IMPORTANT: As of 2023-SEPT-03, the cache has has been temporarily relocated (again) due to construction. To find the temporary coordinates, calculate the final coordinates from the info below and confirm them with the checker. Then add 0.057 to the north and subtract 0.097 from the west to find the temporary coordinates for the final. The hint for the temporary hide is 'hanging bison on the fence'.
History: The Ellis Pioneer Chapel was built in 1861 on land donated by Edward Ellis. According to the welcome message on the back door, it is the only church with direct access from the 401 between Windsor and Montreal. The posted coordinates will bring you to the entrance to the chapel grounds from the OnRoute rest stop along the 401.
Hide: This is a simple 5-stage multi (including the posted and final). The informational gathering stages are all located on the chapel property and the final is a short walk from the posted coordinates. I have provided two parking coordinates, one in the OnRoute rest stop lot and the other along Ellis Road. All stages, including the final, are accessible from either parking location.
1. Posted Coordinates: This is the access point to enter the chapel grounds from the Highway 401 rest stop.
2. Pioneer Stones: The gravestones of the pioneers who were buried here have been gathered and placed into a stone wall. The markers are worn and difficult to read, but family names have been carved into the wall in two spots. You will need to collect information from these family names and not the gravestones themselves. (A = ?, D = ?)
3. Hearthstone Plaque: You will need to collect information here to determine the final coordinates. (E = ? F = ?)
4. Settlement of Puslinch Plaque: You will need to collect information here to determine the final coordinates. (B = ? C = ?)
5. Final: located at N43 26.ABC W80 14.DEF
To determine the location of the final:
A = The number of family names that start with a vowel (include both lists on both sides) of the stones. (Pioneer Stones)
B = The last digit in the year that Edward Ellis settled in Puslinch. (Settlement of Puslinch Plaque)
C = The third digit in the year that Edward Ellis settled in Puslinch. (Settlement of Puslinch Plaque)
D = The total number of family names on the two lists. Note: include only the names carved on lists, not the names on the stones themselves. (Pioneer Stones)
E = The number of letters in the word before 'hearthstone' on the top line. (Hearthstone Plaque)
F = The second digit in the two digit day the hearthstone was dedicated. (Hearthstone Plaque)
I like to have certitude when calculating finals, so here is a checker to confirm that you have the correct coordinates.
You can validate your puzzle solution with certitude.
IMPORTANT: As of 2023-MAY-29, the cache has has been temporarily relocated due to construction. To find the temporary coordinates, take the final coordinates from the above and add 0.055 to the north, then subtract 0.100 from the west. The hint for the temporary hide is 'in the tree, knee high'.