This is my 25th Geocache hide, and the third of a local trilogy of multi caches with canine names, each progressively more difficult than the predecessors. (The preceding two are GCA3ENZ and GCA3ENM).
This multi-cache has 4 stages (including the start and end), and a large number of clues to figure out (not that they are difficult). The cache is not at the posted coordinates, the waypoints are all virtual using publicly available objects, and only the final stage has a physical hide. The geocache terrain is not really 3, more like 2 or 2.5 at most, but the walk from the start is longer (about 1.25 km, perhaps 15-20 minutes walking).
Considering the significance of the hide date and the cache name, I decided to add a note to the description, about war dogs. Dogs have been serving humans with loyalty and courage ever since they were first were domesticated. Aside from companionsip, they have had worked for us as guard dogs, rescue dogs, herding dogs, police dogs, and many other roles - but nowhere does that service carry more risk than when they go with us to war. The first war dogs were used in ancient times, and since then, they have continued to act as solders' mascots, as trackers, helped subduing foes, and deployed for sniffing out explosives. While over time the military use of other animals like messenger birds or horses has declined, today the use of military dogs seems to be at an all time high.
None of that is relevant when it comes to finding this geocache, but it seemed worth mentioning before you cry 'havoc!' and hunt down this cache, with your favourite canine if you have one. ...
STAGE 1 (START):
You will see a large green "Wagg Creek Park" noticeboard, which has to do with the water, plants, animals and insects found in the park. This sign will contain what you need to find the location of the next stage, according to the following clues and coordinates formula:
Clue A: Among the photos of Local Wildlife, looking at the animal in the top right corner, how many letters in the first word of its name?
Clue B: Among the photos of Local Wildlife, in the bottom row second from the right, how many letters in the second word of this animal's name?
Clue C: Among the photos of Local Wildlife, looking at the creatures in the bottom right corner, how many letters in the last word of their name?
Clue D: Among the photos of Local Wildlife, looking at the animal in the bottom left corner, how many letters in the middle word of its name?
Clue E: Among the photos of Invasive Species, looking at the photo in the bottom right corner, how many letters in the first word of this species' name?
Clue F: Among the photos of Invasive Species, looking at the photo in the bottom left corner, what is the number of letters in the first word of its name minus the number of letters in the second word?
Clue G: How many salmon are depicted on this signboard (including the small one) ?
Stage 2 can be found at:
N 49° 19.ABC′ W 123° D.EFG′
STAGE 2:
You will find a sign detailing the history of a local playing area and sport. This sign will contain what you need to find the location of the next stage, according to the following clues and coordinates formula:
Clue H: In the list at the bottom right corner, item #2, what is the last digit of the date?
Clue I: How many buildings are shown in the background of the largest team photo ?
Clue J: In the list at the bottom right corner, item #1, how many letters in first word?
Clue K: In the list at the bottom right corner, item #4, what is the sum total of all digits of the date?
Clue L: In the top-right corner, what is the number of medals with a dark coloured ribbon minus the number with a light ribbon?
Clue M: Reading the descriptive text on the left, what is the last digit of the last date mentioned (bottom left corner)?
Clue N: Reading the descriptive text on the left, how many letters in the very last word of text?
Stage 3 can be found at:
N 49° 19.HIJ′ W 123° K.LMN′
STAGE 3:
At this stage, you should find yourself at a commemorative caern, with two black granite plaques on the front, and a plaque on each of the adjacent sides (which are the same as each other). The words and symbols on these plaques will give you the clues you need to find the final hide, according the the coordinates formula below.
Clue O: On the front upper plaque, how many letters in the first word of the upper plaque?
Clue P: On the front upper plaque, what is the last digit of the year that is mentioned?
Clue Q: On the side plaque, how many of the symbols do not depict any beavers?
Clue R: On the side plaque, how many total crowns are shown among the symbols depicted?
Clue S: On the side plaque, what is the total number of beavers that are depicted?
Clue T: On the side plaque, how many of the symbols contain the word "engineers" ?
Clue U: On the side plaque, what is the total number of stags plus lions on these symbols?
The Final hide location can be found at:
N 49° 19.OPQ′ W 123° R.STU′
The hide location is an an area where GPS readings can be fuzzy, so use your geosenses, and you should not need to go anywhere dangerous. The container is a concealed small cylinder, with a logbook inside; bring your own pen or pencil.
A tool is probably not necessary, but there is not much room for swag or trackables inside. Pull things out carefully, and please put the cache back as you found it, including its concealment.
* aPlant4 tracked down First-To-Find; Second-To-Find, shared by Sailaboat and Fkstargate.*
MAKE MORE MEANINGFUL MULTIS !