My geocaching stats currently read tell me that of my 2179 finds (as of 22/09/15) I have found 2048 Traditional caches yet only 31 Multi-Caches. I can find no discernible reason for this, I’m certainly not someone _solely_ interested in stats and some multis can be good fun. The only reason I could find for such a low number of finds in this category is quite simple, I find them a pain to complete.
If you are unaware of the workings of a multi-cache, the idea is simple. You are directed to a set of coordinates, sometimes an idea place to park, and from there are either given a set of clues to find certain locations yourself (such as a bench in a churchyard for example) or further coordinates to head to on foot, where you must deduce from your surroundings the ‘correct coordinates’ and the location of the final cache.
For example then, I have been instructed to park in the church car park and then advised to walk in a clockwise direction, locating certain gravestones for example, where on reading a date a persons name, you will receive a number, which will give you a final set of coordinates.
N52.AB.CDE E000 FG.HIJ – for example. 10 clues, 10 numbers to find.
All sounds good so far. What this tends to mean, unless you are super efficiency and organised, is that you tend to end up either with scribbles on your hands or on scraps of paper that may end being lost or destroyed. The official geocaching app doesn’t do much to assist with the housekeeping of all the found clues, and this is where the App – GCBuddy comes in. Designed to be the sole use when you are finding a multi cache, it will download the details from the website, arrange the letter clues in an easy to add format, and even navigate you to the next clue, all without ever leaving the App.
The procedure is quite simple,
- Upload your cache to the App by searching for local caches. You will need to authorise the App to use your geocaching account via the API.
- Copy the formula you need to work out. (Some cache owners may spice things up by adding some simple maths. You may need to find N52 (A+B)(C-D).4(A/2)(E/2) for example (The App will work out all the maths for you 🙂 )
- Find the clues and as you find them, add them to the correct field (image 3 above)
- Once you have all the clues, the App will direct you to the final GZ, and you can actually log your find direct from the App too.
I was kindly given a promo code to try the App and I have used it in anger two or three times now. I have you admit, at £6 I thought the price was a little high and it will certainly put off some cachers, however after you have got over the initial navigational problems and have read the support documentation, I have to say that it really is a fantastic tool to have in your armoury. I cannot praise it enough.
Take a look at it in more detail GC Buddy
