Hard To Reach Caches

[i_think_we_are_lost]

I'm planning a cache that will require a person to bring something to get the cache. The cache location is about 5 miles out in the country. I could give some clues that will help the person figure out what to bring and avoid having to come back out again. How would you feel if you got to the cache, knew where the cache was, but needed something to get it? I think I'd be irritated. On the other hand not giving the clues makes it more difficult of a puzzle, and that is what this cache is intended to be - a puzzle. The answer is unique and fun. I'm afraid if I start giving clues I'll have to give so many there will be nothing to figure out.

[+Nappy10]

Is it a common item that one would need (i.e. a screwdriver, a long stick, etc.)? Personally, I think figuring out the puzzle is half the find. You might put the words "come prepared."

 

Set it up with the puzzle and if it is too hard people will let you know. You can always add clues later.

[+lilbluyze]

I am in agreement, figuring out clues, etc. is a lot of the fun. Giving some sort of clue would be great. If you think long enough, I'll bet you can figure out how to give a clue without too much or too little information.

Lilbluyze

[+Lazyboy & Mitey Mite]

Hmm, well to be honest if I had to go back I wouldn't. The cache closest to me on my search page will always be there. I won't bother going back. Once was enough and there are always new ones to find.

[+Team Perks]

I've done more than a few caches requiring a special tool such as a screwdriver or a half-gallon of water to retrieve the cache. That sort of "interactive" cache is always a blast.

 

However, I'd hate to walk 5 miles to discover I didn't have the right king of retrieval tool. My recommendation would be to make sure people knew what to have along with them.

[+briansnat]

A clue would be a good idea, but don't put it in the encrypted hint. It won't do anybody good if they decrypt it at the cache site.

 

Making it part of a puzzle, or riddle would be cool.

[+Renegade Knight]

I've done more than a few caches requiring a special tool such as a screwdriver or a half-gallon of water to retrieve the cache.  That sort of "interactive" cache is always a blast.

 

However, I'd hate to walk 5 miles to discover I didn't have the right king of retrieval tool.  My recommendation would be to make sure people knew what to have along with them.

I save these cache types for urban caches for the reasons mentioned here. Once you hike 200 miles barfoot and naked through snow under the thirst inducing blazing sun you really don't want a technical challenge to solve involving higher math, a half gallon of water, and some old shoe leather.

 

Urban caches have a tendancy towards lameness mostly due to our own architectural ineptitide (we build the crap we live in and call lame) so a little spice on them is in order.

Edited July 1, 2004 by Renegade Knight

[+The Commissar!]

Is the cache a five mile hike or 500 feet from a road five miles in the country? If it is a five mile hike, then just enough of a clue so MOST come prepared properly for the puzzle that awaits them is in order IMHO. If it is a long way to the general area but you can drive there then being more cryptic is cool too...

[+rusty_tlc]

Sounds like a cool cache.

I have another, related, question. Would this cache automatically rate a 5 for difficulty? The guideline refers to "special equipment required" when rating a cache.

[i_think_we_are_lost]

It is a drive up cache - so no long hike required. Thanks for the feedback - I think I've figured out some good clues so that if the people think about it, and use all the clues they'll know what to bring.

[+Nappy10]

Hmm, well to be honest if I had to go back I wouldn't.  The cache closest to me on my search page will always be there.  I won't bother going back.  Once was enough and there are always new ones to find.

Did someone say "lazy"boy?

Edited July 1, 2004 by Nappy10

[+Team Perks]

I save these cache types for urban caches for the reasons mentioned here.  Once you hike 200 miles barfoot and naked through snow under the thirst inducing blazing sun you really don't want a technical challenge to solve involving higher math, a half gallon of water, and some old shoe leather.

 

Urban caches have a tendancy towards lameness mostly due to our own architectural ineptitide (we build the crap we live in and call lame) so a little spice on them is in order.

Hopefully a five-mile hike would be its own reward (even if it you do have to hike through the freezing snow under the blazing sun ), without having to spice it up. And I don't know how many people would want to bring a stepladder and 75 feet of rope to the top of a mountain.

 

Most of the truly creative ones I've seen are urban in nature, and the more creative ones I've placed have been more urban too. A little creativity can make a cache in even as mundane a location as a parking lot quite a bit of fun.

[+Lazyboy & Mitey Mite]

Did someone say "lazy"boy?

You bet, that's me.

 

I have managed to access a 5/5 cache along the way which took quite the effort. I just don't like wasting my time and gas going back twice, and I won't.

[AZcachemeister]

Suggesting several items that MIGHT be of use on your cache should bring them prepared. They will still have to figure out what to do/which 'tool' is really necessary, when they arrive at the cache.

 

"Bring a bucket, a screwdriver and a spatula."

[+flask]

you might just warn people that if they don't have the correct item, it will mean a second trip.

 

or not. depends how eveil you are.

[+tirediron]

I like the idea of suggesting a choice of items, only one of which is really needed. If I had done a 5 mile hike, only to find that I needed a thing-a-mjig when I had brought a doo-hickey, I would be a little annoyed. A hint sure, a subtle one, but at least a little one...