6/14/21 Note: this is a major update to the cache, originally created on 5/8/05. It was my first cache. Since then, a lot of things used for the clues have changed, requiring me to revamp the whole clue structure. The starting point, the final cache location, and the cache itself haven't changed. Only the clues have changed. It's based on the one thing that I hope will never change, since I worked on it. I also made the math a lot simpler.
From 5/8/05: This is a multi-stage micro cache about the size of a film container. The location requires hiking up a popular multi-use trail. The difficulty of the hike depends on the starting point and the trails you take to get here.
After finding all the caches in my favorite park, I decided to place my first-ever cache at my favorite site in the park. Unfortunately, that spot is one of the most popular destinations in the park, making it hard to hide a cache without drawing attention. Today, however, it was wet and dreary. You had to be nuts to be hiking to it today. Taking advantage of that, I hiked up in a rain poncho, carrying an umbrella, with the cache in my backpack. (There was no lightning. I'm not that crazy.) I placed the cache in a spot I had scouted out before.
After getting ticked and poked at off-trail caches, I was determined to put this cache in a relatively safe location. Also, I didn't want to get anyone in the parks department upset, since I work with them a lot. This cache is sort of on the trail, depending on how you define "trail." This requires no bushwhacking if you approach it from the right direction. There shouldn't be any poison oak nearby. There shouldn't be many or any ticks. Watch out for snakes and spiders.
I wanted to make this more challenging, so I hunted around for clues to use for a multi-stage puzzle cache. Here are the directions.
Updated 6/14/21: The listed location takes you to the trail junction just below the top of Coyote Peak. There are many ways to get here and a choice of trails to go to. For now, continue up to the top of Coyote Peak to the north viewing area. At N 37° 12.556 W 121° 46.580, you'll see benches and an interpretive sign overlooking Silicon Valley that talks about the view. I helped to make the sign and took most of the pictures for it. It was dedicated on 10/25/14, 9 years after I first placed this cache. It shows what you can see from here on a really clear day. Coyote Peak is 1155 feet in altitude, the highest point in the park and the Santa Teresa Hills, and is one of the best viewpoints in the county. To the south, you can see all the way to Gilroy and even San Benitor County. To the north, you can see to Marin and Napa counties. The sign shows the view to the north. If you're lucky, you may be able to see the sights shown. Look at the sign. The clues are based on it. Find these numbers and use them to determine the coordinates of the final cache:
A = Distance to the Golden Gate Bridge, 1st digit
B = Distance to Sweeny Ridge, 1st digit
C = Distance to SCC Valley Medical, 1st digit
D = Distance to Oakland skyscrapers, 1st digit
E = Height of the antenna / 50 (see top center of sign)
F = How far away is the view of the distant horizon, 2nd digit (see left side of sign)
The cache is at 37 degrees, 12.ABC N, 121 degrees, 46.DEF W.
The cache is on top of the peak and in an area that doesn't require bushwhacking. If you find yourself going down from the peak, you need to re-check your math. The cache is now a camo'd pill bottle. The original was more elaborate, but it was muggled. Note how far you can see, and let me know if the sign needs maintenance for readability. This is a great place for taking selfies. Take one by the sign.
There is sort of a shortcut here, which is at the end of Countryview Drive. However, this is not a legal park entrance. The rangers have been having trouble with illegal activity here, such as vandals and off-roaders tearing up the hills near this entrance. You can tell from all the litter and tire tracks. Avoid it. You might not have a car to come back to.
Here's more information about the park and the map: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Pages/SantaTeresa.aspx
Here's the website for the Friends of Santa Teresa Park, who made the sign at the top: http://www.stpfriends.org/