Aura You Ready? Mystery Cache
honeychile: Unexpected changes in Mill policy no longer permit this cache. Archived.
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
THIS IS A NIGHT CACHE. It will be difficult to solve the field puzzle in the daytime.
The first stage of the cache is placed with the permission of the nearby business owner. The second stage is located just off a public trail in Bethania.
In order to solve the field puzzle and find the cache, you will need to bring a special tool along with you. You most likely have several of these at home. Just pick up a small infrared wireless device which is somewhat remotely associated with a larger piece of electronic equipment. Tuck this small item into your field bag. In fact, bring a couple of 'em. Be sure the batteries are good!
You may not know that geocachers have a specific aura about their bodies. Yes, they actually have a colorful emanation surrounding themselves!
However, it is invisible to most people and only gurus can determine the color of the auras of geocachers. Your first task is to find Master Chanticleer at the posted coordinates and ask him to divulge the color of the geocaching aura. You may have to look around a bit to locate the Master. When you locate him, just aim your "special tool" at him and press any button. If you have always traded "up or even" in all your geocaching adventures, then he will reward you by displaying the color of your geocaching aura. Clear your mind; you may have to inquire several times before you receive the answer.
WORKSHEET
N 36° 10.7__ __ W 080° 20.2 __ __
When you have determined the color, count the number of letters in the name of the color.
* Add 2 to the number and place the resulting number in the first blank of the latitude.
* Subtract 2 from the (original) number and place the result in the second blank of the latitude.
* Subtract 3 from the (original) number and use that result to fill the first blank of the longitude.
* Add 4 to the (original) number, and use the result to complete the longitude.
Now you have the final coordinates! At the back of the parking lot nearby, there is a trailhead. Do you have your flashlight? Go for the cache!
HISTORY OF THE AREA
Bethania is the second oldest Moravian settlement in North Carolina and is recognized as a National Landmark Historic District because it is one of the only examples in the United States of a German “medieval” plan farming village
WHAT YOU MIGHT SEE ON THE TRAIL
This cache is set up for nighttime, but you may want return to hike the trail during the day, or even save finding the final during the daytime. There are many things to observe on this trail such as:
- Pawpaw Trees -- the host plant for Zebra Swallowtail caterpillars. Watch for the Pawpaw and the Zebra Swallowtail butterfly.
- Spicebush -- the host plant for Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars. Can you spot the differences between the Spicebush and the Zebra Swallowtail?
- Hedgerows -- the dense growth of hedgerows provides protection for many birds and small animals. As you walk, listen to the birdcalls. Can you recognize the voices of these Bethania residents?
- Native Cane (Giant Cane) -- this colonial grass is common in Piedmont swamps and wetlands, and grows in a few places near the creek banks. It is a host to several species of butterflies, including Pearly-eyes and Skippers.
- Muddy Creek -- your journey along the Black Walnut Bottoms Loop Trail will take you by Muddy Creek, across Bear Creek, and over Laurel Creek. All these waterways were important to Bethania’s residents—both two legged and four legged! How many insects and animals do you see in or near these waterways?
- Black Walnut -- German settlers often sought locations with Black Walnut trees since the walnuts’ presence can indicate limestone-rich soil, superior for farming. Black Walnut, a beautiful brown wood, was considered the best and most valuable wood for joiner’s work. The walnuts were used for food and the outer hulls in dying. Today we appreciate Black Walnut trees for their beauty and wildlife value.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
[Stage one] Or fher gb rknzvar gur jvaqbjf bs lbhe zvaq.
[Stage two] Nzzb obk whfg bss gur genvy, haqre n gerr