Step 1: Solve the puzzle. Each of the red-squared letters has a numerical value in the table below. Arrange the resulting numbers to reveal the coordinates for stage 1.
NOTE: The crossword puzzle image and clues are attached to this page in the IMAGES tab. Just click on them to view, or print out. BBNC
Hint: N 3-6, 8-9 . 11-12-14 - - - - W 1-2-3, 4-5 . 7-10-13
Check your coordinates for Step 1 here...
Step 2: While roaming in Polk County (as Buffalo are prone to do) we came upon a pastoral setting looking off to the west that truly warmed our beastly hearts. And, there was a whole herd of them just looking at us wondering just what we were up to on the other side of their fence. Soon, one of them ambled real close and whispered “There is a puzzle here to be solved – look around for clues. Count the letters of what people call us – that’s for you to use. Multiply and prosper, there’s a treasure to be found. Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Zip-A-Dee-A” Whoa! They whisper… in riddles? As we pondered the riddle and basked in the beauty of this scene we glanced off to the south-southwest and noticed a signpost that took some poetic license with the herd we were seeing. So, off we went for a closer look. Much to our surprise there were some “N” and “W” numbers hidden in plain sight. So, we wrote them down. What were these numbers all about? We pondered: What if … “count the letters…multiply…” That’s it! So we counted and then we multiplied. But, much to our surprise these new numbers were meaningless – they took us nowhere. As Buffalo are prone to ponder while they roam we discovered that IF you add these new numbers to the ones that got us to THIS location a new destination was revealed. So, we headed down the road to see where it led. On the right was a not-so-pastoral setting that catches on fire ‘bout once a year. Nasty! Keep moving right along… We followed the winding road, stopped, turned a corner twice, first left then right to another wonderful view (to the traveling Buffalo that is). What’s here? Is this the treasure to be found? But where? Then a random song popped into our brain as we searched and searched: Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Zip-A-Dee-A, My oh my, what a wonderful day, Plenty of sunshine heading my way, Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Zip-A-Dee-A. Mister bluebird on my shoulder, It's the truth, It's actual, Everything is satisfactual, Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, Zip-A-Dee-A, Wonderful feeling, Wonderful day. (won the Academy Award for the Best Original Song in 1947 – the year of Buffalo Bob’s birth). And there it was. We carefully removed the disguised hiding spot, traded some treasures, signed the log, and carefully put it back… watching out for the occasional weekend and drive-by Muggles. Enjoy the hunt.
Hint (Warning): Do not attempt to touch the cuddly critters in the field – they can be cantankerous. And, they are on private property.
Hint: Please carefully remove/replace the cache container. Absolutely or tools NO force are needed.
Verify the final coordinates here...
FIRST-TO-FIND CONGRATULATIONS GO TO "rollermd" from Forest City, NC!