This cache was nominated in the 2018 Victorian Cache of the Year Awards (Best Puzzle Cache).
Estimated time to complete: 20 min
Estimated distance to travel: 300m
Are you up for an experimental geocache? Are you curious about Augmented Reality (AR)? Are you interested in a little stroll around a nice park in Mitcham? If you answered yes to any of these questions then this could be the cache for you!
Instructions
In order to find this AR cache, you will need to install the HP Reveal app for either iOS or Android. Once the app is installed, you must follow this link to activate the AR content, scrolling down and tapping “Follow”, then “Open in app to follow”. There is no need to sign in or create an account. You can even complete these set up steps prior to arriving at the listed coordinates.
Note: Although created using daytime trigger images, it is possible to complete this cache at night provided you have a strong torch with quite a broad beam (a phone torch isn’t strong enough).
● Stage 1 - “It’s a good sign”
At the listed coordinates you will find a sign for Halliday Park. With HP Reveal open, tap the viewfinder icon at the bottom of the screen and view the sign to trigger information for stage 2. Be aware that each stage relies on image recognition rather than geolocation, so ensure the front of the sign is centred in your viewfinder and that you are close enough. Before moving on, ensure you have seen a popup message at the bottom of the screen saying that stage 2 is unlocked.
Tip: If signed in you can use the app's camera icon to capture an image of what you see. Otherwise, use your phone’s screen capture function.
● Stage 2 - “Lively letters”
View the sign at stage 2 via HP Reveal to trigger information and unlock stage 3.
● Stage 3 - “Wee beasties”
View the sign at stage 3 via HP Reveal to trigger information and unlock stages 4 & 5.
● Stage 4 - “Over here!”
Walk north and stay on the path. As you do so, use HP Reveal to examine any large rocks you come across to your left (This step isn’t triggering as 3D image recognition seems to be too hard. However, AR isn’t needed for the find so just use your geosenses here.) One of the rocks conceals the cache.
● Stage 5 - "Extra, extra!"
View the inside of the cache lid via HP Reveal to trigger a final message - be sure to turn the volume up :)
Tip: Once each new stage is unlocked the aura file will appear in your collection. If you tap on it you will see a preview of the next trigger image you need to find.
Further information
“This cache is part of an experiment that allows the use of Augmented Reality (AR) apps to find the cache (see Help Center article). At the end of this experiment, Geocaching HQ intends to grandfather published AR caches. Geocaching HQ reserves the right to archive this cache at any time if conditions change. If you have found this cache and would like to give feedback on your experience, please fill out this survey.”
***CONGRATULATIONS to ahomburg, SedgwickDave (and geo_jas) on the FTF minus AR. Also to geo_jas, (._o) and Morcs4 for the subsequent FTF plus AR***
“Gone but not forgotten”
In memory of other caches that were once also here:
GCKM99 “Take a Halladay”
September 23, 2004 - October 31, 2005
GC1E3BM Chillin’ at the Halliday
July 25, 2008 - January 22, 2012
GC3P39T So who needs a playground anyway.
June 22, 2012 - February 9, 2016