The Fire Swamp Multi-Cache
GeoCrater: Regretfully archiving this cache since there's been no word from the owner in the month or more since the last reviewer note was posted. If you want to re-activate the cache, please contact GeoCrater to see if that's possible.
GeoCrater
Geocaching.com Volunteer Cache Reviewer
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Sellwood Riverfront Park - Portland Parks Bureau.
The Fire Swamp is a locale in the world of "The Princess Bride" (click on 'users web page' link above for movie info.), and it is a VERY dangerous place. Therefore, only those who believe in "True Love" should attempt this cache. Fair warning.
For those who don't know, the 3 terrors of the Fire Swamp are: Flame Spurts, Lightning Sand, and the R.O.U.S. Beware!
Start out by heading for the initial coordinates from the parking lot.
On your way there stop at the large information sign to read about the eco/greening projects happening here. (Due to all of the city's efforts, as evidenced in this sign, the Flame Spurts are pretty much under control. You shouldn't have any trouble with these anymore, but always keep your ears open for popping sounds!) Your first puzzle piece is: what year will we have stormwater planters (see photo link below) along some of our sidewalks?
Now continue to the coordinates, but beware of the Lightning Sand everywhere along the beach! You can avoid it by staying on the dock's plankway. Trod upon the beach at your own risk! (If you must do so, it is advised to keep hold of one end of a long vine.)
Once at the coordinates, look for 2 sets of 3 numbers. Your other puzzle piece is: what is the sum of the left set's 3 numbers added together? (For example, if the numbers are 10.20.300, then your answer is 330.)
Now add the year # to the decimal minutes of the following dummy coordinate to attain your true NORTH coordinate for the hide:
N 45 26.052
Now add the sum # to the decimal minutes of the following dummy coordinate to attain your true WEST coordinate for the hide:
W 122 39.528
Now be on your way to the hide itself. I must warn cachers once more that at this point you will be trapseing deep into the very heart of the Fire Swamp. This area is known to be the spawning grounds of the R.O.U.S. (see image link below), and local legend says that the cache itself is stashed away at the home lair of the mother of all R.O.U.S. So as you follow your coordinates along the paltry trail that winds into the depths of those dark woods, keep your eyes peeled for that nefarious creature. When you spot her/it, you'll know that you are almost there. As you approach the lair, I strongly advise slow and cautious movements and NEVER look her/it directly in the eye, lest she/it leap down upon you!
[I visited the cache on July 11th 2008 and the R.O.U.S. was gone! Their nesting season is winter, so she must be off on the prowl. Oh well. Just a note to say there's no longer a need to actually look for it - but it was there for a long time! The cache itself is still there and is fine. -RB]
Be wary, bold, and sly, and you may just make it out alive.
The cache container is a plastic jar about 4" tall, externally marked as a geocache, containing a logsheet but no writing utensil (so please remember to bring your own).
For first-to-find the treasures include a pocket multi-tool keychain, and a YAG laser crystal. (Spoils truly fit for such a perilous adventure!)
Have fun, good luck, and "...AS...YOU...WIIISH!!!"
-RoyBatty
(Terrain rating doesn't accurately reflect that it's harder in the summer and easier in the winter, due to thickness of vegetation.)
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Purfg-uvtu, va yvggyr abbx sbezrq ol pebgpu bs gerr.