Official Stuff
This cache is located in Bunten Park and is placed with permission. Please follow all park rules, noting that the park is open Dawn to Dusk (No night caching, please!!). This cache should be approached from inside the park.
The BCS Series
Welcome to GMT's BCS (Basic Cache Series!!). This series is designed for newer geocachers who may not be as familiar with different types of geocaches or where to begin on these! "WIG1" is "Wherigo 1" and this cache is meant to be an introduction to Wherigo caches!
This Cache!
Note: final cache updated on 5/15/19 with new container type and hiding spot. Be mindful of PAF's!
This is a very simple, two-stage Wherigo. It is the first one I have created, so it's a test for me, plus I thought it would be ideal for cachers who are new to Wherigos! This Wherigo has two "stages". They are easy walking distance from each other and you should be able to complete this in 5-10 minutes. You will need to download the Wherigo cartridge, which you can do here: GMT!'s BCS WIG1 (My (And Maybe Your?) 1st Wherigo!
What is a Wherigo?
Wherigo® Caches are GPS-enabled adventures in the real world. "Cartridges" are created that represent an individual "adventure". Typically, they take three main forms:
- Location Based Games: These cartridges usually require you to visit one or more specific geographic locations. They use GPS technology to guide players to physical locations where they can interact with virtual or physical objects.
- "Play Anywhere" games: A "Play Anywhere" game is just what it suggests. There is a game of some kind that can be played anywhere! You do not need to go to a specific location to play this cartridge. These can be further divided into two different types of "Play Anywhere" games:.
- Physical world games: These are games that require you to interact with the real world in some way to play. While you don't have to go to a specific location, you will need to find a physical place to play these. An example might be a "match game" type where the game draws several squares and you navigate to each square to reveal what's underneath, matching like items. You can typically play these anywhere that space permits
- Brain Games: these are typically puzzles, Q&A's or other mental exercises that can be played sitting at home in the comfort of your favorite chair! Correctly answering a question or completing tasks will then result in the coordinates being given to you! Once this has been done, you do not need to run the Wherigo cartridge for anything else!
- Reverse Wherigos: This is a very specific kind of Wherigo you might encounter. Reverse Wherigos often use the same "cartridge", but data is updated for different caches. The idea behind a reverse Wherigo is you are only given a distance to the final cache location. You are not given a direction. The idea is that you move a bit and re-check the distance. If you're closer, keep moving that direction. If you're further, try another direction! You do this until you find the cache. These can be a lot of fun!
It should be noted that the variety of different "types" of Wherigos and the games you actually play is only limited by the programmers imagination!!
What do I Need to Play a Wherigo Cartridge?
The good news is you don't necessarily need any special equipment to play a Wherigo cartridge!! Some hand-held GPSr units have the ability to play a Wherigo cartridge. If yours does not, you can download a Wherigo app for your Apple or Android smartphone!! Since most folks will use a smartphone for these, the instructions here will focus on those.
To start, you'll need to download the Wherigo app appropriate to your phone:
Additionally, if you are using an Android phone, the Geooh Live by Mobiltal, LLC app has a built in Wherigo player (in the app, it's called "WheriGeooh" and is availble in the main menu). This an excellent option for Android devices!
Download and install the app per your device instructions
Playing a Wherigo!
Wherigos can be played a number of different ways. You should always read the instructions carefully.
Most "Play Anywhere Wherigos" will take you directly to an instruction screen. You should follow those instructions.
Most "Location Based" Wherigos will have a menu with four choices:
- Locations: These are typically places you will need to visit to complete the cartridge. Depending on how the Wherigo is setup, you may see one location, or you may see many. You should check this section often, as new locations are often added as you progress through the game. Also, note it is very common for locations to disappear after you have visited them and completed the steps
- You See: This section is used by some Wherigo games when you have choices of paths. For instance, you may be tasked with virtually picking up specific items from specific locations. This section displays what you have available to view. Think of it like the "Locations" section, but for things you play the game with that may not be locations...
- Inventory: If the Wherigo game is a type where you have to virtually pick things up, or if you have been given certain virtual tools to use, this is where you would access them.
- Tasks: This section can be used to display specific tasks for you to accomplish. Click on each one to view the details.
The most common thing you'll see in a location based Wherigo are the "locations". Other sections can be used, but generally, they are used less frequently
ENOUGH READING!!! PLAY THIS WHERIGO!!!
Now that you know a little bit about a Wherigo, go try one!!! This is a very simple Wherigo. I'll even tell you exactly what to expect!
- The first step will be to view the location "Where it all Begins". Use the compass or the map, and this will take you to a sign, where I will ask you to answer a question based on the information in the sign
- Once you have answered the question, you can go back to the "Locations", and you will see a new area called, "The Cache is Here!!". Follow the map/compass to that location.
- Once you are close to the final, I'll give you some detailed information about the final location and container! Then just sign the log and record it as a find on the Geocaching website!!
That's it!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!!
As with any of my caches, please feel free to reach out if you need any help!