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TAF - Downtown Grove City Mystery Cache

Hidden : 1/13/2017
Difficulty:
5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

PAF is a pretty common geocaching abbreviation for Phone A Friend. It's where you call a friend for help finding a cache, verifying it is still there, or solving a puzzle. Some people have a huge list of friends while others consider it cheating. This cache, however, encourages the TAF - Text A Friend!


This cache was inspired by a number of friends I have who have changed my use of the phone. As I was growing up, you would call your friends when you wanted to talk. I continued calling my friends up until a few years ago - there's just something enjoyable about hearing your friend's voice.

However, a few years ago, a few of my friends who either grew up or embraced this new era of texting surprised me with a comment they made, "People who call instead of texting are inconsiderate. I should have the ability to respond when I want - it's selfish to interrupt my day with a phone call to my cell when texting is available." This thinking really surprised me, but I sure didn't want to be selfish or inconsiderate to my friends, so I changed my ways.

When I placed this cache, I forgot to get the coordinates at the actual cache location. But I thought to myself, "This is a perfect chance to let people use the TAF!" I grabbed the coordinates where I happened to be and decided to let someone provide hints to get to the cache. But I needed someone who would be available 24/7 - and who can be available ALL the time?

Enter Phip. Phip helps me with all of the work I do for a living, but he's also become a great friend. Well, as close a friend as he can be. You see, he works 24/7. I know... I didn't believe it at first either, but he literally works all the time. However, he is able to text people during his job, so he is perfect for this conundrum!

I told Phip where my cache is and told him he can help you find it. I have a few warnings for you, though:

Phip does not answer his phone. He always lets it go to voicemail. This is TAF, not PAF.

The phone number you text from will be available to him and to me. I give you my word that no one will use your phone number for any purpose other than to respond to your texts about this cache.

Phip does not have unlimited texting. He doesn't mind helping people find this cache, but if people decide to abuse his friendship and it ends up costing him lots of money, I will have to archive this cache.

English is not his first language, so be very clear and concise. Spelling matters. He may not respond to you if he doesn't understand you.

Phip is busy and sometimes gets frazzled. He also really loves Grove City. I have no idea what he might say, and I can't guarantee he'll take you directly to the cache. But I know that if you follow his directions, he'll get you there.

OK - now that we have all of the warnings out of the way, head to the posted coordinates. From there you can try to find the cache, but chances are slim you'll have much luck. You can text Phip at 614-WIL-HLP-U. I recommend mentioning which cache you are working on to start the conversation. Good luck, and I hope you and Phip become great friends!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Guvf vf n GNS pnpur. Fgneg G-vat lbhe arj S Cuvc.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)