What is a challenge cache?
A challenge cache requires seekers to find an associated physical cache, and to find an additional set of geocaches as defined by the challenge owner. Challenge caches encourage cachers to set and achieve fun goals.
Introduction to the Series
Challenge caches are supposed to challenge you!
While this seems to be obvious, most challenge caches are written for cachers that have been playing for quite a while. A calendar year's worth of mysteries for a new starter who has barely tried puzzles, is not a challenge, it is impossible.
This small series is to introduce you to the concept of challenges, and get you used to using checkers, and working out what you need to do to complete a challenge.
Hopefully this will ease you into the more challenging challenges.
All of these challenges can be completed with the caches placed around Rutherglen.
The challenge cache can be found at the listed co-ordinates and the logbook can be signed, however a found log cannot be listed until the challenge is completed and proof offered. This is done by using the checker on the cache page. This is a link to ProjectGC, who will review your statistics and show you if you comply with the challenge's requirements.
Ahh.... Before you decide that as a beginner you don't do puzzles, read on!
What is a Mystery (Puzzle) Cache?
There are a few designs to Mystery Caches. These include:
1. Puzzle caches
The posted coordinates are usually bogus coordinates. Cachers must solve a puzzle on the cache page to get the coordinates for the first stage or the final container. All clues needed to solve the puzzle must be on the cache page, and the information to solve the puzzle must be publicly available.
2. Bonus caches
Clues for bonus caches are often hidden in one or more other caches by the same cache owner. The Bonus Cache gives you a reward of an extra cache for finishing a series of caches (or AdLab stages).
3. Challenge caches
Challenge caches like this one are also characterized as Mystery Caches.
So where do you start with Mystery Caches?
Check the Difficulty rating. Start low. Puzzles usually start about D 1.5 to D 2.5.
Some puzzles have been written to assist you in building your puzzle solving skills. Recent series include: Whittlesea Puzzles for Beginners, and Brolga Bill's Puzzles at Rutherglen.
If you are stuck on a puzzle you can ask, either the cache owner or another cacher (events are good for this). If you can show you have given it a good try you will usually get a reasonable reply.
OK, enough waffle, what do I have to do?
To complete this challenge you must sign the log and find:
Twelve Mystery Caches
Use the following checker to see if you comply:
