Welcome to Sportscore and The Rock River Recreation Path
This kid friendly 7-stage multi-cache is designed to allow you a peaceful stroll down a paved path that follows the mighty, yet tranquil, Rock River. Ample parking can be found near Waypoint 1 (with the only exception being during a soccer tournament weekend). From the time you exit your vehicle to the time that you get back, expect to walk approximately two miles and plan accordingly. You will be walking a paved pedestrian / bicycle recreation path with NO bushwhacking needed until maybe the final stage. During the summer months, you will find public restrooms and a drinking fountain available near the start of the recreation path. During the winter months, you will find that the Rockford Park District plows and salts the pathway. When I placed this cache, I filled the container with several items including a first aid kit, a survival whistle, a couple of key ring carabiners and for these cold days of winter, several packs of hand warmers. I have also added something special for the FTF. I have only provided one hint for the location of the stages, but feel free to contact me if you need a bit of direction. The difficulty rating is based on number of stages and not necessarily how hard they are to find. Enjoy!!
Directions to stage #2: From the sign at the listed coordinates, gather the numbers of the softball fields listed on the sign and assign them the letters from R to Y where R is the lowest number and Y is the highest number. True magnetic North can be represented by either a single digit number or a three digit number. For the following equation, you will use the three digit number and the result will be Z.
- True North (xxx° - S - T - U - V - X - Y = Z (R is not Used)
Now perform a projection at a bearing of Z Degrees for 906 feet. At the projected coordinates, you will find a sign that details the facilities that comprise this Sportscore Complex, one of Rockford's largest parks (some of the facilities are remote but you will not have to travel there). From this sign you will have to obtain some information that will be plugged into the following clues to reveal the next waypoint.
- Add the field numbers together for the Kennedy Fields area and subtract 108 from the total; that will be ABC. Kennedy Field Number’s _____+_____+_____+_____+_____- 108 = ___ ___ ___ (these numbers a ABC)
- How many groups of softball diamonds are there? ___ (this number is D)
- How many softball diamonds are there? ___ (this number is E)
- If you took the name of this facility, Sportscore ???, and added three to the ???, what would it equal? ___ (this number is F)
Stage 3 is located at N42 19.ABC W089 04.DEF - You can validate your solution for the coordinates to stage 3 with Certitude.
After finding the Stage 3 coordinates, it may appear on your GPSr to be on the train tracks. Rest assured that it will NOT be on the tracks and well inside the fencing. You will find something hidden here that will give you coordinates to Stage 4.
When you arrive at stage #4, stop and take a rest, you deserve it. A keen eye will direct you to the next stage.
- How many years young was Michael? ___+ 194 = (these numbers are GHI)
- In the alphabet, each letter has a numerical equivalent. Example, A=1, B=2, C=3, and so on. Determine the numerical equivalent of the quote located at the bottom of the memorial. ___ + 78 = ___ ___ ___ (these numbers are JKL)
The location to stage 5 will be N42 19.GHI W089 04.JKL - You can validate your solution for the coordinates to stage 5 with Certitude.
At Stage 5, you will find something hidden that will provide you with coordinates to Stage 6.
The location of the final will be somewhat noted in Stage 6. Put N42 in front of the top row of numbers and W89 in front of the bottom row of numbers and you will be on your way to the final.
At the final stage, you will find a lock-&-lock, hidden in the typical manner. As the final looks to be near an active walking path, please insure that you protect the integrity of the hiding place by returning it back in the same if not better manner than found.
After finding this cache, be sure to find the other Geocaches that can be accessed from this same parking area.
***Congratulations to Tishman for persevering and becoming the FTF!!***