Arizona Benchmark Challenge-Dedicated Mystery Cache
Geocaching HQ Admin: Because logging benchmarks on Geocaching.com is no longer possible, Geocaching HQ is archiving challenge caches which require finding and logging benchmarks. See this release notes thread for more information.
Arizona Benchmark Challenge-Dedicated
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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A bit of a puzzle, and a challenge to test your dedication.
The cache IS NOT at the listed co-ordinates, and you must meet the challenge to log a find.
There are many benchmark challenge caches around the country, so I thought Arizona should have one.
BUT, is one enough?
In my view, there are four levels of benchmark hunting:
Casual
Serious
Dedicated
Obsessed
This is the third in the series, now it's getting interesting.
The difficulty rating is based mostly on the challenge of recovering the required number of benchmarks, not the difficulty in finding the cache itself.
The dedicated Benchmark Hunter has almost certainly planned an entire outing around hunting benchmarks. They might look for a geocache that is nearby, but if finding benchmarks is why they are in the area, that is their main focus.
The dedicated Benchmark Hunter is really concerned if they find the mark or not, and finding all the reference marks (including the azimuth mark) is very important. They may revisit the site repeatedly to make sure no mark has been overlooked if they didn't find it the first time.
In order to log a 'Found It' for this cache, visitors must have AT LEAST 250 Benchmark recoveries (on Geocaching.com) to their credit.
The recoveries need not be in Arizona to qualify.
Each of the recoveries must have a clear photograph of the benchmark with the designation (the stampings on the disk) plainly visible, and your GPSr MUST be in the photo (and preferably showing a display of the date on the GPSr screen). I MAY allow finds for those who have not included their GPSr in recovery photos taken before the publication date of this cache, but all photos for recoveries after the date of publication of this cache MUST include the finder's GPSr in those photos.
Intersection stations (water tanks, radio and TV antennae, etc.) are not allowed.
All cachers are welcome to drop and pick-up TBs, and post notes regarding their visit. Found logs that do not meet the requirements (or without a corresponding signature in the physical log) will be deleted with extreme prejudice.
Cachers may find the cache, post a note regarding the visit, acquire the requisite number of Benchmark recoveries, and then post a 'Found It' log without revisiting the cache site.
There is no need to create a list of recoveries that you think should qualify, unless you want to point out your 250 most memorable.
For more information on Benchmark hunting, please see the 'Find a Benchmark' page at Geocaching.com.
The folks that frequent the benchmarking section of the forums on Geocaching.com are always friendly and willing to help, and I will answer any questions I can if you contact me directly.
The listed co-ordinates are for DU2044, PICKET POST, a triangulation station mark. (visit link) This is a location you would probably want to visit while up here, but doing so is not required to find the cache.
The cache is hidden near where the Azimuth Mark for the PICKET POST station mark should be, but several attempts at finding it have not been successful. Can YOU find the elusive Azimuth Mark?
Happy Benchmarking!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Sebz gur fhfcvpvbhf sver evat, gur pnpur vf svsgl-avar cbvag gjb srrg ba n ornevat bs guerr-uhaqerq gjragl-avar cbvag gjb qrterrf gehr, ba gur sne fvqr bs n tbbq-fvmrq fueho/gerr (n Ovepu Yrns Zbhagnva Znubtnal).