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The Westford Engineer Mystery Cache

Hidden : 6/20/2005
Difficulty:
4 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

In years gone past, Westford had its share of notable inhabitants - Poets, Knights, and such. In modern times, however, you are more likely to encounter the Westford Engineer.

There is a particular sign in Westford, near where large groups of Engineers are known to gather, with a large numeral 5 on the right hand side. The given coordinates are not for that sign, but they may help. On the sign, directly beneath the numeral 5, are two lines of text.

P is the number of letters in the first line under the large numeral.
Q is the number of letters in the second line under the large numeral.
From the sign, the distance in meters to the trailhead is 276.8 times P.
From the sign, the true bearing in degrees to the trailhead is 23.053 times Q.

If you have previously located the Knight or the Poet, you should have no trouble finding your way to the correct trailhead. The trails are open from dawn to dusk. Upon successful navigation to the trailhead, you should find a sign that has a section on it that starts with the words "Migrating songbirds".

R is the number of letters in the first three words of the fourth line of this section on the sign.
The true bearing from the trailhead to another nearby cache (not a gas saver) is about 6.85 times R degrees.
The distance in meters from the trailhead to the Westford Engineer cache is (20.21) times S.
The true bearing in degrees from the trailhead to the Westford Engineer cache is (4.704) times S.

If you haven't found the other nearby cache yet, now would be a good opportunity. There is at least one more cache within walking distance also. If you find the first nearby cache, you can bushwhack from there directly to the Westford Engineer cache by following a true bearing of 8.558 times S degrees, but I wouldn't recommend it. There should be plenty of birds in the area, and also mosquitoes. But if you see a Pink Flamingo, you are probably in the wrong place.

The cache is a large ammo box, not terribly well hidden, so when you get to the correct vicinity it should be easy to find.

You might be wondering how to find the value of S. Do you need more information? No, there is no missing link to this cache. If you are drawing a blank, just relax and dig deep into your well of mathematical knowledge, think like an Engineer, and start calculating. Pretty soon you will have some useful coordinates, then "Bob's your uncle," you'll find the cache.

In case you haven't noticed, this cache is a tribute to Bushwhack Bob's amusing and challenging hides. Thanks for the inspiration Bob!

Additional Hints (No hints available.)