The 50 State Multi-cache, Cache Across America Options

[Blue Power Ranger]

So wouldn't it be cool if there was a 50 state multi-cache? You know, a cache with a waypoint in each and every one of the 50 states.

It would be the granddaddy of all multis and would be a long-term target of only the truly obsessed. It would be something that would take years to collect the stages of.

In theory, all we would need is someone to agree to maintain the waypoint in each of the 50 states. Anyone interested?

I would do Washington State.

[Mystery Ink]

I would do California State.


This post has been edited by Mystery Ink: Jun 14 2006, 09:43 PM

[Team JSAM]

Kewl idea i would never hunt it but would gladly maintain Idaho.

[TheAlabamaRambler]

You could make it a series, with caches along this route

[Chuy!]

How about a virtual multi? Have cachers in each state grab a # or two from, say, their state capital, then comprise a fancy formula to produce the coords for the final cache.

[SG-MIN]

I've got kentucky.

Another option to make it even easier to maintain is to use existing caches for the multi. So rather than have a cache to maintain that might get visited once a year (if you are one of the last states) is in each state have a designated cache that is a "50-stater" and in that you have a clue for the final cache (in DC???).

That way people who visit the cache regularly would see the clue in there, along with a list of all the other state caches (ie virgina-gcv4rt, washington-gcfr43t, etc.) and then get interested in the BIG HUNT.

What do you all think?

[oscar478]

Excellent idea... if you don't mind a newbie in Ohio, I'll place one for the cause.

Might be an interesting way to form teams... awesome if 1 person could do it all, but still quite neat if a team of a few were able to take it on.

[cache_test_dummies]

Not exactly the 50 state multi being discussed here, but there is a cache which can only be logged by people who have found caches in all 50 states:

Found 50 States, I'm Going to Disneyland!

[Codfish116]

North Dakota here! Let me know what you want

[Mushtang]

Not exactly the 50 state multi being discussed here, but there is a cache which can only be logged by people who have found caches in all 50 states:

Found 50 States, I'm Going to Disneyland!

After visiting all 50 states and becoming eligible, you're treated to... a micro.

[Blue Power Ranger]

After visiting all 50 states and becoming eligible, you're treated to... a micro.

Yes, I will begin rusting out an Altoids tin for this purpose. There just happens to be a new Walmart going up just three miles from home. Can I reserve the parking lot now?

Or... how about the "50 Walmarts in 50 States Cache" with the final ar corporate hq?

[Blue Power Ranger]

I think if we can keep this organized and get 50 reliable folks on board, we can pull this off and make something cool.

I know that at this point it seems inconceivable that anybody could ever finish something like this but right now Geocaching has such a short history. Someday, people will have been caching for 20+ years.

How about a virtual multi? Have cachers in each state grab a # or two from, say, their state capital, then comprise a fancy formula to produce the coords for the final cache.

I like Chuy's idea. Let's come up with something related to a permanent landmark in each and every state. Something that defines that state and is very likely there for the long haul. What is a realistic format to do this in while avoiding internet shortcuts to information?

Okay, so this is what we have…

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California - Mystery Ink
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho - Team Jsam
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky - SG-MIN
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota - Codfish116
Ohio - oscar478
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington - Blue Power Ranger
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Edit: Unfortunate spelling of Virginia

This post has been edited by Blue Power Ranger: Jun 15 2006, 07:31 AM

[treasure_hunter]

I actually live in Kentucky, I would like to do it! But I live on the KY VA border. so I could maintain a VA cache!

[dblrngr]

Count me in for Wyoming... sounds like an awesome idea...

[Blue Power Ranger]

Here the potential route map that Alabama Rambler linked to above...



Just to get you thinking.

[OzarksJim]

Put me down for Missouri. I'm in the southwest corner.

[Riddlers]

okay, put me down for Oregon

[jtd18801]

I can take Pennsylvania as long as it is around north east pa. I think this would be a great thing to be a part of.

[Mushtang]

Is the idea still for a 50 stage multi, or for 50 caches that if all found will result in being able to find the 51st?

[Team Gryarvold]

We can do Louisiana and/or Texas. We live on the border for each.

[Hillbilly-Rockstar]

I'm up here in Ohio, so I could place one. If this is completed we should so have geocoins made.

-Eric

[Blue Power Ranger]

Reviewers - If properly organized, is this something that could ever be approved?

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California - Mystery Ink
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho - Team Jsam
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky - SG-MIN
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri - OzarksJim
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota - Codfish116
Ohio - oscar478
Oklahoma
Oregon - Riddlers
Pennsylvania - jtd 18801
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia - treasure hunter
Washington - Blue Power Ranger
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming - dblrngr

[Blue Power Ranger]

Is the idea still for a 50 stage multi, or for 50 caches that if all found will result in being able to find the 51st?

I am thinking 50 stage multi. Thoughts?

[Blue Power Ranger]

We can do Louisiana and/or Texas. We live on the border for each.

How about you do Loisiana since there will be so many more available in Texas. Good?

[Team Gryarvold]

We can do Louisiana and/or Texas. We live on the border for each.

How about you do Loisiana since there will be so many more available in Texas. Good?

Works for us. Sounds cool.

[Blue Power Ranger]

Is the idea still for a 50 stage multi, or for 50 caches that if all found will result in being able to find the 51st?

I am thinking 50 stage multi. Thoughts?

You know, maybe the 50 caches in 50 states thing is a better idea with it all leading to one final cache in ???? That might drive more traffic to the caches in the meantime.

[Rustysurfer22]

Is the idea still for a 50 stage multi, or for 50 caches that if all found will result in being able to find the 51st?

I am thinking 50 stage multi. Thoughts?

You know, maybe the 50 caches in 50 states thing is a better idea with it all leading to one final cache in ???? That might drive more traffic to the caches in the meantime.

Hey I'll do it for New Jersey if you want me too! That would be so cool! PLease PM me to send me info and count me in!

This post has been edited by Rustysurfer22: Jun 15 2006, 11:07 AM

[Rustysurfer22]

Reviewers - If properly organized, is this something that could ever be approved?

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California - Mystery Ink
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho - Team Jsam
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky - SG-MIN
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri - OzarksJim
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey - Rustysurfer22
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota - Codfish116
Ohio - oscar478
Oklahoma
Oregon - Riddlers
Pennsylvania - jtd 18801
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia - treasure hunter
Washington - Blue Power Ranger
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming - dblrngr

This post has been edited by Rustysurfer22: Jun 15 2006, 11:09 AM

[SG-MIN]

if you make it 50 caches to complete the final, people who are new to geocaching can start in their area, and then when on vacation hit the states they need.

If it is a multi - you have to go in order and basiclly the time needed will increase exponentially

[martinell]

I could do South Dakota.

[BBWolf+3Pigs]

I'll do Rhode Island!

I think 50 separate caches in 50 states, with some sort of "bonus" cache at the end, signifying you have found all 50. This way, the caches will be visited regularly. And none should be park and grabs! Make them "old school" - a nice walk in the woods, a simple find, and cool swag. Each cache could also have a code, number, letter, whatever, that can be used to find a "51st" cache. Perhaps the powers that be would let us have a "non-cache" that could be used for looging the "I got all 50!" log (w/ coords in DC?). Anyone claiming to have found all 50 must have their signature in each of the 50 logs verified before being allowed to claim the "All 50".

"50 Caches in 50 States (RI)", etc could be the names (or some such).

[Pto]

I live about 2 miles from the State Capital in St. Paul and would be glad to help !!!

[Blue Power Ranger]

Here's the latest...

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California - Mystery Ink
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho - Team Jsam
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky - SG-MIN
Louisiana - Team Gryarvold
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota - Pto
Mississippi
Missouri - OzarksJim
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota - Codfish116
Ohio - oscar478 or Hillbilly-Rockstar
Oklahoma
Oregon - Riddlers
Pennsylvania - jtd 18801
Rhode Island - BBWolf + 3Pigs
South Carolina
South Dakota - martinell
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia - treasure hunter
Washington - Blue Power Ranger
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming - dblrngr

[SG-MIN]

I would make the final cache in DC, but obviously it would be a mystery cache. I am thinking this is on par with a Da Vinci Code / National Treasure style search. Lets be honest, very few people will be able to log this as a find.

People would search for years to get the information needed to complete the final stage. I mean honestly, how many people have cached in all 50 states, let alone captured a specific cache in a specific state (the more I think about it, the more I belive it has to be individual states - as a multi it would be insane.)

I agree these have to be top quality caches. That will be the trick.

You could get people to chip in and have a FTF prize of something like $10,000 dollars (that is 1000 people at $10 - quite doable)

You had better run with this idea - you have been entrusted with the vision :-)

[wesleykey]

Put me down for Alabama

[Jhwk]

Put me down for Missouri. I'm in the southwest corner.

Dang it... See what happens if you don't read every hour? Jim, I got yer back if you need it.

[Blue Power Ranger]

I would make the final cache in DC, but obviously it would be a mystery cache. I am thinking this is on par with a Da Vinci Code / National Treasure style search. Lets be honest, very few people will be able to log this as a find.

People would search for years to get the information needed to complete the final stage. I mean honestly, how many people have cached in all 50 states, let alone captured a specific cache in a specific state (the more I think about it, the more I belive it has to be individual states - as a multi it would be insane.)

I agree these have to be top quality caches. That will be the trick.

You could get people to chip in and have a FTF prize of something like $10,000 dollars (that is 1000 people at $10 - quite doable)

You had better run with this idea - you have been entrusted with the vision :-)

I am a Project Manager by profession so I am happy to help with the organization of this. First place we should go:

1. Define Requirements - What is the end goal here?
2. Define Steps to Complete - Help?

[Blue Power Ranger]

Put me down for Missouri. I'm in the southwest corner.

Dang it... See what happens if you don't read every hour? Jim, I got yer back if you need it.

Jhwk - I'll list you as a second MO contact if that is okay. Backups are good because there will be some attrition.

[SG-MIN]

1. Define Requirements - What is the end goal here?

The end goal is to encourage local and global geocaching and to reward those who are dedicated to it (IMO).
The state caches should be located in areas that are significant for that state.
We may even be better served to "adopt" existing state geocaches and ask the owners to place a special page in their caches listed the others, and giving the clues. Of course others could be newly planted. I think most people would be excited about this and would be honored to have their cache requested to be a part of it.

The final cache woudl have to be something totally over the top. You have to give a reason to pursue it.

I think this could really lead to the spread of geocaching - and force people to branch out in the areas they cache.

2. Define Steps to Complete - Help?

Each stage would need to have some sort of clue. The difficultly comes in finding a system that utilizes 50 clues, but that would be possible. Math of some sort is always an option.

After you collect every clue, there needs to be some challenge to decypher, but not so much as to make that the hard part - the hard part is collecting them.

I personally would add one requirement - you must vist each cache. People would be tempted to cheat, and just get people in each state to email them the clues. Make it interesting - make it worthwhile - make it a task worth completeing.

[martinell]

Could do some kind of sudoku puzzle to figure it out.

[erikwillke]

I'll do North Carolina. I also am placing a traditional cache that you can use for a stage.

ps write anyone from Lake County Cachers for Florida.

[erikwillke]

Here's the latest...

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California - Mystery Ink
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho - Team Jsam
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky - SG-MIN
Louisiana - Team Gryarvold
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota - Pto
Mississippi
Missouri - OzarksJim
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota - Codfish116
Ohio - oscar478 or Hillbilly-Rockstar
Oklahoma
Oregon - Riddlers
Pennsylvania - jtd 18801
Rhode Island - BBWolf + 3Pigs
South Carolina
South Dakota - martinell
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia - treasure hunter
Washington - Blue Power Ranger
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming - dblrngr

Don't forget DC

[Blue Power Ranger]

After you collect every clue, there needs to be some challenge to decypher, but not so much as to make that the hard part - the hard part is collecting them.

I personally would add one requirement - you must vist each cache. People would be tempted to cheat, and just get people in each state to email them the clues. Make it interesting - make it worthwhile - make it a task worth completeing.

Wanted: One puzzle genius - Who wants to be responsible for creating the puzzle to go with this? What info needs to be placed in each cache etc.

Once we have the list of willing participants, you will need to be the one responsible for getting them the info they need to include in their cache and will be the mastermind behind creating the puzzle.

[Blue Power Ranger]

Here's the latest...

Alabama - wesleykey
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California - Mystery Ink
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho - Team Jsam
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky - SG-MIN
Louisiana - Team Gryarvold
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota - Pto
Mississippi
Missouri - OzarksJim or Jhawk
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina - erikwillke
North Dakota - Codfish116
Ohio - oscar478 or Hillbilly-Rockstar
Oklahoma
Oregon - Riddlers
Pennsylvania - jtd 18801
Rhode Island - BBWolf + 3Pigs
South Carolina
South Dakota - martinell
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia - treasure hunter
Washington - Blue Power Ranger
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming - dblrngr

DC Final cache - ?
Puzzle - ?

[SG-MIN]

Wanted: One puzzle genius - Who wants to be responsible for creating the puzzle to go with this? What info needs to be placed in each cache etc.

Once we have the list of willing participants, you will need to be the one responsible for getting them the info they need to include in their cache and will be the mastermind behind creating the puzzle.

hmm.... sounds intriguing - but after thinking about it, the person who plants the final, and who comes up with the puzzle could not log a find on it.... this could be to big for me to miss.

After all, it is all about the numbers... isn't it?

(they had better give you a pretty da'gone big smilie face for completeing this one.

-bk

[Blue Power Ranger]

they had better give you a pretty da'gone big smilie face for completeing this one.

There is no way it could be bigger than the one on your own face.

[MissJenn]

Instead of re-posting the list again and again, maybe just edit your 1st post whenever needed? Might make the thread less cluttered?
(just a suggestion)

[Haffy]

Hey why not....put me down for Maine then. Sounds like fun.

[StarBrand]

Nebraska - I know a good spot.

[Beffums]

I'm not too far from the Lincoln Boyhood State Park, so that likely would be a good spot for Indiana; I'm also only 3 miles from Illinois, but the extreme SouthEast corner of Illinois just isn't allllll that enticing in the grand geocaching scheme...

If you're in a pinch for either state, let me know. But, if someone else has a cool idea for an Indiana or Illinois cache, I'm find with being the finder rather than the hider!


Question - if you are the hider for 1 of the 50, can you still find the rest of the series and claim the "big prize"? I'm guessing if you can maintain a cache in ___ state, that you've also found at least one cache in that state (or would be able to do so fairly easily), so if you found the rest, you *would* have found all 50 states.