Note
This is a night cache (3 stage, close proximity, multi-cache) requiring employment of various techniques associated with night geocaching; but seldom found in a single cache. The cache is intended to provide an introduction to these techniques for night cache novices while providing a unique combination of required skill sets to (hopefully) entertain veterans. Please refrain from shining lights into nearby houses and try not to compromise cache infrastructure to muggles. Please note the listed attributes. BYOP.
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies (previously titled Guns, Germs and Steel: A Short History of Everybody for the Last 13,000 Years) is a 1997 transdisciplinary, non-fiction book by Jared Diamond. Diamond argues that the successes and conquests of Eurasian civilizations was not a result of superior intelligence; but of opportunity and necessity generated by geography. In 2003 and 2007, the author published new editions that included information collected since the orginal edition without a change to the original conclusions. The intellectual criticisms levied against the work stem from the emphasis on geography and the exclution of “humanistic” factors such as religion, culture, ethics, etc. Additionally, the book and author have come under attack from the political left since the thesis refutes the ideology that conquest was driven by racism and societies inherently evil.
Most objective readers, even those with some criticism of the book, laud Guns, Germs, and Steel for its excellent research, smooth reading style, and exceptional use of the transdisciplinary approach to support the thesis. For this humble cache owner, it was one of the top three most influential books I have ever read. In 1997, Guns, Germs, and Steel won the Phi Beta Kappa Award in Science followed by a Pulitzer Prize in 1998. Additionally, the book earned both the Aventis and Royal Society's Rhône-Poulenc Prizes for Science Books. The National Geographic Society produced a documentary based on the book in July 2005.
Cache Overview
This is a 3 stage multi-cache which must be done at night. At each stage, be prepared to employ one or more of the following night caching techniques: 1) following reflectors, 2) interpreting reflector placement, 3) search employing a UV light, and 4) searching for a container at night.
(Stage 1) Proceed to the posted coordinates to begin your hunt. You are looking for coordinates to the second stage.
(Stage 2) Proceed to the second stage coordinates to begin a reflector trail. Unlike most night caches, the next reflector will only be visible from the previous one. When searching for the next reflector, try to stand as close as possible to the reflector you just found while maintaining good lines of sight. You may have to look up, down, or in a 360° arc for the next reflector. Please do not shine lights into houses. If you are having trouble seeing the next reflector, try taking a couple steps and repeat your visual sweep. The trail consists of four reflectors. When you have arrived at the fourth reflector, you have finsihed the trail and will start stage 3.
(Stage 3) When you arrive at the fourth reflector from stage 2, you are now looking for 1 - 5 reflectors that are within 3 feet of that (stage 2 fourth) reflector. See the reflector graphic below. Based upon the number of reflectors you find, you will either have to search that spot or go approximately 30 – 40 feet in the designated direction to reach the final. You may have to look up, down, or in a 360° arc for the reflector(s). These reflectors are somewhat hidden, so you have to look closely for them. Once you move in the specified distance (30 - 40 feet) in the direction indicated by the refelctors, you can begin your hunt for the final container. Good Luck!
Although not as long as most, if you complete this cache as your first night cache; then you should be able to complete any night cache out there.
Special thanks to Qaz for the execellent, hand crafted replacement container for stage 3. I'm very sad that item was stolen.