This is a field puzzle. The cache is NOT at the posted coordinates, but you will need to visit the posted coordinates with the following tools in order to solve this cache: Calculator, flashlight, and imperial tape measure
Kingzett Lake, and the area that immediately surrounds it, was once a limestone quarry. Operations at the quarry began in 1886, however the main operation occurred from 1953-1979. Limestone was blasted from the quarry and hauled to the Bamberton Cement Works just south of Bamberton Provincial Park.
Operations ceased circa 1980 when the Bamberton Cement Works shut down. Without the pumps operating to drain the water from the bottom of the quarry, it filled within about two years and created a lake that now reaches a depth of approximately 80 feet. The lake itself was used for a few years for various aquaculture business ventures, but now the quarry is mostly used as a recreation area. It is a favourite place for hikers, dog-walkers, off-road recreation vehicle enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to go for a swim in a pristine blue lake on a hot summer day. Rumour has it that if the lake level is low, and you are standing on top of one of the nearby cliffs, you can see old mining equipment at the bottom of the lake because it was not salvaged before the lake filled.
A few relics from the original limestone quarry operation still remain, including the kiln and ceramic brick-lined well, which can be found at the posted coordinates. It is believed that the kiln and well were built in 1886 and their usage stopped in 1896. The ceramic well and kiln are both formally protected under a 1977 heritage by-law. Nature is beginning to claim this kiln, making it look incredibly beautiful, and yet it still retains its historical significance.
To find this cache, you will need to visit the kiln and answer some questions. Be prepared to go for a walk, since there is no direct route from the kiln to the cache, and explore some of the old haul roads that remain in the quarry.
Once you are at the posted coordinates, you will see the kiln and two cement slabs near the old kiln. The slabs are caps for the ceramic brick-lined well (please avoid the larger slab, as it has a cracked lid). The well was essential for fire safety anytime that the kiln was in use. The smaller cement slab, which is square, measures ___ inches across. This is A.
If you approach the kiln from the front, you will notice what remains of the fireplace. How many inches is the width of the metal mantle when measured from its underside? (___ /3) * 8 = B
If you climb up the little hill behind the kiln, you will notice the metal bands that hold it together. What is the width of one of these bands (in inches)? ___ - 0.5 = C
Back to the fireplace at the front of the kiln. How many inches across is the whole metal mantle, when measured on the front of the mantle (Note: You are NOT measuring the top of the mantle, you are measuring the metal part of the mantle that is facing you)? Take that number and add 2" to accommodate the portion of cement and broken rock on the right side that is crumbling and will be exposed in the near future: ___ = D
Back up the hill again to the backside of the kiln. Use your flashlight to look inside the large hole that rust has caused. You will notice that the kiln is lined on the inside with a certain common type of building material. What is it? _ _ _ _ _ Using a basic substitution cipher (i.e. a=1, z=26), convert that word to numbers and add up the numbers. Then use your answer to calculate the following:
(___ x20) + (___-2) = E
Now that you have those numbers you should be able to substitute them below, which will give you the coordinates to find the cache
If you can't make Geochecker happy, you may need to reread the description to see if you measured the correct part of the mantle.
N 48 A.BC
W 123 D.E
Original cache is filled with:
FTF Prize: a 5 in 1 survival tool
Whitetail deer/camo card deck
Pack of camo pencils
Pack of pink camo pocket tissues
A pair of earrings
Cabella’s mini ammo can tin box
Lanyard
Dog ball/chew toy
Doggie clean-up bags with case
Remember to trade fair and keep this game fun for everyone!
You can check your answers for this puzzle on GeoChecker.com.