The first stage of this cache is a field puzzle that will provide you (once solved) with the coordinates to the final ammo box location. This first stage is also an ammo box, just not the ordinary kind. Inside you will find a custom made puzzle board that will require you to create the electrical power to make it work by turning a dynamo. Good Luck!
Completing this cache will require some hiking. It is roughly 4.25 mile round trip hike if you enter from the Trailhead off of Plainsfield Rd. If you wish to complete the entire trail, expect 5+ miles. Since publishing this cache, the trailhead at Simpson Calhoun Rd has opened. I have not measured the distance from that side, but it is probably between 1.4 to 2 miles round trip. There are beaver dams (and therefor, beavers) on the trail, as well as Great Blue Herons, Woodpeckers, Deer and, according to rumors, Coyotes. Enjoy the views but please be aware that you are in the woods with itchy plants, creepy bugs, slithery things and possibly even Bigfoot.
Notes about the Cache
- When you turn the dynamo handle, the green power light comes on. This is not part of the puzzle, it merely indicates that the circuits are still working. If you can't get a green light, please post a note and we will fix it.
- Don't worry about getting zapped. This is 5V dc circuitry at < 20 milliamps. You get 200 times more amps from household batteries.
- The cache is best attempted in dry weather to enhance its longevity.
- Difficulty includes required hike. There seems to be two speeds to solving the puzzle - solve it almost immediately or stare at it for an hour. Which one will you be?
Requests
- Please leave the can UPRIGHT to help it stay dry inside.
- Do not attempt to disassemble the cache. Taking it apart will not help you with the answer. If you can't figure it out from the top, a look at the circuits will not help.
- Do not take the cache from GZ. Feel free to take pictures for further study.
- Please be careful closing the cache. Do not sever the wire. If you do, we then have to hike out to fix it.
- Go easy on the dynamo handle - two or three turns a second is plenty. Voltage is regulated, so turning faster will just make your arm tired.
- And lastly, don't post the answer or the method of obtaining the answers here. Share it privately if you must or wait for a desperate soul to call for help before sharing.
DEDICATION
The idea for this cache was born on November 8, 2013. We had been caching for a few months at that time and had only 60 finds to our name. We had recently found our first gadget cache (Project Greenlight GC3GVG9) and were toying with the idea of a tricked-out cache for our 8th hide. We came up with the idea of a powered cache, but instead of batteries, a human would supply the needed electricity via a hand cranked dynamo.
Since we really did not know much about DC circuity, we spent many hours that night coming up with a design, and researching such things as LED voltages, resistors, voltage regulators, and rectifiers. It was nerd heaven and it was 2:00 AM before we gave up for the night and went to bed.
The next day, we slept a little late and then headed out for Lowe’s to buy the first bit of supplies. Before we left, we discussed our gadget cache plans with our Mom. She was a big fan of the idea and, like all good Moms, she encouraged us to turn our idea into a completed project. So our day was set, we would go to Lowes, then help our 90+ year old neighbor with her yard work, then pick Mom up and go see the new Thor movie. It was going to be a good day.
That conversation turned out to be the last one we ever had with Mom. Two hours later, a neighbor spotted smoke coming out of our house. A candle had started a fire, the house was gone, and our Mom died of smoke inhalation.
This cache is dedicated to our Mother, Jocelyn. She was the best Mom any son could ever wish for.
