Learning how to do Puzzle caches

[+prospectb2b]

Ok, I've been doing this for a couple of months now and am ready to try and do some of the harder caches. I use the iPhone app. I have no idea how to do the puzzle caches...UGH! If the description says "cache is not at the above coordinates" and then gives some clues on how to figure the coordinates which usually is just a group of numbers, how do I then get to those coordinates using my app?? I have several caches near me that have great reviews and I can't seem to figure any of them out. If it helps, I'm in Hanover, PA USA

[+TeamRabbitRun]

The "Apps" don't solve the puzzles for you. Their purpose is to show you cache listings and let you log them.

 

Anything that exists within a cache page's 'descriptive text' is all you, baby!

 

To get started, search for NiraD's posted entries in these forums - he's written lots about how to get started with puzzles, how to approach them and how to learn to love the @$^%$$#*&^% things!

 

Good luck and welcome to a GREAT part of the GC game.

[+prospectb2b]

The "Apps" don't solve the puzzles for you. Their purpose is to show you cache listings and let you log them.

 

Anything that exists within a cache page's 'descriptive text' is all you, baby!

 

To get started, search for NiraD's posted entries in these forums - he's written lots about how to get started with puzzles, how to approach them and how to learn to love the @$^%$$#*&^% things!

 

Good luck and welcome to a GREAT part of the GC game.

 

Thanks! I know the apps don't solve the puzzle. What I'm trying to figure out is the decryption code where the alphabet letters are over top of each other. What does that mean and how does it work? I'm trying to figure out the right coordinates based on the hints, logs and description in the cache. In particular, I'm working on Blackberries and Walnuts in the Hanover, PA area. Based on the name, I have an idea what area it's in but need the cords to close in.

[Pup Patrol]

Ok, I've been doing this for a couple of months now and am ready to try and do some of the harder caches. I use the iPhone app. I have no idea how to do the puzzle caches...UGH! If the description says "cache is not at the above coordinates" and then gives some clues on how to figure the coordinates which usually is just a group of numbers, how do I then get to those coordinates using my app?? I have several caches near me that have great reviews and I can't seem to figure any of them out. If it helps, I'm in Hanover, PA USA

 

niraD's standard post about puzzle caches is in this recent thread:

 

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=326584

 

As for putting the corrected coordinates in your iPhone app, check out the Help Center articles. You're looking for information on how to input "Additional Waypoints".

 

Which app? The free, intro app or the paid "Pro" app? I'm not sure you can create additional waypoints with the iPhone Intro App.

 

Apps

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.book&id=12

 

Geocaching with iPhone

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=25

 

1.9. How do I create an Additional Waypoint on the iPhone app?

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=416

 

2. Geocaching with iPhone Intro

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=102

 

 

B.

Edited October 8, 2014 by Pup Patrol

[+TeamRabbitRun]

<...>What I'm trying to figure out is the decryption code where the alphabet letters are over top of each other. What does that mean and how does it work?<...>

 

Well, that's different. The over/under decryption thing is NOT part of any puzzle - that's for encrypting an extra 'hint' that a Cache Owner can put on every cache page. Easy enough to solve in the field if the seeker doesn't want a hint until they get into trouble.

 

Could be something like:

"Look under the rock"

 

which would appear as:

"Ybbx haqre gur ebpx"

 

You swap each letter for the one that appears above or below it. It's called the "Rotation-13" or "Rot-13" encryption. Numerals and punctuation don't get replaced. Any letters appearing in brackets ([]) don't get replaced, either.

 

As I said, that's on every cache. Any puzzle you have to solve to get coordinates is a separate, additional 'gift' from the CO.

[+prospectb2b]

Thanks for the info but I am just not getting it. I have the paid for app and I am a premium member so I have all the bells and whistles that I know of. I have read all the puzzle solving stuff but none of the "decoder" information is giving me the right coords so I must not be doing it right. I still can't find anything that explains the alphabet, half over half under, with the message that over equals under and vice versa, what that means. The name of the cash gives me a good clue but since it's a micro, I need the right coords. UGH!! getting frustrated.

[+prospectb2b]

<...>What I'm trying to figure out is the decryption code where the alphabet letters are over top of each other. What does that mean and how does it work?<...>

 

Well, that's different. The over/under decryption thing is NOT part of any puzzle - that's for encrypting an extra 'hint' that a Cache Owner can put on every cache page. Easy enough to solve in the field if the seeker doesn't want a hint until they get into trouble.

 

Could be something like:

"Look under the rock"

 

which would appear as:

"Ybbx haqre gur ebpx"

 

You swap each letter for the one that appears above or below it. It's called the "Rotation-13" or "Rot-13" encryption. Numerals and punctuation don't get replaced. Any letters appearing in brackets ([]) don't get replaced, either.

 

As I said, that's on every cache. Any puzzle you have to solve to get coordinates is a separate, additional 'gift' from the CO.

[+Panther&Pine]

Thanks for the info but I am just not getting it. I have the paid for app and I am a premium member so I have all the bells and whistles that I know of. I have read all the puzzle solving stuff but none of the "decoder" information is giving me the right coords so I must not be doing it right. I still can't find anything that explains the alphabet, half over half under, with the message that over equals under and vice versa, what that means. The name of the cash gives me a good clue but since it's a micro, I need the right coords. UGH!! getting frustrated.

What GC code are you looking at?

While we won't help you solve the puzzle, that will give us a better idea of what sort of problem you're running into.

Rot13 is on all cache pages, it doesn't generally hide the cache cords but instead hides a hint.

[+prospectb2b]

Ok, I get that now and I do know the hint which pretty much makes me think that I have the area right based on the cache name. The CO says the actual coords are N 39 DO.OZR W 076 DX.ECX I have tried several of the code finders and none of them are coming out right.

[+prospectb2b]

In the description the CO gives the actual coordinates as what I posted above. I tried using the phone pad decipher method but when I use the online check it says that I don't have the right ocords.

[+prospectb2b]

I'm going to go to the area I believe to be right and start looking. It just seems to be a highly muggled place.

[+Panther&Pine]

Ok, I get that now and I do know the hint which pretty much makes me think that I have the area right based on the cache name. The CO says the actual coords are N 39 DO.OZR W 076 DX.ECX I have tried several of the code finders and none of them are coming out right.

I see two caches in the Pennsylvania with Blackberries in the title- both traditionals, and none with Walnuts in the title.

 

Never mind I found it.

http://coord.info/GC5AMWH

Edited October 8, 2014 by Panther&Pine

[+TriciaG]

http://coord.info/GC5AMWH

 

This is a difficulty 3.5 - so it's not supposed to be easy to solve.

 

But, that said, this seems to be a big hint:

 

"You can text yourself the actual location for this cache."

 

Use your phone keypad and see if that gets you anywhere.

 

EDIT: The description also says that all the info you need is in the cache title. Work with that a bit somehow.

Edited October 8, 2014 by TriciaG

[+TeamRabbitRun]

Yes, this is a 'difficulty 3.5' - which is not a 'beginner' puzzle.

 

Once you 'get' how to read these, it'll be easier.

 

READ it, hint and all. It IS solvable - I just did it.

 

Experience, experience, experience.

 

Don't get frustrated! If you can't get it, you can always ask the CO for an additional hint.

 

One final note - READ IT! You've made an error in what you've posted that will absolutely stop you - but it's not obvious!!!

Edited October 8, 2014 by TeamRabbitRun

[cezanne]

Ok, I get that now and I do know the hint

 

The hint is not telling you what to search for at the coordinates.

You should not continue to discuss about a specific puzzle cache in this forum as it ruins the cache.

Edited October 8, 2014 by cezanne

[+TriciaG]

Do what I do: unless they are straightforward and easy to solve, I ignore the puzzle caches.

[+WarNinjas]

Not sure about this one but most I have to go to a computer to solve if I can solve it at all. Most I can't solve from my phone.