Tired of the frigid temperatures? Or perhaps it is July, and you are weary of the opressive humidity. Take a break!
Stage one is a reference point only, there is nothing hidden there. Facing roughly north, you will see two large stone signs. Using the letters from the one on the right, you should be able to create the coordinates for stage two using the following formula (note that you want the big letters, not the ones in the oval symbol):
Stage two coordinates are in decimal degree format, for example: 39.161196, -76.899724
Degrees of latitude = 32 minus the number of different letters there are in the phrase on the sign.
Decimals of latitude (to six places) = the # of "Ps" minus three, the number of "Ys" plus five, the number of Hs" minus one, the number of "Ys", the number of "Is", the number of "Os" plus one.
Degrees of longitude (should be a minus sign in front, it is in the western hemisphere) = 49 plus the number of different letters on the sign.
Decimals of longitude (to six places) = the number of "Bs" minus one, the number letters in the first word on the sign plus one, the number of letters in the second word of the sign minus three, the number of "As" plus five, the number of letters in the last word minus eight, the number of "Qs" you see on the sign.
Checksum for the latitude is 5.
Checksum for the longitude is 4.
Stage two is a reference point only, there is nothing hidden for this cache at that location. At stage two, you will find an informational/historical sign for the site located there. Using the sign, some other local data, and the following directions, you should be able to come up with the coordinates for the final. Note that most, but not all of the data you need will be on the sign.
Huh!?! So now that you have the coordinates for stage two, you have a few choices:
1: You can go there and use the sign and local data. It is a lovely spot, the views from there are spectacular, and there are a lot of other fun things to do in that locale.
2: You can enlist the help of another cacher who you know is going there (except us, we won't help you with this one!), and have them obtain the coordinates for you using the sign and directions below.
3: You can coordinate with a cacher who lives in that locale to go to the site and help you obtain the coordinates.
Using the sign, figure out the following:
39.WHYPUT checksum = 4
-76.ONISLE checksum = 8
W = the number of different languages on the sign.
H = the number of men required in times of war minus 20.
Y = add the numbers of the year in which the marine map was drawn together. Subtract 19 from that number.
P = add the last two numbers of the year that the knight arrived together, and subtract 8.
U = as you read the english portion of the sign, what is the second numeral that you see?
T = how many maps are on the sign?
O = There are two words in large print at the top of the sign. What is the total number of letters in these two words?
N = The number of letters in the closest town to this spot.
I = At the top of the site there is a benchmark, with some lettering and a number carved in the stone at the base. Subtract 4 from that number.
S = There are some weapons visible in the two photos at the bottom of the sign. Multiply the number of weapons you see by two.
L = There is a mention of water depth, subtract one half from the final number listed when waterdepth is discussed.
E = the decrscription of the map shows the intention to install specific number of batteries. Subtract two from this number.
You can validate your final solution with certitude.
While we encourage you to go to stage two, not everyone will easily be able to do so. Much of geocaching is about cooperation and helping one and other, and your best bet may be to leverage that cooperative spirit to obtain the final coordinates.
The final is a simple hide, somehwhat camoflaged.
PARKING:
There is parking nearby stage one, either at the credit union or fast food restaurant to the east.
There is parking adjacenrt to stage two, although it is sometimes full.
You can pull of the road at the final and park.
A note on ratings: the difficulty rating is based on the effort that may be required to with stage two. We would rate the difficulty of actually finding the final when you reach GZ at 1.5.
DISCLAIMER:
As with all your searches, please do some research, and use good voyage planning techniques. Know your limitations, employ risk management, and don’t take on something that is beyond your capability. Some of you do this all the time, some rarely; in the end, it is you who are accountable for what happens to you, mentally, emotionally and physically as the result of seeking this hide.
ONE FINAL NOTE: Any photos posted of the sign at the stage two location, or of the other information required, will result in a deleted log.