Note 10 October 2009 - In light of maxkim's log of 23 Sept, I
have found an alternative start point: N 52° 28.630 W 001° 53.770.
The original start point still works (assuming you can get the
right side of the ticket barrier at Snow Hill Station) so that is
still in place. If you go with the alternative start point, you get
a choice of Stage 2 locations. Either way, you are then directed to
Stage 3 (and thence to the Final).
This small multi-cache involves a stroll around Birmingham city
centre gathering information from various boxes to generate the
final co-ordinates. There is also a puzzle. YOU WILL NEED TO
TAKE SPECIAL EQUIPMENT WITH YOU. IF YOU DO NOT TAKE THE SPECIAL
EQUIPMENT YOU WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY NOT FIND THE CACHE . Look
carefully at this listing page and I tell you what to take. You can
buy the necessary equipment from certain shops in the city centre.
SNOW HILL STATION START POINT: THE FIRST BOX IS NOT
ACCESSIBLE BETWEEN ABOUT MIDNIGHT TO 06:15 MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS.
SUNDAY IT IS AVAILABLE BETWEEN ABOUT 10:00 AND 17:30.
ALTERNATIVE START POINT: THE FIRST BOX IS AVAILABLE:
MON-FRI 0930-2000; SAT 0900-2000; SUN 1100-1700.
Otherwise all boxes are available 24/7.
The difficulty level takes account of the special equipment puzzle,
acquiring the said equipment, the need for stealth, the time
required and the poor reception on account of the surrounding
buildings. Indeed, the co-ordinates for all stages are fairly
approximate (although the information on this page and the hints
you pick up en route will help). As the FTF said, trust the listing
page more than the co-ords.
It takes me around 15 minutes to walk from the start point to the
final location. En route, you are likely to pass close by one of my
other city centre caches
Maiden in Distress (which curiously also involves a box of
sorts). If you have the time, why not give this one a go too - it
could do with having a few more finds!
Those not intimately familiar with the city centre or whose GPSr
(like mine) blanks at the slightest whiff of tall buildings or leaf
cover should TAKE AN A-Z OR PRINT OFF AND TAKE THE GOOGLE MAPS
PAGE FOR MAIDEN IN DISTRESS (SET AT ZOOM LEVEL 3 TO SHOW STREET
NAMES) to help with this cache. There should not be a problem
with reception at the final location. THE A-Z OR MAP MAY BE
USEFUL BUT IT IS NOT THE SPECIAL EQUIPMENT. If you know what
the special equipment is but don't know where to get it feel free
to PM me and I'll point you in the right direction.
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The cache is at N52 28.ABC W001 54.DEF.
Whether you begin at the original or the alternative start
location, you need to identify the box, enter, ensure your privacy
and retrieve the values of A and B. You will also get the co-ords
(and a hint) for Stage 2. The decryptable hint applies the same
wherever you have started.
Then find your way to Stage 2. Here enter the northernmost box
(this works for both the original and alternative routes as does
the decryptable hint below), retrieve the values of C and D and get
the co-ords (and a hint) for Stage 3. Beware muggles.
Then find your way to Stage 3. Once at the general location,
proceed until fully under cover and then bear right. Enter either
of the two nearby boxes and retrieve the values of E and F.
You should now have all necessary information so continue your
journey through this place and beyond to claim your smiley. The
final location can also be a muggle rich environment so please take
care. You may need to leave the path to retrieve the cache. The
cache box itself is a small screwtop pot with room for a logbook
and a couple of small swaps. There is no pen / pencil in the cache
so please bring your own. At the time of placing there is a
Not
Another Micro coin in the cache which I imagine the FTF will
want to take.
No spoilers (subtle, encrypted or otherwise) in your logs please,
particularly as to the special equipment required.