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How to Make a Puzzle Cache

Geocaching is a Global Positioning System (GPS)-centric treasure hunt that is played worldwide. In its simplest form, geocaching involves hiding a container in a public outdoor location and posting its GPS coordinates on the Internet. The containers, known as geocaches, typically contain a log for searchers to physically record the fact that they have successfully met the challenge of finding the hidden cache. Upon return to the virtual world, they update the cache page to record their visit. Puzzle caches are a variant that adds a level of difficulty by requiring searchers to solve puzzles in order to acquire the GPS coordinates where the geocache is located.

Things You'll Need

Weatherproof container
Log book
Writing implement (optional)
GPS

Instructions

Instructions
- 1
  
  Geocache
  
  Insert a log book or paper into your geocaching container. If desired, add a pen or pencil to assist searchers who may arrive unprepared to record their visit. You may also place small trinkets into the cache. Be sure to include information about geocaching inside the container and stickers on the outside to assist anyone who may unintentionally find your hidden treasure.
- 2
  Place the sealed cache at your selected location and carefully record the GPS coordinates.
- 3
  Record the GPS coordinates of a location 1 to 2 miles away from the actual location. This is the location that you will use to alert searchers that you have a puzzle cache in the vicinity.
- 4
  Create a puzzle that must be solved to determine the actual GPS coordinates. The puzzle can be of any type, so long as it enables the searcher to derive the coordinates by doing nothing more than solving the puzzle. Solutions typically require research, logic, solving math problems, or decrypting encrypted messages.
- 5
  Register your geocache on the Internet, using the approximate GPS coordinates and providing a description of the puzzle that is sufficient for searchers to determine the actual coordinates.

Geocaching