The final geocache is NOT located at the posted coordinates, but they do provide a general location to park. The actual coordinates for the hide location are determined based on the clues given below. Bring your own writing tool. Permission for the hide was received from the Cedar Rapids Park Department.
I've often been accused by close family members of being slooooow to catch the holiday spirit. They've even associated me with the phrase Bah, Humbug!!! Well, in my defense, I simply don't want to peak too early. Starting holiday shopping in early July would have me peaking in July instead of late December. Hence, just to PROVE I am not a Scrooge in 2020, I present this hide to you as my holiday gift to the geocaching community in the form of a little fun (the puzzle shouldn't prove too difficult) and an easy smiley (pretty straightforward hide). Have a Happy Holiday, everybody!!!
This is a three step puzzle. First, unscramble the letters in the following words to form ordinary, holiday related words, one letter to each square.
Now, arrange the circled letters to form the answer as suggested by the following cartoon.
Finally, perform the calculations to the indicated letter values (A=1, B=2...) to yield the coordinates for the final cache location. The cache is located at:
N 42 ab.cde W091 fg.hij
I hope you enjoyed this year's puzzle. Have a GREAT holiday!
=============================
I hope you enjoy this year's puzzle. If you did, here are some others you may find amusing.