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medoug's mystery message Mystery Cache

Hidden : 4/24/2010
Difficulty:
3 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Some time ago I found a puzzle type cache in Dubuque. At the time, I discovered that the Dubuque area has very few caches of this type. As a result, I decided that I would create and place my first puzzle cache hide in Dubuque. Note that the cache container is NOT hidden at the posted coordinates, but there is something there that might help you solve the puzzle (see details below).

To find the actual cache, you will need to solve the below coded message that I have created. Decrypting the message will require no math and most cryptography (study of coded messages) methods will not help you much. You will need to think outside the box on this one. It becomes a very easy puzzle to solve once you figure out the "trick". I strongly suggest that you at least attempt to decipher the message on your own or with help from the additional puzzle solving hint.
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Unlike most puzzle caches, the listing coordinates are not totally random. If you’re unsuccessful in deciphering the message on your own, you can go to the posted coordinates to find a device that will help you decode the message. (Once again, think outside the box when looking for this device.) Note that there are no instructions with the device so you will need to figure out how to use it on your own.

The cache: The cache is a camouflaged Lock’n’Lock type container with a logbook, pencil, and a few nice starting trade items. Please sign the log, trade fairly, and return the cache to its original location and state of concealment for others’ enjoyment.

Notice: Any on-line logs that give information about how to solve the puzzle will be promptly deleted!

Additional help: Because I prefer my caches to be found, if you still can’t solve the puzzle after using everything included in this description, feel free to contact me through my geocaching profile page to request additional hints which should help.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

[Puzzle solving hint:] Gur jbeq “PUBVPR” va gur zrffntr vf gur fnzr rapelcgrq be qrpelcgrq. (Guvax nobhg jung vf fcrpvny nobhg gur yrggref va gung jbeq.) [Container finding hint:] Gur uvag vf vapyhqrq jvguva gur zrffntr.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)