Out and About

We have made it to the cache hiding area, known as ground zero or GZ. Our GPS shows that we are right on top of the cache...but where is it? Well, that is the second part of geocaching. 
Once you have made it to the hide area, you have to locate the cache. It is very helpful to know the size of container while looking. The size will have an effect on where the cache is hidden and I have seen many different sizes and types of cache containers. Caches can be hidden just about anywhere, but there are some rules:

• No cache can be intentionally buried underground. 
• Most cache owners try to avoid hiding caches in a way that would cause people to destroy or dismantle anything. It is a general rule that we should leave the area better than we found it (well, at least not worse.)
• Any cache hidden on private property should have permission form the property owner.

So you have found the cache, now what? You will want to find the log and sign it. The log is your proof that you indeed found the cache. I have read about some cache owners who will check the log in the cache against the log on the website. I personally don't bother as I figure people are only cheating themselves if they don't actually find the cache. You may then want to look in the container to see if there is anything worth trading. Once finished with the cache, be sure to replace it as you found it (unless you found it laying out in the open,) to be ready for the next cacher. Now on to the next hide!

What to Bring While Geocaching

Alright, we know what geocaching is all about...check, we have some caches in mind that we are interesting in locating...check, we have the cache information either written down or saved to our GPS...check. Let's go!! 
WAIT! Besides your GPS, what should you take with you? The answer will vary depending on who you talk to. I'll go over what I carry in my geocaching backpack but of course, you may need to carry different items based on your area and how far you plan to hike. I usually search for caches that are relatively easy to hike to so I don't need a lot of survival gear but I try to follow the motto: "Be prepared."


In my geocaching pack, I have:

• Two pens and a pad of paper. Many caches do not have a writing tool included and if they do, the pens sometimes don't work. I never have to worry about that because I always bring my own. One is a fine tip Sharpie which is nice for those damp logs. I use the paper to list the caches I find so I don't have to TRY to remember them all. This is especially helpful when finding several in a day. I usually jot down the cache number ie: GC292WG. It makes it easy to log my finds that way.
• A large trash bag, a small kitchen trash bag and a few grocery and zip-lock bags. Besides the obvious use of removing trash you may find (cache in, trash out or CITO) I have used these bags to cover my muddy feet when I get back to the car. If necessary I could convert the large bag into a rain poncho. If my clothes get really muddy, I could use the bags to hold them while I drive home. 
• My "SWAG bag" of stuff I can trade if I find anything interesting in a cache. My youngest son donates toys he doesn't want anymore.
• A small first aid kit. I have fallen or gotten scraped many times. It's handy to have some antiseptic wipes and bandages if needed.
• I have a standard compass that I use often. Even with the technology at hand, when you are standing on the middle of the woods, it is nice to be able to find out which way north is at a glance. Plus, if anything happened to my GPS, I have the compass to help me get out.
• Bug spray.
• Extra batteries for my GPS.
• Rubber cement for spot repairs. Water is the enemy of caches.
• A clean old sock. Why? I don't know but I'm sure I'll be glad if/when I need it.
• Extra blank log sheets. Sometimes you'll find a cache and the log is full. Instead of complaining about it I add a new sheet.
• Pre-made micro caches. If I come across a place that could use a cache, I have one with me. No need to make return visits, I can place the container, take the coordinate readings and submit for a new cache.
• A small stapler.
• A small measuring tape. Very handy when scouting areas for hiding new caches.
• A headlamp. It's nice to go hands free in dark areas or at night.
• A folding knife.
• I got a good idea from a local fellow cacher (JesterJack) to get a telescoping small mirror. This is handy when looking in blind spots. It sure is sketchy reaching blindly into or around some places in search of the cache. I think you can find these at auto parts stores. I saw one recently, but the mirror was bigger than I wanted.

Of course, if you plan to take an extensive hike, you may want to bring water, food, warm clothing, a fire starting kit etc. Common sense stuff really.
Now let's go find some caches.

Paperless Caching and Creating "Pocket Queries"

The method I mentioned in my previous post requires you to plan your caching adventure in advance. If you want to have the detailed information about the caches you are hunting, you will need to write it down or print it.  

What if you are out on errands and you decide you want to see if any caches are nearby? Then paperless caching is the thing for you! One big difference between the "Send to my GPS" and paperless caching using pocket queries is that with the latter, information about the cache, i.e. cache description, hint, previous logs, is saved to the GPS. When you use the "Send to my GPS" option, only the coordinate information goes to the GPS. 

In order to create pocket queries, you must become a premium member. A word about the premium membership that is available on geocaching.com: The basic membership, although necessary to use geocaching.com, is free. The premium membership is not. I wouldn't just jump right into the premium membership. I suggest trying geocaching out for a while first. I have a few friends that found a cache or two then stopped hunting. No need for a paid membership there. I was geocaching for about a month and a half when I got my premium membership. I knew by then that I would use it. The premium membership will cost you $30 per year. 

What you receive includes the ability to create pocket queries, find caches along a route (great for road trips,) sign up for cache alerts, save .GPX files to your iPhone (and some other smart phones), manage bookmark lists and find special caches available only to premium members. I mainly use the pocket queries,routes and new cache notification features.

Pocket queries are special lists of caches in a certain area. You can customize the search to show only caches of a certain type, size or location. Geocaching.com will email a file that can be transferred to your GPS or phone. You can also have the query automatically created and emailed to you. I do this with the caches around my home coordinates. 

I probably won't go into how to get he .GPX files to your GPS unless there is a call for it. There are a few different methods available and the best one will probably depend on your GPS. Since I have two GPS receivers, I use two methods to transfer the .GPX data to them.

Waypoints: Some people are confused by the term waypoints. A waypoint is simply a location on the earth. We identify waypoint using GPS coordinates such as N°16.680, W 081° 23.234 A geocache is a waypoint, a parking area is a waypoint, your home is a waypoint. Some GPS receivers let you mark a waypoint while you are "out". This is helpful when you are hiking and want to make sure you can find your car.

Now get out there and find some caches!

500th Cache Found

On Labor Day 2010 I found my 500th cache. I went out with my son Cole and his friend, Angela. This cache was really cool and was a different presentation than most caches. It took me 11 months (almost to the day) and 18 states to find my 500th cache. I can't wait to get out there hunting again soon!