Within half a mile of the Wood Road parking lot is a well-used side path leading through a shady oak grove. There are some interesting things to discover at the end of this path. They're not exactly secret, but you do have to walk all the way to the end and explore a bit to find them. There used to be a mystery final near here, so I decided to re-use the location for another non-traditional cache. This short multi is intended to be quick and easy to solve on-site, even if you don't have cell signal (which is spotty at best here.) All three stages and the final are within 100 feet of the posted coordinates.
Visit the three "Secret Locations" and answer the questions to reveal the cache size, camo, and final coordinates. If you need a hint, you can do some simple math using data easily collected on site.
Secret Location #1 (Stage 1): Cache Size
From this location, what is the main object you see in the distance?
- If it's the Mt. Hamilton observatory domes, the cache size = MICRO
- If it's the Mt. Umunhum cube, the cache size = SMALL
- If it's the Wood Road parking lot, the cache size = REGULAR
Secret Location #2 (Stage 2): Cache Camo
From this location, look to your left. What do you see on the mountain ridges in the distance?
- If it's a lot of expensive homes, the cache camo = CAMO TAPE
- If it's a sand & rock quarry, the cache camo = ROCKS
- If it's the radio towers on Loma Prieta, the cache camo = BARK
Secret Location #3 (Stage 3): Final Coordinates
This location is near a distinctive object in the middle of an abandoned animal enclosure. It is not marked as off limits, but you do not have to enter the enclosure to get the information you need here. What is the distinctive object?
- If it's a pile of old, half-melted tires, the final coordinates are N 37° 10.190' W 121° 51.410'
- If it's a large, rusty water trough, the final coordinates are N 37° 10.179' W 121° 51.398'
- If it's the remains of an abandoned tractor, the final coordinates are N 37° 10.181' W 121° 51.391'
There is some poison oak in the area, but it's easily avoidable.
Almaden Quicksilver park hours are 8:00 a.m. to sunset daily. Happy Hunting!!