Multi-Cache Basics

With a "Traditional" cache, the listing on geocaching.com has the exact coordinates for the cache.  You simply load the waypoint to your GPSr and go there.  Many in the caching community feel that it is the adventure getting to the cache location that is the most important part.  A cache type called "Multi-Cache" adds one or more intermediate stops along the way to the cache.  In essence, the cache creator is making you take a certain route to get to the "final cache", because the coordinates to that cache are hidden.  The listing will be the coordinates of the starting point or "first stage" of the adventure.

A Multi-Cache route can use any number of methods to guide you along the way.  Some have a physical container at each waypoint along a route.  When you reach the first container, it will have the coordinates to the next spot inside.  You type that into your GPSr and go to the next stage and perhaps another and another after that.  There are other ways that the route can be created so that there isn't a physical container at each location.  We might use an existing sign, structure, or landmark where you must answer questions about it.  This might be counting the number of boards across a foot bridge or finding dates or other numbers on signs, etc.  The cache listing will tell you what you need to look for, so having a copy of the full cache listing is very important for most Multi-Caches.

Another type of Multi-Cache is the Night Cache Trail.  The published coordinates, like any Multi-Cache, is for the beginning of the route.  With a Night Cache, you must do it after dark and with a flashlight in hand.  Small reflectors are placed on the route.  You shine your light around until you see a reflector and then go to that reflector.  Again, look for the next reflector with your light.  Repeat the process until you arrive at the final cache.

After working your way down the route and finally locating the final cache, it is logged in the book and online just like any traditional cache.  When you look at your "found it" statistics under your profile, you'll see that Multi-Caches are listed under their own category.

There are a lot of people who don't bother to even look at Multi-Caches because they involve extra work to find.  This is simply a lazy attitude to have and doesn't belong in the game of Geocaching.  Cache owners put a lot of work into building all these great, adventurous Multi-Caches.  While you only get one "found it" stat, you gain on the adventure by at least three-fold over a "park-n-grab" traditional.  So, please don't fear the Multi-Cache.  The good ones will tell you exactly what to expect before going out.  If there are 7 stages, a mile hike, and it's going to take you an hour to complete it, then the cache listing ought to let you know that up front.

So get out there and try a Multi-Cache.  You won't regret it!