This is a Challenge Cache and there are certain goals to be met before you can log a find. You will need to first find at least one cache of every difficulty/terrain combination. There are 81 such unique combinations/caches available on the matrix grid.
The Difficulty Terrain Rating for this cache is based on the overall difficulty in completing the requirements, not the actual rating pertaining to the location of the final. The final cache location is a D3 / T3.5 .
How do you track your caches and progress? There are several options:
To see which caches you have already completed in the Matrix simply go to “Your Profile” at Geocaching .com. In the area where you see your avatar and Finds / Hides click on “Your Public Profile”. Once that page has loaded click on the Statistics tab. Scroll down until you get to the “Difficulty and Terrain of Caches I’ve Found” table. That is the easy bit.
To find the caches that you are missing you can either:
- keep a manual list and do a manual search for the caches you still need.
- download a Pocket Query of the caches that you are missing on your matrix. This may take a few PQ's depending on how many "boxes" you are missing a find in.
Please keep a bookmark list of one cache per Matrix grid position that you have filled – you will need this later on. If you still have a way to go consider starting this now to save yourself from a potential huge task load later.
Other tips.
Keep a running grid in progress somewhere handy. Just in case you run across a cache with a combination you think you might need, you have something to check it against.
Use pocket queries. To determine my targets, I created a pocket query with a specific difficulty / terrain combination.
Keep a bookmark list of targets. I found it very helpful to keep a list of caches and alternates I was interested in targeting for the challenge.
Basic rules (to keep things simple):
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All qualifying caches found must be in Africa.
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Use common sense. If you cheat, you mainly cheat yourself.
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All caches found (prior to the PUBLISHED date of this listing) DO count - you do NOT start from 'zero'.
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No rating (D/T) changes to existing caches will be accepted as counting toward your goal. If it appears they were changed solely to aid in the logging of this cache they will be put on the 'off limits' list.
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Caches in which the ratings have been inflated- such as, but not limited to, 'liars caches', are ineligible as far as D/T ratings are concerned.
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“Dummy” caches published but never intended to meet their rating are ineligible and will be discounted. They are easy to spot. All caches logged as FOUND for this challenge cache must have been placed by the owner with genuine intent to meet the requirements of their D/T (Difficulty/Terrain) rating as outlined on Geocaching.com
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Generally accepted rules, guidelines and conditions for logging a cache find apply. These must be caches listed on Geocaching.com that you have personally (physically) found and logged (signed cache logbook) yourself!
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This cache does not count as the 5/5 in the matrix. You must have a 5/5 before this one.
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No FIND logs on caches that you own will be allowed.
To get credit for this find you must post the following with your found log:
A link to your Groundspeak profile statistics page showing your completed Matrix.
Please insert this link when you log your find.
A link to your bookmark list showing the 81 caches that meet the requirements.
You may log the find immediately but must produce the abovementioned bookmark list within 7 days.
FTF Prize and others
FTF - a " Matrix Completed " Geocoin
2TF to 10thTF - an " 81 Grid Champion " Geocoin
The Geocoins are not in the cache container - please contact me to collect your prize. I will hand deliver or post it where necessary.
Otherwise let me know when you plan to set out for the cache and I may be able to meet you there - anything for a trip up the mountain !
The Final Cache ...
... has been placed on top of Table Mountain at a place where you can sit, enjoy the view and think about your caching achievements. You do not have to put yourself in a dangerous position to find this cache.