The
MoleBusters are the First to Find geocachers for the Mystery Mole's
Final Stop (GC1B322) geocache, and comprise HF Reign, Lisdowney,
River_Runr and Tequila. Each member of the MoleBusters Team will be
publishing a puzzle cache relating to an experience with the
Mystery Mole. This geocache by River_runr is another cache in the
MoleBusters Series.
As noted in
the MoleBusters: Lisdowney cache (GC1EP8G), the MoleBusters had
tracked the Mystery Mole on his recent foray through Canada and the
United States using Garmin GPSrs and mapping software.
Although able
to solve his seriously devious cache series and despite numerous
distant sightings while tracking the Mystery Mole, the MoleBusters
have not been able to corner this tricky and secretive burrowing
mammal.
Recently
discovered was that the Mystery Mole inherited the aquatic genes of
some of his cousins and is an avid white-water enthusiast. The
MoleBuster team was able to get close enough to photograph him in
his kayak (see photo below).
Due to past
white-water experience, I was called upon to lead a white-water
expedition to track the Mystery Mole down several rivers he was
known to run. Keeping with the latest technology, we utilized an
Oregon GPSr to aid in the search (Sidenote: Oregon is the origin of
geocaching – see cache: GCGV0P).
While tracking
the Mystery Mole's white-water trips, we first went north to the
Ottawa River. The Ottawa is a Class IV rated river and includes the
following major rapids:
McCoy
Black
Chute
Butcher’s
Knife
Coliseum
Dogs
Leg
Next we tracked
the Mystery Mole into the states and traveled west to the Upper
Gauley River known as the “Beast of the East”. During the 23 days
of the fall water release, the Upper Gauley becomes one of the
premier white-water runs in North America with a Class V river
rating. Major rapids (all Class V) include:
Insignificant
Pillow
Rock
Lost
Paddle
Iron
Ring
Sweets
Falls
Although as
yet unable to catch the Mystery Mole, this cache has been setup in
an attempt to trap this wiley mammal. Since the MM is a known
master puzzle cacher as well as a first class white-water kayaker,
this cache incorporates these two factors in an attempt to lure him
to this cache and capture him (at least for an interview and
autograph session) to finally verify his true identity.
Due to the
fact that the MM would not lower himself to solve just any puzzle
cache, the solution of this puzzle as originally posted was
extremely difficult, essentially equating to a Class VI rapid which
is un-runable (at least with any degree of safety). Sadly other
than the infamous Mystery Mole, no Class VI puzzle solvers were
found. The puzzle has now been modified by removing a couple of the
overly tricky paddle strokes. This white-water puzzle is now rated
Class IV.
Note: as in any river expedition, team work is encouraged.
