******************* New Description ************************
The difficulty rating for the "puzzle" is only a 1 star. The overall difficulty for the find is still a 5 star rating.
NOTE: Things have changed a lot since I created the cache, I even had to move the Mystery icon: 1). Eric does not cache anymore. I prefer to say that he's taking some time off because he likes to be reminded about all the crazy adventures we had. He'll be back one day... 2). Eric does not work for the company anymore, and... 3). The company has moved to a different location. And finally, I had to move the virtual location to be within 2 miles of the final physical container.
This is a really easy field puzzle. At the following coordinates N32 53.231 W117 10.543 you'll find a manhole cover that is recessed from the sidewalk. Head up the hill close to the top and find a tree that is growing almost horizontally (Yep, that's the puzzle). You find WP1 there and this is where your adventure begins...
A little about the tree: When I placed WP1 back in -08 the tree was more upright, now you can pretty much walk on the trunk. It is supported by another tree that grows below it, at least for now. If you look around you'll see a few trees that have toppled and it's only a matter of time until this tree ends up downhill. Because of the tree's precarious situation I put WP1 closer to the roots, but if you feel adventurous you can "climb" to the obvious Y-split further up in the tree where WP1 used to be.
Good luck and have fun.
******* Old Description below - kept for historical purposes **********
Eric of 'Eric and Hill' introduced me to geocaching a few years back and it's been a non-stop adventure for both of us ever since. There is definitely one thing I can say about Eric - he's always up for a good geocaching adventure. We've been hiking, biking, climbing, sliding, crawling, swimming, paddling, etc., you name it - and if we haven't done it yet, we are likely to do it soon. If your geo-buddies think that a cache is too insane to grab and refuse to go with you, ask Eric - he's usually up for it.
Well, all good things come to an end, at least for now anyway. Here's why: Eric and I are not co-workers anymore (I got a new job) and that will cut down on the time that we can "grab a few" after work. Also, rumor has it that a geo-baby is on the way (for Eric and Hill, that is!) and most of you already know that it is difficult to go "cache-insane" when you're faced with responsibility. Therefore I created this cache which is a mini-adventure in itself and it might be the craziest thing he'll do for a while. Without further ado, here is the cache.
The difficulty rating for the "puzzle" is only a 2 star. The overall difficulty for the find is a 5 star rating.
The listed coordinates is for Eric's cubicle at his place of work and the first waypoint is a bit off-set from the listed coordinates. Just walk 0.13 miles, bearing 98 degrees and you'll find the first waypoint. This is your warm-up and also where you need to be a little stealthy. OK, I'll make it even easier for you: look at google maps and start walking North 0.13 miles (downhill) on the West side of Carroll Road. Just about when you're 0.13 miles away you'll see a manhole cover to the left of the sidewalk - make a sharp left turn and head up the hill. You'll discover a tree that grows at a certain angle and that's where WP1 is and your adventure begins... You'll make a total of 4 stops before you get to the cache and each waypoint is "unique."
Note: Taking the shortest route to WP2 might not be the best choice and the canyon is known to have homeless people.
Keep in mind that this is a crazy adventure in itself - look carefully at all the listed attributes below and on the right before embarking on this journey, it might not be something you would like to do after all - in that case, put it on your ignore list. For those of you that dare, this will be an adventure you'll remember for a long time, just make sure you have all of your TOTTs and you'll enjoy it more.
Almost forgot, FTF prize is $500,000.
Have fun.
Congratulations to Eric and Hill for FTF!