One of the most popular parks in the Capital Area of Muscat is the ‘Hadeeqah Ar-Riyaam', the Riyam Park along the boulevard connecting Muttrah to Muscat. It has many attractions to entertain young and old, and provides great views over Muttrah harbour.
To find the cache, a regular plastic container camouflaged with a grey sock, you will have to make a stroll through the park while solving a few puzzles along the way to deduce the final coordinates. The park is opened each day from 09:00 am to 23:00pm , and on Thursdays, Fridays and public holidays from 09:00 am to 24:00 pm.
The posted coordinates are at the entrance to the park which provides ample parking space. To get there turn off to the right at the Riyam round-about driving from Muttrah to Muscat along the Corniche.
To arrive at the final cache site, solve the following puzzles:
Stage 1: at the entrance there is a large green sign from the Muscat Municipality. On it are the rules of behaviour in the park.
Let A be the number of the line describing what you are allowed to do with bikes.
Let B be the number of the line describing what you are allowed to do with a barbeque.
Let C be the number of the line describing what dogs are allowed to do.
Finally let D be the number of the line describing what can be thrown in the trash.
Stage 2: Proceed to N 23° 37.3CB’ E058° 34.66(A-C)’
There you will find a playground. As part of the overall installation there are 5 panels providing toe-holds for aspiring mountain climbers (see enclosed picture). Count how many toe-holds there are in total using all 5 panels. Let the number be EF.
Stage 3: Proceed to N 23° 37.3DE’ E058° 34.CE3’
There you will find a commercial establishment, offering some refreshments for the weary traveller or geocacher. The shop is adorned with a large sign. The first line of the sign mentions the name of the owner in the form of “XXX Enterprises”. Let the number G be:
G=1 if XXX is Salem
G=2 if XXX is Mohammed
G=3 if XXX is Maher
Stage 4: Proceed to N 23° 37.GA(C+D)' E058° 34.A(G-D)B’
These are the final coordinates. Be as stealthy as possible in view of muggles being everywhere.
You can check your answers for this puzzle on Geochecker.com.
Enjoy the hunt!