Geocaching Challenges: The Game Within The Game

by Jesse Lunsford, Kristi Lunsford

Geocaching is a worldwide scavenger hunt that has been around for the greater part of two decades. It has been enjoyed by millions and has evolved over those many years. One aspect of the game that has captured the attention of many is a specific subset called Challenges. Many view Challenges as the game within the game and have found it elevating their play and enjoyment. This book focuses on Geocaching Challenges specifically in a way aiming to be informative and entertaining. Whether you are a Geocaching novice or a founding member you should be able to find something new or at least be able to relate to and laugh at the stories held within. Inside this book you will learn about classic challenges, the history of they type, and even how to publish your own. Jesse and Kristi Lunsford, the authors of this book, are known in the Geocaching world by their team name - Memfis Mafia. Jesse is the co-host of the weekly podcast Geocache Talk recorded live every Sunday at 8PM CDT. Jesse and Kristi have unabashedly shared their family geocaching experiences both good and bad on podcasts, blogs and in person over the years.

Genres: Nonfiction

159 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2019

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memfis is a podcaster on the Geocache Talk show. While I do not agree with everything he says, his enthusiasm is good for the game. I have found that listening to podcasts and watching some of the vloggers has rejuvenated my enthusiasm with geocaching. To that end, I don't criticize too heavily.

I stumbled onto an episode of Geocache Talk yesterday in which Memfis and his wife promoted this book. I think it was some time in May 2019. After watching the episode, I downloaded the book.

It says it's 180 pages. It is full of screen captures, reprints of rules, and some photographs. The text shortens considerably.

I don't think I learned anything new from reading this. But much like I listen to The Minimalists even though they bother me, the message is good to hear. Reading Memfis's enthusiastic argument as to why everyone should get into challenges is fun. He writes just like he speaks. So, this has a very conversational tone to it.

The writing could have used an editor. And Memfis needs to learn the word 'pique' as thrice he used 'peak' instead. There were some grammatical issues along the way too.

This isn't high literature here by any stretch. Experienced cachers probably don't need this book. But it is a quick read and interesting at times.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband and I are working on 4 challenges at this time. Delorme, Cities and Towns, County Challenge , and 100 Cemetery caches. We have completed Washington State 25 cemetery challenge and grabbed the final. We were looking forward to getting the very top counties and Delorme pages as our travels would bring us to Abbotsford and Seattle for the celebration festivities. Sadly, due to Covid-19 they have postponed everything to next year. Hopefully at some point we can work on our challenges in the mean time. Loved the personal stories and adventures of the Memfis Mafia. Don't know if I will ever do the Jasmer or Fizzy challenge, but I know for sure I will be completing other challenges. Great book!!!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Challenge caches are a big deal among my caching friends. I was interested in filling my 366 calendar and I’d love to fill my Jasmer, but other than that I tend to just see if I qualify and then move on. I bought this book to see what everyone gets so excited about.

Memfis Mafia’s passion for challenges comes through loud and clear in the book and it is contagious. I turned to my computer many times to see whether I qualify for any of the mentioned challenges and too see which ones I should work on next. The stories are fun to read and there are some great tips in there. I was very excited to see I had found at least one of the challenge caches listed.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously I love everything about Geocaching and especially challenges. This year I'm going challenge heavy to help fill in my calendar of mystery puzzles. This book gives the user good ideas about the different types of challenges and how to go about them.
I'm one to work on many challenges at the same time, which can be difficult to keep straight. It was refreshing to read how Jesse and Kristi would go about doing challenges with their family. The stories were wonderful and funny and if you like to geocache then you will love this book.
It was a quick read and purely enjoyable.

[Craig Statucki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the stories in the book. While I am familiar with Challenge Caches, I learned a lot about different types of Challenge Caches. The book has me motivated to creating some Challenge Caches of my own near my house.

[Louise L Trujillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

I absolutely loved this book. I am fairly new to geocaching and just hit my 100th find. I had always avoided mystery and challenge caches. This book makes me much more interested in working towards a challenge cache.

[Erika Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book was interesting and had some entertaining stories. I think I was looking for something different, something more.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an iinteresting book but as I am in the UK some aspects were not relevant. I now need to see what challenges I am qualified for.

[Randy Grady]

Interesting Info on a part of geocaching.