Welcome to the Fall Fest 2025 GeoChallenge
This is NOT a geocaching Challenge cache - instead, this cache is part of the GeoChallenge placed as part of the festivities for Fall Fest 2025! This series will offer a variety of DT ratings throughout Brantford and Brant County. All caches are stand-alone caches that do not need to be found in any specific order. When you find the cache, you will be looking for either a CODE WORD (written on the Logbook) or a STAMP inside of the cache. Record this code word or stamp your passport (available from Event HQ starting at 8pm on Wednesday, September 24th) in the appropriate location for your chance to win a TON of amazing prizes.
Please note: all passports must be returned to Event HQ prior to 12:00pm on Saturday, September 27th 2025 in order to be eligible for prizes.
There are a total of 100 caches in the GeoChallenge and all caches can be searched for by using the prefix FF25 GC. Some caches in the GeoChallenge will be park and grabs, while others will involve longer hikes or TOTTs (including kayaks, boots, collapsible ladders, and flashlights). Please check the descriptions and attributes for each cache and do not attempt anything outside of your comfort zone. These caches are being placed to appeal to a wide variety of caching levels and abilities and are designed to be a CHALLENGE.
The cache IS NOT at the posted coordinates.
The cache is a unique one, designed by Mrs. CaptainMath. The cache contains only a logbook. Please bring a pen to sign the log, and replace as found.
This cache is part of the Hatchley Gadget Trail. This moderate hike winds through the Hatchley Tract, a hiking tract with several gadget and/or unusual caches for you to find. These caches are not your typical peanut butter jar in a tree - read the directions on the cache page thoroughly to enjoy the experience. To complete the gadget trail, expect a 3.5-4km round trip hike with some bushwacking and wading required. This area becomes VERY wet during the late winter and spring, and you may wish to bring bug repellent, rubber boots, and your thinking caps.
YOUR PUZZLE STARTS HERE
Manfred Baron von Richthofen was Germany's leading ace pilot during World War One.
Born to a prosperous family, Richthofen and his younger brother Lothar followed their father into military careers, and he became a lieutenant in the 1st Uhlan Cavalry Regiment of the Prussian Army fighting in Russia and participating in the invasion of Belgium and France. In 1915 he transferred to the Imperial Air Service and in September 1916 entered combat as a fighter pilot.
Richthofen was personally credited with shooting down as many as 80 enemy aircraft, earning him a reputation as a gladiator. of the sky! A feared competitor when in his plane, he often gained the upper hand, ready to pounce. on his opponent. It is said he eventually he was killed in his red Fokker triplane when he was caught in a barrage of Australian enemy ground fire during a battle near Amiens, but according to another account he was shot down by Captain Arthur Roy Brown, a Canadian in the Royal Air Force. But his reputation of success in battle earned him the nickname, The Red Baron, a nickname that befits. the control he had over the European skies.
A few notes about this series:
- The caches along the Gadget trail are designed to give you both a mental and physical workout. It may involve creek walking, slogging through mud, bushwacking, and trails that may be very overgrown.
- Check the attributes! They will often give you an idea of what you are looking for and what to expect at/near GZ
- Remember that you must sign the log in order to claim the find. Group names are fine, but all cachers should be present at the time of the find.
- Pay attention to the DT ratings and don't do anything above your comfort level.
This cache was originally placed for Fall Fest 2025! by a proud member of:
