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April Fools Cache Multi-cache

This cache has been archived.

Johnonthetrail:

Time for this cache to be archived. Time has rotted the log that the rat used to pop out of (before it was muggled) and the stump used to hide part 2 has toppled over due to decay. I know many have enjoyed finding this cache and thank you for the positive feedback.

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Hidden : 3/8/2011
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

This will be a nice hike in this section of West Hills Park. Parking is available next to the Qopel 1 cache.
Both parts of the multi are close together. There is one steep incline on the way to this cache. Also a nice pine forest on the way.

Part 2 of the cache is regular sized.

Below is a short writeup that can be interesting and helpful

April Fools Day is one of the most light-hearted days of the year. This is a favorite day for pranksters and children everywhere.

The historic April Fools origins are not known. Some fools feel it is stems from the adoption of a new calendar. Back in the days of the Roman Empire thru Medieval times, Fools celebrated New Year's Day on April 1.

In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII ordered a new calendar (the Gregorian calendar) to replace the old Julian calendar. The new calendar moved New Year's Day to Jan. 1. Since the internet was not up and running yet, many of the population did not get the calendar update for their iphone, and continued to celebrate New Year's Day on April 1. After a few years people in the know took notice and starting making fun of these ignorant fools celebrating New Years on April 1st.

Embarrassed, the fools wanted revenge and struck back. Prior to a large party planned for April 1st 1587 (Although no longer New Years, celebrating still occurred), French fisherman Jacques Coliere and a group of friends snuck into the cellars of the head winemaker for King Henri III. Loaded with small fish they uncorked several wine barrels and added their special flavoring. Near the end of the April 1st party, as the barrels emptied, the dead fish made their appearance. Needless to say the aristocrats where not happy and the fools had their revenge. After this, different pranks occurred annually and spread to other countries. Common pranks were putting fish drawings on people’s back; sending people on fool’s errands; and trying to trick them into believing something false.

Some famous April Fools stories:
The Taco Liberty Bell Story (1996) - Taco Bell Corporation announces it has purchased the Liberty Bell and will rename it the Taco Liberty Bell. Thousands of angry fools call to protest. Later that day Taco Bell reveals it was all a practical joke.

The Sidd Finch Story (1985) – Sports Illustrated author George Plimpton writes about about New York Met prospect Sidd Finch. George writes that Sidd can throw a baseball 168 mps with pinpoint accuracy. Foolish Met fans rejoice until they release it was all a hoax. The New York Mets go on to win the 1986 World Series.

Constantine and Kugel (1983) - The Associated Press (AP) runs a story by Boston University professor Joseph Boskin, which is then printed by multiple newspapers. Writing about the origins of April Fools Day, Boskin tells the story of Constantine and Kugel. During the reign of Constantine, the court jesters perform a skit where they can run the empire better than Emperor Constantine. Constantine amused decides to let the head court jester Kugel have his day to run the empire. Kugel was a very smart and serious actor who knew the importance that laughter had on the people. Weeks later AP learns that Boskin made the whole story up (his April Fools Joke) and runs a retraction.

Nixon for President (1992) – National Public Radio (NPR) announces that Richard Nixon is running for President again. The campaign slogan is “I didn’t do anything wrong, and I won’t do it again”. NPR provides “Nixon” speaking quotes and the flood of foolish call responses to the station is overwhelming. Later in the broadcast, The “Nixon” voice is revealed to be comedian Richard Little.

April Fools' Day is observed by many a happy prankster and cacher. So be on the lookout for paper rolled into the tips of shoes, phony phone calls, whoopee cushions, flour in unexpected places, looking for things that don't exist, believing in ridiculous things that are not true and fools waiting to say “April Fools”.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Cneg 1 - Fdhrrmr gur oryyl Cneg 2 - Lbh unir gb ernpu sbe vg

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)