BUT WAIT!
Before searching for the cache, you must first complete:
The Challenge to find the "Top 10" Caches with
the Most Favorite Points on Cape Cod & The Islands!
Which caches are the "Top 10"?
You will need to run a special Pocket Query to determine the most highly Favorited caches on the Cape & Islands. Here's how to set it up. (If you're not a Premium Member, skip ahead to the next section.)
1) Create a New Query and name it something like "Cape Cod Caches"
2) Change the default setting to Show me "1000" caches
3) Scroll down to From Origin, select the By Coordinates button, and enter N40° 49.500 W069° 11.500
4) Just below that, be sure you're searching Within a Radius of "100 miles"
An arc around this point in the ocean covers Provincetown to the Canal and Cuttyhunk to Nantucket. When you run the Query, it should return roughly 850 caches. Finally, click on the Blue Heart icon, and there's your "Top 10" List. Cape Cod's oldest cache GC4E8 - Dune should be #1.
Your "Top 10" List
Now you get to go find the most fabulous caches on the Cape! The "Top 10" includes such classics as GCG2TA - Wood End and GCZDAZ - Doane Rock. We're excited about this Challenge because we love Earthcaches, Virtuals and Webcams!
As of the date of publication, 6 geocachers have already logged all 10 of the current top caches, and 7 others need just one more to qualify.
Your Official "Top 10" List will be the eligible caches on the day you complete the Challenge.
Cachers who aren't Premium Members can use this Bookmark List as a guide, but don't rely on it for accuracy. When you're close to finishing, email me through my profile (or another Premium Member) and I'll run an up-to-date query for you.
Please post your List with your "Found It" log, so we can watch the "Top 10" change over time. Older caches do get archived, and newer ones can quickly become popular (today's #5 cache is less than 2 years old!)
Adjustments to Your List
Check the geography: The Cape Cod Canal isn't a straight line, thus the Pocket Query will pick up a few caches on the far side. Luckily for you, you can ignore any off-Cape caches (like Pezhead's ridiculously-difficult-but-highly-rated GC1MRRV - Ultimate Nightmare Cache !!) However, should an Island cache rise into the "Top 10", you will have to get in a boat and go find it.
A tie for #10: The lowest spots on the list are the most likely to change as more Favorite Points accumulate. In case of a tie for #10 among caches with the same number of Favorite Points, choose whichever one you prefer. But bear in mind, if the rankings change before you post your "Found It" log, you'll have to adjust accordingly. Perhaps you'll want to find #11 and #12 for insurance. These are still highly Favorited caches and you won't regret the extra effort!
Disabled cache in the "Top 10": If you've already found the Disabled cache, include it on your list. If you haven't yet found it, skip it for now, and add the next (#11) cache. However, if the cache is re-enabled before you log your "Found It" for this Challenge, you will have to include it. Any cache archived before the date of your log cannot be used.
Premium Member-only caches: If you're a Premium Member, you must include any PM-only caches. You're excused if you're not a Premium Member, but you'll have to find the next cache on the list to make up 10.
If you own one of the "Top 10" caches: Congratulations! But you can't count it for this Challenge. Add the next one on the list to total 10.
Additional Notes
- You will have to bushwhack a bit, so be prepared for the usual Cape Cod woodland hazards: ticks, thorns, poison ivy, and possibly coyotes after dark. The hide should stay winter-friendly unless there's excessive snow.
- Parking is available until dusk at the North Lot and Trailhead located at N41° 37.236 W070° 28.714. If you choose to brave the dark woods (as I did when I placed this cache) you can park off Quinaquisset Ave at N41° 37.270 W070° 28.716, then walk a short way along the dirt road under the power lines until you reach the steps going up to the Trailhead.
- This cache was placed with permission of the Mashpee Conservation Commission. Be advised that mountain biking is allowed on the trails east of the river, but not on the western side (on Trustees of Reservations land).
- Trail maps are sometimes available at the Trailhead, but if not, here's the relevant portion:
- To make this Challenge easier for short-term visitors, pre-logging is allowed if you happen to be in the area of Mashpee Commons. But remember, the List is subject to change until the day you complete the Challenge. Don't post your "Found It" log until you've met ALL the requirements, or I'll have to delete it
.
- This Challenge Cache is all about the Cape & Islands! Please stick to the theme when trading. Initial swag is kid-friendly if they can handle ~1 mile hike on rolling trails with some bushwhacking.