Do puzzle caches frustrate you? Or, do you get all excited when that notification comes in and you see those magic words: Unknown Cache?
Team Psychopuppy has found almost 1000 unknowns, about 11.5% of all finds. We'd rather spend an afternoon tracking down a few puzzles than power caching lamp poles. We love puzzle caches. And there are so many different kinds! Night caches, chirps, challenges, offsets, easy ones, head-scratchers, downright evil ones, morse code, sudokus, crosswords, graphics, look-it-up-on-wiki, count-in-another-number-base, super-geeky, magic-eye, pictures, and more!
The information needed to solve this type cache must be available to the general community and the puzzle should be solvable from the information provided on the cache page.
For many caches of this type, the coordinates listed are not of the actual cache location, but a general reference point, such as a nearby parking location. The posted coordinates should be no more than 1-2 miles (2-3 km) away from the true cache location. This allows the cache to show up on the appropriate vicinity searches and means that the mileage of Trackables passing through the cache will be reasonably accurate. Add the final set of coordinates and any additional waypoints to the cache listing before submitting for review.
Before you submit the cache listing, post a Note to Reviewer with an explanation of how the puzzle is solved. This log will auto-delete on publication.
A challenge cache is a variation of a puzzle cache that enhances the geocaching experience. It will typically require the cacher to meet a reasonable and positive Geocaching-, Waymarking- or Wherigo-related qualification. If you are thinking of creating such a cache, please review the additional specifications in our Knowledge Book article.
Note: Cache owners creating a mystery/puzzle cache will select "Unknown" from the cache types on the cache submission form.
We've developed a fun little puzzle here for you all, lovers and haters. In the spirit of Maker Madness, Bruce has crafted a specially cammoed cache and hidden it with the General Manager's permission. It is not on the main building. Is it difficult or easy? The hide or the puzzle? You decide. We've based it on some math magic that always works. Don't believe us? Try it! It always works!
- Take the mean average of the latitudes of all of the caches within the city limits of Petaluma.
- Take the mean average of the longitudes of all of the caches within the city limits of Petaluma.
- Remove the punctuation from the numbers so you have a seven-digit and an eight-digit number.
- Multiply both numbers by your four-digit birth year.
- Reverse both numbers.
- Divide both numbers by the four-digit birth year of someone very close to you. This could be your significant other, a relative, or the person sitting nearest to you now. Just make sure it isn't the same year as your birth year.
- Reverse both numbers again.
- If either number is a palindrome now, subtract 1234567 from it.
- If either number is prime, add 1234567 to it.
- Go to the wiki page on Numerology. Find the seven-digit number hidden there. Add that to the latitude.
- Now, take both of those numbers and break it back up into coordinates format: N XX° XX.XXX W XXX° XX.XXX
- Write these numbers, one above the other, with a blue felt pen on black paper.
- Hand this paper to someone you trust and have him or her write these numbers on your forehead. Purple ink works best here, but red or black will do, too. Look in a mirror.
- Ta-Da!! There you have it! Magic! Wait, it didn't work right for you? Are you sure? Go back and do all of the steps above again. Remember to show your math. OK, fine. Here are the correct coords: 3816220 12240168
- That'll teach you to not read the whole page first. Or not.
- Hitch up your wagon and go get it!
Gee that was great! Sorry to make you do so much work, but you have to work hard for those question mark smilies!