We really like
the idea of putting out a geocache every time you get a FTF and
have decided to put this into practice. We currently have 7 FTF's
and only 2 hides, so we plan on "catching up" ASAP. Quite recently
we received a FTF on a cache that we found without the aid of a
GPSr, listing printout, coordinates, hint or anything besides our
knowledge of Geocaching, instinct and a lot of luck! This cache is
to memorialize that feat which we hope we never have to repeat as
well as pay respects to my ancestors in this region.
The
Story:
Hildebrand
Mennonite Church was originally a log frame meeting place
constructed in 1826 in the area to the right of the cemetery access
road. This is believed to be the first Mennonite church in southern
Augusta County. In 1876, the larger frame church, that is across
the road from the cemetery, was built by Jacob Hildebrand. This
church became the first church in Virginia to be formally dedicated
at a ceremony on April 22, 1877. This April will be the 135th
anniversary of this dedication. Jacob Hildebrand served as the
first Bishop of this church and was renowned for being an expert
furniture maker and master craftsman. Many of his pieces are sought
after due to the intricate detail and remarkable craftsmanship he
achieved using only hand tools. In Jacob's time they did not use
any form of electricity, plumbing or mechanical devices that
weren't built from wood with their own two hands. This practice of
plain clothes and no technology is still adhered to today in many
Mennonite communities across the country. In this cemetery are some
of my relatives on my mother's side of the family. My
great-grandparents all the way back to my
great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather, who was born in
the 1700's and was Bishop Jacob Hildebrand's grandfather, are
buried here.
The
Cache:
This is a
cemetery and a sacred place first and a geocache location second,
please use common sense and respect the spirit as well as the
sanctity of the grounds and any visitors.
Original
contents include Ziploc bag with log and a "Lucky Ladybug"
Geo-Token for the FTF.
In light of
our recent find and respect for my elders and their anti-technology
beliefs, you could try to find this cache without the aid of your
GPSr, but the way this cache is designed, it will be nothing more
than an electronic notepad even if you do decide to bring it along.
The choice is yours.
Don't be afraid,
I wouldn't leave you completely stranded, I have set the difficulty
at "4" for a reason and will give you hints decreasing the
difficulty as we go along. I believe any veteran geocacher can find
this without ANY hints at all. I did not categorize the type
or size of this cache, or state whether or not a writing device or
trade items are included in the cache on purpose. It could be an
ammo box, a magnetic nano, a sprinkler head, an evil penny or a
fake rock! Just like us on our last FTF you have NO IDEA what you
are looking for.
Difficulty
4:
Alright expert,
there aren't many places to hide a cache here, cemetery caching
etiquette states that your cache cannot be on or in any grave site
or tombstone. So go find it!
WARNING!
Continuing to read this description will lead to additional hints
and a decreased difficulty level!
Difficulty
3.5:
No luck? Well
here is your next hint, the cache is west of the access
road
WARNING!
Continuing to read this description will lead to additional hints
and a decreased difficulty level!
Difficulty
3:
STILL haven't
found it? This puzzle will take you right to it. When you enter the
cemetery and begin walking up the road in the center look to your
left for a headstone with the name "WINE" on it, this is the
resting place of my Great-Great Grandparents. Inspect this marker
and solve for "AB", "A" = the single digit number that appears most
often and "B" = the highest single digit number that appears only
once. Staying in this row and beginning with the next tombstone
continue AB markers to find the grave of my Greatx4 Grandfather and
the builder of the adjacent church. Using the year of his death
18CD solve the following equation for "E": (C/3 x D/3)/3=E
continue on E markers to find my Greatx6 Grandfather Henry and his
year of birth FGHI and solve the following math problem:
(F+G+H+I)/3=J Starting from the back left corner of the
cemetery count J poles (Do not count the corner) and proceed to
this point. Turn right (facing west)and you will see the head stone
for my Great Grandparents "Jacob Earl and Edna A. Wine" Inspecting
the years on this marker, there is only one single digit number
that appears twice, this is "K" including the pole directly to your
left count out K poles, look down, you are now standing at GZ and
are within inches of the cache.
WARNING!
Continuing to read this description will lead to additional hints
and a decreased difficulty level!
Difficulty
2:
Alright newbie,
here is your final hint to decrypt.... "Bar bs fvk"