Back in the day when I collected
comic books, DC put out a 12 issue series called the DC Challenge.
Each issue was written and drawn by a different team. I thought a
variation on this might work in Geocaching, thus, the GC Challenge.
12 different caches hidden by 12 different cachers in whatever
style they choose, each one containing a piece of the code that
will lead you to the final cache, Lucky 13.
There are some really fun series popping up out there and they
definitely reflect the personality of the cacher who set it up.
Some of them are short and sweet, some are long and require
persistence. The goal of this series is to give the searchers a
diverse group of caches in a region that is small enough that it
could be done over a weekend, if desired. But don't expect a bunch
of easy drive-ups in this one. The only limitation should be how
easily you can get out there and figure out the puzzles, discover
the camo and/or make the walk to the GZ. This should be a great
series to do as a team.
Remember, as you find each of the Dirty Dozen, record the code for
the cache. Then, you can use the rest of this description page as a
worksheet as you go. If you don't print this page, I would keep a
pen and paper handy to record information and keep it with you as
you go to the final. Some of the information you'll need is here
and some is in the field. And if you read between the lines, you
might get some extra help.
Here is some information between the
lines.
The Dirty Dozen
The GC Challenge Final Cache: Lucky
13
Once you have made
the journey to find all of the Dirty Dozen, use the codes you found
to get to Lucky 13. The journey to the final will require a few
steps and a short hike but should not but too difficult at any of
the points.
HOMEWORK (left over from the '80s)
When Tommy Heath wanted to call Jenny, he dialed the number he
found on the wall. ABC-DEFG
AKA Tommy
Tutone
Part 1 (Letterbox/Mystery
style)--Use the codes to go to the following
location:
N 37 [(u2 -
v2) + (z - s + p2)].[o - y][v - q - p][t - v
- y]
W122 [(w - t) / (x - u)].[o - r - w][(t - s) / z][(o + t) /
p]
At this location, you should be able to look east and find the
park. To the right of the park you'll see piece of stone
artwork that is normally wooden. We'll call it "Fred." Turn left
and face approximately north. Walk until there are three green bins
are on your right. To the left of the bins is a bear shop. Look
above the entrance and you will see two numbers.
H = The second number divided
by the first number
Walk south back toward the park where you started. On your right,
you'll see D.M.H. Sit down. There are eight numbers at D.M.H.
I = The third number minus
the fourth number
Stand up and walk to the park. Go up the first four steps and walk
past the park, still heading southward. Continue walking down the
ramp that is behind Fred and stop on the red bricks. Turn left and
left and go up nine and nine. Turn left and go north to the 8th
spot. At the wall end of this spot, you'll be able to see where you
started. The container is at your elbow.
Once you find the container, use the information you have gathered
to get the coordinates for Part 2.
Part 2 (Traditional/Multi)--A traditional in the
middle of a multi.
Habla
Espanol?
After you find the cache, if you are there at the right time, get
some nourishment before the last step. The cache is free but
breakfast is not.
Please do not take the paper with the final cache coordinates with
you. Suggested parking coordinates are included, too.
Part 3 (Final)--The End!
If you park at the suggested coordinates, you'll hike up a fire
trail to the ridge and head south. Just after you pass over the
first rise on the ridge trail, the cache will be to your right,
about 500 feet away. This is the only part of the hike that is off
trail. Be prepared for the potential of long grass, weeds and
possibly ticks. I didn't see any poison oak if you approach from
above. You're looking for an ammo can. And there is a pretty decent
view, too.
We hope you enjoy the journey. We'd also love to hear about what
you thought about some of the different caches you found to get to
the end. Which was your favorite? Toughest? How long did it take
you to complete everything? How many miles did you travel?
Etc.?
And, in case you're wondering, the five star difficulty on this
one is because of all the caches needed for the challenge. I'd
probably rate this one as 2-3 as a standalone.
P.S. Somewhere on the trail to the
final spot is half a roll of camo duct tape that fell out of my
pack. If you find it, it is yours. Bonus!