Tree Hugger Multi-cache
sandvika: Thanks for looking for this cache. It seems highly likely that it has gone and it was only there until we visited the area anyway. So it is probably best all round to archive it now and save people from probable disappointment.
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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A multi-stage cache in the grounds of Southampton General
Hospital.
A simple numeric puzzle, the solution to each stage providing the
location of the next, until the cache is reached. Total distance
about 1/4 mile. This is really a letterbox hybrid type cache, as
the only container is at the final stage.
In order to avoid excess muggles (since it is a busy hospital) the
cache is situated adjacent to a roadway where there is no pavement.
There is a 15 MPH speed limit, but nevertheless, children must be
supervised closely.
If you are a geocaching patient or visitor, you may have noted the
absence of caches in the vicinity of the hospital. I thought it
about time to put this right and give you something to look forward
to outside. Perhaps it can motivate you to get mobile during your
convalescence! The whole path of the cache is on solid ground,
suitable for wheelchairs and other travel-aids. As it's in the
hospital grounds, don't expect a scenic view!
If you are seeking this cache and not attending the hospital,
please park outside the hospital and walk to the start as there is
little enough parking for patients and visitors, let alone fit and
able geocachers! If you are going into the hospital after caching,
please pay extra attention to hygiene by washing your hands and
using the disinfectant gel provided.
This cache should NOT be attempted after dark.
Stage 1
At the start coordinates, you will find a sculpture consisting of
many spheres. Let the spheres guide you to the first tree of this
tree-centric multi-stage cache!
The coordinates of the first tree are offsets MINUS 0.0xx minutes
of latitude and MINUS 0.0yy minutes of longitude from the start
coordinates.
The two digits of "xx" are given by:
- the number of purple spotted spheres
- the number of tiny spheres plus the number of steel spheres
minus the number of blue spheres
The two digits of "yy" are given by:
- the number of steel spheres
- twice the number of rough surfaced spheres plus the number of
blue spheres
These coordinates will guide you to a tree. Like many of the trees
at the hospital, it carries a 4-digit identifier. These digits
shall be refered to as ABCD.
Stage 2
You are now looking for the next tree at coordinates:
N 50°56.ABC W 001°25.(C+D)(C-D)(C+D)
This tree also bears a 4-digit identifier, refered to as EFGH.
Stage 3
You are now looking for the next tree at coordinates:
N 50°56.EAH W 001°25.(B+F)(G+H)G
This tree also has a 4-digit identifier, refered to as IJKL.
Stage 4
Now you are ready to find the cache, which consists of a small
transparent plastic business card box, suitable for geocoins, small
travel bugs and very small exchange items. Please make sure you
replace it upright to avoid water penetration. The coordinates of
the cache are:
N 50°56.IJL W 001°25.(J+K)(L-G)K
Click To Rate This Cache
 Not Recommended
After Dark  Wheelchair
Access  Available year-round
 Restrooms
available
Off-trail Hiking Prohibited  No Mud!  Beware of Muggles! |
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Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
[Stage 1] Ynfg gerr orsber crqrfgevna pebffvat gb pne cnex cnlzrag nern
[Stage 2] Ynfg gerr oruvaq orapu orsber FTU ragenapr fvta
[Stage 3] Rireterra gerr oruvaq ynfg cnexvat fcnpr ng oraq
[Stage 4] Va rireterra sbyvntr
[If all else fails, I have set up email autoresponders to give you the solution to each stage. The email address for the first autoresponder is GC13YGQ@geocaching.sandvika.co.uk, I hope you don't need it, let alone the email addresses for the subsequent stages!!]