We all like hand out favorite points to those special finds we’ve made. They can help us recall the experience and give us the power to say thank you to the CO for giving us something to remember. But favorites mean something to cache hiders as well. In fact, some hiders take pride in building a cache that will earn as many favorites with as few finders as possible, and occasionally caches with high favorite points even earn rewards for the hider.
So how do you make a cache that will generate a lot of favorites? It takes a bit of effort but there are a few ways that can help you do this. Here are some of them.
- Location, location, location. Put your cache in sight of a beautiful view or an off the beaten path delight, and you are on the right track. Put it on a dumpster under a freeway underpass and, well, you aren’t. A lot of my favorites have been places that I would not have found without a cache being placed there. Of course many of the top locations are already used but there are some gems still available.
- Use a creative container. This is where a bit of extra work can really earn you some points. Good camoflage, creative design and clever use of natural hidey-holes can all lead to a cache that will be remembered long after the find. Blending the container to the theme of the location is also a great way to help your cache be worthy of a favorite.
- Tell a story. Get a cacher’s attention and give them a reason to find this cache. Having something to tell others will not only make the cache stand out but will contribute to the overall experience of making the find.
- Make it an experience. Giving people a reason to try something new is a powerful thing. The 25th cache in a power trail may not stand out to you later. But remember the time you hiked a mile out of your way with friends to find a cache in a spot no one had gone to before? Or the night cache that scared you witless before you made a daring find and escape? That was an adventure.
- Contraptions. Ever had to figure out how to unlock a padlock to sign the log? Or roll a ball through a maze to get access? Including a field puzzle or building a game can make for a memorable experience. Sure it takes some time to set up, but finders will recognize the effort that went into making a contraption cache and the favorite points will prove it.
- Make it a large. How about a bucket in a tree? Or a cookie tin covered in fake leaves? Some creative camo may be needed in a busy area but even an undisguised ammo can at the side of a remote trail will be welcomed by many.
- Consider accessibility. How many people will visit your cache? Simple math says the more visitors you have, the more likely you are to earn a favorite. Similar to location but it can include things like availability of parking, ease of terrain and proximity to tourist destinations.
- Keep your cache in good order. No one likes finding a cache with a wet log. Come and clean it up once in a while and show people that the cache is cared for.
- Add some swag. Obviously this requires a larger container which isn't always possible in an urban setting. But if the hide area allows for it, use a Tupperware instead of a blinkie and make room for some trading items. Who doesn’t enjoy the thrill of finding a wind up plastic dinosaur in an out of the way ammo can after a 3 mile hike?
- Have a snazzy cache name. Mission accomplished here. 😉
To find the cache, find the inscription at the posted coordinates and use the information to discover the final location.
The subject of the inscription held tenure for AB years.
C = 2 x B
D = A - B
You will find the cache at these coordinates:
N37 46.BCB W122 27.DCB
You can validate your puzzle solution with
certitude.