Coordinates to the final are: N40 AB.CDE W124 FG.HIJ
Start at the listed coordinates, then track down each piece of artwork using the photo provided to guide you. You can find the works in any order you choose; just be sure to keep track of your numbers! The hints will take you to the nearest intersection, plus provide some useful information. Once you have the coords for the final, snap a photo of what you find there, and send it to us. Happy wandering!
Note: Each stage is wheelchair, crutch, and knee scooter accessible, though there may be several blocks to travel between stages.
1. You've arrived at the posted coordinates to find the former site of an iconic, and somewhat controversial, statue of William McKinley. The contentious question of whether the bronze likeness should stay or go was finally answered at the ballot box, and the gentleman in question has been welcomed to a new home in Canton, Ohio. J = the digit in the ones place of the year the 25th president left the Plaza.
As you consider the question of what might be erected in his stead, enjoy a stroll around "the Schwazz," or relax for a minute on one of the many benches, if they're not already occupied by enterprising toves and their faithful canines. B = the number of palm trees you find on the plaza.
2. Wander a block or so to find a beautiful mural depicting many of the outdoor adventures for which the North Coast is famous. D = the number of paddles you can find in the mural.
While you're here, take another look, and jot down the number of birds of prey you see. You'll need this number for later.
3. Now you're looking for a helping hand - two of them, actually. When you locate this unique work, look for a City of Arcata parking sign posted very close to it. There are three time-related numbers on it, one above and two below (a triangle of sorts). G and H = the bottom left number TIMES the bottom right number, MINUS the top number. The two-digit result is GH, respectively.
4. A short stroll will take you to a funky (and tasty!) mural. A = the total number of ninjas MINUS the number of wings on a burger.
While you're here, you might notice some curious green extra-terrestrials. How many do you see? You'll need this number for later.
5. On you go, in search of an entomologist's dream - or is it a nightmare? Take a good look at this creepy-crawly critter. C = the number of trumpet-shaped proboscises you might find on it.
6. Next, you're on the hunt for a bucolic panorama that honors Arcata's farming community. Take your time here, because there's a lot to see, plus a bit of simple math to do. I = the number of humans PLUS the number of dogs, DIVIDED BY the number of sheep.
But wait! Search the mural for a building that has a word painted on it. Remember the two numbers you're saving for later? E = the number of letters on that building, PLUS your saved numbers from the other murals.
7. Just one more number to go! You can probably guess what it is. F = H MINUS B.
Now that you've collected all your numbers and experienced some of Arcata's local art, you're ready to assemble the coords for the final and track it down. You're searching for a sculpture of a child holding a kite string (but apparently the kite has floated away), hidden away in the heart of town. Signal bounce may be an issue due to nearby buildings, so keep a sharp eye out and don't be afraid to try approaching GZ from more than one direction, especially if you find a gate in your way. When you find the sculpture in question, take a picture and email or message it to us. There's a $100 bill for the FTF - a virtual one, of course (use it to treat yourself to some dark chocolate). Good luck, have fun, and happy caching!
Virtual Reward - 2017/2018
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.