Welcome to the incredible hobby/sport/game/adventure of Geocaching! I started about 6 years ago and it has opened up new worlds of discovery as well as many new friendships.
If you are new to this as well, you may feel overwhelmed by the terminology, history, “ethics” and other components of this activity. This puzzle is designed to help you out a little bit, while gathering information to find a cache yourself!
If you are experienced, this puzzle should be an absolute breeze.
The final is placed along a trail that I would never have otherwise hiked on if it hadn’t been for geocaching. But, because of geocaching I’ve hiked along it numerous times. Certainly there are plenty of non-geocachers (muggles) who go up here as well. But while I was a muggle, I never knew this existed.
There are 15 questions - one for each number in the set of coordinates. Once you think you’ve solved it, enter that solution into the Certitude checker at the bottom. If you’re right - you’ll get a little extra hint on the hide. If you’re wrong, you’ll have to figure out which number is incorrect. If you get stuck - send me a note! I’m always happy to help others with puzzles or hides when I can.
Enjoy and I hope you are able to expand your knowledge with this puzzle and your sense of adventure with the final.
1. What month/year did geocaching start?
3 - May 2000
5 - June 2000
7 - May 2010
9 - June 2010
2. It’s okay to claim a “find” on a geocache if you can’t sign the log (i.e. it’s out of reach or buried under snow).
8 - True - at least you got to GZ (ground zero) and made an effort
9 - False - You can count a find if you sign the log or make a mark on it
3. What is the name of the challenge of finding every combination of Difficulty and Terrain geocache (81 in all)? Example - 1.5/4 or 3/2, etc.
1 - Fuzzy
3 - Fizzy
5 - Fizzie
7 - Fazzy
4. When you find a geocache in a new state or country (or complete a Geocaching HQ Promotion), what do you get for your online profile?
0 - Souvenir
1 - Badge
2 - Kudos
3 - Flag
5. What is a benefit of being a Premium member?
2 - Seeing all geocache types
4 - Access to Pocket Queries
5 - Higher limits on daily caches views
7 - Notified of new caches
8 - All of the above
6. What online websites, besides www.geocaching.com, can help you with challenges, puzzles, and planning?
0 - All of the below
2 - Project-GC
4 - Cachetur
5 - GeocachingToolbox
7. What is the name of the separate geocaching-related app (not the official app) that takes you on virtual adventures to find “lab” caches?
0 - Geocaching Virtuals
2 - Adventure Lab
3 - Geocaching Adventures
8. What is the name of the challenge for finding a geocache hidden in every month since it began?
0 - Jeremy
1 - Jasmer
2 - Jasper
3 - Jeeves
9. What should you do if you find SWAG (Stuff We All Get) you want in a geocache?
0 - Trade it for something of equal or greater value
1 - Replace it with something less valuable - no one will know!
2 - Just take it
10. What do these acronyms mean - TNLNSL / TFTC / LPC
1 - That Nasty Log Needs Something Longer / Thanks For the Cactus / Lost Paper Clue
2 - Took Nothing Left Nothing Silly Log / Too Fatigued To Cache / Loosely Placed Cache
3 - The Near Lamp Not South Lake / Too Far To Climb / Loud Puddy Cat
4 - Took Nothing Left Nothing Signed Log / Thanks For The Cache / Lamp Post Cache
11. What is a good way to learn more about geocaching?
2 - Podcasts (Geocaching Podcast, Geocache Talk, Caching in the NorthWest, etc.)
3 - YouTube videos (Geocaching Vlogger, gadgetcaches, etc.)
4 - Geocaching Events (when we can have them again - hosted by local cachers)
5 - All of the above
12. Which of the following should you NOT do if you can’t find a geocache?
0 - PAF (phone a friend)
1 - Log a DNF (Did Not Find)
2 - Assume it’s missing and replace it with your own container
3 - Ask the CO (cache owner) for a hint
13. Which of the following would probably NOT make a good TOTT (Tool of the Trade)?
6 - Flashlight
7 - Tweezers
8 - Ladder
9 - Blender
0 - Extendable pole
14. What can you do when you find a trackable tag (TB) or geocoin in a geocache?
0 - Keep it - it’s just like SWAG
1 - All of the below
2 - Log the trackable and bring it to another cache
3 - Log the trackable and bring it to an event
4 - Do nothing and leave it for the next finder
5 - Discover the trackable and leave it in the cache
15. What should you NOT do when placing your own geocaches?
0 - Use a sturdy container that will hold up in heat and cold
1 - Use a cheap plastic container and take one coordinate reading - that’s all you need!
2 - Take multiple coordinate readings and navigate to your own coordinates to make sure they’re accurate
3 - Ensure that you are at least 528 feet away from any other geocache
4 - Find at least 50-100 geocaches before placing your own
You can validate your puzzle solution with certitude.