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Multi Cache Rules


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Hi, i'm new to all this and was introduced to it a couple of weeks ago by my geo caching partner, i would like to know the rules and regs for setting up a multi cache, as i belive it would give me as muchfun hiding them than it finding them,

 

for example is there a limit to how many caches can be used on a multicache? is there a limit on distance? for intstance could i place a couple around say wales then send them on there way to the wesmidlands for there next cache? or does it have to be in a certain mile radius? i realise you must get questions like these all the time but any help or a link to a post with the answers i need would be very greatfully receieved

 

Fatpigeon

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for example is there a limit to how many caches can be used on a multicache? is there a limit on distance? for intstance could i place a couple around say wales then send them on there way to the wesmidlands for there next cache? or does it have to be in a certain mile radius? i realise you must get questions like these all the time but any help or a link to a post with the answers i need would be very greatfully receieved

 

Fatpigeon

No. People don't do multis very often and are more apt to skip them the more stages they have

 

528' for physical stages. (Maybe that's a different number across the pond.)

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528' for physical stages.

 

As I understand it the 528ft (0.1 mile) applies to the minimum distance between a physical stage, or final, of a multi and any other physical cache (or physical stage of another multi) It does not apply to stages within a single multi.

 

I'm not sure if there is any maximum distance for a multi but the longer it gets the less punters it will attract. It isn't a rule but it is a good idea to include the total distance (or expected time) in the cache description so potential punters know what they are getting into and won't start trying to do a 10mile walk during their lunch hour.

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for example is there a limit to how many caches can be used on a multicache? is there a limit on distance? for intstance could i place a couple around say wales then send them on there way to the wesmidlands for there next cache? or does it have to be in a certain mile radius? i realise you must get questions like these all the time but any help or a link to a post with the answers i need would be very greatfully receieved

 

Fatpigeon

 

A multicache is ONE cache with more than one stage needed to get to the final.

I believe you are referring to a series of separate caches.

By law these have to be in containers larger than 0.5 litres, and further local bylaws may prevent them from being placed in hedges at the sides of roads..... :)

 

 

 

:huh::laughing::yikes:

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Hi,

 

Welcome to caching and the forums :huh: There are a wide variety of multis, ranging from getting a few details from a sign and entering the coords and then a short walk to the actual cache. Through to once with 20 plus stages where you have to visit lots of sites (often in towns) getting digits from building dates and the like.

 

 

Not wishing to curb your enthusiasim but maybe visit a few multis first and see how others have done them then this will give you a few ideas. Be aware though as has been mentioned the more stages and the harder it becomes the more people who will ignore it, but then hopefully the better logs you will get if people find it as their sense of pride will shine through.

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I'll second what others just said...

 

I once nipped over to Liverpool after work to do what looked like a 5 stage multi around a park, after work... turns out I had to do a round trip of over 120 miles, driving from one side of Liverpool all the way over to Southport and Formby (if I'd just driven to the park it'd have been about 45 miles)

 

I was NOT impressed.

 

Simply put, if it's not a simple multi, most cachers won't do it.

I'd suggest for your first attempt, to stick to a good traditional, with a good sized box and a decent hide.

 

However... I'd try and get in at least 50 caches before you hide one - you'll have a much better idea of what makes a decent cache.

 

Oh - and one question the reviewers would ask on a multi that you describe.... who would maintain the parts of the multi in "say Wales" when you live in the W Mids? You have to live within 50 miles of your cache!!!

(Or have someone there who can maintain for you)

 

Welcome to the obsession... I love new caches, but try to learn to walk before you run.

Edited by HazelS
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When you submit your cache the reviewers check the location to see how far away it is from other caches. The check also looks at the actual locations of nearby mystery and multicaches. If you've not done all the nearby multis or mysterys then you won't know where they are located and so you may end up too close. How do you solve this? Go and do the other caches!

 

The proximity guideline of 528feet/161meters/0.1 miles applies to the physical container of a cache. It doesn't apply to 'virtual' stages where you need to find a clue and get some numbers for example. It also doesn't apply to physical stages of the same cache - but be sensible here. You could create a trail of 10 micros and a final huge box with the first micro providing the coords to the next and so on. These micros are 50 feet apart.... so the person finding it has stop and enter each set of coords into their GPS and then 2 minutes later do it again, and again and so on.... it wouldn't be appreciated! If you've got a good location give someone a nice walk to enjoy.

Maximum distance apart? Well there isn't one really. The reviewers may ask how you plan to maintain them all quickly if there is a problem though.

 

For your first one go for something straightforward and work up from there.

 

You may find my resource website useful for placing your cache. If you go out and place 10 containers on a nice trail only to have the reviewer query them because they are in nature reserves or National Trust land it will mean you've got more work to do! My website is setup to show you how to find out beforehand where areas that require specific permission are located or areas where caches are not allowed. You should also check out the Geocaching Association of Great Britain landowner database (linked to from my site) as they have the details of the landowners and how to contact them.

You are welcome to email me directly if you have any questions or post your them in these forums.

 

Chris

Graculus

Volunteer UK Reviewer for geocaching.com

UK Geocaching Information & Resources website www.follow-the-arrow.co.uk/resources

 

PS.... Keehotee loves micros really, he's only kidding about the size the container should be :huh:

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i would like to know the rules and regs for setting up a multi cache.

 

The guidelines for multi-caches are here, though it is probably worth reading the whole lot, which start here.

 

is there a limit to how many caches can be used on a multicache?

 

No, but the more intermediate stages there are, the fewer people will look for the cache. IF a multi takes you on a tour of a village, say, and the stages are close (strolling distance) together, then 6-8 is possibly the most stages we'd be willing to do.

 

could i place a couple around say wales then send them on there way to the wesmidlands for there next cache?

 

You could (if you could convince the reviewers to allow it), but very few people would look for it unless you offered petrol coupons!

 

On a more serious note, why? What would you be seeking to achieve that couldn't be done by a series of traditional caches along the route?

 

Mike

Edited by Von-Horst
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Hi, i'm new to all this and was introduced to it a couple of weeks ago by my geo caching partner, i would like to know the rules and regs for setting up a multi cache, as i belive it would give me as muchfun hiding them than it finding them,

 

for example is there a limit to how many caches can be used on a multicache? is there a limit on distance? for intstance could i place a couple around say wales then send them on there way to the wesmidlands for there next cache? or does it have to be in a certain mile radius? i realise you must get questions like these all the time but any help or a link to a post with the answers i need would be very greatfully receieved

 

Fatpigeon

 

I have a multi-location cache that requires you to visit 17 different locations and cover in excess of 280 miles. Needless to say.... it gets completed very, very rarely. With the current attitude towards long, drawn-out caches that need a lot of work for just one find.... forget the idea. Make it a series of stand-alone traditional caches, with perhaps info from each being required to find the final 'bonus' cache, and you'll get a lot more visitors. However, PLEASE.... don't make the mistake of using a load of 35mm film pots or people will really hate you and not buy you any beer should they ever meet you at a caching event.

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Also, a Multi cache with several stages can take different formats:

For example

a: each stage has the co-ord for the next

or

b: location of all stages are given as waypoints and pieces of information for the final is given at each waypoint

 

Type 'b' is preferable to type 'a' as it's easier to estimate how long the entire trail will take beforehand and missing a stage probably wouldn't scupper the whole thing...

 

 

 

Mark

Edited by Delta68
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