Challenge: Find Every Cache in Wisconsin. Honeybunnies have that one close to being finished, don’t they?

Find all unarchived WGA COTM nominated caches…

Challenge caches seem like a good alternative for those who subscribe to the “It’s Not about the numbers” mantra. For some it’s not about the numbers but it is about the challenges. Part of the fun of this sport seems like it is achieving goals. For many, those goals are numbers based, for others they are more abstract, and others (like myself) fluctuate between the 2.

It’s always nice to have a goal and the challenge caches can be a good opportunity for that. But if there are too many of them then it just becomes an overwhelming mess. A handful of them is nice but too many too fast would probably not be a good thing.

The challenge cahces that are more “ambiguous” and have many ways to accomplish them are more fun (IMHO) than the ones that are too specific. Some challenge caches say (Find every cache on this list) (which is NOT fun) and others say find 26 caches that start with each letter of the alphabet… there’s more than 1 way to solve that one and it’s more fun.

Ones that are statistic based kind of interest me. Like the well rounded cacher for instance, that one looks neat (Though difficult). Or one that would say that you have to have so many FTFs or found at least x number of 5/5s.

I think the best kind of challenge cache is one that allows the cacher do design their own adventure so to speak but “provokes” them to have fun by helping them set a goal (but allows them the freedom to decide how to achieve it). The well rounded cacher, again, is a good example of that.

I guess I’m not saying that to argue with anyone… just offering some input to those individuals who are looking to design some of these challenges (And Thank you for that by the way).

Happy Caching!

I think the best kind of challenge cache is one that allows the cacher do design their own adventure so to speak but “provokes” them to have fun by helping them set a goal (but allows them the freedom to decide how to achieve it). The well rounded cacher, again, is a good example of that.

I agree 100%. Those choosing your own adventure books is a neat metaphor for this. Much more interesting when you can choose from a menu rather than having only 1 choice. (another metaphor) My only caveat to anyone looking into designing a new challenge cache is that you think very closely about your requirements and maybe test them out with a few other cachers before publishing. Just a thought that might save you the hours and hours of pulling your hair out later. (I have some experience with that…)

Word a challenge too loosely and “anything goes”. The more restrictions you place the more confused the general public becomes. There’s a balance in the middle for these. That’s why the delorme and the well-rounded challenges are good ones. There’s no question what ya gotta go hunt. Pick em and go get em’.

Be careful about challenges that are based on moving parts: difficulty, terrains, cache names, container sizes, attributes — these can all be changed later by an owner. Caches can also be archived. New caches can be published. All moving parts to consider.

And yes there can be too much of everything (even good things) at some point. Eating too much chocolate cake.. I don’t think we are certainly “there” yet with challenge caches (or other ALR caches for that matter) in Wisconsin. I do think the physical locations of them should be spread around the state though.

I for one will not be publishing anymore challenge caches. I am busy enough managing one at a time thanks.

No Flaming from me. That’s what great about geocaching… everyone gets to play it the way they want to. 😀

@marc_54140 wrote:

@AstroDon wrote:

The challenge I’m looking forward to (and it’s really no challenge at all) is not doing any!! Sorry, but I see no constructive purpose for them.

This is AstroKat, not AstroDon responding BTW.

Let the flaming begin.

but do you not own the Wisconsin cache the the American challenge?

Yes. But I consider it a regular cache. It’s only counts as part of the series if the finder completes the ALR.