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UFOlathe Mystery Cache

This cache has been archived.

kvenator: I'm excited about this area for another idea that has already been submitted. Once it publishes, that area of shoreline should still allow for one or maybe 2 more hides (feel free). Containers have been pulled and a little CITO performed along the way (needs more).

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Hidden : 3/13/2011
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

UFOlathe Puzzle, 2 stage Multi-Cache

Posted coordinates are for parking. See the puzzle below for the cache location.

This is a puzzle, 2 stage multi-cache offering finders a short, rewarding hike.  There's an obscure trail that should reduce the need for bushwhacking but there is still some. Cliff exposure and steep drops are present so not recommended at night, with small kids or when slick/icy.

This puzzle just requires you to play along a bit.  It's not supposed to be hard so if you're not getting the right answer, send me a message.  Please note that you will be printing out a sheet of paper and building a 'decoder'.  You will need to take the decoder with you to find stage 2.

***

Scientists working at a remote research facility in Antarctica made headlines a few months ago when they claimed to have intercepted and decoded a message from life in space.  The scientists claimed a message was embedded in a frequency anomaly coming from subspace sector Olathe One. The electromagnetic disturbance exhibited an unnatural pattern that scientists have termed Astrological Linguistics of an Intelligent Extraterrestrial Nature (ALIEN!). ALIEN?!?, whoa!

NASA issued a statement calling the scientist's claims "unfounded in science" and "pure tabloid nonsense".  

The scientists then went back to living their life of obscurity while remaining determined to tell their story.

After several weeks of media silence, the scientists are featured in a new article in Conspiracy Theorist Magazine called,  "We Think We Know Where Their Spaceship Is"

Unsubstantiated claims made in the article include:

* The aliens attempted a water landing in 1937 but missed and crashed on land
* Remains of the rocket booster and flight capsule stages can be found around Lake Olathe

The article then goes on to say that the scientists are planning a news conference to announce the precise location of the alien craft and how they decoded the alien transmission.

The scientists never showed up for the news conference.  The research facility was abandoned and burned.

Conspiracy Theorist Magazine contributors have learned that the research facility was constructed in the 30’s and that the staff still used much of the antiquated equipment from that time. Most notably, the scientists claim to have received the alien transmission using an antique radio (Philco model 37-610) which was produced and sold in 1937. These radios were popular with researchers in remote locations because of their sensitive antenna. The scientists hooked recording equipment to the radio outputs and were preparing to share their findings when all contact with the facility was lost.

***

Among the charred remains of the facility, rescue workers found this:

They also found what appears to be a decoding device made from old radio parts.

Click here to download the decoder ring (some assembly required).

Use the decoder ring to determine the coordinates for the Rocket Booster Stage which separated from the Flight Capsule.

Specific Instructions and tips:

  • Download and print the decoder ring pdf file using the link above
  • You'll need a pair of scissors to carefully cut out the pieces
  • Use a paper clip that you can straighten out to poke through the center points
  • Multiply values read from the small dial by 10.  Example:  if the dial reading is 3.5 - use 35.   Value range using the small dial = 23 to 74.
  • All values using the big dial are whole numbers (no decimals, just use the nearest number on the dial)
  • Graphical shapes represent dial settings used to accommodate for frequency changes in the anomaly
  • You'll have to swap rings depending on the specified frequency setting
  • The small ring is a bit more sensitive, if you think you're doing it right but the answer is wrong, try adding or subtracting 1 from small dial reading(s)
  • Take the decoder with you when you head out for the cache as you'll need it to find the Flight Capsule (stage 2)

You can check your answers for Stage 1 of this puzzle on Geochecker.com.

You can check your answers for Stage 2 of this puzzle on Geochecker.com.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Fgntr 2: Jvguva gur pnpur lbh'yy svaq gur pncgnva'f ybt (be vf vg gur bgure jnl nebhaq?)

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)