Ben Goes To Porter Fork
This cache is part of the M.T. Promises series. Be sure to make a note of the clue contained on the log.
The cache is not at the posted coordinates. Please read on for details of a puzzle that will lead you to it.
Porter Fork in Millcreek Canyon is a gem. You will encounter hordes of recreationists above the Ski Gate while nearby Porter Fork, every bit as beautiful, is comparatively isolated. This hike ventures about 2.5 miles up the Porter Fork road and then onto the trail at the road's end. It is easy (by Wasatch standards) and pleasant hiking. The cabins along the way are quite picturesque, and unlike similar urban/wilderness interfaces, are not surrounded by "No Trespassing" signs. It makes for a very homey, Kincaid-worthy journey. I was glad to have spikes on the snowy/icy road. This is also an excellent snowshoe or ski route. The puzzle and cache should be doable in snowy conditions.
Below you will find two field sheets to print out and take with you on the hike. You should be able to copy and paste the text into a word processor and then print.
Your hiking goal is the posted coordinates. As you approach that location it will be puzzle-solving time. Use the printouts to solve the puzzle and find the cache.
Sure, you could simply write an enormous computer program to analyze all the possibilities, but then you will never know the answer to the puzzle. You will never know Ben.
Ben, where are you now?
Ben Goes to Porter Fork - Field Sheet 1
Step One: Hike toward the posted coordinates (N 40 40.095 W 111 42.686).
When you are .18 mile away, watch for some information about Ben and make a note of it: __________________________________________________________
Step Two: Complete the hike to the posted coordinates. Locate something more regarding Ben: _______________________________________________
Step Three: Both sites contain the same four-digit number. Assign it to NNNN: ______
Step Four: Given what you now know about Ben, which of the following theories is best supported? When you have chosen a theory, perform the easy computations following it.
Theories Regarding Ben – Pick the Best One
He can recite the first five digits of pi.
Subtract 1,705 from NNNN to get XXX. Subtract 1,412 from NNNN to get YYY.
He can smoke that legally in Colorado.
Subtract 1,563 from NNNN to get XXX. Subtract 1,200 from NNNN to get YYY.
He has a third eye in the middle of his forehead.
Subtract 1,951 from NNNN to get XXX. Subtract 1,413 from NNNN to get YYY.
He is a big Ted Nugent fan.
Subtract 1,891 from NNNN to get XXX. Subtract 1,271 from NNNN to get YYY.
He is a geocacher with more DNFs than Finds.
Subtract 1,342 from NNNN to get XXX. Subtract 1,209 from NNNN to get YYY.
He is from the southern U.S.
Subtract 1,062 from NNNN to get XXX. Subtract 1,063 from NNNN to get YYY.
He is much shorter than Colleen.
Subtract 1,381 from NNNN to get XXX. Subtract 1,185 from NNNN to get YYY.
He is of oriental background.
Subtract 1,435 from NNNN to get XXX. Subtract 1,333 from NNNN to get YYY.
He knows who the Knights Who Say “Ni!” are.
Subtract 1,066 from NNNN to get XXX. Subtract 1,092 from NNNN to get YYY.
He was here on the 4th of July.
Subtract 1,306 from NNNN to get XXX. Subtract 1,100 from NNNN to get YYY.
(Continued)
Ben Goes to Porter Fork - Field Sheet 2
He was running low on red paint.
Subtract 1,166 from NNNN to get XXX. Subtract 1,186 from NNNN to get YYY.
He works for the USPS.
Subtract 1,301 from NNNN to get XXX. Subtract 1,299 from NNNN to get YYY.
His dating pool is larger than most.
Subtract 1,671 from NNNN to get XXX. Subtract 1,291 from NNNN to get YYY.
His friend Austin’s mother was of dubious lineage.
Subtract 1,953 from NNNN to get XXX. Subtract 1,319 from NNNN to get YYY.
His hike with Sasha was a tryst.
Subtract 1,211 from NNNN to get XXX. Subtract 1,077 from NNNN to get YYY.
His two visits were 17 years apart.
Subtract 1,180 from NNNN to get XXX. Subtract 1,285 from NNNN to get YYY.
Republican! No doubt about it!
Subtract 1,274 from NNNN to get XXX. Subtract 1,057 from NNNN to get YYY.
Spelling was not his best subjact.
Subtract 1,760 from NNNN to get XXX. Subtract 1,472 from NNNN to get YYY.
When he left the upper site, the snow was a different color.
Subtract 1,422 from NNNN to get XXX. Subtract 1,101 from NNNN to get YYY.
Step Five: Go get the cache at:
N 40 41.XXX
W 111 42.YYY