Lets gather and swap caching tales and discover and move along trackables

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************

The date on this event is also for the windup for the 7^th Annual Texas Winter Caching Games. The windup is scheduled to start at the posted coordinates on Sunday, February 26, 2023. We will gather at 10 a.m. and wrap the winner presentations by 10:30 a.m. Please Note----The time, and location are subject to change. Read below to see if you would like to participate in the 7th Edition of the Texas Winter Caching Games. This year the games are Hosted by South Texas Team.

This is 90 dayish-game ending with an event. The games will be commencing on  Tuesday, November 29, 2021 at 12:00 am and ending on Friday, February 24, 2023 at midnight..... ALL LOGS FOR ALL TASKS AND BONUS MUST BE POSTED BEFORE THIS TIME.

The event wrap up for the games will start February 26, 2023 at 10 a.m.

 **** -- The Games begin on November 29, 2022 but we are giving participants until December 9, 2022 to sign-up to participate!  This is a good 10 days to share this with your friends and challenge them to have some friendly competition over the winter months. 

If you want to play you can POST a NOTE to this cache page before the end of the day 11:59 pm Friday December 9, 2022, please do so as this lets the South Texas Team that you are participating in the games. If you had planned to play on or as  a team we are not doing that this year. All participants will be single geocaching account players for this year. We may revisit the team player option next year 

Any photos associated with a TASK have nothing to do with attending the event and are not a requirement for attending the final wind up on February 26, 2023.

Scoreboards - updated as the games go on.

Scoreboard  updates will be found in the Image Gallery

If you would like to see what they will look like you can refer to a previous games Image Gallery  GC9JAZV

The Winter Caching Games is a fun competition designed to get you caching during the winter months.  Designed for all cachers, the objective is to complete any

SIXTEEN (16)

 of the tasks not including the Weekly OR Monthly bonus activities, 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 is danger in waiting too long.  Even if you don’t get the high score, a strategic approach may still result in a prize.

****NEW LAST YEAR and CONTINUED FOR THIS YEAR***

A FRONT HALF TASK LIST

AND

A BACK HALF TASK LIST.

The first 16 tasks FRONT HALF will be posted with the event launch and on January 12 the remaining 10 tasks BACK HALF will be posted. Previous to this year all of the tasks have been posted and many players have strategized specifically targeting goals for their end game. The purpose of this new idea for the game is to mix that up a bit. Not all values of tasks are equal, the same for weekly and monthly bonus.

Prize categories have been in previous games;

Highest point

Lowest Point (this can be achieved by choosing negative points on tasks and weekly bonus’ depending where allowed)

Closest to Average

Closest to Zero

We have also had 3 hidden score (values) target prizes awarded the last 2 years.

All of these prize categories will be available at this Games final wrap event.

*** We have enjoyed the donations of prizes from TXGA and from Space Coast GeoStore and are hoping they will continue their generous patronage to our 3 month game

 In order to claim a smiley for this event, you must either: 1) Complete 16 Tasks, 2) Attend the windup event, or 3) Both. *** To clarify, you do not have to participate in the games to attend the event***

To qualify, all geocaches to complete tasks are limited to those located in Texas. 

If you are one of the prize winners, we will make every effort to accommodate pickup/delivery; however, it is ultimately your responsibility to collect your prize and this might include a bit of postage. In previous games we have been able to connect with players at Texas Challenge which follows the windup of this year’s game by a few weeks.

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

If we require further clarification of any claimed Tasks, we will be contacting you either via the Geocaching Messages or email. 

Rules

Short Version

• Claim 16 Tasks over the 3 months (November 29, 2022 to February 24, 2023). 

• Using the “Write Note” feature on this event cache page, 
• report your claims with Task Number,
•  GC Code (multiple if required),
•  including D/T rating,
• Points Claimed,
• ***** Tasks must be claimed within 7 days of fulfilling.  

*********************************************

•        Your log will look something very similar to this:
•        Log it as a Note:
•                TASK # ( or Weekly/Monthly Bonus- include week    or month)
•          GC Code(s)
•          DT (if required)
•          Points Claimed ( Please clarify Positive, Negative or zero where allowed)

·         Some Tasks have an outright points value stated, while others are dependent on the cache found.  Some offer positive points, negative points, zero or the geocachers choice between them.  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.

Full Rules

1.   Game runs from 12:00am TUESDAY, November 29, 2022 through to 11:59 pm FRIDAY, February 24, 2023.

2.   Games participants need to register ** with a NOTE** to let us know you're playing; the sooner the better. 

Event attendees can log a will attend up to the day of the windup event.  

  3. Fulfill any 16 of the Tasks listed below after the start of the Games.  To complete the Games, exactly 16 Tasks must be logged.

       4. Caches you claim for the game must be logged on www.geocaching.com during the time frame of the game.  No caches found previous to the start date of the games or late finds will be allowed.

       5. Tasks must be claimed within 7 days of finding the cache and before the conclusion of the Games. The post must clearly state which Task is being claimed, the GC Code of the cache (multiple if necessary), the Points being Claimed, and how the cache meets the requirement.  Post your claims as a Note on this event page.

       6. Caches found as part of these games must be published before the start of the game on November 29, 2022. Any Task or weekly/monthly bonus 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 11:59 pm February 24, 2023.  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 or any player on your team.

      9. Each Task must be claimed against a different cache, unless the requirement states otherwise. For example claiming points for a Large cache find cannot be used for any other Task.

*****Exceptions:  The Challenge.

       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 geocacher or team will not be allowed.

          ******Exception: If the first claim of this Task was rejected, it can be attempted again. 

     12. Once Tasks, Bonuses, and Challenges are claimed, you may not substitute another.

     13. 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 positive or negative or zero where available.) when you are claiming the Task. Once claimed, your point values cannot be changed.

     14. There will be multiple prizes available for the players who complete the games.  All will be awarded to players who have completed 16 Tasks.  See previously mentioned prizes categories.

     15. In the event of a tie score, the earliest score will be used as the tiebreaker. 

     16. No "arm chair" caching is permitted.  You can only use caches that you have found, signed the log, 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.  

      17. ***For the 2^nd year in a row this year. Front Half Tasks and Back Half Tasks. The former are available from Day one of the games start date Nov 29th and will go away giving way to the new Back Half Tasks THURSDAY January 12, 2023. Please plan on completing any of the Front Half Tasks by January 11^th before the Back Half Tasks are made available.

18. Bi-Weekly Bonus Tasks will be posted either Fridays. Monthly Bonus Tasks will be posted on the date that is stated in the previous Months Bonus Task.

We, South Texas Team, will administer the game and our decisions are final.  We reserve the right to provide clarifications to the rules at any point during the game.

****And of course Absolutely and formost of ALL Have fun!

Tasks

Tasks may only be claimed once per participating geocaching login (single player, or multi-player team). ** New this year** The FRONT HALF tasks are included from when the Games begin November 29 until they go away January 11^th when the BACK HALF tasks are available January 12th to work on for the remainder of the games. Please note that the FRONT HALF tasks that any player chooses to do must be completed before January 11^th where after this date they will not be eligible for points. The remainder of the game points will be earned using tasks from the BACK HALF.

*******BACK HALF TASKS********

January 13^th to February 24^th 11:59 pm

** Reminder that your goal is 16 tasks to complete the games. Biweekly bonus and monthly bonus’ are optional.

** New this year.

 An extra .5 point can be earned with one log per cache of a task that is more than 100 words and somewhere in the log there is a mention of the 2022-2023 Texas Winter Caching games.

For example; the task is #5 Spelling Bee Part Two – GCA0XXX E is the letter used to spell and the log on this cache is for the *SPECIAL .5 PTS* bonus with a mention of the Texas Winter Caching games (word count 135).    

** And then add this .5 to the total points claimed for task #5 positive or negative. LABEL THIS PARTICULAR CACHE OF THE TASK *SPECIAL .5 PTS*

****************************************************

Task #1. Attend an Event:

• Attend an event and log your attended on the event. 
• Double your points claimed if you attend in full costume (not just a hat and jacket)… include a photo of yourself with the event host in your attend log and in your log claiming points.
• This event cannot be hosted by you.  Yes this event can have been published after the winter games began.

7 points (+/- plus or minus)

Log example;

Claiming positive 7 points

Attended GCA0XXX costume of choice Energizer Bunny host in photo is KidWrangler

Task #2. Hide/Place a Cache: Hide any cache type. 

 Your Task Note must contain the name and GC number of the new cache. You must claim this task within 7 days of its publish date however for the extra doubled points you may post a note claiming the double score with the GC and fav points earned date before the end of the games.

 ** If your hide earns more than 3 fav points by the end of the games you can double your

4.5 points PLUS D PLUS T(+/- plus or minus)

Log example;

Task #2 GCAXXXX ---Hot Mr. Potatoe Head 3D4T

published January 10^th.

Claiming 4.5 PLUS 7 for a total of 11.5 positive points

Task #3.  Create a Challenge Cache. Use these guidelines from the geocaching website.

https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=127&pgid=206

10 points (+ plus)

Log Example;

Task #3 GCAXXXX 45 Earthcache finds Challenge

Published January 20^th

Claiming 10 positive points

Task #4. Find 3 different cache types except Adventure Labs. 

In your cache note claiming points include the GC of each cache

3 points Plus D Plus T of lowest DT- if there are multiple of the same of all the lowest use that number in your score (+/- plus or minus)

Log Example;

Task #4

GCAXXXX Multi 2D1.5T

GC3XXXX Mystery 3D 2T

GC5XXXX Traditional 1.5D2T

Claiming 3 PLUS 3.5 for a total of 6.5  positive points

Task #5. Mini Spelling Bee BACK HALF

Find geocaches that start with the first letter of the word “GRIP”. Only Events that published after the games began are allowed, all other cache types for this task must have published before the games began and the event claimed may not be hosted by you. Any cache types except Adventure Labs.

10.5 points (plus)

Log example;

Task#5

G –GC4XXX Greater Minds- Mystery

R –GC2XXX Round About- Multi

I –GC8XXX Its All Good- Trad

P – GCAU3Y  Poppy’s Retirement Party – Event Published Dec 28

Claiming 10.5 positive points

Task #6. Find 4 caches with an exactly total of 18 attributes that are represented over all 4 caches. Any number of attributes can be on any of the 4 caches however Only 3 of the attributes can be replicated in any of the 4 caches. For example Park n Grab can only be an attribute on 3 of the cache finds and must be absent from the 4^th. Please note the attributes of each cache that you claim for this task in your note claiming points.

8.5 points (+/- plus or minus)

Log Example;

Task#6

GC3XXX 4 attributes- Poisonous plants, quads allowed, less than 1km hiking,  livestock

GC7XXX  5 attributes- park and grab, special tott needed, no tree climbing, stealth needed, field puzzle

GC9XXX 3 attributes- park and grab, stealth needed, parking nearby

GC6XXX 6 attributes – poisonous plants, thorns, dangerous animals, field puzzle, takes more than an hour

Total 18 attributes claiming 8.5 positive points.

Task #7. Avenge the DNF. Find a cache that you have DNF prior to the end of 2022. It can be last week or last year or 4 years ago. In your note claiming points state your experience of the DNF at that time. You must post a photo of the current log with the previous finders ink on the log to claim this task.

5 points Plus D Plus T (+/- plus or minus)

Log example;

Task#7 Avenged the DNF of GC3XXX DT 2.5D2T from the dnf log Feb 22, 2020. Found Feb 2, 2023 last finder KidWrangler inked.

Photo of log.

Claiming 5 plus 4.5 for a Total of 9.5 positive points

Task #8. Find a multi cache and an Adventure Lab. Please state the GC of the multi and the location of the AL along with the exact name.

10.5 points (plus)

Log example;

Task #8

GC5XXX Multi found Jan 24^th

Adventure Lab Coasting the Beach, Mustang Island

Claiming 10.5 positive points

Task #9. Host an Event. Just and fyi ….Events have a 90 day out window for planning purposes.

1. 1. Regular event
   2. CITO event

The date of the event does not need to be hosted before the end of the Winter Games but it does have to publish before the end of the games Feb 24th.

** kicker here…. If the cito is associated with cleaning a waterway you may add 2 pts

7.5 points (+/- plus or minus)

Log example;

Task #9

Hosting a CITO event March 29^th GCBXXXX **waterway cleanup along edge of Woodlawn Lake

published Feb 15^th. Claiming 7.5 PLUS 2 for a total of 11.5 positive points

Task #10. Discover and Drop

This task is all about the trackables.

 Discover 5 trackables of another geocacher while at an event or while out geocaching. Discovering logs need to include mention of the Texas Winter Caching games and the GC of the games in each log.

Drop 3 trackables in a cache to continue its journey.

6.5 points (+/- plus or minus)

Log example;

Discovered 5 trackables at GCAXXXX screenshots of logs (no view of trackable codes please if including photos of trackables)

#1 image

#2 image

#3 image

#4 image

#5 image

Dropped 3 trackables in GCA0XXX

 Claiming 6.5 positive points

Task #11. Share you story.

On the event/game page introduce yourself and tell us your story. No matter if you have been playing this game for 20 years or mere months but are playing the games with us, tell us your story. When did you start? Why did you begin playing this crazy game we love? Where and when was your first caching experience? What do you love about the game? How did you get your geocaching name? Have you ever changed your geocaching name? Where in Texas are you playing the game? What was your first event you attended? Have you family that has cached with you muggle or cacher? Have you attended a mega event? Are you playing where you started or have you moved to another area and is the caching different? If you could change one thing about your game what would that be?

Plenty of fodder here to munch through for a log. Feel free to add anything else along your caching journey/story that you would like to share.

This task is worth 15.75 pts (+/-) * This task is not eligible for the addition *SPECIAL .5 pts*

Log example;

Here’s my story and I’m stickin to it………

Claiming 15.75 positive points

Task #12. Loyal Finder, Find 6 caches by the either the same cache owner or that has been published by the same reviewer. Any cache type applies.

3 points Plus D Plus T of the highest DT- if there are multiple of that DT still use it (plus or minus)

Task #13. Power-up

Find 20 caches in a power run. All of the caches that you find must have the power trail attribute. Your note claiming points must include the GC of each cache in the power run.

13.5 points (+/- plus or minus)

Task #14. Critters of the 4 legged kind.

Photo of a 4 legged critter that you saw while caching. Bugs do not count for this task.

 In your note claiming points share the photo and the gc number of the cache that you were finding.

2 points Plus D Plus T (+/- plus or minus)

Task #15. Hide 5 caches. Get Vowel-ly at the DT

A,E,I,O,U Cache names first letter is a word that starts with a vowel

The caches have to be a 3D or Higher and they have to be a 2T or Higher.

Traditional caches are worth .5 point

Mystery caches are worth 1 point

For the Total Points to claim you will choose any combination or all one of the 2 cache types. Add your point values together for what each is worth and claim positive or negative score.

Log example; 

GCXXXXX Under the Boardwalk mystery 1 point positive

GCXXXXX All about me traditional .5 point positive

GCXXXXX Everyman for himself mystery 1 point positive

GCXXXXX If you wanna cache traditional .5 pt positive

GCXXXXX Oh Canada mystery 1 point

Claiming 4 points positive

 BIWEEKLY

The 1st Bi-Weekly Challenge will be posted December 9th as an announcement and below here in the description (these will be added every 2 weeks as the game proceeds so keep yourself attuned)

The 1st Monthly Challenge will be posted December 2nd as an announcement and below here in the description (these will be added at the beginning of each month)

*******************************************************************

********1st biweekly challenge. ********

Find 3 different cache types. Any combination allowed.

Cito all 3 cache gz at least 2 FULL grocery bag at each OR 1 FULL BLACK trash bag. Photo of you and your cito efforts in both the log of the cache and the log claiming points. FYI prior to this year we have been very lenient and accepted photos of a piece of trash. Or even a half full grocery bag. This challenge is our GIVE BACK so please do that. 

Example...your log will look like this for claiming points.

1 traditional GCXXXX, see photos

1 mystery GCXXXX see photos,

1 earthcache GCXXXX see photos

Claiming 6 points (positive/or negative OR  ZERO)

** these caches must have published before the start of this year's games.

THIS BIWEEKLY BONUS BEGAN DECEMBER 10TH AND ENDS THURSDAY DECEMBER 23RD 11:59 PM

****************************************************************************

    ****************Biweekly Bonus #2  *******************                                                   

*****DEC 23 TO JAN 6

Find 4 caches total any type and any DT

2 of them must have at least 2 positive attributes

2 of them must have at least 2 negative attributes

**** the twist on this is that the positive attributes must be associated with  Hazards and the negative attributes must be associated in the Permissions.

ADDING A KICKER HERE…..

###ONE OF THE 4 CACHES CLAIMED HAS TO HAVE ONE OF THE “SPECIALS” ATTRIBUTES### (there are only 2 available in Texas from the list of 4, Solution Checker or Geotour)

Use this link to make sure the attributes are in the correct category for this bonus. 

https://www.geocaching.com/about/icons.aspx

Points for this bonus is positive/negative 4 or zero points only

This Bonus must be logged before the end of January 6, 2023

11:59 pm

Example Log

1 GCXXXXX positive hazard attribute ______________.

2 GCXXXXX “SPECIAL” positive hazard attribute ______________.

3 GCXXXXX negative permission attribute ______________.

4 GCXXXXX negative permission attribute ______________.

Claiming negative 4 points.

****************************************************************************

******BIWEEKLY BONUS 3 *****

 JANUARY 6 THROUGH JANUARY 20^TH

4 STRING ensemble ON YOUR DT GRID

- Any consecutive DT in any order. It only needs to be 1 of the factors…either the D or the T. This does not look like a full Bingo only a row of 4 within your grid.

It is still magical to research and find.

• For example
• GCXXXX D1.5 T1
• GCXXXX D 1.5 T1.5
• GCXXXX D 1.5 T2
• GCXXXX D 1.5 T2.5

Example log:  *Please feel free to copy and paste format and use your own finds including the DT with each

******BIWEEKLY BONUS 3 *****

Claiming positive 8 points for the following

4 STRING ensemble ON my DT GRID

• GCXXXX D3 T1.5
• GCXXXX D 3 T2
• GCXXXX D 3 T2.5
• GCXXXX D 3 T3

This Biweekly Bonus is worth 8 pts +/-
This Bonus must be logged before the end of Jan  20^th 11:59 pm

*********************************************************************

Biweekly Bonus 4

*****JAN 20 TO FEB 3, 2023

QUICK PICK

 – Chose only 2 of the 3. Post only one note claiming points for your bonus, please.  See below how to submit your note for points.

1. Add SWAG to your own cache or any other cache. All caches must be published before the games started. Post a photo of the cache before and after SWAG was added with your log submission

 (2 points +/- points.)

2. Favorite Milestone Cache. Tell a story about your favorite milestone cache, even if it is your first one!  Share a photo naming the milestone, if you have one.  Otherwise post any caching photo and your story to 2022-2023 Texas Winter Caching Games Facebook Page. If you dont have facebook send the Co of the event page and it will be posted with the caption that you also send. (8 points +/- points.)

3. Post Your best “Phoon”…not a dab but a phoon!!

-be as creative as you like… most of all have fun with it Check out the website www.phoons.com where you will find lots of photos of people phooning and some history about the phenomenon. If you’ve never phooned before, try it, take a photo, it’s fun. If you are usually shy about adding photos of yourself in your logs, don’t worry. A phoon photo does not have to be a close up. In fact, it is usually a distant shot of a landscape or a structure, with you phooning somewhere in the frame. When doing a true phoon, you shouldn’t be looking at the camera, so you can add a photo of yourself phooning and still remain completely anonymous. Pictures of people phooning usually make us all laugh, because it is such a silly thing. Add some silliness to your caching fun and ENJOY!

Do this near a cache and post your photo to the cache log. Within a reasonable distance... not more than a mile. We are going to use the honor system here and trust that you will abide by the distance especially since for this phooning activity only it can be done at an event or cache that has been published after the Games started.

How to do the phoon:

1. Stand sideways to the camera. (A Phoon is always viewed from the side.)

2. Bend your arms at the elbows. (Look like an athletic runner, not a ballerina.)

3. Lift your rear elbow (not your hand) so that it is easy to see behind your back.

4. Lean forward at the waist. This will help you look more energetic and will help you lift your rear ankle.

5. When possible, do not look at the camera and do not smile.

6. Either arm can be the rear arm. Either leg can be the rear leg.

Image: http://www.phoons.com/images/howto.gif

OOOOHHHH!!!! You are all the way through reading and wondering about points!!!

Here ya go!!

Points for this 5 points plus or minus. As always a little twist…..

1 point added to your score for sharing a photo of your phoning with friends or muggles on the 2022-2023 Texas Winter Games Facebook page.

Example Log;

Claiming Part 1 and Part 3

Added swag to GCXXXXX Photo of swag added. 2 points positive

Phooning with crazy caching friends at GCXXXXXX photo included here. 5 points positive PLUS 1 point for sharing on FB

Total positive points 8 positive.

Please post your log for points before Feb 3^rd, 2023 11:59 p.m.

*********************************************************************

5^th Bi-weekly Bonus Feb 4^th – 18th

Mini Streak of 6 days finds any cache type including AL if you want but it is an option not a requirement.** Photo of the log at each GZ of the log below the last finder.

Share your Jasmer dreams/story. If you would like to refresh your memory about your jasmer dreams or your story use this checker GC40WR7. How many Cache owners on this list have you been able to meet?

Points available for this bonus---1 point for each day.

Points available for jasmer dreams/story. .25 point Share in your log claiming points for bonus. No need to share on the FB page

Log Example:

5^TH Bi-weekly Bonus completed February 20

Day 1-Feb 15^th GCXXXXXX 1 point

Day 2-Feb 16^th GCXXXXXX 1 point

Day 3-Feb 17^th GCXXXXXX 1 point

Day 4-Feb 18^th GCXXXXXX 1 point

Day 5-Feb 19^th GCXXXXXX 1 point

Day 6-Feb 20^th GCXXXXXX 1 point

6 photos with this log

My Jasmer dream came true last summer in Oregon the last month that I needed was August of 2000. It was an amazing adventure to the final months cache as usually happens with an oldie. I never thought I would actually be able to do it.

Claiming 6.25 points positive

MONTHLY

1st monthly challenge. 
Dec 10, 2023 to Jan 6, 2023 11:59 pm. Do all 3 parts or pick any of the 3 choices. Enjoy!!
3 part challenge 
A. Share the joy of holiday lights 
       - take 3 night photos of holiday light displays to share in your log claiming points. Please share the photos on our social media too but its not required for points ** 3 points plus/minus or zero
B. Holiday caching. Find 4 caches (any type and they can be all different types) at gz take a holiday themed photo OR share a holiday memory in your log of each cache. (No new caches that published after the games started)
** 8 points plus/minus or zero
C. Holiday generosity. Give. Any way you choose. Buy for who's behind you in the drive through. Drop food to the food bank. Give to the local pet shelter. Donate to a children's toy drive. Give a coat or blanket to where it is needed. Anything you want for generosity. It makes our souls feel great!! Share your giving in your log claiming points.
 ** 5 points plus/minus or zero
EXAMPLE  log will look like the following *** PLEASE COPY AND PASTE GC FOR ACCURACY PURPOSES 
1st Monthly bonus
A. 3 Photos holiday lights 
B. GCXXXX photo
     GCXXXX memory log
     GC XXXX photo
     GCXXXX photo
C. Gave a down sleeping bag to man on corner of Bandera and 1604 San Antonio Texas (let us know where you are in Texas and the glow in our hearts will be shared all over the state.)
Claim 16 points positive 

PLEASE CLAIM PRIOR TO Jan 6, 2023 11:59 pm
************************************************************************************************

Monthly Bonus January 7- February 3

Hide any 4 cache types from this list, points for each type noted with each

1 point for Traditional,

1.5 points for 2 stage easy multi,

2 points mystery,

 4 points earthcache, earthcache reviewers are different volunteers.

2 points if a reverse wherigo,

3 points if regular cartridge wherigo

2.5 points if letterbox,

3 points if Adventure lab (If you still have a credit)

Must be 2 different sizes included in the 4 types. No micro or Other allowed.

Points for the monthly bonus positive negative only. Include publish date and size with your log claiming points

Log claiming points must look similar to this example.

Monthly bonus Jan 7 to Feb 3

Hid 4 cache types

GCBXXXX mystery size small

published Jan 8 positive points 2

GCBXXXX traditional size large

published Jan 12 positive points 1

GCBXXXX letterbox size regular

published Jan 18 positive points 2.5

GCB XXXX reverse wherigo size small

published Feb 2 positive points 2

Claiming total POSITIVE 7 points

Hides must publish before the end of 3^rd of February.

Points must be claimed before 11:59 pm February 3rd

***********************************************************

Last Monthly Bonus for this year’s Games Feb 4^th – 24^th (3 weeks)

Find 5 different cache owners, PLUS 5 DIFFERENT SIZED FINDS. ADVENTURE LAB WILL COUNT TOWARDS “OTHER” size, (yes the owner has to be different than all the other owners). EVENTS are allowed for this bonus and they can have published after the games started BUT not after the date of this bonus going live/published after Feb 3rd.

***3 different cache types need to be included with this bonus, Adventure Labs will count for one of the types for this bonus

Points available for this aspect of the monthly bonus are 1.5 points per cache

Optional------Hide one cache any type any size 2.25 points +/-

You may do any portion of this bonus but it must include at least 1 find. You can do 1,2,3,4 or 5 total finds. And the hide part is completely optional.

Log example:

Last Monthly Bonus:

Found: 5 owners 5 sizes 4 types

GCXXXXX size Large owner Cybercat Cache type traditional 1.5 points

GCXXXXX size small owner BEViking Cache type mystery 1.5 points

GCXXXXX size micro owner Carrot Killer Cache type multi 1.5 points

GCXXXXX size other owner georeyna Cache type event 1.5 points

GCXXXXX size regular owner MsPatt Cache type trad 1.5 points

Hid:

GCXXXXX How does Gnomie do it?-trad size small published Feb. 18^th. 2.25 points positive

Claiming total of 9.75 points positive

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RETURNING TO THE GAME THIS YEAR IS THE **CHALLENGE BONUS**

CHALLENGE BONUS

• Quite strategic with some calculated risk thrown in. This runs through the entire length of the games from the 29th when it starts to the final day for completing tasks.

• This Challenge may only be claimed once per single player and no substitutions/replacements will be allowed once claimed.

• This Challenge is exempt from Rule 9: your Challenge cache can be claimed for another Task.

• Overview:

• Log a physical cache, and receive Challenge Bonus points based on specific air temperature ranges in degrees Fahrenheit (Challenge Bonus point values can be your choice of positive or negative):

• 51 F and above: 1 point

• 41 F to 50 F: 2 points

• 31 F to 40 F:  3 points

• 21F to 30 F: 4 points

• 20 F or colder: 6 points

• This is the WINTER Caching Games after all! So biggest bonuses go to the heartiest of cachers (or the craziest!!).

HERES THE TWIST

MAKING A SNOWMAN BIGGER THAN 14 INCHES WILL GET YOU AN EXTRA 5 POINTS ADD 1 POINT IF A FRIEND IS IN THE PHOTO WITH YOU AND YOUR CREATION

MAKING A SNOW ANGEL WILL GET YOU AN EXTRA 5 POINTS ADD 2 POINTS IF YOU AND A FRIEND DO IT TOGETHER (photo proof needed)

• Please note that the temperature ranges above are referencing Air Temperature, not Wind Chill nor "feels like"

• Your Challenge Note must include both:

• 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 us!)

POINTS CLAIMED FOR THIS CHALLENGE CAN BE PLUS OR MINUS OR ZERO

• This Challenge must be claimed within 48 hours of logging the find. No going out at 30F on December 12th, and waiting until February 28th to claim – that is the calculated risk portion of the Challenge!

• As with all Tasks and Bonuses, this Challenge can only be claimed once.

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