Cache is NOT at posted coordinates.
This cache is themed after my previous “Unusual” caches – Unusual Ottumwa (GC3AFA) in Ottumwa, IA and Unusualoo (GCD7A4) in Waterloo, IA. The difference is that this puzzle is solved from your computer instead of going out and visiting sites. I’m hoping to make a puzzle cache that involves visiting several interesting sites in the city, but haven’t had any good ideas for one yet.
Joe works on the 33rd floor of the First National Bank building in downtown St. Paul and lives underneath a manhole at the center of the intersection of Colorado and Stryker. Joe walks to work. Before May 2008, he walked down the historic green stairs, but in May of 2008 they were demolished with no plans to replace them. Fortunately, stimulus money came through and a new staircase is expected to be open in spring 2010. 0.A is the number of EXTRA miles Joe must walk on his way to work since the stairs have been demolished, before the new stairs open, rounded to the nearest 0.2 miles to ensure your answer is exactly right.
It is possible to drive from Wabasha and Kellogg to Smith and Grand while only going through five intersections with stoplights and not driving down any freeways. Update: Do NOT drive down the Smith Avenue bridge! I just realized that you could drive this while only going through ONE intersection with a stoplight if you cross this bridge. B is the number of the first numbered street you will drive down if you take this route. C is the number of letters in the third to last street you will drive down. If there are multiple routes through an area, take the shortest route. Be sure to check for pedestrian signals and signals at parking lot/ramp entries! Also be sure to check the satellite images to be sure the route is drivable – some streets don’t go where they’re shown on the map!
Dawson Park is an undeveloped park with the only public access to it being an unmarked, overgrown right-of-way where one has to climb over trees and underbrush. Another undeveloped park, very close by, is about the same size and also only accessible by an unmarked, overgrown right-of-way. The number of letters in the similar park’s name is D. I wanted to put a geocache in one of these parks but entering the right-of-way requires crossing what appears to be private property (even though it really is public) so I wasn’t able to.
There is one road in Highland Park which looks like an alley and, with one exception, only sees the backyards of houses. Yet it has a name. It’s also in a place you wouldn’t expect there to be an alley. The number of letters in this road’s name is E. Do not count the street/avenue/boulevard, etc. designation as part of its name.
Not much is left of Wadena Avenue. Years ago, I remember walking down the bike trail and seeing three abandoned houses in a row on Wadena, but they’re gone now probably due to the Phalen Blvd. project. Three buildings north of the beginning of Wadena is a new business called Buymore Tacos. Close by is the business that Buymore Tacos undoubtedly got its name from. The number of letters in the first word of said business’s name is F. I think they should open a beer store called Drinkmore Beer.
Final coordinates are 44 5(C-2).(F+1)(D)(E) -93 0(E+2).(B)(A+1)(D-1)
12-19-16 Changed location and terrain rating again. It's winter friendly and well hidden but not the most remarkable location anymore. This area has a high muggle rate and I had to do something with what I had on me. Check all possible places, you should find it. Container is about an inch in diameter. Off trail but NOT down the steep slope.
You can check your answers for this puzzle on Geochecker.com.