Stumbling across a gadget cache or field puzzle for the first time, can be a pretty exciting experience, particularly if you are not expecting it. Now let’s face it, we all love finding a geocache, but when that cache is not your typical container and instead is one of inspiration, colour, creativity or ingenuity, we are often in awe of the craftsmanship and creativity that is before us. These caches can often be easy to find, but can prove to be a puzzle to open and claim the smiley.

But for those that are newer to geocaching, you have not yet have come across a gadget cache or field puzzle before. You may not be prepared for the mysteries that await you.

With the Whittlesea Mega only a few months away and the whispers of some special caches likely to be on display, I thought that it was time to reach out at chat to one of Victoria’s Most Inspiration Gadget Cache Puzzle Maker “Mister Doctor” aka Peter to find out more about his pieces of art.

Thanks for chatting with me Mister Doctor, I am keen to hear how you started geocaching and what it is you love about the game?

Way back in 2010 I had heard about geocaching, I think there might have been something on the radio, and so I borrowed a GPS receiver over the Christmas holidays. I remember being stunned at all the caches on the map and super excited to go out hunting in our area. We found 27 caches locally. I was actually very lucky as they included Unexpected by GJMMelb and Buccaneers of Buckanbe by team_coxy. These were amazing finds for a newbie to make, and they inspired me to think creatively about my own caches.

It took 6 years for me to find my next cache, as it took that long to finally get a smart phone and get the app, which is how I go caching now. I always say it’s the local knowledge that is the reason I love geocaching so much. I love that each cache shows you a location or tells you a story. I love that you can meet a great range of friendly people, share caching experiences together and share stories of places and adventures.

You are often known for your creative gadget caches, but for new geocachers this is a new concept – can you explain to our newbies – what is a gadget cache or field puzzle?

There is a special attribute for field puzzles, it looks like a puzzle piece with a question mark. If a cache listing has this it means that when you find the container there is still a trick to getting it open. There are a huge variety of field puzzles – from discovering hidden latches, to pouring in water, to interacting with the cache’s electronics via buttons or your phone.

If you come across a gadget cache for the first time, how do you approach it?

As each one is often quite unique, I would definitely first pay close attention to the cache page – there are often specific instructions about what you need to do, or more subtle clues in the title or description. Don’t forget to look at the hint if there is one! I think it’s also important to give yourself enough time to solve the puzzle, you don’t want to arrive at a field puzzle expecting a quick park and grab. And even more importantly – be prepared to have some fun! Cache owners want you to find their caches, and a field puzzle hopefully adds to that memorable and fun experience.

Some caches may need a TOTT (tool of the trade) to help solve and open the puzzle. So things like batteries, magnets or even a bottle of water may come in handy. But you can often pick up hints or clues from reading the cache description.

Is there any etiquette or considerations that would be important for a new geocacher to know?

I would say the main thing is to please respect the cache. Don’t force things. It is always better to message the cache owner for help or to report a problem than to damage the cache in order to get that smiley. One of the beautiful features of geocaching is that behind every cache there is an owner who was once a newbie too and will often be more than happy to help you. Also remember to leave the cache as you found it so that the next finder has a good experience too.

Another thing that new geocachers may not be aware of is the correct choice of log type. “Found it” means you located the cache, solved the puzzle and signed the logbook. You earned a smiley in your find account. “Write note” means you located the cache, but couldn’t work out the puzzle to sign the logbook. You have not yet earned a smiley in your account. “Didn’t find it (DNF)” means you couldn’t locate the cache container at all (this flags that the cache may be missing and the cache owner may need to check. This log type can potentially lead to a cache being disabled or archived)

Have you got a photo of your own favourite cache that you can share?

The Hidden World This is part of a diorama that has a field puzzle to solve before the scene is revealed.

Thanks so much Mister Doctor for your insights and advice on gadget caches. They are often a favourite cache type of many and with field puzzle attribute now active, it does mean that geocachers can actively hunt out these special caches.

I have it on good authority that you are planning something special and super magical for the Whittlesea Mega, but I have been told Mum’s the word and I am not yet allowed to spill any beans. Are there any insights that you can share?

A team of very talented gadget fairies have been working their magic to create 20 brand new gadget caches for you for the Whittlesea Event. They will challenge, perplex and delight you. How many will you solve? Here is a first glimpse of some of the special caches that await you.

Thanks so much Mister Doctor – now I am super excited. I can’t wait! The count down begins only 81 days to go!