The coordinates listed are not of the actual cache location. Final coordinates are less than 2 miles (3.2 km) from the posted coordinates.

This series is devoted to cachers who want to get into puzzles but may not be sure where to start.  They will introduce some basic puzzle types, get you headed the right direction and maybe a few hints on how to recognize them in the future. Other puzzle cachers please add your thoughts/hints/advice.

Optionally, When you log the cache please let us know how you did it.

Level 1 – Puzzle Master

Solved it on your own, didn’t even need the explanation. (Some will be very tough without reading explanation) “Hints…..we don’t need no silly hints”

Level 2 - Puzzler

This is how the series is intended to be done. Read the cache page, figured it out….nice work! “Ya, I do puzzles”

Level 3 – Cacher

Had a friend solve it. It’s called delegation and teamwork. “I just don’t like anything unsolved near my house”

Puzzle: (Level 1 Puzzle Masters, this is all ya need)

Panama

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Burundi

Alaska

Slovenia

Japan

The Comoros

Mexico

Tuvalu

Venezuela 

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Grenada

Sao Tome and Principe

Dominica -1   

Canada

Explanation (Level 2 Puzzlers)

Type: General

The basic puzzle. There is some information, now you just need to turn it into numbers and make the find.

Possible give aways:

• Start with what you know

  • You need 15 numbers (14 if they skip the zero). Can what they give you be split into 15 items or segments?

  • You may know some of the numbers already. For this area there is a good chance the number you are looking for is N 29° 3?.??? W 098° 2?.???

• So in this case you can see the 15 items. If its easy (it is) you can guess that for the North Panama =2, Bosnia and Herzegovina=9, Burundi =3 for the West XXX=0, XXXX=9, ect

• Note any oddities

  • Sometimes the puzzle builder will give you a number or add or subtract from a portion of the puzzle. “Dominica -1”    Why did they do that? Were they having trouble making their puzzle work?

  • Other times something may not fit. Did Alaska become its own country? This may help you eliminate some of your guesses of how to turn these to numbers. If has to be something that works for countries….but also Alaska.....or they could just be messing with you.

• So then comes the fun part

  • What about Panama =2?Does it work for the other known numbers?

  • Make lots of guesses, when you get the right one it’s a rush!

Have Fun

You can check your answers for this puzzle on GeoChecker.com.