My cache - The Enigma Experience

This cache is an urban one, within an area of less than 500 metres in Lagos. The idea came about when I spotted a virtual Enigma machine online here This appeared to lend itself to encoding coordinates for a final cache. Originally because of the difficulties in hiding a cache in town, and giving cachers a chance of finding it unobserved, i wanted the second cache to be a virtual cache, about which the cacher had to answer some questions to qualify to log the cache. However, I hadn't read the latest guidelines properly, and Garri, the reviewer informed me that virtual caches were no longer acceptable. A rethink prompted a list of questions which when answered gave further digits that led to a 3rd cache nearby where I had discovered a reasonably secure hiding place.
This cache requires Internet access, after retrieving the three-digit key at the initial coordinates, so that it can be plugged in to the Enigma machine. I fell foul of the rules of geocaching.com yet again when I innocently gave the coordinates of a nearby Internet café with this end in mind. Not too many people have Internet access on their mobiles yet!

My Cache - Tree's Company

An olive tree near Tavira reputedly more than 2000 years old

Unfortunately the magnificent tree above is not to be found in this cache, any more than the redwood which was the original photo in the cache listing. The original intention of this cache was to lead the Geocacher round some of the wonderful 'Arvores Monumentais' (Monumental Trees) which have been categorised and registered in the Algarve. However it became clear to me that as I had the intention of using 8-10 types of tree, the best examples of each kind would be so far separated that not only would I not get many takers for the cache, but that also maintenance and checking whether the caches were still there would be a lengthy chore.
Thus the compromise: I found eight types of tree all growing in a fairly compact area to the west of Porto de Mòs, and from these fashioned a 10 part multi cache. I already had misgivings as I have formed the opinion that many local geocachers have a preference for caches that only involve one set of coordinates and you can drive within 10 metres of them, however there have to be some caches that are worth working for!
So far two Teams have found the final cache - one complaining about the photo of the aforementioned redwood which was not featured in the real set of trees, and that there were too many trees , in the wrong order,and also that some of the trees were deciduous which made it trickier in winter- but I never said it would be easy - did I ?

My Cache - The Pythagoras Project

Checking coordinates with the Cache-Wagen

The Pythagoras Project was another attempt to provide something different in the method of finding coordinates for multi-caches. This was to be a combination of schoolboy geometry and projecting waypoints. Some people whom I used to beta-test the cache had either never done or forgotten their Pythagoras theorem, and the concept of a right-angled "3,4,5" Triangle. The FTF was a Spanish geocacher and then one of our local boys, Shadowlord. It has not been found since October 27th. The concept was further enhanced by the fact that geometrically there were two possible positions for the cache, depending on which side you projected your waypoint. However one turned out to be in the sea, which made it easier for advanced GPS users who also had the ability to project the point onto a map. In fact the solution could be reached from the comfort of your armchair (or computer seat).

From Geocaching Pix

The Cache Hounds guarding a landmark near the Pythagoras Project

My Cache -. Sudoku Symphony of the Serras

The Serras (or more correctly Cerro de Maduro) looking brown in late summer.

Above is a view to the SW from Cabeça d'Egua. This cache - another multi and conceived as a Symphony in 4 movements leads the geocacher from cache to cache by solving Sudoku puzzles and extracting the coordinates therefrom. It was inspired by Myriam's sudden interest in Sudoku, and my desire to lead willing Geocachers round one of my favourite walks in the hills to the east of Romeiras. The cache remained unfound for a long time, until a team of very experienced geocachers from Germany, Balla and Silly, came on an Algarve geocaching tour and cracked it. They also achieved another FTF of my Dictator's Dilemma, showing a tenacity and a willingness to go for the harder caches that is not seen by many local cachers.

My Cache - Dictator's Dilemma.

Where it all starts!

Although I think that straightforward traditional caches have their place, for my own enjoyment I prefer to have a problem to solve, and various steps to take to reach the final cache. So to date, all my caches are now multi-caches, even the first 'My Bonnie Revised' which was stolen in it's first incarnation, and has now been rethought and made into a 3-stage multi where the first cache is not attractive to cache thieves who chance upon it by accident. I wanted to keep the location for the first part of that cache, as it is such a good path to it and a wonderfule view over the Ocean.
22.5 House was also a two stage multi puzzle cache, where the hunter had to find the cache then follow a set of route instructions in the form of my patented 'Bamboo Diagrams' to reach the final cache. Several cachers have achieved this already, so I am satisfied that this system works.
This cache, Dictator's Dilemma, explores another area of geocaching - use of the GPS. For this cache a clue has to be solved at the initial point, and then a second waypoint has to be projected from the first using the function in the GPS. I have been told that some GPS do not have this projecting function, but I have heard no specific query. Garmin GPS's all seem to be able to do this, although their owners may not be yet aware how to do it. Educational eh!


If you look carefully you can see the second cache!!!

A confusing and much amended signboard near our second cache, 22.5 House

 

My Bonnie lies over the Ocean

This is a view towards our first cache 'My Bonnie'. Unfortunately the cliff top houses overlook the cache, and the cache disappeared in July, leaving just the plastic bags it was contained in. The Gardener in the villa just above here is the Chief Suspect, as he seems to spend an inordinate amount of time looking down from the cliff edge of the garden towards the beach!! 

Algarve e Baixo Alentejo

Clicking this link gives a map of all the caches in the Algarve and Baixo Alentejo.


Algarve e Baixo Alentejo

We are slowly working our way round them, having found our first cache, Ponte de Piedade on 23rd May 2006.