This is my first attempt at a mystery cache, so please bear with
me. After looking at several mystery type caches, I think I have an
idea of how to go about it. Knowing how you all like to think a
little bit, I shall proceed. Everyone has tried to solve a mystery
at some time or another. Almost all mysteries present clues which
you have to discover. Closer examination of this cache may reveal
some hidden clues. Lots of these mysteries call upon previous
caches to aid in the solution. Often caches require research or
solving math problems. Some ask you to use orienteering skills.
Either of these methods might be of use to you here. Rather than
giving you the exact location, the given coords are within 35-40
feet of ground zero (as the crow flies), but the clues will help a
lot.
Lately, I have been discouraged in searching for caches where
the coords seemed to be way off. Often, the case may simply be that
the hider has an inferior GPSr or the signal was shrouded by trees.
Other times, I think the hider just wants us to hunt around awhile.
Knowing how we all hate wandering aimlessly in the woods, I decided
to give a clue or two to help locate this cache. Although the clues
should take you to the prize, you’ll have to work a bit for
them.
To give you something to work for, I’ve placed a FTF prize in
the cache. The prize is a new, un-activated Travel Slug TB. Having
a carrot dangled in front of the nose often serves to motivate.
Every cacher I have run into likes to get his hands on geocoins and
TBs whenever he can. Collecting coins and their icons can get to be
an obsession with some folks and certainly adds to the fun of
geocaching. Each of us have tried to be the first one at a cache to
retrieve such a prize.
Don’t stop reading yet! As Grandpa always said, “Anything worth
having is worth waiting for.” Really, there is a point to all of
this.
Clues are not always obvious, or that would make it too easy.
Head work is most often harder than physical work. Anyone can
weaken and ask for help if they can’t figure things out, but that’s
no fun, and there’s no glory in that way out. Let’s face it,
friends. Every geocacher likes the satisfaction of having solved a
puzzle by himself. Taking the time to read the text carefully and
reread, if necessary, should pay off.
A camo-covered pill bottle is the container this time, so you’ll
need to bring a pencil with you. Needless to say, the container can
hold only small trade items. Don’t forget to replace the container
carefully in the same place as you found it. Under no circumstance
should you reveal the secret of this mystery to other cachers!
Secrets are only secrets if they are kept to yourself.
Every weekend this park is busy with softball, soccer, or just
families using the playground equipment or having picnics in the
pavilion. There is another cache in this park that you should be
able to find easily. However, heavy weekend use of this popular
park could result in a muggle problem when looking for either of
these caches.
Easy caches don’t provide much satisfaction. Difficult caches
build strong character. Each difficult cache solved gives you the
confidence to find even more difficult ones in the future. Learning
from past caches is an important part of the geocaching
experience.
This cache, remember, is not at the posted coords. As is often
the case, you may have to think outside the box. Keep an open mind,
and give wings to your imagination. Enjoy the search. You now have
all you need to find this cache, if you have figured out the
clues.