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HQGT: A Stroll Through the Knoll Letterbox Hybrid

Hidden : 2/5/2025
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:


About This Location

Troll’s Knoll Forest is a small urban green space near the Fremont Troll. It features trails, native plants, and sustainable design, offering a peaceful escape in the city. Developed with community input, it promotes biodiversity and stormwater management while enhancing Fremont's artistic charm.

The Moss Turtle is an interactive public art installation located in Troll's Knoll Forest. It was installed at the end 2020 and dedicated on Earth Day, April 22, 2021. Designed by artist Michiko Tanaka and manufactured by Mach 2 Arts, the moss-covered "turtle" sculpture has become a charming local treasure.

Inspired by a moss-covered Buddha statue that Tanaka encountered in a Japanese shrine, the Moss Turtle reflects principles of Shintoism, emphasizing the sacredness of natural elements. Visitors are invited to sprinkle water on the moss to nurture its growth, symbolizing care for the environment. Additionally, visitors can paint turtle-shaped stones and place them along the pathway leading to the sculpture, enhancing the communal aspect of the installation.

The lanterns in Troll’s Knoll Forest are a creative installation by artist Michiko Tanaka and sculptor Haiying Wu. These mushroom-shaped lanterns are designed to light up at night, adding charm to the environment and helping to guide visitors through the park's "mushroom walk" and the turtle sculpture areas. They are crafted using advanced techniques, including 3D modeling and silicon molds, to achieve their unique shape and design. They were commissioned by the Friends of Fremont Troll Knoll, who have been actively enhancing the park with community-driven art and landscaping projects.

 

Geocache Information

It's now time for you to "Stroll Through the Knoll". The posted coordinates will take you to the arch at the forest entrance. However, the cache is NOT located there. To find the final location, follow these clues... Proceed through the arch and continue until you come to a fork in the path. Take the fork that will lead you to the turtle. Once you have arrived at the turtle, take some time to enjoy it. You could even water the moss using the nearby watering can. Once done at the turtle, follow the trail to the mushroom lanterns. You'll see one to your left and three to your right. Continue on until you pass the third lantern on the right. About 15 feet past the last lantern, you'll see a sign for the Cully River Birch. At this sign, turn 90 degrees to your left and proceed towards the cement wall. The cache can be found there. You're looking for a cleverly-hidden ammo can. Don't get stumped.

To get the code for the lock, use the four-digit number found on the ceramic tile sign at the Cully River Birch. To get the code word for the passport, fill in the blank from the same sign: "This grove of nine trees is a planned ___________ tree grove."

Please note: the letterbox stamp remains with the cache - please DO NOT remove. You also need your own ink pad if you wish to stamp a notebook of your own.

Remember to record the code word from this cache in your GeoTour Passport!

 

About the HQ GeoTour 2.0

Welcome to Fremont, the bustling neighborhood of Seattle that Geocaching HQ proudly calls home. Fremont has been crowned the Center of the Known Universe, and we like to think of it as a hub in the geocaching universe as well!

There is something curious about Fremont. If you’re here long enough, you might start to feel an unusual gravitational pull. Like an urge to return time and again, as if you’re caught in a cosmic loop. It’s a phenomenon described by Fremont Scientists, who, after some “research” at a local pub in 1991, declared that the intersection of N Fremont Ave and 35th St N was the true Center of the Universe. Their findings, while a bit wobbly, were backed up by the claim that it couldn’t be proven or disproven. These scientists convinced the Metropolitan King County Council to officially proclaim Fremont the Center of the Known Universe.

So, get ready for an adventure through Fremont with the HQ GeoTour. This neighborhood is full of unique spots and hidden gems. From eclectic art installations to local treasures, each cache location tells a story of this unforgettable area. Join us as we explore what makes Fremont a playground for geocachers and cosmic adventurers alike!

Click here to learn about all of the caches on the GeoTour and download your passport.

Click here for our recommended completion route.

 

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

GB BCRA PNPUR YBPX: chg va gur pbeerpg pbqr, gura chfu gur funpxyr va naq chyy onpx bhg. GB PYBFR: znxr fher gur ybpx unf gur pbeerpg pbqr naq gura chfu gur funpxyr va. Fpenzoyr gur pbqr gb ybpx vg va cynpr.

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)