NOTE 3/20/22:
The gardens are once again open. The puzzle element is once again in play.
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I’ve driven down the coast highway many times and seen the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple. I’ve always sort of thought of it as San Diego‘s own Taj Mahal. I never visited the place until a few weeks ago when I heard about the meditation gardens. They are “internationally renowned gardens” that “offer a diversity of colorful plants, meditation nooks, koi ponds, and spectacular ocean vistas”. I’ve never been one for meditation but I recommend visiting the place just for the view and peaceful koi ponds (I think there are five of them?). This cache is NOT located in the gardens but somewhere nearby.
To get the coordinates please drop by the gardens during visiting hours (see below) and enjoy the tranquility and plant life. Please be respectful of the others who are enjoying the serenity. Please no drinks, food, pets, or bathing suits (proper attire please).
Visiting hours are:
Tuesday – Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed Monday. May also be closed during rainy weather.
From the posted coordinates head up the stairs. Near the top you will find a path that leads off to the left, past a koi pond, to a circular meditation/seating area (N 33° 02.175 W 117° 17.657). In the middle of the seating area you will find a tree with a ceramic painting of St. Francis. Once you find St. Francis you will know you are in the right place. In the circular area there are a number of benches. A = the number of STANDALONE benches (not counting the benches attached to the low wall).
From here head back and make a left and a left up some steps past another koi pond, hang a right (past yet another koi pond), and you will come to an open area (N 33° 02.188 W 117° 17.672) with a spectacular view of the ocean and a commemorative plaque. On the left side of the plaque it mentions that something was built here in a particular year.
Using that four digit year:
B = third digit multiplied by 2
C = the 4th digit.
D = A + C
Continue down the path until the pavement ends (N 33° 02.204 W 117° 17.685) and you will see two signs. One of the signs has some warnings about the cliff area being fragile. On that sign how many times does the word “Up” appear?
E = that number.
Once you exit the gardens the cache is a short walk located at N 33° 02.ABD W 117° 17.CEE