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Geocaching - A guide to finding
your first Cache.
Guide to
finding a Cache.
Step 1 – Researching the
Cache.
- Keep in mind that distances can be
deceiving. When you’re using your GPS unit to find a cache, the unit only
knows how close the site is as the crow flies (a direct line). You may be a
mile from the cache, but there may be a river in the way, or a near-vertical
climb involving 3 miles of switchbacks, or a mountain – you get the
picture. Buy a map of the area from your local camping store (OS maps are a
great help) for those caches that are off a trail or too remote to drive close
to. Topographical maps (which show features of the land like hills) are best,
so you can get a good idea of the terrain you’ll be crossing. You’ll
also know whether to bring your Honda Civic or rent a Land Rover.
- For car Geocaches (ones you can drive to and
just walk a short distance), use MapBlast. Geocaching.com provides you with a
link to MapBlast so you can get directions to that location. Make sure to zoom
in on the location to make sure it’s near a road. MapBlast can only get
you so far!
- If you have a good idea of the area, you can
navigate via the GPS unit. This is best when the park is small. This is also
the most challenging, and is not recommended for your first hunt.
You’ll most likely need to do all
three things to prepare and reach your first geocache, though our experience
has shown different combinations for each cache. I’d always start with one
of the online map sites first to get an idea of the area, then decide on
whether you need to buy a map or use what you have.
Since this is your first time, it’s also ok to read the stash
notes, look at a picture of the cache, or read other people’s experiences
finding the cache. Some may be visible from 20 feet away, while others in more
trafficked areas may be buried under some rocks (or in one case, in a World War
II bunker!). Getting within a mile or two of the site isn’t usually too
difficult – it’s the last mile that’ll get you every time
!
Step 2 –
Preparation.
Preparation is key in any kind of outdoor activity, but you can
never stress enough the importance of preparation and safety. Keep these tips
in mind when searching for a cache:
- Have a friend with you! Never go off into
the woods or remote locations without a partner, especially when Geocaching. We
don’t want you focusing on your GPS unit and walking off a cliff.
It’s great fun, so think about planning a camping trip, a picnic or even a
visit to a local pub around the stash hunt with your family or
friends.
- Many of the caches are off-trail, so make
sure to be aware of your surroundings. If you’re concentrating on your GPS
unit, look around you occasionally for holes, bears and other obstacles
etc.
- Bring and drink plenty of water, and
don’t drink directly from a stream! For some of the more difficult trips,
bring a water filtration system. You can get them at most camping
stores.
- Let someone know where you’re going and
when you’re coming back.
Step 3 – The
Hunt. Now you’re ready for the
hunt.
- It should be pretty straightforward to get
within a mile or so from the cache (unless it’s deep off-trail). If
you’ve done your research, follow the map more than the GPS unit (although
we keep ours on the whole time). It’s inevitable that you’ll lose
signal from overhanging trees, mountains, etc.
- If you’re using public footpaths, the
signs for each path can be pretty small in size. Usually they’re close to
the ground. Sometimes you may have to backtrack on the road to locate
them.
- It’s always good to have a compass on
hand if your GPS unit doesn’t have one.
- When you leave your car, mark its location
as a waypoint! Sounds silly, but once you get deep into the cache hunt,
it’s easy to get disoriented. We’ve learned this from
experience!
- When you get close to the Geocache (within
300 feet, which is the length of a football field), make sure to check your GPS
unit signal. Sometimes the signal will have an error between 25-200 feet.
Don’t concentrate as much on the arrow as the distance decreasing, as you
get closer to the site.
- For the last 30 feet, use a compass or
direct your buddy in the direction of the cache. In some cases we’ve had
good luck circling the site with the GPS unit to get a good area to
search.
- The final 30-100 feet is the hardest. It
helps to think like the person who hid the cache. If there are stumps around,
investigate around the base. Check for a pile of rocks. Some stashes,
especially in people-trafficked areas, are pretty ingeniously hidden, so it
helps to know the container they used.
Step 4 – The Find Huzzah
! You found the cache ! Congratulations! Now
what ?
- Usually you take an item and leave an item,
and enter your name and experience you had into the log book. Some people
prefer to just enter their name into the log book. It’s an accomplishment
enough to locate the cache.
- Make sure to seal the cache and place it
back where you found it. If it had some rocks covering it, please replace them.
It’s pretty straightforward.
- Remember that waypoint we suggested you
create where your car was located? Use that now to get back, You’ll be
glad you had it !
- When you get home, email the person who hid
the cache and let them know you found it! They’re always happy to know the
condition of their cache and it’s nice to know that people are looking for
them and log onto Geocaching.com to add your log of your find onto the relevant
cache page.
Great work ! After several trips to
geocaches in your area, you’ll be ready to place your own. Welcome to the
exciting world of Geocaching !
We have a simple guide here to
help you in hiding your first
Cache.
A short
Glossary of Terms used in
Geocaching.
Do you want a little advice about
which GPS receiver to buy to help
you find that burried "treasure" ?
To discover how GPS works &
who is behind it just look here.
Geocaching Accessories are
available.
Read on to
get more fun out of your GPS receiver.
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