UPDATE - 17 May 2023: It appears that the final stage is no longer physically accessible and the cache container itself has been replaced by other viewable but not reachable items. So unless I decide to come up with a new final stage (unlikely), I'm just going to consider this an unauthorized virtual cache. If you find Stage 3 and see the name mentioned in the final hint you may count yourself as having found the cache. Frankly, that this cache lasted 20 years is pretty amazing.
UPDATE - 22 January 2023: The last logged entry indicated that conditions may have changed at the final stage. I will check this out as soon as I can. If true I may have to change or drop the final location or convert this to a microcache. Stage 2 is the real star of the show, so in the meantime consider this a containerless cache.
This is a fairly easy and flat walk/bike/drive. All travel is on paved roads or lawns. There is no poison oak or bushwacking involved. You do not need to root around in any bushes, or disturb anything. Everything involved with this cache (including the container) is right in front of your eyes. At two of the three stages of this cache you can even park within 50 feet or so of the location.
Sounds easy, doesn't it?
On to the cache...
Stage 1
Go to the coordinates listed above and look for something named after an alcoholic drink often served at brunch. It might help you to think of the phrase "Yo quiero Taco Bell."
Take the lesser of the two 4-digit numbers you see and subtract 1722 from that. Replace the decimal part of your original latitude with the 3-digit result (N37° 40.729' becomes N37° 40.XXX'). Next, take the greater of the two 4-digit numbers you see and subtract 1247 from that number. Replace the decimal part of your original longitude with this three-digit result (W122° 26.937' becomes W122° 26.XXX'). You now will have the coordinates for the second stage of this cache (about 1/2 mile away as the crow flies and 1 mile away by the shortest road route).
Stage 2
When you get to the second stage location, go up to the Yankee Clipper. Again, you will see a couple of 4-digit numbers. Just as in stage 1, take the lesser of the two 4-digit numbers you see and subtract 1623 from that. Replace the decimal part of your original latitude with the 3-digit result (N37° 40.XXX'). Next, take the greater of the two 4-digit numbers you see and subtract 1214 from that number. Replace the decimal part of your original longitude with this three-digit result (W122° 26.XXX'). You now will have the coordinates for the third and final stage of this cache (it's just a short walk).
Stage 3
This is the easy part.
When you get to Stage 3 all you have to do is open the gate, go inside, and pick a flower. Be sure to close the gate behind you so as not to attract attention or let anything out. Also, watch your step on the way out.
A few notes:
- The cache contents are hidden in a non-standard container.
- The cache stages are located on facilities open to the public each day from 8am to 5pm.
- Please be respectful and do not disturb the residents or guests of these facilities.
- There may be loose items at the first two stages of the cache. Do not take or disturb any of these items. They are not part of the cache.
- Please be sure to leave the cache container in the exact same condition in which you found it.
- Bring small items to trade. The interior of the cache container is not that big.
Note: Many of the log entries below DO contain spoilers. In my opinion, reading these logs before searching for this cache takes much of the fun out of finding this cache.