Washington DeLorme Challenge Mystery Cache

The Washington DeLorme Challenge

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The map of the pre-2007 version of the Washington DeLorme Atlas can be seen here

What is the DeLorme Challenge?

In 2004, Haicoole unveiled the California DeLorme Challenge cache. During a caching adventure with Lil Devil in May of that year, I learned about this cache and the fun that Northern California Geocachers were having with it. I immediately began planning for a Washington version. Well, here it is finally: the Washington DeLorme Challenge!

The DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer is published for all 50 states. These maps are a favorite among travelers and outdoorsmen and are available at many locations, including online directly from DeLorme. The goal of this cache is simple (ha!): to find a cache on each and every block of each and every page of the Washington State DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer.

The image above shows the geographical extents of each of the pages of the Washington DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer. (Note: the boundaries of the pages changed with the 2007 edition of the Atlas; the map picture above reflects this latest version.) The final cache coordinates are listed below in the additional waypoints section, but the final container can only be logged after successfully finding a cache in each page of the Atlas.

In order to claim this cache, you must first send me a file containing all of your finds. (.GPX is highly preferred, although .LOC format is a close second). If you send your file in non-GPX format, then please filter out your non-Washington, locationless, event and CITO caches ahead of time for me.) I will review the list and generate a image showing their locations (similar to those linked to from the bottom of this page) in order to verify the list. Once everything checks out, you are then welcome to go after the final cache! The find cannot be logged until the physical container is found and the logbook inside signed.

Based on feedback from and incidents seen with DeLorme Challenges in other states, some guidelines need to be laid out:

1. As mentioned above, the posted coordinates are not the actual coordinates for the cache. They are a good place to start, though (the main Soaring Eagle Park lot). The actual cache coordinates are shown in the additional waypoints section.
   
   
2. Generally accepted rules, guidelines and conditions for logging a cache find apply. These must be bona fide caches listed on Geocaching.com that you have personally (physically) found and logged. You may include caches found prior to the creation of the Washington DeLorme Challenge so long as they meet all other Challenge requirements.
   
   
3. Placement of a cache on a DeLorme Atlas page counts the same as finding a cache on that page, but only if it was placed prior to October 31, 2005. Hides after this date do not count toward the Challenge.
   
   
4. All cache types count as finds or hides for the DeLorme Challenge with the exception of events (CITO included) and locationless caches.
   
   
5. If a Washington DeLorme Atlas page includes space not located in Washington, only caches in the Washington portion count. We will go off of the posted coordinates for a cache when determining in which state or page a given cache falls.
   
   
6. Since the entire extent of Page 98 in the 2007 edition of the Washington DeLorme Atlas 106 in the Washington DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer lies within Oregon, it is not necessary to complete this page for the Challenge. However, you will receive extra credit if you do! (Similarly, since Page 106 in the pre-2007 editions of the Atlas lies within British Columbia, it is not necessary to complete this page for that version of the Challenge.)
   
   
7. On pages consisting of multiple blocks (i.e. Page 103 in the 2007 edition and Pages 29 and 58 in pre-2007 editions), a find must be logged in each block, not just one for the page. (Due to the fact that block C on Page 58 of the pre-2007 editions consists entirely of open ocean, it will not be necessary to find a cache in this block.)
   
   
8. While the various editions and versions of the DeLorme Atlas do not seem to have changed much in terms of page boundaries, the image above derived from the information in the cache owner's copy will be considered definitive.
   
   
9. While you may have others with you when you find the final cache, only those who have fulfilled ALL criteria for this cache will be allowed to log it as a find. Find logs by other cachers will be deleted.
   
   
10. When in doubt ask—we can discuss it or even seek guidance from others, but the final decision rests with the cache owner.
    
    
11. Remember that this is a game and is supposed to be fun!
    
    

It's easy! Simply use one of these methods to check your status toward the challenge:

1. Visit the submission page and upload a file containing all of your finds (as well as any hides made prior to October 31, 2005). I will then generate a progress map for you like those above.

   If you are a premium member, you can upload your finds easily using your special "My Finds" Pocket Query; my scripts will automatically strip out all caches that do not count for the Challenge. If you are not a premium member, you can download your finds as .LOC files and combine them together in a .ZIP file or a single .LOC file using readily-available waypoint management tools such as GPSBabel or EasyGPS.

2. Use the Project-GC Challenge Checker and, if it indicates that you qualify, post the cache report that it generates in a log here on the cache page. (Please nore that there is generally a 24-36 hour delay between when you log your find on Geocaching.com and it is accounted for on Project-GC.)