Do you like the Multi-cache type as much as mrGreen317 likes the Mystery/Puzzle cache type? Have you found at least 100 multi-caches so far in your geocaching history? If so, then read on; this challenge cache is for you!
This is a challenge cache. It is placed at the listed coordinates. To log this cache, you must have previously found at least 100 Multi-caches in your geocaching profile. These are the caches with the "two yellow/orange containers" icon that show up on the geocaching maps. You can check your profile under the "Geocaches Found" list, which breaks down your finds by cache type. If the list on your account has 100 or more finds of the "Multi-cache" type, then, "Congratulations! You can log this challenge!"
Just over three years ago from this cache's hide date, the weekend ending the Primary/Buck Hunting Season 2016, 100 Mystery Cache Challenge (GC6XN0Z) was published, the first Green-Hippo cache to be placed. 250 Mystery Cache Challenge (GC7FPPK) and 500 Mystery Cache Challenge (GC80TYG) were placed in successive years afterward. Now for the fourth year, we are "changing it up" with this quest for 100 Multi-caches, a long-running cache idea of mrGreen317's that has finally made it to the map!
The CO's qualifications are shown on the statistical screen shot below, taken 12/16/2019. To qualify for the 100 for this challenge, any Multi-cache may be found, including the related multi-cache, GC8H07Q.
So go out and make some Multi-cache finds to meet this challenge!
Use the handy challenge checker provided below to easily see if you already qualify or to find out how much further you need to go to meet the challenge.
It is possible to log this cache physically even if you do not meet the challenge, but you are required to meet the challenge before you log the find on-line. The CO reserves the right to enforce the rules of this challenge and may delete on-line logs for users that do not pass the challenge checker.
Unlike with the Mystery/Puzzle Challenge series caches, mrGreen317 did not attempt to paint this ammo can container himself, so he asked local can painting artist, OddMushroom to do the honors, and we think you will agree, OM did a fantastic job, producing a much more satisfying product for this challenge cache than exists for the others in the Mystery/Puzzle series. Many thanks to OddMushroom for this fantastic painted ammo can!
Coordinate notes: The coordinates for this cache were taken from four readings and averaged. The signal was bouncing, and the coords kept moving a bit with each reading. Hopefully you will be within no more than 20 feet of GZ with your own device using the posted coordinates. This is a ground hide, uphill from the trail, almost 100 feet into the open woods (not a bad bushwhack at all, but a bit uphill). Use the hint provided if you need it to locate the ammo can.
Since this challenge cache must be listed as a mystery type, another actual multi-cache (GC8H07Q) was placed, related to this cache. You will find stage one for that cache near the outer parking option, just off PA-350. It will lead you to a container along the trail towards this cache. A note in the final of that related multi-cache will encourage you (should you make that find) to continue on towards this cache, treating it like a 'stage three' of that other cache.
Feel free to make mention of some of your favorite multi-caches that you have found while writing your online log! Good geocaching stories add to the fun, so if you have some memorable multi-caches that you have found, feel free to provide any spoiler-free comments about these favorites. I have compiled a list near the bottom of this description of some of my favorite multi-caches found so far, if anyone is interested.
Congratulations to WHO? and WHO-ELSE? for making this find (TBA), having qualified with ? Multi-cache finds to meet this challenge!
Have fun and find those multis!
Getting to the cache:
The goal of this cache is meeting the challenge, not in having a difficult time finding and logging it, so some helpful directions are provided here. Please take note of the following cache information items, including parking, hiking, and possible winter travel suggestions/warnings.
Cache Items to Note
Parking for the cache is located 400 feet up a state game land road off of PA-350. (If driving from I-99, take exit 52, and follow the signs for PA-350 south). The game land road is gravel and a bit rocky in places. If you are not comfortable with taking your vehicle there, you might consider the alternate parking location along PA-350 which adds a short 500 foot uphill walk to approaching the cache. This spacious "outer" parking off PA-350 is just across from the gamelands road (alternate parking coordinates), but please use care if parking here when walking across the state highway to begin your hike up the hill. As previously noted, this is where stage one of the related multi-cache, GC8H07Q, is located.
Winter warnings: This cache is a ground hide and might be harder to find with a lot of snow cover, but the hint may help. Use extreme caution if attempting to take your vehicle up the gravel road to the SGL parking in icy/wintry conditions . The spacious 'outer parking' along PA-350 may be more winter-friendly than the SGL parking uphill, but depending on how PA-350 was plowed, you may still need to use adequate caution pulling off PA-350 to avoid getting stuck here as well. At least a portion of the pull-off along PA-350 is actually paved, and it is somewhat level.
To the cache: From SGL parking, walk up to the game lands gate (about 165 feet) along the access road, and then continue past the gate for about 4200 feet (close to 0.8 miles). The first three-tenths of a mile or so is an uphill hike along the SGL road, but it does level out after a bit of hiking. The container is an ammo can up the hill into the woods on the left side of the game land road (no more than 100 feet off of the road/path). See the extra hint if needed. Note that you will be passing the series of Mystery Cache Challenges (already mentioned) as well as a traditional, GameLands 278 PokerRun Series (GC6M6VH). The final stage for the related multi, GC8H07Q, is also around here. If you are new to the area and qualify for any/all of the other challenges, then feel free to find and log the others as well. Additionally, there are a few other traditional caches farther along the trail if you are interested.
The slope from the SGL road toward GZ is slightly steep. Parts of the SGL road past the 500 Mystery Cache Challenge tends to get wet and swampy in places. Good footwear is recommended, hiking boots likely being the best. Also, as this is a wooded area, so be on the lookout for wild animals, including snakes.
This cache is located in state game lands, so PLEASE observe all state game land rules and wear orange during hunting seasons. During the primary hunting season, finding this cache is recommended on Sunday only.
Some notable mrGreen317 multi-cache finds (referenced by total overall find number):
#0035: GC6C777 - The Ironmaster's Dream According to my profile, this was our first found multi-cache, by local multi-master, 74vwBus. Not only was this historically interesting, but since the final was just recently maintenanced before we made the find, we scored a cool 74vwBus path tag! The find was made by the 3 'E's along with long-time friend and casual geocacher mandabanana14.
#0243: GC5JDP2 - Operation Eagle's Nest A multi-cache with attitude! A fun and memorable early high-terrain hike with OddMushroom for mrGreen317.
#0411: GC2N8W9 - Think Again... Another local multi with a very unusual twist... it will make you "think again"
#0447: GC6BM29 - Come Prepared This was the original version, found along with geocaching buddy, OddMushroom; the replacement lives on in a new location: GC7EZNG
#1124: GC72VHD - Multi Million$ Super-clever and a lot of fun, from another local hider of memorable multi-caches!
#1159: GC17159 - GRAIL OF THE ALLEGHENIES LEGEND What a great assembly of geo-friends we had for this one! A memorable adventure for sure!
#1247: GC71ZPHA - On the Third Day I could not leave out this amazing multi-cache by 'he who painted this challenge cache container'. I was at the stages for this mutli twice - once with jax-man, and the second time with weswow1, who made it his 1k find.
#1500: GC6V0H9 - Bandit Dakota's Quest for Gold 1K A 5.0/5.0 on Mount Nittany that requires at least 5 trips up and down the mountain - talk about a memorable adventure!
#2627: GC7YNJN - Mission: (In)Effable The idea for this was so cool. I even had an idea for something like this myself - but a mystery cache. It helped me to know exactly what to do to solve for the final stage.
#3104: GCH171 - MLCG-KC-Staplebend Tunnel The location for this multi was fantastic and historic. The cache adventure was shared with my daughter, littleEEE, and my dad, 'Ed'.
#3116: GC8FK17 - The Safety Dance (Field Puzzle) Another great example of creativity with the multi-cache. This one was fun!
The first 100+ Multi-caches provided some memorable adventures. Happy multi-caching to all of our fellow geocachers!
This is a Green-Hippo cache
Former hint (not current): Look for a large downed tree laying diagonally going uphill; towards the top (uphill) end of the downed tree, and near a still-standing tree, is a bit of a pile of other logs, branches, etc, under which should be the container
Current, temporary hint: Look for a thin, long, blue bison zip-tied to the branch of a small tree sapling.