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4 for the multi stage puzzles, 2 as the final location is a short walk, through a somewhat overgrown but existing trail. Long pants recommended!
Hello, and welcome (for the third time) to ‘Off to find a Wizard Cache (AKA If I only had a Brain!). The coordinates noted were for the San Diego Potluck and 100K FunRun Picnic itself, and has no impact on this cache whatsoever.
Version 1: We originally had taken all the loot the 115 or so Potluck attendees brought, and with the help of Itrax (who provided the biggest Ammo can we’ve ever seen), hid it somewhere within San Diego County (actually, at the north end of the park where the Picnic was).
Unfortunately, it was found trashed in mid-June 2003.
Version 2: We cleaned it up, dropped a ton of goodies into the box, added one more stage in the instructions, and
** FINALLY ** rehid the box in a somewhat more remote location. It was a marvelous, absolutely PERFECT spot - which burned to the ground in October 2003 in fire which swept through Valley Center. One of the steps in version 3 takes you within 100 yards of the 2nd cache location.
Version 3: After a suitable mourning period (the cache was out just over a month, was not discovered by anyone in the interim, and had $50-60 in goodies inside), we've FINALLY placed the cache again.
We *could* have simply found a nasty spot, dropped it in, given you the coordinates, and called it a day. But that wouldn’t have properly fed our Inner Sadist. Can’t have that.
SO – you’re about to recreate a twisted version of the Wizard of Oz. And, if you can find the cache where the Wizard keeps his brains, hearts and Courages (Come on, how would YOU have said that?), you can then go home.
If you can’t find it, I’m afraid you’ll simply be stuck in the land of Oz.
Each stage has a puzzle; the puzzles are all fairly moderate, not too hard or too easy, your mileage may vary.
Unlike the first time, we didn't try to list the goodies in the cache. This cache box is quite full - the original suitcase-sized ammo can destroyed, we purchased a slightly-larger-than-normal model instead - but let's try to keep the swag at a level that will make others WANT to take this journey!
Print out the instructions below (Groundspeak no longer allows Text files uploads) and help Dorothy bring modern Roadway construction techniques to the backwaters of Oz!
We hope you have as much fun as we did putting this together!
The Adams Family Circus
*******
Off to find a Wizard! Version #3
By the Adams Family Circus
We’re taking some liberties with the ‘Wizard of Oz’ story, but that’s the basis for the hunt. If you’ve seen the movie a few times, you should get a feel for each step. This is a multi-stage puzzle cache, and we’ll be VERY impressed with anyone who succeeds in conquering it in a single day. It certainly could be done, but it’d be an all day affair.
At each stage there are two steps: a puzzle to complete to give you the next stage’s coordinates, and a piece of data, always numeric, that can be found at each location’s coordinates. These secondary pieces are needed to get to the final stage, and you WILL NOT be able to locate the cache without them. It’s VERY IMPORTANT to complete both steps, and we will NOT accept screaming midnight phone calls if you have to retrace your steps to get the data you missed the first time. 8-)
Here is the data list you’ll be looking for at each stage. All references are very close to the list coordinates.
Leaving the Farm: What’s the number about 7’ off the ground, on the lamppost? A1 = ____
The Song: On the ground is spray painted three numbers, to the left of a + sign. What are they? A2= ____
The Tornado: On the south side of the utility pole, roughly 5.5 ft off the ground, is a round stud with two numbers on it. What are they? A3= ______
The Awakening: This was virtual, so we’ll steal the data from the answer to ‘The Tornado’. What are the FIRST two numbers of your correct answer? A4= _____
The Yellow Brick Road: What are the six digits on the telephone pole roughly 30’ NE from the Street sign at the given coordinates? A5 = _________
The Scarecrow: How many dots are on the Scarecrow’s hatband? (Keep in mind that as he's brainless, the Scarecrow has very little personality - you might even say he's two-dimensional that way...) A6= ______
The Metal Man: What is the street address of the building the Metal Man is in front of? A7= _______
The ‘Cowardly’ Lion: How many total blocks were used to make the thrones of Lion and Lioness? A8= _______
Emerald City: What year is stamped towards the TOP (NOT THE BOTTOM) of the Fire Hydrant? A9= _______
Put a Cork in it, Witchie-Poo!: What are the four digits at the bottom of the metal plate immediately beneath the date 4-28-89? A10= _______
To Hob-Nob: On the top of the post is an 8 letter word. Using the cipher A=1, B=2, etc, what do those letters total? A11= _________
*******************************************
Getting to the Farm:
The story opens in a black and white shot. It’s only fitting that this is the only time you’ll get a clear answer to ‘Where the heck are we going?’.
N 33.07.991
W 117.05.636
No more hints, now – I mean it!
Leaving the Farm
Dorothy was bored. B-O-R-E-D. Picturing her life as an agrarian, or the wife of one, seemed stifling. Dropping her hoe, she left the field, and stomped back towards the home of her Aunt and Uncle. She was DETERMINED to leave this time. The last time, she ran into a snake-oil salesman who convinced her that the farm was where she should be. Well, she wouldn’t run into him THIS time!
She went to her room, and began packing. Or tried to, anyway. Auntie Em had locked her door, and left a note:
“If you’re reading this, you’ve come back from the fields early, and are probably trying to leave us again. I won’t stop you, but I will try to slow you down a bit. If you can solve the following riddle correctly, you’ll find the key to room, and be able to run off for the big city you keep dreaming about.”
What number replaces the question mark in the following series?
5 3 A 6 7 F 7
9 3 J 6 9 M 2
8 5 I 3 4 C 4
4 8 G 2 5 B ?
A) 6 V=7 W=4 X=9 Y=2 Z=2
B) 3 V=8 W=8 X=5 Y=7 Z=3
C) 5 V=9 W=7 X=2 Y=1 Z=4
N 33.2Z.XYZ
W 117.0V.VWZ
The Song
Having solved her Aunt’s riddle (Em LOVED puzzles, and kept trying to force Dorothy to try them - the sadist!), she packed her things, and left the farm again. Happy to be free of what she considered a dreary existence, she broke into song.
_______________________________________________________
F b z r j u r e r , b i r e v a E n v a o b j , o y h r o v e q f s y l !
Solve the cipher. Now, use the letters to a guide to the coordinates, using a standard substitution code A=1, B=2, C=3: however, the coordinates are in the CIPHER alphabet. You’ll need to solve the cipher to get the correct location. Note: there are two ZEROes in the coordinates, both given to you. The last three digits of the N section are all letters, and the only O in the coordinates.
N 33.0N.QOU
W 116.RR.V0N
The Tornado
Finishing her song, Dorothy sees the twister in the distance, and races back home. She finds everyone in the storm cellar, and enters the house. Once in her bedroom, and with the Tornado right on top of the house, she’s struck on the head by debris, and passes out on her bed. While unconscious, numerous images pass by and register on her brain, including the following puzzle:
Fill in the 5 x 5 magic Box with the digits 1-25, so that each column, row and diagonal total 65.
--------------------------
|.X..|....|....|.8..|....|
--------------------------
|.23.|....|....|....|.16.|
--------------------------
|.Z..|....|.13.|....|....|
--------------------------
|....|.12.|....|.21.|.3..|
--------------------------
|....|.18.|.Y..|....|....|
--------------------------
What does X+Y+Z = ?
A) 24
B) 46
C) 32
If you chose A, go to the coordinates, and use the 5 numbers preceded by ‘BB’
If you chose B, use the 4 numbers put up by ‘Jason’
If you chose C, use the only 6-digit number available, where the 2nd and 3rd digits are repeated as 5th & 6th.
These numbers will be used elsewhere in the hunt, so don’t lose them!! Enjoy the burros and llamas…
The Awakening
Dorothy awakens in a strange land - a city that completely deserted! After meeting the ‘good witch’ Glinda, the citizens of the city show themselves to be little people - Munchkins! They help send Dorothy on her way, but they won’t go with her.
Virtual stage: You need to find the *only* RECENT location in California where you can find Munchkins, (Since the Wizard cache was built, the site has closed; You were NOT expected to visit the location!!)
What is the street address & suite number where the Munchkins were staying? (i.e. 1234 Main St, Ste 567, the numbers you want are 1234, 567)
Street - 4 digits, ABCD
Suite - 3 digits, EFG
Tornado answer - Last 2 digits, HI
_ _ _ _ | _ _ _ | _ _
A B C D | E F G | H I
N 33.C2.5FF
W 116.5H.IBF
These coordinates will be used on the Scarecrow Stage. Meanwhile, back in Munchkin Land....
The Yellow Brick Road
Having located the Munchkins, they give you directions to the Fabled Yellow Brick Road. They assure you it's a marvel of modern engineering, and will take you directly to the Emerald City. Unfortunately, although it lies on the northern edge of town, the munchkins can't seem to agree on how you get there.
The lollipop gang says: We wouldn't lie to you like the mayor would: go to N: 33.15.184, W 116.59.032
The mayor says: The kids and the baker aren't trustworthy, trust a politician:
go to N 33.15.740, W 116.59.027
The baker says: I always tell the truth, not like the Mayor and his kids: go to N 33.15.925, W: 116.59.037
The Scarecrow
“Who builds cobblestone highways anymore?” Dorothy thinks to herself as she rubs her latest stubbed toe. “Hasn’t anyone here heard of asphalt?!”
“No, we haven’t. What is it?” someone replies.
Startled because she hadn’t realized she had spoken out loud, Dorothy stands up and searches for the source of the voice. “Who said that? And why are you hiding?” she says, trying to peer through the surrounding corn fields.
“I’m not hiding, I’m just hangin’ around”.
Dorothy notices and approaches the Scarecrow, saying “You can talk?! Why are you just standing in a field?”
“Sure can! But I haven’t got a brain. So my career options were limited to politics or Corn Field Security. I decided to take a job with some prestige and honor to it.”
“Good choice”, says Dorothy. “Think you could moonlight on your Security gig? I need a guide to the Emerald City to see a ‘Wizard’, so I can find my way back home. Maybe he could get you a brain - or at least a GED.”
“I’d LOVE to go!” says the Scarecrow. “But Management stuck this post in me after I asked for raise, and I can’t seem to get off of it. I think something back there is holding me here”.
Dorothy comes around to the back side of the Scarecrow, and find him stuck to the post with a Nickel-plated Conundrum. If Dorothy can solve it, the Scarecrow can help her on her way to the Emerald City.
Your Father's mother's daughter's son's sister's brother's only cousin is Bob, the driver of a school bus. On his first day, he lets 3 kids onto the bus. Then he takes on 6 more at the next stop, 7 at the next, and 14 at the next, followed by a tremendous crash as he totals your parked blue Mazda Miata. The children, however, never pause in their 45th rendition of 'The wheels on the Bus go 'round and 'round’. Along with your day job, you're studying to become a lawyer. Should you sue him?
A) Absolutely! The jerk totaled my car!
B) For the car, no. For that @#(*$&#$& SONG, yes!!
C) Nah, it was only an accident.
If you select:
A: N = 159 x 74 ; W # is 139 x 91
B: N = 159 x 62 ; W # is 139 x 90
C: N = 159 x 64 ; W # is 139 x 89
N = _ _ _ _ _ W = _ _ _ _ _
A B C D E F G H I J
N 33.AB.CDE
W 117.FG.HIJ
The Metal Man
“Sure, our roads aren’t as pretty a color, but….hey! What’s that?” said Dorothy. She and Scarecrow walked over to a large man - a man made of metal! Although able to move his arms, his feet are bolted to the ground by a strange combination lock. The Metal man requests your help in getting him free.
The combination lock is a 3x3 square; each number in the square can be set to 1-9. The lock comes with the following instructions:
Use each number once only according to the following rules:
Exactly one prime is directly above a prime two less.
Each pair of opposite corners sums to the same square total and exactly two columns share another square total.
Exactly one prime is directly to the left of a non-prime two greater.
Directly above exactly one square digit is a digit four greater.
Directly to the right of exactly one cubic digit is a digit one greater
Once you have your grid filled in according to the rules, assign letters as follows:
A D G
B E H
C F I
Zero’s entered already.
N EE.0D.CC0
W IIG.0B.FEC
The ‘Cowardly’ Lion
Having freed the Metal Man and continuing down the road, the group visits the Royal Hall of the King of Beasts himself, the Lion and his wife. As you quickly discover upon approaching the Thrones, the ‘Cowardly’ Lion isn’t afraid so much as he’s henpecked by his very loud and pushy Lioness. He’d be happy to come with you, but needs to complete his chores first. The last one has been plaguing him all day - perhaps you can help?
Solve the puzzle for the Lion in order to advance.
Question 1
The answer to Question 2 is :
A. B
B. C
C. A
Question 2
The first question with the correct answer B is:
A: Question 3
B: Question 1
C: Question 2
Question 3
The Only answer you haven’t chosen is:
A: A
B: B
C: C
Answers N W
ABC 39.739 11.332
ACB 38.190 12.844
BAC 42.461 09.295
BCA 41.507 12.903
CAB 40.831 10.729
CBA 41.618 11.056
N: 32.xx.xxx
W: 117.xx.xxx
Emerald City:
Enjoying the poppies along the way, Dorothy and friends finally make their way to the Emerald City, and after a quick freshening-up, head over to see the Wizard. ‘Not so fast!’ says the door guard. We can’t have just ANYONE come in on the Wizard! You must prove yourselves worthy, by working out this little riddle.
Can you name the animal who enjoys kipping on his back?
3A) the Norwegian Blue D = 5
3B) the Venezulan Beaver D = 6
3C) the European Swallow D = 7
Can you name which of these male animals bears the kids?
4A) The Leopardus pardalis E = 5
4B) The Ambystoma opacum E = 3
4C) The Phycodurus equus E = 1
What's wrong with the Gannet?
5A) They eat one another F = 1
5B) They wet their nests F = 9
5C) They smell funny F = 4
N: 33.0F.DDD
W: 117.21.E0E
Put a Cork in it, Witchie-Poo!
“‘Get Elphaba’s broomstick’, he says, as though we were to go get him a burger or something. I can’t believe it!” said Dorothy, as she stalked towards the Witch’s Castle.
“How are we supposed to do that?” asked the Scarecrow.
“Maybe we could send my wife in to talk to her, and while they’re comparing notes about cooking and men, we sneak into her broom closet”, offered the Lion.
“That’s not a bad idea”, agreed Dorothy, noting the Metal Man’s silent nodding.
So, they forged an invitation to the Castle, and sent it to the lioness via UFM (United Flying Monkey). Then they set up camp outside the Castle, and waited for the Lioness’ entourage to arrive. When it did, they joined in at the back of the line, unnoticed, and made their way to the Witch’s broom closet. There, they discovered a magic lock on the door, which told them the following riddle, the correct answer of which would unlock the door.
You awake inside a small transparent capsule sitting on the surface of Venus. From a small speaker you hear a voice that says, "We will leave you here either for a Venusian day or a Venusian year. Which ever you choose, you’ll receive $10000 per Earth Day that you’re here. Either way, you will have sufficient food and water. We will make sure the temperature is a constant 70 degrees Fahrenheit. We will also supply cable TV and the fastest Internet connection you’ve ever seen. What is the best choice?.
Stay a Year
N 32.46.092
W 117.08.923
Stay a Day
N 32.58.704
W 117.15.000
To Hob-Nob
Having solved the magical riddle and absconded with the broom, the troupe makes its way back to the Emerald City - only to find the Wizard is gone! The Guard hands Dorothy a note, which reads:
“Good people, I, your Wizard par ardua ad alta, am about to embark upon a hazardous and technically unexplainable journey into the outer stratosphere. To confer, converse, and otherwise hob-nob with my brother Wizards.”
Dorothy storms to the launch point, and finds the Wizard has already ascended by the power of his own hot air. ‘If politicians could only be harnessed for those things…..’ From Dorothy’s vantage point, watching the Wizard’s ascent, she discovers a scrap of paper from the Wizard, outlining where Dorothy can find the rewards he promised her for bringing back Elphaba’s broom. The Paper reads:
Take the answers from the data, and complete the final location:
For North:
2nd digit of A2
1st digit of A11-2nd digit of A8
1st digit of A8
1st digit of A3
2nd digit of A5 + 1st digit of A4
4th digit of A9
1st digit of A5 - last digit of A8
For West:
1
1
2nd digit of A7 + 3rd digit of A7
1st digit of A9 + 3rd digit of A10
1st digit of A1 + 2nd digit of A10
Last digit of A6 * (3rd digit of A2 – 1st digit of A6
First digit of A7 – 1st digit of A8
(((add unused digits of A5 together) – (add unused digits of A10)) – last digit of A3)
N: __ __ . __ __ . __ __ __
W: 1 1 __ . __ __ . __ __ __
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
[No hints, no runs, no errors.]