77 Degrees Multi-Cache

This cache has been archived.

DocDiTTo: The gracious property owners who gave permission for this hide years ago have had a couple run-ins with a few inconsiderate geocachers. Because of this they've requested that I remove this geocache so they no longer need to be concerned with people roaming on their property. Of course I'm happy to do so, as I don't want any of my geocaches to cause problems for anyone. Thanks to the property owners for allowing this cache to remain in place for so many years, and my apologies to them on behalf of those few inconsiderate geocachers who feel that a web page on the Internet entitles them to trespass and disrespect private property rights. I have removed the cache container and am archiving this listing. My other cache in this cemetery is far enough away from this property that it should not cause any problems so I will keep it in place for now. If I hear any reports of issues it too will be archived.

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Hidden : 4/11/2005
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

A multi leg hunt requiring a good compass and a little bit of math skill.

The first magnetic compass was invented in China sometime around 83 AD. The device was called a "south pointer", and was actually a piece of naturally occurring magnetic ore called lodestone placed on a stick floating in water. The magnetic force of the earth would align the stick in a north-south direction. The liquid filled magnetic compasses of today still make use of the same basic principles that the south pointers did about two thousand years ago.

For those who are familiar with the compass and its basic use, this cache should be a quick find in an interesting old location. For those who may need to brush up on the use of this navigational aid, this cache provides the perfect reason to hone your skills. GPS technology is great fun to use, however sometimes it's good to get back to basics. Compasses aren't affected by tree cover or dead batteries, and a dunk in the creek usually won't harm them a bit. Try finding a GPS receiver that can make all those claims.

To make this hunt as easy as possible, I recommend you buy/beg/borrow a lensatic compass. Such a device will allow you to easily determine a bearing using landmarks, and it's what I used to plot out this hunt. A low end model will cost about $5 at Wally World or most sporting goods stores, so there's really no excuse for not owning one. Almost as good is a decent mapping compass. While the accuracy of "eyeballing" a mapping compass isn't as great as with a lensatic, it'll still do just fine for this hunt. Least suited but better than nothing are the cheap pin-on or keychain compasses that don't actually show you degrees, just general directions.

Measurements used in this cache include degrees, which allow you to get your bearing, and paces, which provide a rudimentary estimation of distance. While degrees are quite accurate, paces aren't, so you will need to adjust accordingly. I'm six feet tall, so shorter people might need to add a couple paces to the numbers provided by me. As a brief refresher, North is 0 or 360 degrees, East is 90 degrees, South is 180 and West is 270 degrees

This hunt is located in Chestnut Hill Cemetery. Please be considerate of the residents there and use all due respect while you're visiting these grounds. Note that the cemetery closes 30 minutes before sunset, so this cache is available only during daylight hours. Anyone remaining in the cemetery after dark may be prosecuted for trespassing, so don't try this one at night.

The entrance to this area is between the pillars on Winding Hill Road at N40 11.350, W77 00.122. Once there, proceed to the posted coordinates to begin.

Step 1: Locate a pair of markers for the couple who "Fell Asleep". A = his age when he died, B = the day of the month she died. Then, standing between them, you should locate the most prominent monument you can see at a bearing of 260 degrees, and go to it.

Step 2: C is the number of years old Margaret was when she died. Your location is surrounded by four "E" markers. Stand beside the Southwest marker, then proceed 49 paces bearing 225 degrees to a rather thick stone monument with 6 names on it.

Step 3: D is the year that James was born. Standing in front of the monument, proceed 42 paces at 302 degrees to a tall pointed monument.

Step 4: E is the number of letters in the surname on this monument (starts with "H"). Bearing 206 degrees, walk 49 paces to a unique looking marker.

Step 5: F is the day of the month that William was born. From this marker proceed at a bearing of 246 degrees for 8 paces.

Step 6: The name beginning with "U" on the distinct monument at this location is the hint for the final cache location. G = the number of letters in that name.

Step 7: Visit the prominent woman at 248 degrees to locate H, which is the year that her Andrew was born. Stand in front of Andrew's marker then walk 46 paces at 265 degrees.

Step 8: You will find yourself near two lists of names. Locate the only doctor recognized as such on these lists. I equals the number of letters in his first name.

Step 9: Stand right in front of the list you just found, then proceed to the Furst marker you see at 92 degrees.

Step 10: From Irene's name plate, face 172 degrees and walk to the last marker in the row. J is the year the golfer was born.

Now for the cache calc...

K = (E * F) + C - 2
L = (J - D) + I - 5
M = (J - H) - G
N = (A * 10) + (I * 9) + B + 1


Cache is located at North 40 11.K West L M.N
You can check your numbers by adding K+L+M+N together, you will get 1395 if you did everything correctly.

If you find you've made a mistake, the following can help you narrow down the cause of your error:
If you add A+B+C+D together you get a 4 digit number. Adding those 4 digits together = 12.
If you add E+F+G+H together you get a 4 digit number. Adding those 4 digits together = 13.
If you add I+J together you get a 4 digit number. Adding those 4 digits together = 22.
If you add A+B+G+H together you get a 4 digit number. Adding those 4 digits together = 28.

The final location is just a few minutes walk from step 10, and is about ten feet off the cemetery grounds on private property. This cache was placed WITH PERMISSION from both the cemetery grounds keeper and the property owner.

In fact, the groundskeeper, Marlin, enjoys watching us search out the cache. If you happen to see him, say hi. He's a very nice fellow and often has time for a chat.





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