250 and Counting. Mystery Cache
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This is a Puzzle Cache set up to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of the ‘bard’, Robert Burns. The Cache is designed to lead the willing participant through a bit of the history of the bard and his epic poem Tam o’ Shanter.
When chapmen billies leave the street,
And drouthy neibors, neibors meet.
As market days are wearing late,
An' folk begin to tak the gate;
Start your trail at the listed coordinates and find the year the establishment was (how shall we put this?) established. That gives you ABCD. How many pains of glass are in a single window frame? That gives you EF. Beware there is no on street parking at this location and you will need to walk in from free parking available off the inner ring road in Ayr.
Now go to N 55. (F)(A+C).(B+F)(B-A)(B-A)
W004.(E+F)(A+B).(A-E)(E-A)(A+C)
You will have to Drive Cycle or Bus to this location or else it’s a long but scenic walk.
The hour approaches Tam maun ride;
That hour, o' night's black arch the key-stane,
That dreary hour he mounts his beast in;
And sic a night he taks the road in
As ne'er poor sinner was abroad in.
Park in the sign-posted free parking area and walk to the location. Take some time here and from here on in everything can be walked (if you want to). Find the Date of Birth and the Date of Death on the information board in the format DDMMYYYY. That will give you ABCDEFGH and IJKLMNOP.
Now go to N 55. (A)(B).(P)(F)(I+J)
W004. (I+J)(H-M).(A)(B-J)(D)
When, glimmering thro' the groaning trees,
Kirk-Alloway seem'd in a bleeze;
Thro' ilka bore the beams were glancing;
And loud resounded mirth and dancing.
Find the date that this building was constructed. That will give you ABCD. Please take the time to wander around and have a look. Look at the rear of the grave marker for William Burns, Rabbie’s father, for a heart felt obituary.
Now go to N 55. (A+C)(B). (D)(A+C)(A+C+D)
W004. (B-C-A)(D+A+C). (A+C)(A+C)(C+D)
Tam tint his reason ' thegither,
And roars out, "Weel done, Cutty-sark!"
And in an instant all was dark:
And scarcely had he Maggie rallied,
When out the hellish legion sallied.
Here you will find a park dedicated to the national hero. Entry is free although times are restricted. It is well worth entering the site and having a good look around. If time is your enemy go to the waypoint and find the date of construction. You do not need to enter although we would recommend a visit. That will give you ABCD-EF.
Now go to N 55. (C)(E+F+A). (E+F+A)(B-A)(F)
W004. (A+C)(B). (A)(B)(B-C)
Now, do thy speedy utmost, Meg,
And win the key-stane o' the brig;
There at them thou thy tail may toss,
A running stream they dare na cross.
Your coordinates should have you standing near a signpost next to a very famous feature. When was this one constructed? It’s not definite but it is about the ABCD’s.
Now go to N 55. (A+A)(A+B). (A+B)(B-A)(A)
W004. (B-A)(2 x B). (A+A)(B)(A+B)
From the cache, continue on a short walk along the path to the roadside for some spectacular views over the Brig o’ Doon and the Gardens below.
No, wha this tale o' truth shall read,
Ilk man and mother's son take heed;
Whene'er to drink you are inclin'd,
Or cutty-sarks run in your mind,
Think! ye may buy joys o'er dear -
Remember Tam o' Shanter's mare.
Enjoy your walk and we hope you pick up some history on the way.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Orgjrra gur ohgerff naq gerr haqre phg fgbar.
Treasures
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