Did your kindergarten report card, or even your last job review, contain the evaluation "fails to follow instructions?" Then this simple game of Simon Says may be a bit of a challenge. But for the well-behaved kids out there, this puzzle should be a cake walk.
You will need a few items to play the game. First, you'll need a way to listen to Simon. The instructions are in a standard MP3 file which can be burned to an audio CD, copied to an iPod, played by a PocketPC, etc. Next, you'll need a compass since Simon will give some of the directions as degree bearings. Next, you'll want to take notes as you follow Simon's directions. Based on where you will be standing or looking, there will be information to remember. Lastly, you'll need to know the rules of "Simon Says." I.e., ONLY follow Simon's instructions, which are identified by "Simon Says...."
While not essential, but certainly helpful, bring along a GPS that can display your track (a crumb trail or lines showing where you've walked). If your GPS doesn't support tracks, you can simply record waypoints every 30 feet and at each juncture of your journey and then connect-the-dots at the end. That's because at the end of the journey, Simon will have walked you through the process of drawing a large number. This number, which we will call X, must be used to create coordinates and clues for finding the cache. The coordinates listed above are for the start of the Simon Says game. The cache is actually about a mile away and only by following Simon's instructions can you determine its location. Here is how to convert the number X to other digits you'll need.
X = ???
A = X + 3
B = X - 1
C = X - 4
F = C + 3
G = X - 3
H = A - X
K = X + P
L = K - 5
M = G - H
P = X - B
R = X - C
T = R + R
"Simon Says" is a letterbox hybrid with a hand-carved rubber stamp. This stamp is not a trade item and must remain in the cache. It is used to stamp the logbooks owned by letterboxers. No ink pad is provided since they tend to dry up pretty quickly and letterboxers carry their own pads or markers. To learn more about letterboxing visit www.letterboxing.org
When following Simon's instructions, don't walk too fast. Some GPS units have a "slingshot" effect when you walk too fast (caused by position extrapolation). A leisurely pace also helps you observe your surroundings so you don't stumble over a log, walk into a tree, or step in front of a speeding elephant. You'll be listening, watching, walking, orienteering, and note taking, so if you normally have trouble walking and chewing gum at the same time invite a friend along for assistance. :D
When you are at the coordinates posted above you're ready to begin listen and play Simon Says.
After you've captured your GPS track, please email a screen shot or photo of your track. Or send me a copy of that track file. I will post some of them on my web site. If you send me your track, and are a finder, I will send you the link to that secret page.
After you've played Simon Says correctly, search for the ammo can at N35° MK.BFX W085° PG.CLH with the easiest approach from N35° MK.FGA W085° PH.LRA. Parking at a trail head can be found at N35° MK.XMH W085° PC.AXA.