Cache Series Question

[armygreenx]

So I finally have a great idea for my first cache/caches since the Camp Lady of the Lake idea fell through. The idea is to have a 6 cache series in Lambertville/Temperance Michigan. I just need a bit of help on the implementation.

I would like the first five caches to be required to search for the final (by way of clues in the caches). However, I am so excited about getting these caches out that I want to put them out one at a time over a 3-4 month period. The other half of the team (Amanda) thinks I should be patient and release them all at the same time so it would be more meaningful for the FTF of the final. However I think the anticipation of the cache releases would be exciting. Would you guys see an issue in having a cache series released over time 'requiring' you to hold onto these 'clues' in anticipation of the final or do you think it would be better if unveiled all at the same time.

The cache series will involve some of the most difficult hides i have seen in my 200+ caches found so far with my own twist on them. Don't worry, most of the ideas came from other areas besides N/W Ohio, so there should be plenty of fresh cache types for everyone to enjoy. The reason I want them to be relatively difficult hides (3-4 star) is because those are the types of hides I enjoy finding and our area is void of them for the most part.

Also, what types of caches will you NWO cachers go for across the border in Michigan? Looks like many of you only go across the border for FTFs. What would make you want to come seek my caches? What do I need to be aware of? I already don't expect Park and Grab specialists from out of town to go for these so i guess you could say they are 'for the locals'. So your input is very important. Thank you!

Jeff

[Bucknut63]

Anything but micro's

[Rufustrunt]

Good Idea!

[armygreenx]

Thanks for the responses...

[SuchaNana]

oops, i was busy changing lipsticks...

i don't do puzzles mostly and a long term multi - well, i guess that's
sorta like a challenge...
and i do like those...

doing a multi for fishes somewhere over near port clinton... so far i only
have two fishes in a year...but i'll get them eventually... cuz i forget about them...

maybe that will happen to your caches if you stage them out months apart...but who knows..
try it, worst that can happen...well i dunno...

and have patience young jedi with us fellow cachers...not always enough time to be on the
puter when caching weather is good...

[armygreenx]

There was no sarcasm in that post. I don't know what you are talking about.

[TheBearclaws]

Jeff,

I don't think the local cachers see the border as anything but a line on a map. I do think you need to be aware of a few things as someone who hasn't had any experience with owning cache placements but many of these things will only come from the experience of actually owning your own caches. Your choice of locations and waterproof containers can really cut down on maintenance problems. As an alternative to the way you've described your options you may consider going through the review process one at a time hiding the first 4 without including the clues. This would establish if your locations are good (muggle free, trouble free, weather and animal proof etc) and would allow time to collect feedback from the logs of people who find them. Then you could release 5 (with clue) & 6 (the final) at the same time and go back to the first 4 and place the other clues. I think as long as the locations are all within a resonable distance of each other people would return for the clues.

If you make the first 5 traditional or multi caches instead of hard mystery/puzzle caches you will begin with a larger pool of people giving them a try. Realize that multi caches mean more locations to deal with potential maint issues and after a location gets comprimised you will need to find another to replace it and then may have to adjust all waypoints accordingly to make the multi work, it can be a challenge. Be prepared for logs and emails like "I couldn't find the clue, it must be missing" "I can't read the clue in cache 3", "the clue led me to an area with a bunch of broken glass", "the clue is missing in cache 5 and I'm not happy about it, I traveled 60 miles to get here". You may want to read a parody someone did at another cache HERE to see what may be waiting for you.

Might be a bit ambitious for a newcomer (or even an old hand) but by all means go for it and gain experiences.

[rnw422]

Good idea Jeff but just remember, if people are interested in your caches, they will hunt them PERIOD. "The Bearclaws" post was a very good one. Listen to it. Caching is a choice!!!! If someone doesn't like puzzles, multis, virtuals, traditionals, micros or whatever, they have the choice not to hunt them. Don't be discouraged by other peoples likes and dislikes. Place whatever you want and if people choose not to hunt them, that's their choice. As for the whole FTF thing. Some people are FTF vacumns and others really don't give a damn about it. Don't worry about that either. That's personel choice as well.

We cache as a family so alot of our finds are micros as we have 6 kids. Children like that quick find and immediate gratification so thats how we plan our cache routes. Alot of people dislike micros and tend to avoid them. Again, personel choice! Hide what you want to hide and it will be found. People might not like it and if so, you will get log entries that aren't favorable. There's your motivation to make it a better cache next time you place one.

Now that I have ruffled some feathers, I will sign off. Remember, MICROS ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(P.S. I will be at Schlotsky's on Tuesday for my free meal ) LMAO

[TeamMina]

MICROS ROCK???
You got that backwards, friend!
ROCK MICROS!!!!
They are the best, got a few out there ourselves!

What the last two posters wrote are spot on.
We wish we had that kind of guidance at the beginning.
The only help we had at the beginning was to make sure it is in a location safe from lawnmowers and weedwackers.
We learned that one the hard way

[armygreenx]

Thanks for the responses. Everything is taken into consideration. And what is up with this free meal thing!? Did i miss something? LOL