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Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon


ThePolarBear

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Welcome to Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon.

 

This forum thread is for you to be able to discuss the various puzzles in the series instead of writing notes on each cache page.

Please, no spoilers or blatant hints!

Keep that off-line!!! :ph34r:

 

I've tried to make the puzzle series accessible to as many geocachers as possible by including some easy puzzles (for newbies and those who consider themselves puzzle challenged). There are also many average puzzles that most of you should be able to solve without any hints, just ponder them for a while. For the true puzzle addict I've included several hardcore puzzles that might turn your hair gray (or fall out! :unsure: ).

 

So, what's in it for me you might ask??? Well, there is a great reward for being the first to complete the puzzle series - a PB event in your honor (we're talking Pizza & Beer!!! :lol: ). What makes it even better is that you don't need to solve a single puzzle to attend the event (somebody will solve them all eventually). However, there are some stipulations to be able to claim the FTF, look at puzzle 20 before you start.

 

Well, what are you waiting for???? Start solving some puzzles!!!!

 

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #1 - Warm-Up

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #2 - Sci-Fi

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #3 - Odd!

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #4 - The Wave

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #5 - Say What?!?

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #6 - Brain Teasers

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #7 - Ranking

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #8 - Dominoes

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #9 - Birthdays

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #10 - Origami

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #11 - ???

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #12 - Acronyms

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #13 - Stuck

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #14 - 10 Miles

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #15 - Tic-Tac-Toe

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #16 - Numbers

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #17 - Cubik's Rube

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #18 - Memories...

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #19 - Riddles

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #20 - Finale!

 

If you want to trade swag go for the easier puzzles. The more difficult puzzle caches are micros since I don't expect too many visitors.

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This is to clarify a little:

 

<snip>

Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #4 - The Wave

 

Don't forget to write down the code for Code #3 to be able to solve for 'Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #20 - Finale!' or you'll have to go back again.

</snip>

 

The number for the puzzle eg 'Tecolote "Puzzle" Canyon #4' is independent of the Code number eg "Code #3" - it just happened to be that way when everything was folded, spindled, tossed, sorted and done.

Once you find the cache you'll find a note inside that gives you the Code number and the Code - for example Code #1: ABC

Make sure you write down both the Code number and the Code when visiting. It will make sense as you go along.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

It's OK to collaborate with each other to find the solutions but please do not gang up on me for free beer and pizza.

 

Again, it's OK to discuss the puzzles here in this thread but no spoilers or blatant hints please!!! If you absolutely need help with a puzzle you can post your predicament here and maybe a fellow cacher will contact you.

 

Some cachers have already e-mailed me with particular problems to the puzzles and I try to rectify them as I go along - sorry for not replying back to anybody but I know from previous experience that as soon as I reply the probing starts. :back:

 

If you're having problems solving the puzzles, keep in mind it took about week-and-a-half before PB’s PC Cache #4 – Fuzzy logic was found and very few people have solved it on their own. This series is bigger than my original PC Cache series (and the FTF prize is better :mad: ), but I'm sure San Diego puzzle solvers will crack 'em in a couple of weeks. :(

 

Keep an eye on this thread - who knows what you'll find out!!! :back:

Edited by ThePolarBear
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Well, 1-6 were very doable. I whipped those out in no time. But there my progress stopped. I haven't tried #10 with the origami or anything past #15, but I've gotten nowhere with #7-9, #11-14. I have ideas for #13, though. Tough set of puzzles, Patrick! Hopefully they'll fall to a little more determined effort. Or the future promised hints.

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I think it's time to keep some stats:

 

Stats by Cache

 

Found:

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

 

Solved but not found:

Teco #10 - Origami

 

Unsolved:

Teco #7 - Ranking

Teco #8 - Dominoes

Teco #9 - Birthdays

Teco #11 - ???

Teco #12 - Acronyms

Teco #13 - Stuck!

Teco #14 - 10 Miles

Teco #15 - Tic-Tac-Toe

Teco #16 - Numbers

Teco #17 - Cubik's Rube

Teco #18 - Memories

Teco #19 - Riddles

Teco #20 - Finale!

 

---------------------------------------------

 

Stats by Cacher

 

lulu499

Teco #1 - Warm-Up (FTF)

 

mmcgr

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

 

devhead

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

 

The Dillon Gang

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

 

Unknown_2_You

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

 

FlagMan

Teco #1 - Warm-Up (not sure if he found it or if it was a note that he solved it)

 

Beta Eagle 1

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi (FTF)

Teco #3 - Odd! (FTF)

Teco #5 - Say what?!? (FTF)

 

QDman

Teco #4 - The Wave (FTF)

 

PQGeoTrekkers

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers (FTF)

 

----------------------------------------------------

 

Virtual Finds

 

This is for cachers that cannot get to the physical cache (out-of-town etc.) but like to solve puzzles. Just send me an e-mail with the correctly solved coordinates and you get a virtual find. Consider it an "honorary" find.

 

TucsonThompsen

Teco #10 - Origami

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New stats - The competition is heating up:

 

Stats by Cache

 

Found:

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #9 - Birthdays

Teco #10 - Origami

 

Solved but not found:

Teco #8 - Dominoes

 

Unsolved:

Teco #7 - Ranking

Teco #11 - ???

Teco #12 - Acronyms

Teco #13 - Stuck!

Teco #14 - 10 Miles

Teco #15 - Tic-Tac-Toe

Teco #16 - Numbers

Teco #17 - Cubik's Rube

Teco #18 - Memories

Teco #19 - Riddles

Teco #20 - Finale!

 

---------------------------------------------

 

Stats by Cacher

 

lulu499

Teco #1 - Warm-Up (FTF)

 

mmcgr

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

 

devhead

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #9 - Birthdays (Co-FTF)

 

The Dillon Gang

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #9 - Birthdays (Co-FTF)

 

Unknown_2_You

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

 

Beta Eagle 1

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi (FTF)

Teco #3 - Odd! (FTF)

Teco #5 - Say what?!? (FTF)

 

QDman

Teco #4 - The Wave (FTF)

 

PQGeoTrekkers

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers (FTF)

 

cache_kid

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

 

Duncan!

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

 

Let's Look Over Thayer

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teoc #10 - Origami (FTF)

 

Thunder-4

Teco #9 - Birthdays (Co-FTF)

 

----------------------------------------------------

 

Virtual Finds

 

This is for cachers that cannot get to the physical cache (out-of-town etc.) but like to solve puzzles. Just send me an e-mail with the correctly solved coordinates and you get a virtual find. Consider it an "honorary" find and you can get FTS.

 

TucsonThompsen

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #9 - Birthdays (FTS)

Teco #10 - Origami (FTS)

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I got back from a wedding reception tonight and I thought it was time to update the stats since LLOT was able to solve a 5 star puzzle (#17 Cubik's Rube) - bow to him!!! :) Half of the caches are now solved, it's downhill from here! Oh, and I also contacted pfalstad to see if he was interested in some virtual finds...

 

Stats by Cache

 

Found:

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #8 - Dominoes

Teco #9 - Birthdays

Teco #10 - Origami

Teco #17 - Cubik's Rube

 

Solved but not found:

None

 

Unsolved:

Teco #7 - Ranking

Teco #11 - ???

Teco #12 - Acronyms

Teco #13 - Stuck!

Teco #14 - 10 Miles

Teco #15 - Tic-Tac-Toe

Teco #16 - Numbers

Teco #18 - Memories

Teco #19 - Riddles

Teco #20 - Finale!

 

---------------------------------------------

 

Stats by Cacher

 

lulu499

Teco #1 - Warm-Up (FTF)

 

mmcgr

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

 

devhead

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #9 - Birthdays (Co-FTF)

 

The Dillon Gang

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #9 - Birthdays (Co-FTF)

 

Unknown_2_You

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

 

Beta Eagle 1

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi (FTF)

Teco #3 - Odd! (FTF)

Teco #5 - Say what?!? (FTF)

 

QDman

Teco #4 - The Wave (FTF)

 

PQGeoTrekkers

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers (FTF)

 

cache_kid

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

 

Duncan!

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

 

Let's Look Over Thayer

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #8 - Dominoes (FTF)

Teoc #10 - Origami (FTF)

Teco #17 - Cubik's Rube (FTF)

 

Thunder-4

Teco #9 - Birthdays (Co-FTF)

 

trapperjre

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

 

rjbloom & co

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

 

----------------------------------------------------

 

Virtual Finds

 

This is for cachers that cannot get to the physical cache (out-of-town etc.) but like to solve puzzles. Just send me an e-mail with the correctly solved coordinates and you get a virtual find. Consider it an "honorary" find and you can get FTS.

 

TucsonThompsen

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #9 - Birthdays (FTS)

Teco #10 - Origami (FTS)

Edited by ThePolarBear
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Polar Bear: Bob is 8 and Jane is 10. What did George have for dinner?

 

FlagMan: Meatloaf?

 

Polar Bear: CORRECT! (ding-ding-ding).

 

Maybe I should try Meatloaf for the answer to Riddle #13...

Meatloaf? I'm not sure that I'd want to sit next to him. Isn't he the guy who ate the head off of a bat? No, wait. That was Ozzy Osbourne and he's in a different puzzle...

 

(Anyway, I tried it. It doesn't work...) :)

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Polar Bear: Bob is 8 and Jane is 10. What did George have for dinner?

 

FlagMan: Meatloaf?

 

Polar Bear: CORRECT! (ding-ding-ding).

 

Maybe I should try Meatloaf for the answer to Riddle #13...

Meatloaf? I'm not sure that I'd want to sit next to him. Isn't he the guy who ate the head off of a bat? No, wait. That was Ozzy Osbourne and he's in a different puzzle...

 

(Anyway, I tried it. It doesn't work...) :)

 

Uh-Oh! I'm sensing frustration brewing. :D Before you get your pitchforks and torches consider this:

 

Error 404: You're looking for something that doesn't exist

Dead End: You made a wrong turn on your way to the airport and ended up at the train station

 

It really is as simple as that :)

 

:mad: PB

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Error 404: You're looking for something that doesn't exist

Dead End: You made a wrong turn on your way to the airport and ended up at the train station

 

It really is as simple as that :)

Not so simple. I already backed up and got back "on the right track". Now I'm looking for a suitable dinner guest. Where's my pitchfork and torch? :)

Edited by Let's Look Over Thayer
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Error 404: You're looking for something that doesn't exist

Dead End: You made a wrong turn on your way to the airport and ended up at the train station

 

It really is as simple as that :o

Not so simple. I already backed up and got back "on the right track". Now I'm looking for a suitable dinner guest. Where's my pitchfork and torch? :o

 

 

:anibad: Try "that"...just kidding. I'm stuck at riddle 6 so I can't help ya. Is the answer infinite? I hope you guys didn't stay stuck inside all day working on these evils puzzles when it was a georgeous day with lots of traditionals to be found!!!

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End of the year stats - LLOT is now in the lead with 10 finds, followed by TT with 8 Virtual finds. Trailing right behind is devhead with 7 finds. Well, we're still waiting for FM to make an appearance and some other cachers that have solved several puzzles.

 

Stats by Cache

 

Found:

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #8 - Dominoes

Teco #9 - Birthdays

Teco #10 - Origami

Teco #17 - Cubik's Rube

 

Solved but not found:

None

 

Unsolved:

Teco #7 - Ranking

Teco #11 - ???

Teco #12 - Acronyms

Teco #13 - Stuck!

Teco #14 - 10 Miles

Teco #15 - Tic-Tac-Toe

Teco #16 - Numbers

Teco #18 - Memories

Teco #19 - Riddles

Teco #20 - Finale!

 

---------------------------------------------

 

Stats by Cacher

 

lulu499

Teco #1 - Warm-Up (FTF)

 

mmcgr

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

 

devhead

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #9 - Birthdays (Co-FTF)

 

The Dillon Gang

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #9 - Birthdays (Co-FTF)

 

Unknown_2_You

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

 

Beta Eagle 1

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi (FTF)

Teco #3 - Odd! (FTF)

Teco #5 - Say what?!? (FTF)

 

QDman

Teco #4 - The Wave (FTF)

 

PQGeoTrekkers

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers (FTF)

 

cache_kid

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

 

Duncan!

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

 

Let's Look Over Thayer

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #8 - Dominoes (FTF)

Teco #9 - Birthdays

Teoc #10 - Origami (FTF)

Teco #17 - Cubik's Rube (FTF)

 

Thunder-4

Teco #9 - Birthdays (Co-FTF)

 

trapperjre

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

 

rjbloom & co

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

 

----------------------------------------------------

 

Virtual Finds

 

This is for cachers that cannot get to the physical cache (out-of-town etc.) but like to solve puzzles. Just send me an e-mail with the correctly solved coordinates and you get a virtual find. Consider it an "honorary" find and you can get FTS.

 

TucsonThompsen

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #9 - Birthdays (FTS)

Teco #10 - Origami (FTS)

Edited by ThePolarBear
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The new year starts with a bang - devhead is FTS and FTF on Teco #15 - Congratulations!!! Only 9 to go...

LLOT and TT are in the lead with 10 finds/virtuals, and devhead is right on their heels with 8 bagged.

 

Stats by Cache

 

Found:

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #8 - Dominoes

Teco #9 - Birthdays

Teco #10 - Origami

Teco #15 - Tic-Tac-Toe

Teco #17 - Cubik's Rube

 

Solved but not found:

None

 

Unsolved:

Teco #7 - Ranking

Teco #11 - ???

Teco #12 - Acronyms

Teco #13 - Stuck!

Teco #14 - 10 Miles

Teco #16 - Numbers

Teco #18 - Memories

Teco #19 - Riddles

Teco #20 - Finale!

 

---------------------------------------------

 

Stats by Cacher

 

lulu499

Teco #1 - Warm-Up (FTF)

 

mmcgr

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

 

devhead

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #9 - Birthdays (Co-FTF)

Teco #15 - Tic-Tac-Toe (Co-FTF)

 

The Dillon Gang

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #9 - Birthdays (Co-FTF)

 

Unknown_2_You

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

 

Beta Eagle 1

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi (FTF)

Teco #3 - Odd! (FTF)

Teco #5 - Say what?!? (FTF)

 

QDman

Teco #4 - The Wave (FTF)

 

PQGeoTrekkers

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers (FTF)

 

cache_kid

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #15 - Tic-Tac-Toe (Co-FTF)

 

Duncan!

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

 

Let's Look Over Thayer

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #8 - Dominoes (FTF)

Teco #9 - Birthdays

Teoc #10 - Origami (FTF)

Teco #17 - Cubik's Rube (FTF)

 

Thunder-4

Teco #9 - Birthdays (Co-FTF)

 

trapperjre

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

 

rjbloom & co

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

 

----------------------------------------------------

 

Virtual Finds

 

This is for cachers that cannot get to the physical cache (out-of-town etc.) but like to solve puzzles. Just send me an e-mail with the correctly solved coordinates and you get a virtual find. Consider it an "honorary" find and you can get FTS.

 

TucsonThompsen

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #8 - Dominoes

Teco #9 - Birthdays (FTS)

Teco #10 - Origami (FTS)

Teco #15 - Tic-Tac-Toe

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It's becomming apparent that you overestimated our puzzle-solving abilities, Patrick! I enjoy puzzles and puzzle series, but it seems like you included too many difficult ones in this extremely long series. Better start laying on the hints.

 

I'm gonna have to respectfully disagree with Ron on this. Keep yer mouth shut, PolarBear. This is what puzzling is all about. Finding the sanity from the insanity....finding the true path amongst a maze.

 

(Why do I sound like Kane from Kung Fu? Guess I've been looking at #7 for too long.)

 

Anyways....stick to your guns and give us hints, only when all 20 have been solved.

Nice to have some old skool puzzles in SD again!

 

--TT--

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Ah, but he said he would add hints for all if a puzzle hasn't been solved for an extended length of time. That seems to be a reasonable approach. A puzzle could have been accidentally poorly designed so that it's not really solvable (or more accurately, solvable in a reasonable time by us amateurs who solve puzzles for fun).

 

So what constitutes an "extended length of time"?

 

What is the longest one of your puzzles took to be solved, Jeff, and did you get itchy after a week and start dropping hints?

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Well...that would be one in NJ that took 3 and a half months to solve. And 4 before a find. But they're soft out there in SwampCentral. Whaddya expect? :unsure:

 

But SD-wise....I think it was a couple of weeks or there about that one of mine sat before a solution was found. I think that was Bobby Fischer. Someone can double check me on that.

 

I don't drop hints due to pressure (as I'm sure the local old skool puzzle crowd attests to) which seems to be the reason my puzzles have become phone-tree/drop-a-hint finds for the most part :D . But I used to (and still do) have a rule that if you ever found me on the trail, you could ask me anything about my puzzles except for "What are the numbers to the final?". I think its fair to answer e-mails and nudge people away from bad thinking but it's always the puzzle placer's prerogative. So I have no issues with PolarBear's rules on this series.

Extended period of time I think is certainly well longer than a couple of weeks. I'd probably go a couple of months at least. Besides...it makes you figure out your solving limits and forces us all to learn new things. I know I already have on this series, including how to mathematically permute a Rubik's Cube.

 

10 down. 10 to go before I buy that plane ticket! :lol:

 

--TT--

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It's becomming apparent that you overestimated our puzzle-solving abilities, Patrick! I enjoy puzzles and puzzle series, but it seems like you included too many difficult ones in this extremely long series. Better start laying on the hints.

 

I'm gonna have to respectfully disagree with Ron on this. Keep yer mouth shut, PolarBear. This is what puzzling is all about. Finding the sanity from the insanity....finding the true path amongst a maze.

 

(Why do I sound like Kane from Kung Fu? Guess I've been looking at #7 for too long.)

 

Anyways....stick to your guns and give us hints, only when all 20 have been solved.

Nice to have some old skool puzzles in SD again!

 

--TT--

 

Hint or no hint - that's the question...

 

I've been pondering what to do for the past few days. Normally puzzle hints go something like this: A puzzle is released and if it's not solved a hint or two is added about a week later. Many times a hint is also added after FTF. You know the drill...

 

Here's my dilemma: 20 puzzles - should I wait 20 weeks before giving hints or should I post hints for all after a week?

Right now I'm leaning towards 20 weeks since many of you puzzle solvers are dividing your time between several puzzles and not concentrating on a single puzzle like you normally do. On the other hand, 20 weeks is a long time to wait for a P&B event to happen. :unsure:

Also, I cannot forget about the cacher that is working hard to solve a puzzle and finally does - maybe even FTS - and then I post a hint the next day and suddenly several other cachers are able to solve it. Not fair - After all, it's a friendly competition.

Well, I hope you understand my dilemma...

 

Here's my best solution (and since I'm human I can change my mind at any time, but I think it will work for now):

 

* Posting hints for unsolved puzzles - I need a consensus from the cachers at the top (I select them but normally the 3 top scores). This ensures that they have exhausted all available brain powers and they all agree.

 

* Posting hints for solved puzzles - a majority rule from the top contenders is all that is necessary.

 

Now, I will not post any hints until next week and then by request only. A two week run is the minimum this series should have without any hints. Cachers are still solving new puzzles although not as frequently.

 

I still don't give out personal hints, but if you need a hint post it on this thread starting Wednesday 1/9 and we'll see.

 

------------------------------

 

General hints:

 

If you haven't done so, look at Solve This Puzzle - GC126Z6. It's an excellent source of puzzle solving information. I guarantee that it will even help a seasoned puzzle solver.

 

Read the puzzles carefully. Many times there are hints in there that are easily overlooked.

 

There are seldom new puzzles invented - just same ol' thang in a different package, i.e. my personal tweak to it. You will probably come to the realization that you have solved something similar before. :D

 

Collaborate - the FTF is open to multiple cachers.

 

-------------------------------

 

Just trying to be fair here... :lol:

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I cannot say that my brain power is exhausted but the fact is that much of my brain power must be now allocated to things beside this cache series. Last week was a special circumstance in which I could focus on the series. Now, I cannot. I've a job to do and a zillion tasks that were supposed to get done last week but didn't because of this puzzle series.

 

My vote is that PB provide public nudges on the unsolved caches. But not all at once. Maybe one or two today and then others over time. If he wants my vote for the highest priority, it would be a[nother] hint for the end game for #19 (Full disclosure: PB has already provided a hint on this one. When I got to the end of the riddles yesterday morning, there was far less to go on than there is now...not that it has helped me any...) Second on my list would be a hint for #11.

Edited by Let's Look Over Thayer
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:P Here we go... :)

 

I spent the last two months setting this up to get it out before the end of the year, foregoing several social and caching opportunities (read: did not cache at all), among was a trip to ABDSP. With the recent changes in caching policy for the park it's possible that I'm not going there at all. :D

 

My point is, everybody's got an equal amount of time - it's just what you decide to do with it.

 

As for hints, a two week moratorium is not a long time, or is it? :D

 

Here's some general info to complete the Riddles: :D

I've been reading the weblogs on my site to see what you all been guessing. Many times I've had a good chuckle from the answers but at the same time it's interesting to see how your train of thought gets you to the next level. BTW - there are no foul words in the riddles - I'm sure your mothers will not approve of that kind of language. :D

 

For those of you that reached the last riddle - there are no more. Don't waste your time looking for something that is not there (I've seen you). Follow the instructions - all the hints are there and you need to put the clues together to figure out the puzzle. Once you do I'm sure you understand why I made the puzzle the way it is. I'll post more hint's on the final page as necessary.

 

It's been my impression that the riddles is the favorite(?) 5 star difficulty puzzle.

 

Here's a genral hint for completing some of the other puzzles. :D

If you fell for my "traps" in the riddles you realize that I was able to dupe you B) even though the answer was right in front of you - i.e. I was able to make you look for something else. Yes, you will encounter more. :)

 

:D PB

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:D Here we go... B)

 

I spent the last two months setting this up to get it out before the end of the year, foregoing several social and caching opportunities (read: did not cache at all), among was a trip to ABDSP. With the recent changes in caching policy for the park it's possible that I'm not going there at all. :P

 

My point is, everybody's got an equal amount of time - it's just what you decide to do with it.

 

As for hints, a two week moratorium is not a long time, or is it? :)

 

Here's some general info to complete the Riddles: :)

I've been reading the weblogs on my site to see what you all been guessing. Many times I've had a good chuckle from the answers but at the same time it's interesting to see how your train of thought gets you to the next level. BTW - there are no foul words in the riddles - I'm sure your mothers will not approve of that kind of language. B)

 

For those of you that reached the last riddle - there are no more. Don't waste your time looking for something that is not there (I've seen you). Follow the instructions - all the hints are there and you need to put the clues together to figure out the puzzle. Once you do I'm sure you understand why I made the puzzle the way it is. I'll post more hint's on the final page as necessary.

 

It's been my impression that the riddles is the favorite(?) 5 star difficulty puzzle.

 

Here's a genral hint for completing some of the other puzzles. :D

If you fell for my "traps" in the riddles you realize that I was able to dupe you :D even though the answer was right in front of you - i.e. I was able to make you look for something else. Yes, you will encounter more. :D

 

:D PB

 

 

 

:D You actually SAW what I guessed? Oh no...I'm in BIG trouble. You are funny.....I haven't looked at all the puzzles long enough to deserve more than the hints I've gotten from the other Puzzle experts...but this riddle one is kicking my butt..and my co-worker...and whatever engineer walking by that I can stop....

 

 

I will give you lots of credit for putting all these together. They were definitley a lot of work. Good Job PB! :D

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New stats and this is getting really exciting. There are two new virtual finders that are joining the race and HiDude_98 is FTS on Teco #11. I want to extend my welcome to both HiDude_98 and ZSandmann. Maybe we can get some more virtual finders, who knows...

 

Currently LLOT is still in the lead with 11 finds and TT is trailing with 10 virtuals. Again, devhead is nibbling at their heels with 9 caches - it's a close race. Only 8 puzzles left to solve and 9 to find.

 

Stats by Cache

 

Found:

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #8 - Dominoes

Teco #9 - Birthdays

Teco #10 - Origami

Teco #15 - Tic-Tac-Toe

Teco #17 - Cubik's Rube

 

Solved but not found:

Teco #11 - ???

 

Unsolved:

Teco #7 - Ranking

Teco #12 - Acronyms

Teco #13 - Stuck!

Teco #14 - 10 Miles

Teco #16 - Numbers

Teco #18 - Memories

Teco #19 - Riddles

Teco #20 - Finale!

 

---------------------------------------------

 

Stats by Cacher

 

lulu499

Teco #1 - Warm-Up (FTF)

 

mmcgr

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

 

devhead

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #8 - Dominoes

Teco #9 - Birthdays (Co-FTF)

Teco #15 - Tic-Tac-Toe (Co-FTF)

 

The Dillon Gang

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #8 - Dominoes

Teco #9 - Birthdays (Co-FTF)

 

Unknown_2_You

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

 

Beta Eagle 1

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi (FTF)

Teco #3 - Odd! (FTF)

Teco #5 - Say what?!? (FTF)

 

QDman

Teco #4 - The Wave (FTF)

 

PQGeoTrekkers

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers (FTF)

 

cache_kid

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #15 - Tic-Tac-Toe (Co-FTF)

 

Duncan!

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

 

Let's Look Over Thayer

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #8 - Dominoes (FTF)

Teco #9 - Birthdays

Teoc #10 - Origami (FTF)

Teco #15 - Tic-Tac-Toe

Teco #17 - Cubik's Rube (FTF)

 

Thunder-4

Teco #9 - Birthdays (Co-FTF)

 

trapperjre

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

 

rjbloom & co

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

 

----------------------------------------------------

 

Virtual Finds

 

This is for cachers that cannot get to the physical cache (out-of-town etc.) but like to solve puzzles. Just send me an e-mail with the correctly solved coordinates and you get a virtual find. Consider it an "honorary" find and you can get FTS.

 

TucsonThompsen

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #8 - Dominoes

Teco #9 - Birthdays (FTS)

Teco #10 - Origami (FTS)

Teco #15 - Tic-Tac-Toe

 

ZSandmann

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

 

HiDude_98

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #11 - ??? (FTS)

Edited by ThePolarBear
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I can understand not giving hints on the solved puzzles until later. Looking forward to them. I've basically given up on a few of them. But often when I did a puzzle out I think of something new, so you never know.

 

I can't believe you didn't give coordinates at the end of the riddles. All that work and people get stuck. It makes me not want to try to solve the rest of the riddles! I hope the TV one is worth it when I figure it out. The clock one was worth it.

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I can understand not giving hints on the solved puzzles until later. Looking forward to them. I've basically given up on a few of them. But often when I did a puzzle out I think of something new, so you never know.

 

I can't believe you didn't give coordinates at the end of the riddles. All that work and people get stuck. It makes me not want to try to solve the rest of the riddles! I hope the TV one is worth it when I figure it out. The clock one was worth it.

 

Ron, read post #26 - it should be helpful! ;)

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New stats: HiDude_98 is closing in with 8 virtuals - way to go!

 

Stats by Cache

 

Found:

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #8 - Dominoes

Teco #9 - Birthdays

Teco #10 - Origami

Teco #15 - Tic-Tac-Toe

Teco #17 - Cubik's Rube

 

Solved but not found:

Teco #11 - ???

 

Unsolved:

Teco #7 - Ranking

Teco #12 - Acronyms

Teco #13 - Stuck!

Teco #14 - 10 Miles

Teco #16 - Numbers

Teco #18 - Memories

Teco #19 - Riddles

Teco #20 - Finale!

 

---------------------------------------------

 

Stats by Cacher

 

lulu499

Teco #1 - Warm-Up (FTF)

 

mmcgr

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

 

devhead

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #8 - Dominoes

Teco #9 - Birthdays (Co-FTF)

Teco #15 - Tic-Tac-Toe (Co-FTF)

 

The Dillon Gang

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #8 - Dominoes

Teco #9 - Birthdays (Co-FTF)

 

Unknown_2_You

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

 

Beta Eagle 1

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi (FTF)

Teco #3 - Odd! (FTF)

Teco #5 - Say what?!? (FTF)

 

QDman

Teco #4 - The Wave (FTF)

 

PQGeoTrekkers

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers (FTF)

 

cache_kid

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #15 - Tic-Tac-Toe (Co-FTF)

 

Duncan!

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

 

Let's Look Over Thayer

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #8 - Dominoes (FTF)

Teco #9 - Birthdays

Teoc #10 - Origami (FTF)

Teco #15 - Tic-Tac-Toe

Teco #17 - Cubik's Rube (FTF)

 

Thunder-4

Teco #9 - Birthdays (Co-FTF)

 

trapperjre

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

 

rjbloom & co

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

 

jklotch

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

 

----------------------------------------------------

 

Virtual Finds

 

This is for cachers that cannot get to the physical cache (out-of-town etc.) but like to solve puzzles. Just send me an e-mail with the correctly solved coordinates and you get a virtual find. Consider it an "honorary" find and you can get FTS.

 

TucsonThompsen

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #8 - Dominoes

Teco #9 - Birthdays (FTS)

Teco #10 - Origami (FTS)

Teco #15 - Tic-Tac-Toe

 

ZSandmann

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

 

HiDude_98

Teco #1 - Warm-Up

Teco #2 - Sci-Fi

Teco #3 - Odd!

Teco #4 - The Wave

Teco #5 - Say what?!?

Teco #6 - Brain Teasers

Teco #10 - Origami

Teco #11 - ??? (FTS)

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I received a humble request from a frustrated puzzle solver if I could post some additional info on the remaining unsolved puzzles. Specifically which of the unsolved puzzles requires solving only for the last 3 digits for North and West. Well, since it's not a hint per se, I think I can be of service - however, I'm posting it in the forums only for now.

 

Teco #12 - Acronyms

Teco #13 - Stuck!

Teco #18 - Memories

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