The Montana DeLorme Challenge Mystery Cache

As with most mystery/unknown caches, the posted coordinates are bogus. They are for the State Capital in Helena; a location most deserving of a visit, but absolutely useless in locating the container.

In 2004, Haicoole unveiled the California DeLorme Challenge cache. When I learned about this cache and the fun that Northern California Geocachers were having with it I immediately began planning for a Montanan version. Well, here it is finally: the Montana DeLorme Challenge!

The DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer is published for all 50 states. These maps are a favorite among travelers and outdoorsmen and are available at many locations, including online directly from DeLorme. The goal of this cache is simple in concept: to find a cache on each and every block of each and every page of the Montana State DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer. Achieving that goal is not so simple in practice, of course.

The image above shows the geographical extents of each of the pages of the Montana DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer. The final cache coordinates can be obtained by successfully finding or hiding a cache in each page of the Atlas.

In order to claim this cache, you must first create a public bookmark list containing all of your hides and finds. **A Map from the MyGeocachingProfile.com site will also be accepted.** (Please do not include any locationless caches.) Post a note with the image or link to the list and we will review the list in order to verify the finds. Once everything checks out, we will then send you the correct coordinates for the final cache! The find cannot be logged until the physical container is found and the logbook inside signed.

Based on feedback from and incidents seen with DeLorme Challenges in other states, some guidelines need to be laid out:

1. As mentioned above, the posted coordinates are not the actual coordinates for the cache. The actual cache may actually be quite some distance from these coordinates!
   
   
2. Generally accepted rules, guidelines and conditions for logging a cache find apply. These must be bona fide caches listed on Geocaching.com that you have personally (physically) found and logged. You may include caches found or hidden prior to the creation of the Montana DeLorme Challenge so long as they meet all other Challenge requirements.
   
   
3. Placement of a cache on a DeLorme Atlas page counts the same as finding a cache on that page, but only if it was placed prior to May 1, 2007. Hides after this date do not count toward the Challenge.
   
   
4. All cache types count as finds or hides for the DeLorme Challenge with the exception of events (CITO included) and locationless caches.
   
   
5. If a Montana DeLorme Atlas page includes space not located in Montana, only caches in the Montana portion count. We will go off of the posted coordinates for a cache when determining in which state or page a given cache falls.
   
   
6. On pages consisting of multiple blocks a find must be logged in each block, not just one for the page. This occurs on page 52 in the Montana Atlas. Page 36 also has two blocks, but only one contains land in Montana.
   
   
7. If a block does not contain any active geocaches at the time you notify me that you have completed the Challenge, that block may be ignored. 'Active' in this instance is defined as any non-archived cache. Seasonally disabled geocaches are still considered 'active'.
   
   
8. While the various editions and versions of the DeLorme Atlas do not seem to have changed much in terms of page boundaries, the coordinates derived from the information in the cache owner's copy (the Fifth Edition) will be considered definitive. We are currently working on updating the cache page to account for the newest Delorme book published in 2013 and it's numbering system.
   
   
9. While you may have others with you when you find the final cache, only those who have fulfilled ALL criteria for this cache will be allowed to log it as a find. Find logs by other cachers will be deleted.
   
   
10. When in doubt ask—we can discuss it or even seek guidance from others, but the final decision rests with the cache owner.
    
    
11. Remember that this is a game and is supposed to be fun!
    
    

How can I play?

It's easy! The preferred method is to create a shared bookmark list of the caches claimed as eligible finds. Simply send an e-mail to Jennifer&Dean to alert me that you've completed all the pages. Include a link to your bookmark list. This is the best way to share cache information in a manner that's consistent with Groundspeak's terms of use for pocket queries. If you don't create a bookmark list, send me a file containing your claimed eligible finds. (.GPX or .LOC format is highly preferred, but NOT GPX files using the proprietary Groundspeak extensions to the GPX namespace.) This alternative is offered for geocachers who are not premium members, or for anyone having difficulty with managing a bookmark list. I will review your list of finds in order to verify compliance with the cache requirements. Please allow a little time for the verification process. *Alternatively, an image of the Delorme map from Mygeocachingprofile.com can be posted here with a note.**Finds will be verified in the order received. Once everything checks out, I will send you an e-mail with instructions, including the correct coordinates to take you to the final cache, and some background information about the cache location. The find cannot be logged until the physical container is found and the logbook inside is signed.

Right-click and 'Save As' to download them to your computer. Many thanks to Moun10bike (again!) for creating these files. Be sure to thank him yourself if you get the chance.

Those accepting the DeLorme Challenge are encouraged to post notes here on the cache page to let everyone know they are working on it, and to keep us informed of their progress. GOOD LUCK, AND HAVE FUN!