White Eagle (Small toys/trinkets) Multi-Cache
Sparrowhawk:
Well, it got plundered, it turns out. I went to visit the cache, and the clever container I devised, a birdhouse with a secret hinged side door, was empty of everything. Didn't see any trace of the cache contents around the park. What annoys me is that the fake clue-cache I had hidden in a stump was still there.
Ah well... it was fun while it lasted... and since the first stop of this multi-cache is so cool, I think I'll just make a brand-new virtual and keep it that way.
White Eagle (Small toys/trinkets)
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MY FIRST CACHE!!! This is a 2-stage, multi-cache, the first stage being virtual. The second stage is rather unique.
HISTORY OF THIS CACHE: The second stage of this cache started in a low spot in Fanno Creek Park. When I first scouted the initial second-stage site with Kyle the THPRD Guy, the field was nice and dry. Kyle built in a few extra details for me. I added a finishing touch and so the first version of White Eagle was born.
Within a week, it rained, and then it *rained* and then it RAINED... and my proud last stage was FLOODED.
Geocachers seemed to actually ENJOY wading around in that flood! (Go figure!) Because of this dubious feature, Kyle said that THPRD could not risk the liability problems of having folks slipping around in foot-deep cooooold water.
So around Jan 5, I disabled the cache and then scouted for a new second stage. Found something beautiful, featuring a long walk with a view.
On a hill.
No flood feature there.
Oh well. :)
THE NEW SECOND STAGE:
(WARNING: There are 2 ways to get to the cache site that I can determine... be careful because there is a lot of private-property tresspass-potential here! I tried to provide the best ways to enter the place, yet still be able to stay safely on park property... please don't get extra-creative with your entry/exit routes so that we don't get my cache in trouble! Please email me if the below entry/exit directions don't help that situation, and how I could improve them. Thanks.)
I also tried to make this one just devious enough for you guys. The second stage is a 20 minute drive from the first one - except if it is rush hour, in which case all bets are off. The second stage is also only open from dawn to dusk.
It is NOT recommended that you go after this cache's second stage within an hour of sunset. Starting the second-stage hunt within an hour and a HALF (better yet, two hours for exploration) of sunset on any bright day, however, means you get rewarded with a beautiful western view after the hunt ends. Definitely camera-worthy on rare, winter sunny days. :)
Second stage has some steep uphill spots and slippery fallen leaves. Bring knobby boots and a walking stick if your participation includes recent precipitation.
The hiking route is maybe 5-10 minutes direct-walking for the gazelles in our group, perhaps around 20 for the fitness-challenged.
Geocachers who just want to do something vaguely resembling "cache-and-dash" may notice that 1 alternate, semi-direct route exists. When you reach the neighborhood, you may learn what President Taft and his friend Glenn have to say about it. The old Prez does not allow parking. It also turns out his friend Glenn wants to deceive you by luring you into unmarked private property that looks just like the rest of the park. Just follow the original route as described below for maximum walking beauty. Don't go listening to either of those two. I wouldn't. ;-)
DIRECTIONS: Go to stage one. Enjoy the view. Hope you brought a camera. Look for the metal box with the orange warning sign. Collect the number on the box for this little math puzzle:
PARK AT:
Mystery number + 17750 = 45° __.___
Mystery number + 40340 = 122° __.___
ACTUAL CACHE LOCATION:
Mystery number + 17734 = 45° __.___
Mystery number + 40035 = 122° __.___
Look for the wooden THPRD park signs situated on opposite sides from each other of the street. Park nearby. Spot the metal box similar to the one you saw at Stage 1 and walk uphill on the asphalt path. Turn right onto the barkdust path. Follow the roundabout trail uphill. At every fork, bear right.
Spot the house with the wooden swingset and stairs and don't go near them. Look east (left) for the trail going through the twin trees and follow that. The walk will become relatively flat, considering.
Search for cache. If you are largely stumped, look within and then head to the two largest trees nearby to the north. Hidden arrows point the way towards how to get REALLY close to the treasure. ;)
MISC. NOTE: When you head back home, there will be an overly-obvious path going straight downhill (north-northwest-ish). If you are trying to go back to the parking location, avoid this trail. Otherwise, you'll end up meeting either Taft's friend or Taft himself. (Can someone out there please check it out and then let me know which?). That can be annoying unless you planned it that way. Bear left on the downhill path beyond the swingset house to go back home.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Lbh'yy unir gb or n gbgny oveqoenva ybbxvat sbe n farnxl fvqr ragenapr va beqre gb svaq GUVF pnpur! ;-)
Treasures
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