P is for Patience Mystery Cache

Dear Geocaching Community,



Our first contribution to this great game was placed with a sincere and heart felt, Thank You! (GC3Q8YW).  It's intention was to convey our appreciation of all the things this great and glorious game has done for us over the years.  Unfortunately, our attempt at sharing our gratitude was literally "cut short" when someone actually chopped down the tree it was attached to and took the cache home, cable and all.  



Discouraged, we decided not to place any more caches, choosing to remain seekers instead of hiders.



But you know how things go in geocaching.  You decide one minute that the path looks too over grown to go down, but then you are picking the thorns out of your ankles while you sign the log.  You size up the look of the stream the GPSr says stands between you and the prize, determine it's way to far and too deep to cross, but then end up wringing the water out of your pants as you sort through the swag.  Or, who hasn't pulled into a parking lot after a skirt lifter, only to think you know it's under a skirt right in front of a muggle in his car?  You sigh, put your car back in drive because there is no way you are going to jump out and nab that smilie with that guy staring you down. But you hesitate, gripping the steering wheel in your sweaty palms, knowing you just can't drive away because it's the last freakin' smilie you need in this freakin' parking lot and THAT guy in the Subaru is the only thing that stands between you and the complete domination of this mall parking lot series!  Why's that guy just sitting there, anyway?  Is he some kind of freakin' stalker, or something?  Wait, is he another geocacher?  Did he already sign the log?  Should you wave?  Should you stay?  Should you go?  Why does he keep staring?!  Does he know YOU are a geocacher??  WHAT IS HE WAITING FOR?????..... Ahem.  Sorry. We digress.



After much discussion and debate, we finally decided to try one more time to make a contribution.  This time, however, we want to share with you, the people to whom we owe hours and hours of entertainment and excitement, one of the most important things that geocaching has taught us. P, is indeed, for Patience. We hope it comes as easily to you as it does to us.  



Our sincerest and warmest wishes to you and yours,



Jane and Michael

TheMysticWood

 

Patience (or forbearing) is the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without acting on annoyance/anger in a negative way; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties. Patience is the level of endurance one can take before negativity. It is also used to refer to the character trait of being steadfast.  Antonyms include hastiness and impetuousness.

• Everything you need to sign the log is on or in the container(s).
• When operating the lock on the front of the box:
  1. Pick a set of numbers (you'll see when you get there)
  2. Set combo on the lock.
  3. Depress shackle (The silver part of the lock. These types of locks are sometimes called a "pinch lock.")
  4. If you have the right set of numbers, the lock will open.  If not, repeat steps 1 - 3 (You may want to try a new set of numbers, though).
• Please do not force your way into any part of this puzzle.  If you need help, we are always happy to give it. (No, really!)
• Please, please, please replace everything EXACTLY as you found it!  It's important that everyone learns the value of patience. 
• This cache is inside the boarders of Newaygo State Park. You will not need a permit to park on the road near here, but you will need one if you chose to do the rest of the caches in the park proper. If you haven't done them, you really should. They, and their fabulous creators, were truly the inspiration for this hide.