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The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Mystery Cache

This cache has been archived.

BriGuyNY: I attempted to make contact with the property manager in an effort to collaborate on a replacement that was both fun and respectful of the surroundings, but instead of working with me to accommodate both of our interests, they doubled down by saying once again that geocaches are not allowed in the cemetery, plus a statement that geocachers are 'vandalizing' and 'desecrating' a sacred burial ground.

I have been geocaching for over 10 years now, and I know for a fact that nearly every geocacher I've ever met is extremely respectful to all cemeteries, especially this one. This is also why I attempted to resolve the issue by working with the property manager, but since they decided to stand their ground, I had to venture outside the cemetery in hopes of finding a suitable location worthy of this highly-favorited hide.

Unfortunately, I scouted the surrounding area for any sort of location that would fit a non-micro while also being concealed from the general public, and not on private property. This is not easy at such a high-profile intersection with a museum and residences nearby. After walking around for quite a while I was ultimately not able to find anything that would work for what I wanted to achieve here.

My goal was to get this up and running so that people could enjoy it while leading up to Halloween, since the coming season is truly this town's best. While I wish I could keep this cache up and running forever so that others could visit and enjoy its history, it is time to say farewell. The headless horseman has officially ran me out of town, launching a rotten pumpkin in my general direction.

My apologies to all who were not able to experience this fun example of a history tour. After solving the story-themed clues, you'd start your physical journey at a very impressive sculpture of the iconic headless horseman scene. From there, you walk north across the very same bridge that the story depicts, and up to the church where historic plaques and signs tell you the final answers to the cache container. It was originally hidden not far from the church door, up along the rock wall in a place where no stone had to be moved. From there is was relocated further up around the cemetery roads, in an old tree stump.

Thanks to everyone who enjoyed and favorited this cache. It really means a lot that I was able to create such an experience for others, both locals and tourists alike. Despite this cache now being a part of the archive underworld, its legendary spirit will live on forever as being one of my all-time favorite hides. RIP Geoffrey Crayon!

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Hidden : 2/15/2011
Difficulty:
3 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:


The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Written by me, Geoffrey Crayon
Published in my 1820 Sketch Book

Poor Ichabod Crane the school teacher, falling in love with a rich farmer's daughter Katrina Van Tassel, getting into a skirmish with the town rowdy Abraham "Brom Bones" Van Brunt, and eventually chased out of town by the Headless Horseman, never to be seen again beyond the bridge over the Pocantico River right here in Sleepy Hollow.

Can you solve the mystery of what really happened on that fateful night?

To begin, some online research may be required, unless you know my short story. The North coordinate relates to the fiction while the West coordinate relates to the opposite. When you arrive in town, park near the I.P. Here you will see one awesome sculpture depicting my famous scene. Now where did that Ichabod Crane run off to? Figure out the clues using nearby signage and see if you can locate my final stash!

N 41* 05.ABC
W073* 51.DEF

A = My friend John Quidor is quite the artist! He painted a beautiful picture of the pursuit in what decade of the 19th Century?

B = No way is this the Hessian Ghost's first rodeo... or is it? Before that fateful pumpkin-flinging night, how many other victims did he have?

C = When arriving at the nearby bridge, the Headless Horseman is said to have vanished in a flash of fire and ____..... How many letters are in this word?

D = The Old Dutch Church has undergone alterations as well as restorations since it was first built. What is the last digit of the Old Dutch Church's "Alterations" year?

E = Frederick Philipse was the __ Lord of the Dutch Manor, making his successor the __ Lord of the Manor. What is that successor's number?

F = The Old Dutch Church is the 15th oldest building in New York State! It was originally built in the 17th Century, during what year of the 9th decade?

Once you have solved for the prerequisite information, you are now ready to find my final handwritten work. Good luck in your search, and please show consideration while pondering where the final is located, taking special care not to tear up your surroundings, and return everything as you find it. When you enter the cemetery, say hello to my gravesite if you like! That's right, I can even compose geocache descriptions from the underworld. Told you I was a great writer!

If your coordinates are based solely using online research, they are probably wrong, so here is a checksum for the North (ABC) before you leave home: 14.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Abegu: fbyir bayvar Jrfg: fbyir va gur svryq Pnpur: rirelguvat va gur svryq vf nobhg gur fnzr urvtug bss gur tebhaq

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)