This cache hunt will require knowledge of J.R.R. Tolkien's book "The Hobbit". You will have to answer questions, solve puzzles and search for intermediate caches on your way to the final cache. All of the answers to any puzzles encountered along the way can be found in Tolkien's book. You will find this cache very similar to my Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers and Return of the King caches. If you're ready to do something most un-hobbitlike (that is, have an adventure) then grab a copy of "The Hobbit", pack your pocket handkerchief and let's begin!
Your goal during this first phase is to reach the cache at N37°AA.BBB W121°CC.DDD where AA, BBB, CC and DDD are as determined below:
Begin your journey at N37°18.913 W121°56.575
If the dwarf that this road is named after -
- was the first to show up at 'the unexpected party' then BBB = 714
- was the lookout that Bilbo snuck past after escaping from Gollum and the orc tunnels then BBB = 188
- threw the rope that hooked the boat that they then pulled across the river then BBB = 902
- came in with Nori to Beorn's house then BBB = 594
- was the only dwarf not captured by the spiders then BBB = 338
Now proceed to N37°22.028 W122°07.992
If the dwarf that this street is named after -
- asked for apple tart at 'the unexpected party' then DDD = 089
- was the first dwarf bagged by the trolls then DDD = 775
- wanted to light a fire in the cave in the Misty Mountains then DDD = 605
- fell into the river and ended up sleeping for many days then DDD = 231
- climbed out of his tree and helped Bilbo climb up just before the wolves arrived then DDD = 316
AA = the number of the original 13 dwarves that were alive at the end of the book (Hint: The only deaths occur in the battle at the end).
E = the lucky number
F = number of eagles that carried the group down to the Carrock
G = the number of days from the 'ruin of Esgaroth' until the 'host of men and elves passed the rock gates'.
CC = AA + E + F + G
Be sure to read whatever you find at the intermediate caches before leaving - there will be more for you to see and do in the immediate area. Feel free to e-mail me for assistance if you get stumped during your wanderings.
The final cache initially contained the usual log book and pen along with eight or nine goodies and the actual Arkenstone!