The Devil is in the Details Mystery Cache

This cache has been archived.

Brainzane & Yossface: So sorry to archive this cache, but we've moved away from NYC and can no longer take care of the cache. Thanks to all who have sought out this find!

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Hidden : 10/20/2007
Difficulty:
3.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:


Cache Description

New York City is saturated with details. You're constantly surrounded by the minutia of big city life - blinking neon signs, swirling plastic bags, car alarms, tourists, ad-plastered storefronts, "Stand Clear of the Closing Doors," and the paralyzing aroma of Nuts 4 Nuts. To survive here (or even just get down the street) you have to block most of it out. Otherwise your brain will seize up from sensory overload.

The final coordinates for this geocache are found by tackling three challenges which force you to pay attention to the details you may ordinarily block out. Each challenge has a set of coordinates, a drawing, and a list of details. Go to the place indicated by the coordinates. Position yourself so you can clearly see what is depicted in the drawing. Then answer the question, which detail indicated by a red feature in the drawing is a real detail at the location?


A Note Before You Begin

GPS reception is frustratingly elusive in many parts of Manhattan. The difficulty of this cache has been increased to take this extra challenge into account. In addition, completing this entire cache in one afternoon, although possible, involves a fair amount of walking and/or travel by public transportation and therefore the terrain level has been raised slightly.

Finally, for non-New Yorkers, use common sense when navigating the city. NYC is one of the safest big cities in the world, but that doesn't mean you won't see some strange stuff from time to time. As this cache hopes to encourage, be aware of your surroundings and stay safe. And remember, staring at the GPS instead of traffic can be bad for your health.



Challenge A

Description:
We'll start off easy in a gentle and relaxing environ. Remember, go to the place indicated by the coordinates. Position yourself so you can clearly see what is depicted in the drawing. Then answer the question, which detail indicated by a red feature in the drawing is a real detail at the location?


Location:
N 40° 44.970 W 073° 58.215


Detail List:
Which detail indicated by a red feature in the drawing is a real detail at the location?

1. a lamppost
2. an advertisement on the side of the building
3. a birdhouse

ANSWER: A = ________



Challenge B

Description:
Ok, let's ramp it up a little more. Continue on to the location below and study your surroundings for the answer.


Location:
N 40° 45.147 W 073° 58.710


Detail List:
Which detail indicated by a red feature in the drawing is a real detail at the location?

1. a smokestack thingie
2. a statue
3. a fierce eagle statue

ANSWER: B = ________



Challenge C

Description:
You know the drill by now, but be careful. The location of challenge C is dangerously close to the mecca of sensory overload in New York City. Just go slowly. Pace yourself. If you feel dizzy, take a break, close your eyes, and pretend you're in Kansas.


Location:
N 40° 45.388 W 073° 59.136


Detail List:
Which detail indicated by a red feature in the drawing is a real detail at the location?

1. another street sign
2. a neon sign
3. a big building!

ANSWER: C = ________


Final Phase - The Cache!

Great job! You're almost done. Determine the actual cache location by using the answers to challenges A, B, and C in the equations below. You'll be looking for a small decon container. Good luck!

N 40° 46.UVW W 73° 58.XYZ

where

U = answer to challenge A
V = answer to challenge A + answer to challenge B + answer to challenge C
W = answer to challenge C - answer to challenge B
X = answer to challenge A + answer to challenge B + answer to challenge C
Y = answer to challenge A + answer to challenge B
Z = answer to challenge B + answer to challenge C



First to Find

First to find gets a rewards card good for two free movie theater passes to participating theaters. Details on the prize are in the cache. Enjoy!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Fvapr TCF vf fcbggl sbe gur punyyratrf, gel hfvat Tbbtyr Zncf gb trg lbh pybfr. Nf sbe gur svany, lbh'er ba lbhe bja.

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)


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