Asymptote Tor
The cache is not at the posted coordinates. Please solve the puzzle described below to get the coordinates of the cache.
Math subjects were the bane of my high school and college experience. Other than the multiplication table, I don't remember very much. One exception is the concept of asymptotes.
The dictionary definition of "asymptote" is "a descending curve that approaches but does not reach the horizontal axis". A pictorial sample:
The curve continues, forever and ever, getting closer and closer to the horizontal axis, but never actually reaches it. Quite a mind-bending concept, and one that has stayed with me. I have even found real-world applications for "asymptotic functions". For example, several years ago I was helping build a new garage. The project went on and on. Every day we got closer to finishing it, but it seemed like we could never actually get all the way through to completion. Clearly, an asymptote!
Hiking is also replete with asymptotes. Anyone who has climbed a mountain where the top was just one more false summit away knows the feeling. It goes on forever, and you are always getting closer, but never actually get to the summit! The hike to Asymptote Tor is an example - there is always just one more switchback and it is 200 to 300 feet away for the longest time... That makes this the perfect opportunity for a tribute to opstall, a superstar of hiking caches and a mathematician to boot.
Asymptote Tor is actually Meditation Rock in Neff's Canyon. The posted coordinates are for the parking lot. This is one of my favorite hikes in the Wasatch and now one of my favorite Tors as well.
Since there is already a cache on Meditation Rock, the puzzle is to hike there, find the cache and locate the coordinates for the final for Asymptote Tor inside the cache. Already visited the cache? Try a different route. I ascended via the intended route for Meditation Rock, but then found a trail dropping down the other side into the valley between the Rock and Mt. Olympus. It made a terrific loop hike.
Note that Meditation Rock is a multicache. The first stage contains the coordinates for the summit where the ammo box cache contains the coordinates for Asymptote Tor. Thus it becomes a three-stage multi.
The Asymptote Tor cache is located outside the Mt. Olympus Wilderness area on your way back to the parking lot.
This cache is part of a series of hiking caches. For more adventure, please see Infinity Tor.