Still can't get it? Now what?!!
So what do you do if you've tried all these tips and tricks on a @#$%& puzzle, but you STILL can't get it?
Here are some more things to try:
It's courtious to ask a puzzle owner for hints before going to friends or previous finders. By doing so, a puzzle owner might see parts that need correcting, clarification, or an added hint.
Here are some ways to meet fellow puzzle enthusiasts:
- Attend an event. GEO: Geocachers Exploring Oregon GEO holds monthly Meet-and Greet events and occasional classes on beginning and advanced geocaching subjects. I've made several dear puzzle friends by attending events specifically so I could meet them and ask questions about puzzles of theirs.
- If you're on Facebook, consider joining The Portland Geocaching group.
And if you still can't get it after all that, click on this link for a Puzzle Stress Reduction Kit, and remember ...
Just one more note: After being inflicted with many excruciating puzzles, it can be tempting to take revenge by placing one's own devilishly tricky puzzle. Before doing so, please take a look at Advice For Making A Good Puzzle from Geocachers of the Bay Area, and Geocache Puzzle Construction Tips by respected Florida cacher ePeterso2.
Now for the puzzle.
Count the letters in the words missing from these statements from the description above, and do the simple math to get the numbers needed to finish the coordinates.
[If you're having trouble with a tough puzzle:] Set it aside for a few days, weeks, or even _____. = U. U - 6 = A
Ask the _____ for a hint. =V. V - 2 = B
Keep working on different _____. = W. W = C
"The best way to get a good idea is to have a lot of _____," according to Linus Pauling. = X. X - 5 = D
"Advice for making a _____ puzzle" is provided by Geocachers of the Bay Area, = Y. Y + 4 = E
"Geocache puzzle construction _____" are provided by Florida cacher ePeterso2. = Z. Z - 2 = F
The cache is at N 45 15.ABC W 123 06.DEF
Important Note: Be sure to get the bonus numbers from each cache in this series. You will need those to get the coordinates for the These #@&% Puzzles - Graduation Bonus Cache
If you forgot or misplaced some bonus numbers, let me know. You don't need to go back to previously-found caches.
Yet One More Note: This is the last in this series of #@&% Puzzles. If you've collected all the bonus numbers, they won't lead you directly to the #@&% Graduation bonus cache. The Graduation Bonus cache final location was moved halfway through the series. You must do a little adjusting to the numbers, as shown on the Graduation cache page.
As I said, this is one of a series of "How Do I Solve..." caches. They are spread out in different neighborhoods. It might help to solve them in order, but you don't need to. I tried to make these easy to understand, but if you have any questions about them, please ask.
Here are all the caches in the series. They are also posted in a "How Do I Solve These #@&%$ Puzzle Caches?!!" bookmark list.
This series of #@&%$ Puzzles contains the following caches:
Note for Remote Solvers: You have a chance to earn a “I Solved Those #@&% Puzzles” virtual badge to display proudly on your profile page. After you’ve solved the first 15 puzzles in the series, send me your solutions and I’ll send you the info for the badge.
Local solvers earn a “I Solved and Found Those #@&% Puzzles” Badge after finding the Bonus Graduation cache.