Winter Caching Games #10 Event Cache

Winter is here, and that means another Winter Caching Games!  

Congratulations to everyone! Extra congrats to the 3 Top Prize Winners:
Highest Score: Team TD&QB with +206.5pts
Lowest Score: Geo_GRB with -242.5pts
Closest to Average (103.3pts): pilot172 with 106pts

Couple secondary prizes were also awarded:
Hermit Cache (visiting the Loneliest Cache) went to deadmansangel, finding GC1AJEX 1166 days after it's previous find
The Winners of the Texas Teamup went to hurleyanne and deadmansangel, with a difference of 787m in elevation!
Well done everyone!!

The date on this event is for the windup, location is still TBD and will be announced prior to the conclusion of the Games.  The windup is currently scheduled to start March 4 at 3:30pm, wrap up by about 5:30pm.  Date and time will also be confirmed prior to the conclusion of the Games.

This is my second year running the Games.  The basic idea of the Games is the same as last year, but some of the details have changed.  Please be aware of the additional Bonuses and Challenge at the bottom of the cache page.

The Winter Caching Games is a fun competition to get you out of the house during the (sometimes) chilly days of winter.  Designed for all Saskatchewan cachers, the objective is to complete any twenty (20) Tasks during the 3 months that the game runs.  

Please note that this is not a race.  Tasks have higher or lower points assigned to them.  Read the Task requirements carefully and choose wisely.  You are seeking points, not completing the Games first; although there may be danger in waiting too long.  Even if you don’t get one of the high scores, a strategic approach may still result in a prize.

In order to claim a smiley for this event, you must either: 1) Complete 20 Tasks, 2) Attend the wind up event, or 3) Both.

To qualify, the cacher and all caches are limited to those located in Saskatchewan.  If you are one of the prize winners, I will make every effort to accommodate pickup/delivery; however it is ultimately your responsibility to collect your prize.

If you have questions about whether a cache is acceptable for a Task, please contact me via Geocaching Messages or email.  I will do my best to be prompt with replies, but I make no guarantee of speediness (depending on time of day and/or work schedule).  Lateral or creative thinking is encouraged for the Games, so I will make every effort to accept sideways logic. 

If I require further clarification of any claimed Tasks, I will be contacting you either via the Geocaching Messages or email.  Failure to reply within a reasonable timeframe may result in your Task being removed from the scoreboard.  I will not do this lightly, but it may happen

If I am unavailable for an extended period of time, I will post an announcement with contact info of whomever will be covering during my absence.

Rules

Short Version

• ​Claim 20 Tasks during the Games (December 10/17 to February 28/18). 
• Using the “Write Note” feature on this cache page, report your claims with  Task Number, Task Name, Qualifying GC Code(s), Date(s) Found, Points, Scoring Information (ie Math required in calculating score), and any Task specific information (ie Photos, Caching Names, etc) within 7 days of fulfilling.  Please the Full Rules for an example of the desired format, to aid in my facilitation of the Games. 
  • If the task is a multi-day task, it must be claimed within 7 days of fulfilling the last requirement, and prior to the conclusion of the Games.
    • All claim dates will be based off when I receive the Notification email.  Unless there is a technical difficulties with www.geocaching.com, this will be used to determine if there is too long a delay in claiming, etc.  Backdating Notes is not allowed for Task Claiming

• Some Tasks have an outright points value stated, while others are dependent on the cache found.  Claimed point values must be stated on the Note, and cannot be edited.
• Watch for Bonuses.
• Photos are encouraged.  If required, it will be stated in the Task requirement.
• New to WCG10 - To be eligible for top prizes, you must have a minimum of 2 Tasks claimed in each of the Game months - 2 in December, 2 in January, 2 in February: the other 14 can be claimed whenever you wish
  • Therefore, do not claim 17 Tasks in December, or you will not qualify for top prizes
  • This will not exclude your points being used in determining the Most Average Score

• Clarification for WCG10 - You can be finished all your Tasks, and still claim the Bonuses and Challenges.

1. Game runs from 12:00am Sunday, December 10th, 2017 through to 11:59pm Wednesday, February 28th, 2018.
2. Register in this thread via a 'Write Note' to let me know you're playing.  This will also help determine where the wrap up event is held, as the venue will likely depend on crowd size.
   • There is no 'deadline' for registration, but please see Rule 16 for prize eligibility.
3. Fulfill any 20 of the Tasks listed below after the start of the game.  To complete the Game, exactly 20 Tasks must be logged. 
   • Fun note: If you really want to, you can log all Tasks; however only the first 20 will count towards your points. 
4. Caches you claim for the game must be logged on www.geocaching.com during the time frame of the game.  No previous or late finds will be allowed.
5. Tasks must be claimed within 7 days of finding the cache and before the conclusion of the game.   Post your claims as Notes on this event page; all points will be taken as POSITIVE, unless otherwise stated by the participant in their claim note.  Task Claims must include the following information: Task Number, Task Name, Qualifying GC Code(s), Date(s) Found, Points, Scoring Information (ie Math required in calculating score), and any Task specific information (ie Photos, Caching Names, etc).  To assist in my facilitation of the event, please follow the below format example when submitting your Task.  
   • Format Example: Task 36, Cache with a Muggle, GCxxxxx, found on December 23/17, 2 points (*attached photo*)
   • Exception 5.1 - Any Task that contains multiple components must be claimed within 7 days of meeting the final requirement, and prior to the conclusion of the Games.  Examples: Spelling Tasks, Ten for Ten, Organized Chaos, etc.
6. Caches found as part of these games must be published before the start of the game on December 10th, 2017.
   • Exception 6.1 - Events are excluded from this rule.
   • Dec 29 Edit: The Challenge is exempt from this rule.
   • Any Task that requires new cache(s) to be placed (physical or event) does not fall under this rule.
7. Tasks that require caches to be hidden must be published prior to 11:59pm February 28th, 2018.  Please plan accordingly, and do not leave this to the last minute.  By placing a geocache as part of these Games, you agree to follow all the guidelines set out by www.geocaching.com in owning a geocache.
8. Each Task must be claimed on a cache previously unfound by you.
9. Each Task must be claimed against a different cache, unless the requirement states otherwise.
   • Exception 9.1: the Challenge can be claimed on the same cache as a Task
10. Tasks, Bonuses, and Challenges can only be claimed once per geocaching login (single person or team of cachers).  Multiple claims against the same Task, Bonus, and/or Challenge by the same geocaching login will be rejected. 
    • Exception 10.1: If the first claim of this Task was rejected, it can be attempted again. 
11. Once Tasks, Bonuses, and Challenges are claimed, you may not substitute another.
12. Points vary by Task, Bonus, and Challenge; these are clearly defined below.  Some give participants a choice in point value, therefore you must clearly state the point value (including stating if negative is desired) when you are claiming the Task. Once claimed, your point values cannot be changed.
13. There will be multiple prizes for the players who complete the games.  All will be awarded to players who have completed 20 Tasks.  Prizes will be for Highest, Lowest, and Closest to Average.  Other prizes will likely be available, and I will update as information is available.
    • In the event of a tie score, the tie goes to the cacher who completed the Games earlier. 
14. No "arm chair" caching is permitted.  You can only use caches that you found, signed the log (in the case of a physical type cache), and logged on www.geocaching.com on the same day (or within reason).  Claiming a cache that you found months ago and just got around to logging is not permitted in the Games.  
15. Multi-player teams will be more than 1 person using the same geocaching login.  All members of multi-person teams must meet the qualification of the Task, and must be present when claiming the cache.  It is likely OK if the other member(s) of your team are in the vehicle (except in the case of Task #28).  However, if one member of your team is in a different country or is “home with the kids”, and others are claiming caches for this game, then that is not allowed.  This rule applies to all Tasks, Bonuses, and Challenge.
    • Spouses, etc., that occasionally cache with the primary cacher are exempt from this rule. However, these individuals (let's call them Squibs for the JK Rowling fans out there!) will not be considered Muggles either. If there is any confusion, please let me know.
16. New for WCG10: To be eligible for prizes, you must have a minimum of 2 Tasks completed in each of the Game months - 2 in December, 2 in January, 2 in February: the other 14 can be found whenever you wish.  Therefore, do not complete 17 Tasks in December, or you will not qualify for top prizes! 
    • This will not exclude your points being used in determining the Most Average Score.
    • This will not exclude you from all prizes, but you will not be eligible for Highest or Lowest Points or Most Average
17. You can finish all your Tasks, and still claim the Bonuses and Challenges.
18. New Tasks may be added to the list as the game goes on.
19. I, SmokinDeni, will administer the game and my decisions are final. I reserve the right to provide clarifications to the rules at any point during the game. 
    • If I am unavailable for an extended period of time, I will post an announcement with contact info of whomever will be covering during my absence.
20. The best rule for last: Have fun!

     

    Tasks

    Tasks may only be claimed once per participating geocaching login (single player, or multi-player team).

    1. Host an Event: 4 points - your choice of positive or negative

    • Your event must be listed on www.geocaching.com, and must be published before the Games end.  Your event can take place after the Games ends.
    • Note: According to geocache guidelines, Event Caches should be submitted no less than two weeks before the date of the event, so please plan accordingly.  Also, please ensure you give adequate time for the cache reviewer to publish your hide.

     

    2. Go Forth and Multiply: 7 points - your choice of positive or negative

    • Hide any Multicache that has a minimum of 2 steps (posted coordinates and final location). 

     

    3. Go Big or Go Home: 5 points - your choice of positive or negative

    • Hide traditional cache that is minimum of Medium sized.  A medium container is described on Groundspeak as being “about the size of a shoebox.  Many of these geocaches are ammo cans.” 
    • Your geocache must be listed at www.geocaching.com, and must be published before the end of the Games.  Points cannot be claimed until the cache is published.  Please ensure you give adequate time for the cache reviewer to publish your hide.

     

    4. Make Things Mysterious: 10 points - your choice of positive or negative

    • Hide a minimum of 3 Mystery/Puzzle caches.  A Mystery/Puzzle cache is described on Groundspeak as being “a geocache where the listed coordinates are not where the cache is placed”.  This could require a puzzle to be solved, a beacon to be found, etc.  Challenge caches would also meet the requirements for this Task. 
    • Your geocaches must be listed at www.geocaching.com, and must be published before the end of the Games.  Points cannot be claimed until the caches are published.  Please ensure you give adequate time for the cache reviewer to publish your hides.

     

    5. Become Friendlier: 10 points - your choice of positive or negative

    • Hide a minimum of 3 caches with the attribute of “Available During Winter”.  These caches should be easily found regardless of quantity of snow present.
    • Your geocaches must be listed at www.geocaching.com, and must be published before the end of the Games.  Points cannot be claimed until the caches are published.  Please ensure you give adequate time for the cache reviewer to publish your hides.

     

    6. Push the Limit: 7 points - your choice of positive or negative

    • Hide a physical cache (any type) outside of any city limits. 
    • Your geocache must be listed at www.geocaching.com, and must be published before the end of the Games.  Points cannot be claimed until the cache is published.  Please ensure you give adequate time for the cache reviewer to publish your hide.

     

    7. All By Myself: 7 points - your choice of positive or negative

    • Hide a physical cache (any type) where the next closest physical cache coordinates are a minimum of 1 kilometer away. 
    • Your geocache must be listed at www.geocaching.com, and must be published before the end of the Games.  Points cannot be claimed until the cache is published.  Please ensure you give adequate time for the cache reviewer to publish your hide.

     

    8. Fibonacci Week: Calculation: (10 + Highest D + Highest T) - your choice of positive or negative

    • Find 33 caches in 7 consecutive days with the following pattern: 1-1-2-3-5-8-13.  This means that you have to find 1 cache on Day 1, 1 cache on Day 2, 2 caches on Day 3, 3 caches on Day 4, 5 caches on Day 5, 8 caches on Day 6, and 13 caches on Day 7.
    • All caches types qualify for this Task.
    • All Found Dates and GC Codes must be included in your Claim Note:
      • Day 1: Jan 7: GCxxxxx
    • You are allowed to find other caches during the Fibonacci Week, however you cannot use the same cache for multiple Tasks
      • Example: Day 1 you can find 8 caches, but you must have a cache that is designated as being used for the Fibonacci Week.  The other 7 can be used for other Tasks, assuming you meet the qualifications for each Task.
        • Clarification: You cannot complete other tasks that have a specific daily quantity (ie Task 12 - Dozen Find Day) during the Fibonacci Week, as Dozen Find Day must be exactly 12 finds on a single day, and you can't use the same caches for Fibonacci Week.
    • My recommendation: Start the week on Sunday or Monday, so that Day 7 falls on Saturday or Sunday.  This is not a requirement, but a friendly suggestion.

     

    9. Single CO Day: 7 Points - your choice of positive or negative

    • Find 5 caches from the same CO in a single day. 
    • These caches must have been originally placed by the CO.  The CO's caching name must be included in the Claim Note.
      • The same CO can be used in Task 10.  However, all caches must be different!

     

    10. Ten for Ten: 10 Points - your choice of positive or negative

    • Find 10 caches from the same CO, throughout the entirety of the Games.  Caches do not have to be found on the same day, however it is not a restriction.
    • These caches must have been originally placed by the CO.  The CO's caching name must be included in the Claim Note.
      • The same CO can be used in Task 9.  However, all caches must be different!

     

    11. Favourites are Forever: 5 Points - your choice of positive or negative

    • Find up to 3 caches in a single day where the Favourite Points have a combined total of at least 15 Favourite Points. 

     

    12. Dozen Finds Day: Calculation: (4 + Highest D + Highest T) - your choice of positive or negative

    • Find exactly 12 caches in a calendar day (midnight to midnight).
    • Take the highest Difficulty  and your highest Terrain from any cache found that day (there can be from the same OR different caches).

     

    13. Junior Spelling Bee: Calculation: (2 + Highest D + Highest T) - your choice of positive or negative

    • Find a total of 5 caches, using the first letter of the Cache Name to spell “SNOWY”.
    • Does not qualify: Caches that start with Numbers or Symbols/Special Characters; caches that starts with ‘The’.
    • You can take the entire Games to spell "SNOWY", but you must claim the Task within 7 days of finding the last required letter AND prior to the conclusion of the Games.  Please see Rule Exception 5.1.
    • Scoring Example: You find a 'Y' cache with a D/T of 3.0/4.0 and 'S','N','O', 'W' caches with D/T's of 1.5/1.5.  Scoring for this Task Claim would be 2+3.0+4.0 = 9.0

     

    14. Spelling Bee: Calculation: (5 + Highest D + Highest T) - your choice of positive or negative

    • Find a total of 9 caches, using the first letter of the Cache Name to spell “MISTLETOE”.
    • Does not qualify: Caches that start with Numbers or Symbols/Special Characters; caches that starts with ‘The’ (except to count as a T!).
    • You can take the entire Games to spell "MISTLETOE", but you must claim the Task within 7 days of finding the last required letter AND prior to the conclusion of the Games.  Please see Rule Exception 5.1.
    • You must find 2 caches that start with 'T' and 2 that start with 'E' to qualify for this task.
    • Scoring Example: You find a 'M' cache with a D/T of 1.5/4.0, an 'I' cache with a D/T of 3.5/2.0, and 'S','T','L','E','T','O','E' caches with D/T's of 1.5/1.5.  Scoring for this Task Claim would be 5+3.5+4.0 = 12.5

     

    15. National Day of ????: 5 Points - your choice of positive or negative

    • Select a "National Day of", and do your best interpretation of this day (with a photo), on the specified day, at the geocache of your choice.  Please use the following links to connect to the National Days for the Game Months:
      • https://nationaldaycalendar.com/december/
      • https://nationaldaycalendar.com/january/
      • https://nationaldaycalendar.com/february/
    • Each day is a different "National Day of", so be sure to note which day you are doing your Interpretation on.  And you must do your interpretation on that day.
      • A non-valid example (given the date used): December 1: National Eat a Red Apple Day.  On December 1st, go to a geocache and do your best interpretation of "Eating a Red Apple"
    • You can complete this as part of a team, but you must reference each other on your Claims.  All team members must be visible in the photo or listed as the photographer.

     

    16. Happy Anniversary: (2+D+T) points - your choice of positive or negative

    • Find a cache on its "Hidden On” anniversary, regardless of what year it was placed.
    • Example: Cache's Hidden Date shows as December 10, 2014.  Finding this cache on December 10, 2017 will qualify you for this Task.

     

    17. Variety is the Spice of Life: 8 Points - your choice of positive or negative

    • Find a minimum of 4 different Cache Types in a single, calendar day.
    • Example: Find a Traditional, Multi, Event, and Wherigo all on February 2.

     

    18. Cache with D/T Combination of 6.5: 8 points - your choice of positive or negative

    • Log any cache (of any type) where the sum of the Difficulty and Terrain totals exactly 6.5. 
    • Qualifying examples: 3.0/3.5, 2.0/4.5, 4.0/2.5, etc.
    • Non-qualifying examples: 3.0/3.0, 4.5/2.5, 3.5/4.0, etc.

     

    19. 518 or 1036 Cache: (2+D+T) points - your choice of positive or negative

    • Log any cache (see exceptions below) where the numbers 518 or 1036 appear in the given order anywhere in the co-ordinates (as published) to claim this Task.  The numbers can run across the latitude & longitude.  The numbers do not need to appear consecutively, but they need to appear in sequence.
    • Example: N 52° 08.934 W 106° 37.882 would qualify as the numbers 518 appear in order, even though they are not consecutive.
    • Exceptions: Multicache (intermediate and final) waypoints, and Unknown (Mystery/Puzzle) caches do not qualify.  All other cache types will qualify.

     

    20. Throughout the Ages: 10 Points - your choice of positive or negative

    • ​Find 5 caches from consecutive years in sequential order, based on Publication Date.  These do not have to be found the same day, but must be found in sequential order (oldest to newest).  Multiple finds on the same day are not mandatory, but is allowed.
    • Qualifying example: On December 13, find a cache from 2013 & another from 2014; on December 19, find a cache from 2015; on January 21, find a cache from 2016 and another cache from 2017.
    • Clarification: You cannot start the consecutive sequence with a cache published in 2014, as you will run out of valid publication years.

     

    21. Organized Chaos: 10 Points - your choice of positive or negative

    • Find 8 caches that were published in 8 different years (1 in each year).  The caches do not have to be found in sequential order, and the years do not have to be consecutive.  Multiple finds on the same day are not mandatory, but are allowed.
      • Qualifying example: Find a cache from each of the following years: 2002, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2017
    • Fun trivia: Did you know that SCAR recently celebrated it's 10th anniversary?

     

    22. Fun in the Winter: 7 Points - your choice of positive or negative

    • Find 5 caches that were Published during December or January, regardless of Publish Year (excluding December 2017 or January 2018).

     

    23. Back when it all Began: 7 Points - your choice of positive or negative

    • Find a cache within +/- 7 days of your exact Signup Date (including year) on www.geocaching.com
    • Example: I, SmokinDeni, signed up for my geocaching account on September 5, 2015.  To qualify, I must find a cache in Saskatchewan that was Hidden or Published between August 29, 2015 and September 12, 2015.
      • The Hidden Date can be found with a Pocket Query, if you are a Premium Member. For non-Premium members, please contact me and I will perform a PQ for your timeframe.
      • The Publication Date can be found using GSAK. I am a pre-novice at utilizing GSAK, but if you would like assistance, I will track someone down to assist you in narrowing down a cache that will qualify.
      • If there are no caches available, please contact me via Geocaching Message, to determine a suitable substitute/exception.
    • If possible, please provide a photo of your early days of caching in your Task Note. 

     

    24. X Factor: (1+D+T) Points

    • By definition, an X Factor is the defining property or characteristic of a given situation, or the variable on a given situation that could have the most impact.  Therefore, find a cache with minimum of 6 Attributes on the cache page. 
    • It can be any Attributes (positive or negative), but there has to be has to be a minimum of 6 attributes on the cache page.

     

    25. Animal Crackers: (D+T) points

    • Log any physical cache that displays the "Watch for Livestock" icon attribute.
    • Photo of you and the Livestock would be appreciated :)

     

    26. Show Them the Sites: (D+T) points

    • Log any physical cache that displays the “Tourist Friendly” icon attribute

     

    27. Field Medic: (1+D+T) points

    • Perform field maintenance and log any physical cache that displays the “Maintenance Required” icon attribute. 
    • Log must describe steps taken to perform the maintenance (replacing container, replacing logbook, or restocking the swag inside), or photo documentation.  

     

    28. Go the Distance: (2+D+T) points - your choice of positive or negative

    • Log any physical cache that displays any of “Medium Hike (1-10km)”, "Long Hike (10km+)", or the "Significant Hike" icon attributes.
    • Please note Rule 15 for any multi-person geocaching teams.

     

    29. Into the Dark: (2+D+T) points

    • Log any physical cache that displays one or both of “Night Cache”, “Recommended at Night”, and/or "UV Light Required" icon attributes.

     

    30. Working Things Out:  (3+D+T) points

    • Log any physical cache that displays the “Field Puzzle” icon attribute.

     

    31. MacGyver Your Way Out: (3+D+T) points

    • Log any physical cache that displays the "Special Tool Required" icon attribute.

     

    32. Mysterious Task: 6 points

    • Find exactly 3 Mystery/Puzzle caches during a single calendar day (midnight to midnight).  Other cache types may be found during the same calendar day, but only 3 Mystery/Puzzles can found in order to claim this Task.
    • Mystery/Puzzle caches are denoted  by the Blue Question Mark icon on the Geocaching Map.

     

    33. Series Cache: (D+T) points

    • Log any one cache (of any cache type) that is part of a series.  The cache title or description must clearly illustrate that it is part of a series.  It does not have to be a Multicache, or a multi-part Challenge in order to qualify.  

     

    34. Lonely Cache: 5 points (Possible bonus of 5 additional points) - your choice of positive or negative

    • Log any physical cache that has not been found in the preceding 90 days.
    • Bonus: 5 additional points to a cache that  has not been found in the preceding 180 days.
    • Scoring example: Finding a cache that hasn't been found in 200 day qualifies you for 10 points.

     

    35. Turn that Frown Upside-Down: 5 points

    • Log a find on a physical cache that you have previously logged a "Didn't find it" on.  Your DNF must have been logged and dated on www.geocaching.com prior to the beginning of the Games.  Your Task Note must include the date of your earlier DNF.

     

    36. Cache with a Muggle: 2 points

    • Log any physical cache with a person who has never gone geocaching before.  This person must not be registered on www.geocaching.com before the beginning of the Games.  Your cache log must indicate that you were caching with a Muggle. 
    • Your Task claim must contain a picture of the 2 of you while geocaching.

     

    37. Make a new caching friend: 2 points

    • Log any physical cache with a geocacher you have never cached with before.  This person must have been registered on www.geocaching.com prior to the beginning of the Games.  Both caching logs must reference the other geocacher.  The other geocacher does not have to be participating in the Games to qualify. 
    • Your Task Note must contain the name of the other geocacher.  Your Task claim must contain a picture of the 2 of you while geocaching.

     

    38. Group Caching: 5 points

    • Go caching with a minimum of 3 other geocachers (minimum group size is 4 geocaching ID's).  These geocachers must have been registered on www.geocaching.com prior to the beginning of the Games.  All caching logs must reference the other geocachers.  The other geocachers do not have to be participating in the Games to qualify. Your Task Note must contain the names of the other geocachers. 
    • Your Task claim must contain a picture of the group of you while geocaching.

     

    39. Bridge the (Age) Gap: 4 points

    • Log any physical cache with a person who is at least 20 years different in age.  This person can be a Muggle or a geocacher.  Geocachers do not have to be participating in the Games to qualify. 
    • Your log must indicate who you were caching with, and contain a picture of the 2 of you while geocaching.  If the gap is close, be prepared to provide proof of age!!
      • If you are a multi-person team, only 1 member of the team can be used for the age difference.  Example: Dad (35) and Child (8) who both use the same geocaching name would not qualify for this Task.  Bringing Muggle Uncle (32) would qualify for this Task, since Child and Uncle are more than 20 years apart in age.

     

    40. Cache with a ‘Noob’: 5 points

    • Log any physical cache with a geocacher who had less than 50 finds prior to this “team up”.  This geocacher must have been registered on www.geocaching.com prior to the beginning of the Games.  Both caching logs must reference the other geocacher.  The other geocacher does not have to be participating in the Games to qualify. 
    • Your Task Note must contain the name of the other geocacher and a photo of the 2 of you.

     

     

    Bonuses

     

    1) Weekly Bonuses

    • Weekly Bonuses run from Sunday to Saturday.  I will aim to get the Weekly Bonus posted the Saturday before the bonuses starts. 
    • Weekly Bonuses must be claimed by 11:59pm Saturday evening.
    • Weekly Bonuses will be your choice of -1, 0, or +1 points, to help you with your desired strategy in the Games!

    Week 1 Bonus: Go find me some Christmas Lights! I have been out of the country for the last 3 weeks, and have only seen 1 sad string of Christmas lights in that time. I need Christmas spirit, and fast, lol! Post a photo on this cache page of your neighbour’s outdoor decorations, your decked tree, or a nice display that you walk past every day; whatever you choose. Weekly Bonus is your choice of +1, 0, or -1 points, which must be stated in your Note. This Bonus is available until 11:59pm Saturday, December 16th.

    Week 2 Bonus: This one should be relatively simple. At this time in the holiday calendar, most people are baking up a storm. Sugar cookies, gingerbread houses, shortbread, Christmas breads... the list is nearly endless. So for Week 2, what is your favourite Christmas Snack or Baking? I was recently introduced to Puppy Chow, which is a peanut butter, chocolate, and cereal mixture that is a new favourite for me. But my Mom’s shortbread has always been tops in my family. This Bonus is available until 11:59pm Saturday, December 23, for your choice of +1, 0, or -1 points.

    Week 3 Bonus: Christmas Movies! One of my favourite things, regardless of time of year, is movies. I love all kinds of movie genres: action, adventure, comedy, thriller, horror, superheroes... I have even watched my share of Rom Coms. So for your Week 3 Bonus: what is your favourite, or guilty pleasure, of a holiday movie? With so many to choose from, I’m sure you will have no trouble picking one! This Bonus is available until 11:59pm, Saturday December 30, for your choice of +1, 0, or -1 points.

    Week 4 Bonus: Week 4 - Caching Resolutions 2018 edition. What is your Caching Goal you are working towards in 2018? Is there 1 multiyear Goal you are wanting to take steps towards, or is the Goal one you can finish in the next 12 months?? This Bonus is available until 11:59pm Saturday January 6, for your choice of +1, 0, or -1 points.

    Week 5 Bonus: Week 5's Bonus comes from our friends South of the Border. In order to claim Week 5’s bonus, please post a Note with a minimum of 3 scenic pictures on this cache page. These shouldn’t be the same photos as the ones used to claim Tasks, but can be taken at the same area. No people should be in the pictures, but animals are very welcome. Try not to spoil the cache hide either . These pictures can be from at any time during the WCG10. This Bonus is available until 11:59pm Saturday January 13, for your choice of +1, 0, or -1 points.

    Week 6 Bonus: Week 6's Bonus is a little different, so be sure to read all the pieces. I will be calling this one “Guess the Favelle!”

    • For those of you who are not aware, deadman'sangel are expecting a new Micro-Cache Publication (aka a Small Human) sometime in the next month-ish. They have been told by the Reviewer that the Publication Date is February 17.
    • For this week's Bonus, we all take our turns Signing the Logbook with our predictions of the new geo-baby's arrival date and gender. There are no Spoilers or Hints (so don't bother searching the Logs), as no one (not even deadman'sangel) knows if the TravelBug is a boy or a girl, and only Chirp knows what day it's gonna happen . But, it is definitely a solo cacher... definitely not a multicache.
    • Scoring will follow this logic:
    • - 0.5 point for participating
    • - 0.5 point for correct gender
    • - 1 point if Date is +/- 5 days
    • - 1 point if exact date
    • There is the option of choosing FTF (aka January) or Jasmer (aka March): these qualify for the 1 point for +/- 5 days, but will NOT qualify for the Exact Date point (think Over/Under on the Point Spread).
    • Scoring will be updated after the Puzzle is Solved, so be sure to join the Watch List and wait for the Notification. If the Puzzle is Solved after the Games are over... I will flip a coin or something
    • I have run out of Caching puns for this Bonus... Wait... Be sure you don't DNF this Bonus... umm, ya, okay, I'm done.
    • Week 6 is available until Saturday, January 20 at 11:59pm for your choice of positive or negative points. But we won’t know the full points until the Cache is Published, so it’s all up in the air until then. So make your predictions and we will see where the points land!

    Week 7 Bonus: Winter Activity! Now that Christmas and New Years are over, I hear a lot of people complaining about the Winter Blues. While everyone has their own solution for this, almost all of them have to do with getting moving again. So, other than geocaching, what is your go to activity for getting you moving? Do you take the dog to a Dog Park? Go for walks? Play a sport, either indoor or outdoor? Maybe you skate, or go skiing? Geocaching counts, absolutely, but I’d like to hear of the other things too! This bonus is available until 11:59pm on Saturday, January 27th, for your choice of +1, 0, or -1 points.

    Week 8 Bonus: Winter Travel Plans! During the second half of January and practically the entire month of February, I get to enjoy hearing about coworkers and friends taking trips south to escape the winter in SK. So for this week's bonus, what is your plans for a break this winter? Have you taken yours already, or are currently on it now? Are you planning one for February? Or are you staying closer to home this winter? This bonus is available until 11:59pm on Saturday, February 3rd, for your choice of +1, 0, or -1 points.

    Week 9 Bonus: What is the best (or worst) Love Song? Is there one or more that you just can’t wait to hear during a wedding or Christmas party dance? Is there one you just can’t help but croon along with in the car? Or is there one that you can’t move fast enough to change the radio station to avoid hearing it?? Given my crazy lateness, I will accept responses until 11:59pm Sunday February 11; extra day to get those songs written up. This bonus is worth your choice of -1, 0, or +1 points.

    Week 10 Bonus: Your choice of the 2 options:
    Option 1: Given that this is now the week of the sickly sweet holiday, do you have any traditions for this time of year? Is there wining and dining in your plans? Flowers and a card? Chocolate? Maybe there is a movie that you always watch this time of year?
    Option 2: Recommendations for a Winter Findable cache in the area. This time of year is tough caching in Saskatoon and area. Lots of amazing caches, but lots aren’t classified as Winter Findable. So if someone asked which is your favourite cache to find in winter, where would you send them and why? Is it an amazing hide that is still available, or is it a quick find for those blustery days?

    Regardless of which you choose, Week 10's Bonus is available until 11:59pm Saturday February 17, for your choice of +1, 0, or -1 points.

    
    

    Week 12 Bonus!It’s time for a Team Up! You have all been teamed up with a partner from Texas, so let’s go caching!
    Here’s the breakdown: each of you find a cache during the week. Any cache, any size, any D/T, and day, any anything. When you find your cache, please take note the elevation. This can be from your Compass App, GSAK, or anyway you can get this; a screenshot or photo of the elevation must be included in your Log Note. If you have no way to do this, please let me know and I will track it down based on Google Map or GSAK.
    The bonus points will be based on the difference in elevation between your find, and your Texas teammate’s.
    Example: SK partner finds a cache at elevation 490m; Texas partner finds a cache at elevation 200m; 490-200 =290/50 =5.8, rounded to 6 points.
    Please also take a pic of you at the cache (no spoilers ), and include this with your log. Log must include GC Code, Date Found, and the photos/screenshots.
    This bonus is available until 11:59pm Saturday February 24th. This can be for positive or negative points, so please specify this in your log. Please note you do not need to choose the same option as your SK or Texas teammate, and you don’t have to find the cache on the same date.
    

    Week 12B's Bonus: This one should be quick and easy, even though there is 2 parts.
    1) I would like to know what your favourite part of the WCG10 has been. Was there a memorable cache that you found? A favourite group cache? A favourite task or bonus?
    2) Is there anything that you would like to see differently for next year? I have many ideas for the WCG11, but the Games are only as much fun as the participants make it. All constructive criticism will be welcome, as I want to make this more enjoyable every year.
    Bonus is worth your choice of -1, 0, +1 points, and must be submitted prior to 11:59pm Wednesday February 28th, which is the end of the Games.
    

    2) Monthly Bonuses

    • Monthly Bonuses will be from the 1st to the last day of all 3 months.  I will aim to have the Monthly Bonus posted the day before the Bonus starts (December 9, December 31, and January 31).
    • Monthly Bonuses must be claimed prior to 11:59pm on the last day of the month (December 31, January 31, and February 28).  
    • Monthly Bonuses will be your choice of -3, 0, or +3 points, to help you with your desired strategy in the Games!

    December Monthly Bonus: I really liked the Bonus last year, so I will continue the tradition. For December’s Bonus, I would like you to donate sometime of your’s to someone in need. This can be a Food Bank donation, money to your charity, or your time to a Soup Kitchen... anything is open, I just would like an overview of the gift you give someone. Photos are always accepted, but are not required for this Bonus. Monthly Bonus is your choice of +3, 0, or -3 points, which must be stated in your Note. This Bonus is available until 11:59pm Sunday, December 31st.

    January Monthly Bonus: One thing I have always loved about January is that it is a month of new beginnings. What better way to start the New Year off on the right foot than to perform a Random Act of Kindness? This should be something unexpected, where your only recognition is the warm fuzzy feeling you get. It could be shoveling someone's driveway (or the whole block of sidewalks!), picking up the tab for the car behind you in the TH's drive thru, baking some post-Christmas goodies for the office, scraping off your neighbour's windshield... anything you can think of is on the table. This Bonus is available until 11:59pm Wednesday January 31, for your choice of +3, 0, or -3 points.

    February Monthly Bonus: Here is your chance to take advantage of all the caches created for Tasks 1-7 during WCG10. For every new cache you OWN or FIND that was created for a WCG10 Task, you earn 0.25 points, your choice of positive or negative. The exception to this is Events, as the CO has already gotten points for Task 1, they will only get Bonus points for attending.

    I have created a Public and Shared List on this cache page of all qualifying caches. Currently, there are 36 caches, but the list could grow as more Tasks are claimed. Find as many, or as few, as you choose, it's all up to you! Finds from December and January will count as well.

    Currently, the February Bonus is worth up to 9 points (+/-). How many more will be hidden, and how many will you find?? Points will be calculated on February 28 or March 1, depending on how many last minute finds happen.

     

     

    Challenge

    • This was new for Winter Caching Games 9, but was met with 'enthusiastic enjoyment'!  It is quite strategic with some calculated risk thrown in.
    • This is a Challenge that takes only the Air Temperature into account.  Find a physical cache at anytime during the Games, and receive Challenge Points based on the current Air Temperature (based on the list below).
    • This Challenge may only be claimed once per participating geocaching login (single player, or multi-player team), and no substitutions/replacements will be allowed once claimed.
    • Challenge points can be your choice of positive or negative
    • Scoring:
      • 0 to -9.9: 1 point
      • -10 to -19.9: 3 points
      • -20 to -24.9: 5 points
      • -25 to -28.9: 7 points
      • -29 to -31.9: 10 points
      • -32 to -34.9: 14 points
      • -35 to -37.9: 19 points
      • -38 to -40.9: 25 points
      • -41 or colder/crazier: 32 points
    • This is the WINTER Caching Games after all!  So biggest points go to the heartiest (or the craziest!!) of cachers.
    • Please note that the temperature ranges above are referencing Air Temperature, not Wind Chill.
    • Your Challenge Note must include:
      • Date the cache was found
      • A screenshot of the temperature (weather app, website, thermometer, etc)
      • A photo of you at the cache (try to at least pretend to look happy with me!)
      • GC Code of the cache for the Challenge
    • This Challenge must be claimed within 2 calendar days of logging the find.  No going out at -30C on December 11th, and waiting until February 21st to claim – that is the calculated risk portion of the Challenge!
      • Cache found at any time on December 11 must be claimed prior to 11:59pm December 13.
    • This Challenge is exempt from Rule 9: your Challenge cache can also be use for claiming a Task.
    • Dec 29 Edit:The Challenge is also exempt from Rule 6. Any Physical Cache, regardless of Hidden Date can be used to complete the Challenge.