Comlara’s 5 Shot Challenge Multi-Cache
Comlara’s 5 Shot Challenge
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This is a multi-cache with missing information in the first cache leading to the next. You will also need information provided below in addition to some quick internet research. The trail used is a grassy mowed path. Cache sizes vary from medium to a large ammo box. There are a variety of "goodies" in the last cache as well as the only log book for this course. Estimated time is around 30 minutes 1 hour after you park your car. This multicache is originally set up by GYOI for Comlara Park.
10/17/2015 Updated: GYOI performed maintenance on the cache containers. The series has been simplified by removing questions that was needed to figuring out the next cache in the 5 cache series.
GENERAL NOTES FROM STAFF AT COMLARA PARK:
All caches must be filed and approved through the Evergreen Lake/Comlara Park Visitors Center located near the entrance. Stop in or call (309) 726-2022, ext.-221 for more information. For more information about the park: : (visit link)
PARKING:
You can park in a gravel parking lot located across the road from the Visitor’s Center. Coordinates are just South of the starting point at 40 38.569N & 89 01.853W.
CAUTION:
You could experience heavy muggle “traffic” near a couple of them depending on what’s going on at the park. Though hidden fairly well, you’ll need to be aware of someone passing nearby with not much warning. Also please make sure you note exactly how the cache is placed, so you can put it back 100% the way you found it.
BACKGROUND:
This multi cache course was originally created to be used as part GPS class hosted by McLean County Parks and Recreation. The class was a combination of basics to intermediate levels that included field use that utilized different concepts and features of a GPS. There are several other caches located all around Evergreen Lake, but this course was created to be near where the class was held. This class was put together by instructors Jim and Steve (GYOI).
“COMLARA'S 5 SHOT CHALLENGE”:
There are 5 caches to this multi cache at Comlara Park. The names of these caches represent the parts of a gun. The GPS tracks created by walking the trail to each cache location should outline the shape of an old fashioned hand gun. Since each cache is less the 25 feet off the trail, I’d recommend waiting close to needing a 90 deg turn off the trail. The second through fifth cache has missing information that you’ll need from the previous cache. All that's in the first 4 caches is a laminated sheet of information to the next cache and the note about Geocaching. You will also need apply the answers from a little research on Comlara Park.
Two of the Five Are Offset Caches:
For the last two of this series you'll need to make sure you understand the difference between bearing and heading. For these two, keep the previous waypoint coordinates as the Goto and go a distance given towards the next from the previous cache coordinates. When working a given bearing to the next cache, make sure you realize that your GPS will be giving you a bearing back to the previous cache that will be a difference of 180 degrees. Some have liked having a magnetic compass to compare with the GPS compare. Some GPS units have the ability to enter in a bearing and distance from a current location to calculate the coordinates of the offset cache.
The coordinate information provided below is in the following order: Cache Order; Cache Name; Latitude; Longitude; Bearing To Next Cache; Feet to Next Cache.
1; “Grip”; N40°38.611'; W89°01.835'; not needed; not needed
2; ”Trigger”; N40°38.645'; provided with previous cache; not needed; not needed
3; “Muzzle”; provided with previous cache; W89°01.769'; SSW 187 deg.; provided in this cache box
4; “Cylinder”; provided in this cache box; provided in this cache box; provided in this cache box; 330ft
5; “Hammer”; not needed; not needed; not needed; not needed
Note: Corrections to the missing information will be in the fine print at the bottom of each slip. You may want to bring paper and pencil to do very simple math.
HOW TRACKS CAN MOST LOOK LIKE A HAND GUN:
First clear your tracks once you find Grip. Set your tracks to increments of .01 miles. You must get on and off the trail very close to the same spot for the track image to complete a good shape. Finally walk the trail back to Grip. From the GPS map screen you should see the trace of a hand gun. See how close your tracks look.
LAST TWO CACHES ARE OFFSET CACHES:
You will not be given the coordinates to find Cylinder & Hammer. You will be given a Bearing and Distance TO the next cache based on the previous coordinates like Muzzle. The best way to accomplish this is to pretend you're trying to find say Muzzle and determine what the Bearing to Muzzle would be if you were out the distance stated. Hmmm!!!! How do you calculate a Bearing to Muzzle when you’re given the Bearing to Cylinder. Well simple math of adding or subtracting 180 degrees will do the trick. OK create that image in your head or draw on paper and think about it and it will make sense. Remember the heading and bearing must be the same degrees as you approach the waypoint entered in the GPS. This will exercise your good understanding of heading, bearing, and distance.
ESTIMATED TIME:
If you have done your "homework" and well understand heading, bearing, & distance reading on your GPS. This can take 30 to 60 minutes to complete. This is an excellent cache series to elevate you skills with your GPS.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gur cnegf bs gur tha ner irel eryngvir gb gur ybpngvba bs gur genvy bhgyvarq ol gur TCF genpxf.