"The Big Ditch" Multi
The Delaware and Raritan Canal (D&R Canal) is often called the "Big Ditch" by locals, a nickname that reflects both its function and its physical characteristics. The D&R Canal is a 44-mile long waterway that runs through New Jersey, connecting the Delaware River to the Raritan River. It was constructed in the early 19th century, completed in 1834, to serve as a transportation route for goods like coal, lumber, and agricultural products, primarily to connect the port of Philadelphia with the New York City area.
The nickname "Big Ditch" likely comes from the canal's appearance—it's essentially a large, man-made ditch or trench dug to create the waterway, with embankments along its sides. It's not a particularly deep or wide canal compared to some other famous waterways (like the Panama Canal), but it still represents a significant feat of engineering for its time.
The "Big Ditch" term is often used in a somewhat affectionate or humorous manner, especially by those who live near it or use it for recreational purposes like boating, fishing, or hiking along its towpath. It emphasizes the simplicity of the canal's design and the way it cuts through the New Jersey landscape.
Park is open Dawn to Dusk.
No night caching please.
This is a 5-stage multi cache. The posted coordinates are NOT the coordinates of the geocache, but the starting point of "The Big Ditch" Multi and a good place to park.
You can find the cache at the following coordinates:
N40 AB.CDE, W074 FG.HIJ
Stage 1 - This is a field puzzle that you will need to solve to get the cache. At the stage 1 coordinates, you will find a sign. Use the sign to get the following coordinates:
F = the digital root of the number of locks
G = take the last digit in the 2nd year listed in the first paragraph first line
H = take the first digit of the cost in the first paragraph and multiply it by itself
J = (the digital root of the provisions allowance -1)
Stage 2 - You will be at the general parking area and you will find a blue sign here to help you find the following coordinates.
A = (the number of words on both blue signs-8)
B = (the number of parking spots-1)
Stage 3 - You will find a brown park sign to find the following coordinates.
CDE = count the total number of words on the brown sign and multiply the answer by itself
Stage 4 - You will find a gate with a D&R Park sign on it to find the following coordinate(s).
I = Take the first number of the NJAC law number for I.
Stage 5 - You will find the final cache container.
You will need to bring a writing instrument to sign the log and tweezers might be helpful, and please no spoiler pictures or hints.
Please remember to close the container completely.
Please list any DNFs or problems with the cache so maintenance can be kept up.
Geocache Identification Permit Approval Number: GC-2024-09-17
Permit Expires on: 09-17-2027