CF Patterson Quadrata Multi-Cache

This is a four part multi-cache located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. All caches are easily accessible with vehicle except for the final, which will involve a short walk through a prairie area. Although not a puzzle cache, there is some minor decryption involved to make you work.

This Multi-cache is dedicated to C.F. Patterson. Although I am not a student of horticulture or even that interested, C.F. Patterson has had a profound effect on my life. Growing up in Saskatoon we played in the large park across the street. Many a glorious and carefree day was spent among the spruce and crab apple trees of C.F. Patterson Park.  It was only in my adulthood that I realized what impact this man had on horticulture. Even from my mild research I have come to respect the work ethic of C.F. Patterson. To log this cache you will need the same ethic, albeit you shouldn’t have to work for 39 years in one area to be successful. A University of Saskatchewan website describes Patterson as such:

Patterson had joined the faculty in 1921, and served as head of the Department of Horticulture from its creation in 1922 until his retirement in 1960.

During his tenure at the University, he developed over 52 new varieties of hardy fruits for the prairies and over 18 varieties of hybrid hardy lilies, as well as several varieties of ornamental plants.

From 1922-1948, he was responsible for all landscaping on campus. The trees lining the road to the President's Residence are an example of his work.

As his colleagues on faculty noted, "on his retirement [Patterson] had served the University for 39 years, practically without a holiday and without sabbatical leave. His apparently unlimited energy, his loyalty to the University, and his devotion to the students are almost without parallel in the history of this University."

This cache has four parts.

Part One- the first cache, located at the posted coordinates, is a 1L Twist-Loc covered with camouflaged tape. This container has a logbook and some tradable trinkets in it for those with small kids, just learning to cache or unwilling to step up to the full challenge. I encourage you to go to this one to see one of Saskatoon’s least known treasures, a garden named after C.F. Patterson. Important Information: Signing this book does not qualify you to log this cache as a find, but you may post it as a note.

If you are ready to move on to the second part then read the instructions on the enclosed card carefully and make notes. (This means you will need to bring along your own paper at least) The coordinates for the second and third caches are encrypted and you will need the following key to decode them.

Part Two – You will be looking for a 35mm film canister also covered with the same tape. Inside is an encrypted clue to the third cache. Warning: Many muggles nearby, stealth is needed.

Part Three – You are searching for a magnetic key-holder covered with the same camo tape. It contains the final coordinates. Please take only one piece of paper. Muggles might also be a problem.

Part Four - The Final Cache is an Ammo Can carefully concealed in the underbrush. Please replace well.

Contents of Final Cache

First to Find Prize – A Certificate and a new copy of Plants of Western Boreal Forest and Aspen Parkland. An extremely useful field guide to plants. My copy is dog-eared and much loved.

Second to Find prize is a DVD – Captain Ron

Third to Find prize is a nice travel mug.

These do not need to be traded for.

The rest of the swag.

2 blank CD-Rs

A sewing kit

July/August Explore Magazine

Ear bud headphones

Deck of Cards (unopened)

Zipper Pull Thermometer

A Bear Bell

Peat pots for planting

Metallic Sharpie Marker

and my new signature item… an accessory cord knotted with a monkey’s fist and sheet bend.