Part of the Family Fun Introduction to Geocaching Series around Waneka Lake
Open Up Your Minds for The Likey Lichen Thinker's Cache
This is a trickier cache in our Family Introduction to Geocaching series around the beautiful Waneka Lake area. If you know your classic rock, paid attention in English class, and studied your SAT words you will find this with little(ish) difficulty. Note that the coordinates only lead you to the STARTING POINT at a fork in a trail to find this cache.
Finding it requires you to 1) Solve the 4 stanza riddle in stages below [including the title itself] 2) Look and feel closely and carefully ... really closely and carefully ... at the end. There will be lots of help in the hints (if nothing else, Googling the hints and riddle key words will lead you to the answers), but save that for a last resort. You are looking for an area about the size of a golf ball. Have fun (we really did coming up with this one).
Please note that the difficulty level of this cache is certainly higher than the stated 2.0, but in order for it to be free I can't have the rating over 2.0. I want this to be accessible by families for free to get them into the hobby.
PS - The cache is a tribute to the sneaky cacher Alpenist.
A WESTWORD FACING RIDDLE
The Beatles sang about this number fine.
Go here first in order for this cache to find.
Even if your navigation skills are below par.
Once you're at the post then the destination is not far.
The name of Austin, TX's mid-March tunes & flicks fest is the direction to go.
But first it is the number of feet along that course you must know.
It's the answer to Life, the Universe, and well ... Everything.
Plus five more that takes you through the path/passage to this bling.
Occidental is the daily world we know best.
But the opposite is the new direction you should test.
In paces that way you will measure to your score.
Twice the number of The Raven's rappings on my chamber door.
(but stop at a point about 2 paces before you could go forward Nevermore).
Think of Neil Young's 'Meridional' Man, and that song's hook.
Turn to the largest, nearest feature gazing in his direction to look.
Probe carefully this side with your fingers and eyes.
Somewhere between the object's equator and your head's top is the prize.
(assuming you're an adult of average height and size)
Another hand-y hint: If you have kids then you will know the name of the band that sings the song "Crunchy, Munchy, Honey Cakes." This band's name describes exactly what you should be doing with your hands to find the cache. 
Have fun with this, our first puzzle, tricky, super well camoflaged cache for families starting out geocaching.
Don't forget to leave a Favorite if you like the hunt and find!
GEOCACHING ETIQUETTE
1. Put Back as Found: Pay careful attention to exacly how you remove a cache from its hiding spot, as you you should put it back exactly the same way. Note: Not everyone does this. Look for any instructions the Cache Owner (CO) provides on how the cache should be removed or put back. This includes any requests to place any native camo back over the cache.
2. Sign the Log: The paper log is there to track those cool people who have found the cache and provide a rich history to both the owners and the finders. In addition to logging online, be sure sign and date the paper log. And of course, fill out the digital log on your App or computer, as well. When you can, take the time to write something nice or fun about your hunt and find ... the CO will really appreciate it.
3. Be Discrete: Muggles aboud, and not all become Dumbledors ... some go the way of Voldemort. Don't be too obvious in your hunt or finds.
4. Field Reports: If you find anything wrong with the cache, or see a problem, let the CO know via your log or a message.
5. Favorites: If you really enjoyed the hunt or find, be sure to Favorite the cache in the App or on your computer. That will give the CO a smile and let other Cachers know that this is a good cache to find.
6. Repairs: If you find a cache that has been damaged, consider rendering any first-aid you can until the CO can come and perform any requirerd surgery. For example, if the log is missing, leave a bit of paper in the cache to use as a temorary log. If the cache has been left open in the rain, dry it out as much as you can before closing it up. Small repairs mean a lot to a long-term cache.
Look for our other nearby caches in the Family Fun Intro to Geocaching Series:
- Watch the Birdie Cache
- Naruto Team 7 Stash Cache
- Kick Back, Stretch Out Cache
- Oh No! Not a Tree Hanger Cache
- The Cube Root of Twenty-seven Cache
- Squirrel's Stash Cache
- Boathouse View Cache
- Mule Side Cache