The cache is NOT at the posted coordinates

The Puzzle

This puzzle requires logic skills rather than vocabulary skills. Use each of the following words exactly once to fill in the grid below. Ignore the numbers in the gird until you've completed the puzzle and are ready to determine the cache’s coordinates and its padlock combination.

If you'd like a few pointers for solving Word Fill-In puzzles, then check out this website (copy-and-paste): www.yourdictionary.com/dictionary-articles/word-fill-puzzles.html. We've also provided a starter word in the "Additional Hints" section…in case you need it.

-3-   -----4-----   --5--   ---6--   ----8---
ala   able   nano   adieu   hotels   geocache
ama   arid   nerd   ameer   sticks   latitude
ate   asps   oleo   ankle   summit   northing
box   CITO   olly   aspis   TNLNSL   position
err   clue   omen   basis
FTF   coir   oven   coals
hat   fuse   plea   cushy
nae   fuss   refs   elder
nip   iamb   scan   event
oat   isle   sire   floor
raw   isms   swan   found
she   iter   sync   frump
sky   laeg   tail   geese   
tee   leek   talc   mould
UPS   luau   taxi   multi   
ute   mare   tuba   prang
      mega   udon   rouge
      mini   user   rural
      moll   wise   scuts
                    sound
                    taboo
                    wedge

Once you’ve finished the puzzle, you should be able to determine the cache’s coordinates and padlock combination.

Coordinates: N51° 0A.BCD W114° 0E.FGH
Combination: STU

You can verify the coordinates here.

To verify the padlock combination, insert your numbers into N51 00.000 W114 00.STU and submit that information here.

The Cache

Solving the Word Fill-In puzzle was the tricky part. With the coordinates and padlock combination in hand, finding the cache container should be quite easy. But wait! You'll soon discover another puzzle at Ground Zero.

One way to capture a monkey is to cut a hole in a large gourd and hollow it out. The hole should be just big enough to allow a monkey to slip its hand inside.

Tie one end of a rope to the gourd and tie the other end to a nearby tree. Place a small apple inside the gourd and wait for a monkey to come along.

The monkey will grab the apple but be unable to pull its clenched fist out of the gourd. A greedy monkey will refuse to release the apple to remove its hand. Instead, it will sit there until it is caught.

You, of course, are smarter than this.

Once you spot the cache container and open its padlock, you'll see a hole. You should be able to reach through the hole and grab the cache. But how will you get it out?

There are several clever ways to remove the cache, but we've provided one simple method. Floating the cache out the hole is NOT an option, so don't dump water into the container. No tools are needed, so don't force the container open with a screwdriver or crowbar. Use your superior intelligence instead. (No spoilers in the online logs, please.)

If all else fails and you're unable to remove the cache, then just let it go. Don't stand there for hours with your hand in the hole. Try again another day.

Please note: This cache is NOT available between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Congratulations to VA6GDG, Digital Zoom, theallans, and Kaerran for their joint FTF.

Thanks to the Calgary Parks Department for giving us permission to place this cache where we did. And thanks to Ms. CanadianRockies for the artwork.

The Park

Over the past 150 years, the Inglewood Wildlands has changed from First Nations' hunting grounds to a homestead, an oil refinery, and, now, an inner city nature park.

The 78 acres contain native grasses, wildflowers, Balsam Poplars, Aspens, dryland shrubs, and a wild berry orchard. A shallow prairie slough provides habitat for various waterfowl.

Strolling through the park today, you can see how it once was an attractive hunting area for Blackfoot, Sarcee, and Stoney tribes.

In 1875, the Northwest Mounted Police arrived and trading posts were established. More white settlers came in the 1880’s when the Canadian Pacific Railway was built.

One early settler was Colonel James Walker, whose 1882 homestead included portions of this park. Two years after Walker’s death, British American Oil purchased this land and constructed a refinery. An old building that once held electrical transformers still stands.

The refinery was converted into an asphalt plant in 1973. It closed in 1979 and was dismantled in 1983. Since then, businesses, organizations, the city of Calgary, and hundreds of volunteers have worked to restore the area to a more natural state.

Please note: This park is closed between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. No dogs are allowed.