "doesn't make any sense at all". He wished me good luck and his parting comment was "but then, I didn't use the other one either".

To me the design reflects a perverse sense of humor and a great opportunity for a problem solving geocache. Whether you ever put this area to its intended use, you will need to determine which instruction goes to its corresponding physical location. The nearest implement is 0 and, following the path, the farthest is 9. Once you have completed this task, alphabetically assign letters to each instruction beginning at the top of the sign face displaying instructions for the nearest implement. Skip previously used letters from Stage 1 to obtain a new code. (Example: if letters ABCDEFGIKL were used from previous stages, you would use HJMNOPQRST here.) Substitute numbers for letters to go to stage 4: 13 T 0496NHK 4486FPG. If your coordinates take you away from the park or onto private property, study the implements/instructions again.

Use GeoChecker to verify your choices if necessary (it can be confusing). You will need to convert your UTM coordinates to the standard listing (hddd mm.mmm) to use GeoChecker and then back again. Check here: (visit link)

Stage 4: A Little Pull in the Right Places - It's All About Connections
Find a special item to discover a new coordinate formula, solve it then add FN to the easting and W+D to the northing to obtain coordinates for the final stage.

Stage 5: The Cache
Container has room for small TB's and other small items. Please rehide as well or better.

Congratulations to Clan Mroczko on FTF!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

puhool purpxre fnvq vg sbe gveryrff gjb. qb ubzrjbex ba guerr gura purpx vg (punatr tcfe havgf).

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)