The World of Geocaching - By the Numbers
At the time of writing there were 149,351 active caches spread throughout 213 countries, including nearly 8,000 in a high-tech Germany while, in comparison, a surprisingly paltry 500-plus in a more laid back France. Heading east the numbers drop drastically with Poland claiming just 29, including one that leads you to the former home of a much younger Pope John Paul in Krakow, and there are 21 in Romania, one of which leads you to Dracula's Castle. And in case you find yourself passing through one of these tourist hot spots, there are a surprising 14 in Antarctica, five in Afghanistan, and, disappointingly, only one in Kyrgyzstan, so far. Closer to home, Oregon lays claim to 4,115 caches. Within 25 miles of La Grande there are nearly 40 to choose from and discover. Within 25 miles of Eugene there are over 400.
You can check your answers for this puzzle on Geochecker.com.
Now, see if you can find the following information:
What year was geocaching born? Multiply this number by the number of caches in Afghanistan. Now add the number in Romania. Next, find where it talks about dozens of caches near La Grande. Within how many minutes are there dozens? Add this number. Finally, add 8200. Insert the decimal point. This is your North coordinate.
At the time of writing, how many caches were in Oregon? Add this number to the number of caches in Poland. Add again the number in Antarctica. Next, add the number in Eugene. Insert the decimal.. this is your West coordinate.
Go find it! 45° ??.??? 118° ??.??? The cache is just a short drive from the posted coordinates which were randomly selected.