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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This cache could also be called "What were we thinking?"
On August 7th, 2001, the two senior members of TZI tied the knot at
the summit of the third highest peak in the state. That's right, on
top of South Sister, also known as Charity, or as we sometimes call
it, South Sinister.
What were we thinking? Well, we figured the area was remote enough
and the trek difficult enough that we would have a very small
wedding party. We figured correctly.
This cache was placed to commemorate five years of blissful peace
and harmony in the TZI household. The cache also celebrates our
sixth year in a row of hiking the mountain on this date.
To find this cache, you are gonna have to hike this sucker, just
like we do every year. The pursuit of this cache is not for those
with weak tickers or bum knees. You will be hiking about 12 miles,
with a vertical gain of almost one mile. The summit sits at 10,358
feet. The round-trip hike takes us about 8 hours, with a one hour
lunch break at the summit (depending on the weather at the top),
and shorter rest stops along the way. We seem to hike at an average
pace, so adjust your hiking itinerary accordingly.
We rated this cache for summer hiking only. For winter hiking,
well, we don't recommend it really. For one thing, at least one
waypoint would be buried in snow, as well as the final cache site.
Late July through early October may be decent months to seek the
treasure.
Here's our advice:
Start early.
Take water.
Lots of water.
Wear sunblock.
Take a hat.
Take an extra layer of clothing.
Maybe even a rainjacket.
Wear sturdy shoes.
Bring ibuprofen.
And blister pads or moleskin.
Take a camera.
And more water.
And food.
And hiking poles if you've got 'em. You'll wish you did if you
don't.
Begin your adventure by parking near the posted coordinates, at
Devil's Lake Trailhead parking lot. If you park at the coords
listed above, you'll need a NW Forest Pass. If you don't believe in
supporting such things, you can live life on the edge and park at
the pullout along the highway. You will still need to go to the
posted coords to begin your journey though. There, you can use the
restroom and throw away your coffee cup. And don't forget to
stretch! Are you ready to start your adventure?
You are trying to solve:
N 44 AB.CDE, W 121 FG.HIJ.
There are four waypoints, all of which are along the
established trail to the summit. Collect information as follows:
Waypoint #1: At N 44 02.126, W 121 45.940, there is a large
wooden sign. What's the Trail No.? This number = KL.
Now, follow the trail, and head up the mountain!
Waypoint #2: At N 44 03.315, W 121 46.267, stop for a
breather, and maybe shed a layer of clothing. You should be
standing in an area with three signposts. You need to look at the
middle signpost, and find the small sign that says something about
our canine companions. How many letters in the third word of the
dog sign? This number = M. How many bolts attach the dog sign to
the post? This number = N.
Enjoy the flattish terrain while you can. Onward and upward! And
don't forget to hydrate!
Waypoint #3: At N 44 04.741, W 121 46.128, there is a sign
with seven words. How many letters in the first word? This number =
O.
Now the fun really begins! Don't worry, we won't interrupt your
hiking pleasure again until you reach the top.
Waypoint #4: At N 44 06.209, W 121 46.160, there is a
reference mark in a rock. What year is on the marker? This number =
PQRS.
If you're not too oxygen starved from the high altitude, we have
some math for you. Don't worry, it's pretty basic stuff.
Solve N 44 AB.CDE:
A=M+P-K
B=N-M
C=P+R-L
D=O+P
E=N+K+P
Solve W 121 FG.HIJ:
F=R-P
G=K+M
H=S+P
I=M+N+M
J=Q-P
Now, go find that cache! And enjoy your very long hike back to the
car!
Heh heh heh.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Glcvpny PB uvqr.