This cache has been archived.

DocDiTTo: Thanks to all for all the great stories in the logs over the years. :)

GC15MAJ ▼

A cache by DocDiTTo & Lux Message this owner

Hidden : 10/5/2007

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

GOTCHA Challenge – NOCTURNAL

You are seeking a cache which is part of the GOTCHA Mega-Multi Challenge. To complete the challenge, you must log each cache in the series and obtain the information needed to locate the final puzzle cache. For more information on completing the challenge, consult the GOTCHA Challenge - Success cache listing (GC160ZF).

As the team that brought you "High & Low", "Uh-OReviewer I MissPlaced my cache!", and "Head Banger's Über Cache", we are proud to present our fourth and final cooperative hide:

noc·tur·nal [nok-tur-nl]–adjective
1. of or pertaining to the night.
2. done, occurring, or coming at night: nocturnal visit.
3. active at night.
4. opening by night and closing by day.

Welcome to NOCTURNAL, our contribution to the GOTCHA Challenge! Lux and I have joined forces one last time to create yet another unique geocaching experience -- a nighttime multi-cache that provides a nice hike, a few interesting cache containers and an ammo can at the end.

This adventure is designed to be done in the dark, and should only be hunted at night. In fact, it's much easier at night, because we've taken steps to confuse and disorient daytime hunters. It's also much easier (and much more fun) if you hunt this cache with a friend or two. Attempting it by yourself is not recommended.

At the posted coordinates, locate ground zero on your GPSr then shine your flashlight around until you spot a reflector. Walk to that reflector then hunt for another. Continue this process until you see two reflectors together in the same tree; they mark the end of the reflector trail. When you spot them you will find a cache nearby. Each cache is uniquely designed and holds the coordinates to the start of the reflector trail for the next stage. The caches may not give up their coordinates immediately; they might be a little tricky but you don't need to open them or take them apart to get what you need. There are 4 stages total including the final cache.

Some important things you need to know:

-- You will likely encounter other reflectors in this area that are not part of this cache! Because hunters use these lands and also use reflectors to mark their trails, we cannot guarantee that every reflector you see will be part of this cache. However, OUR reflectors have a piece of camo duct tape pinned behind them. If the reflectors you're seeing are missing the tape, they're not ours.

-- Do NOT attempt to disassemble, open, or move any of the intermediate cache containers. Their coordinates may not be immediately visible, but they're there somewhere. Your task is to figure out how to view them.

-- For best results, you will need a bright flashlight that illuminates for a significant distance. One of those cheap multi-LED lights or keychain lights simply won't cut it. Be sure to bring along spare batteries for your flashlight. This cache should take about two hours to complete and you don't want to be stuck way out in the woods with a rapidly dimming bulb. We suggest you bring a backup flashlight, just in case.

-- When searching for a reflector, hold your flashlight at eye level. Reflectors bounce light directly back to its source, so holding your light beside your eyes will make the reflectors much easier for you to see. If you have a head lamp, use it!

-- The hidden reflectors could be anywhere. Look around you in a full circle -- high and low -- and move around a bit if you can't find one immediately. Remember, GPS accuracy is only about 20', so moving that far one way or another might make all the difference. If you're hunting with friends, spread out a bit to cover more area.

-- This cache entails a 4 mile round trip hike with gradual elevation changes. Some bushwhacking will be necessary at each stage, however you'll be much better off if you return to and follow the main trail in between stages. Long pants are recommended because you will encounter briers.

-- Between stages 1 and 2 follow the trail, not the stone road you drove in on.

-- Between stage 3 and the final: Regardless of what your GPS arrow says, continue on along the same trail you followed from stage 2 for a tenth of a mile or so. Shortly after stage 3 the trail will be marked with reflectors (no tape behind them though) to help guide you. If you see "Fran and Bill" you're on the right track.

Please be familiar with the Game Lands Regulations that apply in this area. A fluorescent orange hat and vest is required November 15 through December 15 except on Sundays. Hunting occurs other times throughout the year as well. Bicycles are prohibited here from the last Saturday in September until the third Saturday in January, and from the second Saturday in April through the last Saturday in May, inclusive, except on Sundays. Please check the Game Commission Web Site for more information.

Additional Hints ()

[Reading hints before you're on site might spoil your fun.] [Stage 1] Frr gur cerggl pbybef? Jryy lbh fubhyqa'g... [Stage 2] Gur fbyhgvba vf va gur cnyz bs lbhe unaq. [Stage 3] Fgne yvtug, fgne oevtug...

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)