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It's a kind of magic Mystery Cache

This cache has been archived.

GizmoKyla: As the owner has not responded to our previous log requesting that they check this cache we are archiving it.

Please note that as this cache has now been archived by a reviewer or HQ staff it will NOT be unarchived.

Regards

Dave & Dawn
GizmoKyla
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Hidden : 10/12/2011
Difficulty:
3.5 out of 5
Terrain:
3.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

The position given is an ideal parking location to gaze at the view across Somerset to the Quantock Hills, the Brendon Hills and Exmoor. Alternatively, you can park here and make a grab for this cache. BEWARE though, the cache is not at these co-ordinates. A crow would be there within a mile or so but to locate it you've got some work to do.

To find the cache site you are going to have to solve this little puzzle involving Magic Squares.


A Magic Square is a square grid in which distinct numbers are put into each cell in such a way that each row, column and diagonal add up to the same number. This number is called the Magic Total. With the exception of the most trivial 1 x 1 Magic Square, a 3 x 3 Magic Square is the smallest (and easiest) that it is possible to form. It is impossible to create a 2 x 2 Magic Square using distinct (all different) numbers ... try it!

To get the cache location you simply need to find another Magic Square. Not just any 3 x 3 Magic Square though. Each number of the one you seek has a curious connection with each number in this one (Magic Total = 45). Strangely there is even a similar relationship between the two Magic Totals and the square itself.

5 22 18
28 15 2
12 8 25

To find the cache site find the new Magic Square. Once you've got it write down the 9 connections between each number in the given Magic Square and your one in the grid labelled R to Z. If all is well you will notice a series in the 9 numbers of your Magic Square. Jot down the 9 numbers of your Magic Square into the grid labelled A to I in series order, extending out to Q. As also mentioned above you will see a similar (not the same though) connection joining the two Magic Totals to the square itself - this should give you confidence!

R S T
U V W
X Y Z

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q
                                 

Excellent, now the choice is yours. Take the waypointed circular walk from the parking site and grab the cache on the way or aim closer. Either way, its going to be steep. Cache will be found at:

N 50 56.(Y3)(S4-V2)(U4-R1)
W 003 13.(W3-Z8)(T3)(X4-V3)

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

You are looking for a small lock-top container big enough for logbook, pencil, small travel bugs, coins and swaps.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Zl jbeq, V qvq fnl sbegl svir qvqa'g V? Fdhner ebbgf ner abg arrqrq sbe gur chmmyr ohg znl uryc yngre va gur uhag.

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)