Der magnetische Nordpol

With this cache I want to treat you to a polar expedition of special kind. Over 7 stages guiding you through the wonderland of magnetism this journey ends at least direct at the magnetic north pole. This is the point where magnetic streamlines leaves earth's surface vertically. You can park your dog sledge at the start coordinate if there is place for it.

The start coordinate is the stage1. Here the journey begins. Keep your eyes open and look for the clear visible fraction parts nnn and eee of the coordinate of stage 2. For better identifying an "N" respectively an "E" is prefixed the fraction parts. Stage 2 you will find at

N53° 34.nnn' / E10° 08.eee'

All other information you will get in the course of the expedition.

To bring this expedition to a good success some preparation is necessary. First is the correct clothing. Thick coat or thermal underwear would only make sense in strong polar winter (but in this case the multi will be closed), but a dirt resistant, long trouser and close shoes are strongly recommended. Especially in polar summer the flora must not be underestimated. Breast-high stinging nettle, dense grass, thistle and thorns will take their toll for unsuitable clothing. Mosquitoes and specially ticks will do the same. So protect yourself against this trouble.

On the other side the correct equipment is essential. Following things you should take with you:

• The GPS-receiver! No doubt, this is the main thing. Without it you will have no chance.
  
  
• A good compass! As important as the receiver is a good compass. At least you want to reach the magnetic north pole, so you need a good magnetic compass. It should be flat and not too small. Be sure that it has a needle. A ball compass from car is as unsuitable as the electronic one inside a GPS-receiver. A picture of a suitable compass you can see in the gallery below. If you have no compass you can borrow one at the additional waypoint "Kompass". Please bring it back after use!
  
  
• 2 full loaded batteries or accumulators of type Mignon (AA)! If your receiver uses such batteries you can use them. You need them only at one stage for a short time. Be sure that they have no bigger diameter then 14mm. Some high capacitive accumulators are a little thicker as normal and may cause damage.
  
  
• A pocket mirror! It is not mandatory but it makes some stages easier.
  
  
• Facial tissues and gloves! At two stages you will get dirty hands (gloves strongly recommended!), and also the equipment should be cleaned up before putting back. So it will remain in good quality for a long time.
  
  
• Notepad or digital camera! This also is not mandatory and can be substituted by a long memory, but I want to mention it to avoid later lamentations ;-).
  

Apart from this equipment no other is necessary. Especially tools like screw driver, pincer, multitool, hex-wrench or similar are in doubt absolutely counterproductive. Don't stress yourself with such tools and leave them at home.

Among the preparation of the equipment mental preparation is also not preposterous. For this it is for example recommended to study the following internet sites (only the parts of general, not the formulas):

Magnetic effect of electric current
Electromagnetic induction
Eddy current (also named Foucault current)

With this knowledge you are well prepared to bring this expedition to a good finish. But it is not mandatory to study the mentioned sites because joy and fun shall be the preferred nature of this expedition. Therefore every stage has a special spoiler that substitutes missing knowledge in doubt. Without these spoilers the whole distance of the expedition is 3.5km. If all spoilers are used, 1.2km is added.

Now I wish you good success and particular much fun at your explorations though the land of magnetism and at the magnetic north pole.