I wanted to make a hard but fun puzzle cache for quite a while. I am constantly frustrated and inspired by some of the very hard puzzles that are put out by many of our clever local cachers. I got the idea for this multi stage puzzle cache from a number of sources, but the true inspiration was from GC2ZK9H “El Sudoku de los edificios” in Santiago, Chile which loosely translates to “The Sudoku of the Skyscrapers”. A Sudoku puzzle is purely based on logic so there is no secret code or hidden cypher to be found. The twist on this puzzle is that in addition to the normal 3x3 boxes, you also have to take into account the “building” heights on the outside of the puzzle! Oh, and by the way, I am making you drive around and explore my Township of Newbury to find the initial set of numbers that you need to get started!
This cache may not be for everyone!
Here are the “rules” of Skyscraper Sudoku
Place numbers in the grid such that each row, column and 3x3 box contain the numbers 1 to 9. Each number represents the height of the skyscraper in each cell. The digits outside the grid indicate the number of skyscrapers "seen" from the corresponding direction.
If this were a normal Sudoku puzzle, there would be multiple solutions to it based on the starting numbers you are being given. But, if you take into account the outside numbers, there should be only one unique solution. Additionally, I am not “giving” you the initial numbers. You will have to visit Newbury Township, Ohio to find them! Read the directions for the numbers carefully!
T = N 41° 26.724 W 081° 12.423
Add up the letters on the sign (ignore the numbers!). Take the sum, which is a 2 digit number, and use the first digit (the one in the tens place).
U = N 41° 27.212 W 081° 12.785
There are two stone signs at this location. Add up the letters on the sign closest to the main road. Divide the sum by the number of words on that same sign.
V = N 41° 28.147 W 081° 14.635
Add up the digits of the 4 digit number on the sign.
W = N 41° 27.810 W 081° 14.643
The digit that appears most often on the permanent part of the sign, ignore the electronic part.
X = N 41° 26.810 W 081° 16.605
Add up the letters on the green part of the sign AFTER the date, this will give you a 2 digit number. Multiply the digits of the that number and the product is X.
Y = N 41° 28.255 W 081° 11.511
The second digit from the left of the number on the sign.
Z = N 41° 26.283 W 081° 12.465
On the bottom right of the historical marker subtract the sum of the first two numbers from the sum of the second two number
To check your starting numbers enter the numbers into the “Secret Code” box in the geochecker as follows: TUVWXYZ
You can check your answers for this puzzle on GeoChecker.com.
The final cache can be found at:
N 41° 2A.BCD W 081° 1E.FGH
Please stay on the trail until your GPS tells you to head due east. Do not disturb any of the "agricultural" equipment in the area! The final is only available dawn to dusk.
To check the final coordinates, use:
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Sorry for two different checkers, but I could not figure out how to use just one checker for two sets of numbers in one cache!
You MUST sign the log to claim this smilie!
Congratulations to Chris K in Geauga for FTF