R.O.U.S. Multi-Cache

Two stage multicache. Each stage presents a pleasant walk of about 45 minutes - 1 hour in search of the Wight's own R.O.U.S. (Rodent Of Unusual Size) - the Red Squirrel. Gather the clues from stage one to work out the coordinates for stage two. Note: The parking for the second stage is around 7 miles from the first - each stage can obviously be done separately.

The majority of both stages are in conservation areas - there is no need to stray into woodland.

The coordinates take you to a car park off the main Newport - Yarmouth road at Parkhurst Forest. Suitable for children, Parkhurst Forest has various trails and paths. There are nature walks with information boards along the way. A trails notice can be found on main path out of car park for more extensive walks. As you walk on the first trail keep eyes out for strips of pine kernels falling from tops of trees!

There are two locations to collect clues (below). For a pleasant circular walk from the car park go to N 50 42.702 W 1 19.704, take the track North up to the Signal House and then approach clue 2 and then clue 1. Otherwise just go for it! (The GPS in the forest can be quite erratic but the clue locations are obvious).

Clue 1 : N 50 42.642 W 1 19.584

How many fingers (answer F) and how many toes (answer T) on the right limbs of this R.O.U.S.?

Clue 2 : N 50 42.696 W 1 19.550

What was the date of birth of this Problem Solver (clue: ybbx hc) (answers D-M-Y)?

What is the typical number of years the red squirrel lives for (answer L)? Whilst works are being carried out L=F*1.5.

Second Stage

Suggested parking for the second stage is at N 50 (LAT).948 W 1 (LONG).082. There is room for approximately 2-3 cars here. The first part of the second stage is not suitable for buggies/push chairs. The starting footpath is directly on the other side of the road : Footpath NC (D).

Clue 3 : N 50 (LAT).(2F)0(F) W 1 (LONG-1).(F+M)(2F)(L-F)

About 20 yards to the North West of this location is a place where there is a very high chance of spotting our elusive red squirrel. Nuts with shells, but not Brazil nuts, are advised due to the squirrel diet and also the local bird life.

From here continue through the gate and turn left to approach the final clue taking footbath NC (2D+F)

Clue 4 : N 50 (LAT).(F+T)(2H+F) W 1 (LONG-1).(2F)(M)(L)

How far to the sea (answer SEA)?

How far to the source (answer SOURCE)?

Final Location : N 50 (LAT+1).(SEA+L)(F) W 1 (LONG).(M)( SOURCEx(T+F) ) - (pass through kissing gate first)

After locating the cache returning to the footpath junction and taking Footpath NC (TF) makes a very pleasant walk back.

You can check your answers for this puzzle on Geochecker.com.