To protect this cache from muggles, it has been locked... the combination is 2-0-1-3. You will see a geocache logo by the lock to let you know you’re in the right place. Be sure to spin the dials after you reclose it to make sure it doesn't pop open later by accident.
Lots of room for trackables. It is OK to park in the Keck Observatory parking lot.
This cache is inspired by Keck Observatory's pursuit of knowledge about the universe. The universe is just one big puzzle!
The cache is pretty easy to find. The challenge lies in getting it open! The components are all handmade and one-of-a-kind, so please handle them gently and be careful not to lose any pieces. They cannot be replaced without making a whole new set.
The puzzle requires no special skill or advance preparation. You will find everything you need at the cache. It is appropriate for ages 11+. (It’s really not that hard, so don’t be afraid to try!)
It should take you about 15-20 minutes to solve the puzzle, open the locked orange ammo can and then repack things for the next geocacher to enjoy. If you can’t commit 20 minutes it might be best to just sign the “Finders Log” and close things back up. Once you unpack it you must repack it.
The cache site is relatively muggle-free so you should have the 20 minutes of privacy you need.
When you arrive you will find two containers and a work surface. One container is painted orange and one container is green.
- The orange container is the cache container. It is a locked ammo can. The orange ammo can holds the swag, trackables and a "success" Log. The "success log" is for people to sign when/if they succeed in solving the puzzle and get the ammo can unlocked.
- The green container is the puzzle container. It is not locked. It contains a unique and custom made multi-stage “puzzle” that leads to the key to the orange ammo can.
- You will also find a work surface intended for use while working on the puzzle.
3 sets of Instructions are available.
- General instructions explaining the challenge
- Instructions for how to replace all of the components when you’re done
- An envelope of hints (You really shouldn't need them, so try to solve the puzzle without them first, and then use them if you have problems.)
Notes:
- In our prepublication trial runs we learned that most people will not read the instructions. That's ok but it may result in slight missteps and delays but a greater sense if satisfaction. Just don't say " you should have told us about xyz" if you choose not to read the instructions. :-)
- With the instructions is a "Finders Log" which you may sign whether or not you get the orange ammo can open.
- You may claim to have “found it” even if you don't get the locked orange ammo open, as long as you sign the "finders log".
- Please only put swag and trackables in the orange ammo can.
- NO Swag or Trackables in the green puzzle container or the box with the instructions!
- It is very important that when you are done, whether or not you manage to get the orange ammo can open, that you repack and replace all cache components as you found them. There are instructions to help you.
- Please be gentle with the equipment. Entry to the locked orange ammo can is certainly possible using destructive means, but we trust and believe that geocachers are not that kind of people.
- This cache is not recommended for night time cachers. You need ample light to solve the puzzle.
Congratulations to Wholagal for the FTF