Okay, so I'm no poet, but the sentiment is honest, though maybe a little sappy ; P This is a very special lady, with incredible energy. Granted, I'm a tree-hugger, but I think most fellow geocachers can also appreciate the energy exchange we get when being out in nature. I knew my first cache had to be meaningful to me and it doesn't get any more meaningful than this one. I'm just thrilled to share my sweet friend with you all. All I ask is that you take the time to really get in touch with all the amazing life around you while on your hunt!
To find this cache you will start at the given coordinates. You will read her plaque and use the following hints, with the plaque as a guide, to find the location of the next stage where you can get clues to carry on with your journey.
*You may want to bring pen and paper to jot down answers to clues.
** The app (as opposed to going straight to the website via a browser) will not update the new clues. Best to view from the actual website to be sure you have the correct clues.
N
First letter of her (scientific) first name, twice
Same, but only singular and add 1
Seventh letter of her (scientific) last name
Nothing
Total number of letters in her (scientific) last name, +1, then x2
W
Last letter of her (scientific) first name, twice
Eighth letter of her (scientific) last name
Last letter of her (scientific) last name +1
Nothing
Eleventh letter of her (scientific) last name -3
Total number of "N"s in her (scientific) last name
Fourth letter in the first part of her (common) name
Once you meet up with the host which has the clues for your next stop, you will read his plaque and use the following hints, with the plaque as a guide, to find the location of the next stage where you can get the clues to carry on with your search.
N
How many "P"s in his (common) name, twice
Third letter in his (common) name, minus 1
Number of letters in the first part of his (common) name
Number of letters in the word at the bottom left of his plaque
First letter in the second portion of his (scientific) name, minus 1
Number of letters in the first part of his (common) name
W
Number of letters in the second part of his (scientific) name, plus 1
Number of letters in the word at the bottom left of his plaque
Number of letters in the second part of his (scientific) name, x2
Third letter in the first part of his (common) name, plus 1
First letter of his (common) name, plus 1
Nothing
Once you meet the last amazing host, you will read her plaque and use the following hints, with the plaque as a guide, to find the actual cache!
N
Fifth letter of her (scientific) last name -1, twice
Fifth letter of her (scientific) last name
First letter of the word in the lower left corner
Seventh letter of her (scientific) first name
Third letter of her (scientific) last name
Last letter of her (scientific) last name +8
W
Last letter of her (scientific) last name, twice
First letter of her (common) name
Third letter of her (scientific) last name +1
Nothing
Fifth letter of her (scientific) last name +1
First letter of her (common) name +1
Sixth letter of the second part of her (common) name
Thank you for taking the time to get to know these very cool peeps a little better. They like the attention : ) If you want to give them a hug before departing I won't tell :)
Have fun, and enjoy the journey!
Please note: This is located within the South Coast Botanic Garden. The mission of South Coast Botanic Garden is to serve the community by providing a unique horticultural and wildlife habitat experience, and to represent a model of excellence for land reclamation and sustainability.
There is a small fee for admission or go on a 3rd Tuesday and get in for free. The yearly pass is a great treat if you live in the area : )
Parking lot access is off of Crenshaw Blvd.
You can check your answers for this puzzle on GeoChecker.com.
* This is a log only cache, BYOP...and you probably want to bring a bottle of water for the walk
Lastly, I just have to add this - A real poem by a real poet that has always really touched me...
Alone with myself
The trees bend to caress me
The shade hugs my heart.
Candy Polgar
CONGRATS to Fuchsia Lover and Epagepete for the FTF! :D