Geocaching Tip of the Day #43

Looking to shake things up? Here's a tip on how to start a world-wide trend:

The First Geocache.



For more Geocaching info (Clubs, Videos, News!) go to FirstToFind.net!

Geocaching Tip of the Day #42

Looking to hide your own cache? Run past the disposable plastic containers.

They will not last through the elements.

Instead try an ammo can or a "Lock & Lock" containers.

Unless, of course, you're trying to make log-book soup...

For more Geocaching info (Clubs, Videos, News!) go to FirstToFind.net!

Geocaching Tip of the Day #41

Sun setting too early for you?

Try "night caching".

These are caches specifically meant to be found at night. Hiders often add clues that can only be found after sundown -- using reflectors and other items, usually indicated in the cache description.

You can find some of these by searching for caches in your area using the word "night" and by looking at the cache "Attributes".

Premium Members of Geocaching.com can also do a "Pocket Query" to search according to attributes.

Bring a flashlight!

For more Geocaching info (Clubs, Videos, News!) go to FirstToFind.net!

Geocaching Tip of the Day #40

Caching through the snow?

Oftentimes certain caches can be particularly difficult (or impossible) to find under Winter's blanket.

Geocaching.com has help for you there.

On the cache page, look at the "Attributes" on the right, and see the various symbols for the hide.

If you see the snowflake, you'll know that this cache is "Available During Winter".

Good luck and stay warm!

For more Geocaching info (Clubs, Videos, News!) go to FirstToFind.net!

Geocaching Tip of the Day #39

Late afternoon chacher?

As the days get shorter, be sure to pack a flashlight in your pack before you set out, just in case the sun sets sooner than you thought.

Walking along a pitch black path can be disconcerting...

For more Geocaching info (Clubs, Videos, News!) go to FirstToFind.net!

Geocaching Tip of the Day #38

Always bring along some basic first-aid supplies.

Sometimes you never know what you're gonna hit -- or what's gonna hit you...

For more Geocaching info (Clubs, Videos, News!) go to FirstToFind.net!

Geocaching Tip of the Day #37

Today's tip comes via Maestro Caldwell!

Make a "short" pen for your cache:



See more of the Maestro's videos at his YouTube page!

For more Geocaching info (Clubs, Videos, News!) go to FirstToFind.net!

Geocaching Tip of the Day #36

Are you sure about what is in that ammo can?

When you're out caching with kids, an adult should always open the cache container first.

While it is unlikely that it is actually booby-trapped, you may find broken items, hooks, creepy crawlers or other hazards waiting.

YOU take the first look.

For more Geocaching info (Clubs, Videos, News!) go to FirstToFind.net!

Geocaching Tip of the Day #35

Kids are puddle magnets.

Put their rain or snow-boots on them before you head out searching for the cache.

This wasy they can tromp through the watery spots without care.

For more Geocaching info (Clubs, Videos, News!) go to FirstToFind.net!

Geocaching Tip of the Day #34

Put the item you plan on leaving in a cache in a sealed plastic baggie.

That way if the cache takes on water, your item will not.

For more Geocaching info (Clubs, Videos, News!) go to FirstToFind.net!

Geocaching Tip of the Day #33

While you are logging your find or deciding on a trade, try not to sit in the open too long.

Being seen sifting through the cache contents may make the casual Muggle want to check out what you're doing.

Don't be the reason a cache is stolen or vandalized.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #32

When caching with small children, bringing along a small plastic "drop-cloth".

The kids can then sit just about anywhere (while you search ground-zero for the hidden cache) without getting their bottom soaked or dirty.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #31

Always be sure to check the size of the cache container before heading out.

The difference between searching for a small container and a micro (or nano...or pico!!!) is immense.

For more Geocaching info (Clubs, Videos, News!) go to FirstToFind.net!

Geocaching Tip of the Day #30

Don't bury the cache you are hiding.

Generally, Geocaching rules state that you should not use a shovel, trowel, or any other pointy instrument to place your cache.

For more Geocaching info (Clubs, Videos, News!) go to FirstToFind.net!

Geocaching Tip of the Day #29

What makes a good cache?

It's a combination of location, hiding technique, surprise, and a feeling that the search was worthwhile.

Good caches are the ones you tell your friends about.

From Fredric.

For more Geocaching info (Clubs, Videos, News!) go to FirstToFind.net!

Geocaching Tip of the Day #28

For the newbie cacher...

Even though your GPS indicates you're just eight feet away, the arrow is probably dancing every which way.

So take a moment to stop and view your surroundings.

Put on your cache-hider cap and ask, "If I was hiding a cache, where would I put it?"

Geocaching Tip of the Day #27

Found a perfect spot on your vacation for a cache?

Well, unless you will return to that spot to check on it once a month…don't put it there.

Try suggesting your spot to a local.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #26

Looking for a twist on your Geocaching day?

Try this tip from a reader in Finland:

"I spotted an interesting looking spot on the map the other day, and so I spent my Sunday driving there and hiking around to find nice spots for possible caches.

And found some too, probably I'll set two caches
there, if not this fall, then next spring."

Geocaching Tip of the Day #25

Remember to always trade-even or trade-up!

Was that you who took the flashlight and left the bottle cap….?

Geocaching Tip of the Day #24

Don't have a Smartphone or PDA to assist you?

Try the Hobo-PDA concept: Take a photo of the cache page on your computer screen with your digital camera.

When you are out caching, take your camera with and zoom into the image and read all the logs, clues, just like you would on a fancy-shmancy iPhone.

(Take THAT Steve Jobs!)

***

For our Korean friends:

지오캐싱 오늘의 생각

우리 한국 친구를 위해

신은? 귀하의 컴퓨터 화면에 디지털 카메라와 함께 캐시 페이지의 사진을 찍으 - PDA의 개념 : 호보 시도 돕기 위해 스마트폰이나 PDA를 가지고하지 마십시오. 언제 캐싱을 밖으로있다, 당신의 카메라를 타고 이미지로 확대 환상 이네요 아이폰과, 당신처럼 모든 기록, 단서를 읽을 것이라고했다. (가져가 스티브 잡스가!)

Geocaching Tip of the Day #23

Always try to follow the Geocachers' Creed.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #22

When caching with small children, remember to bring something along to keep them busy when you are searching (and searching and searching) for the cache at ground zero.

Kids love to have their own bush-whacking tools -- or whatever they may enjoy -- until someone announces "I found it!"

Geocaching Tip of the Day #21

Do you plan your geocaching well in advance, or do you like to hit caches on the fly, whenever you have free time?

If you're in the latter group, leave your caching supplies – pens, trade items, gloves, boots – in the car.

This way you can make a find at the last minute.

***

Para os nossos amigos em Portugal!

Você planeja o seu geocaching com bastante antecedência, ou você gosta de bater caches na mosca, quando tiver tempo livre?

Se você está no último grupo, deixe o seu abastecimento de cache - canetas, artigos de comércio, luvas, botas - no carro.

Desta forma, você pode fazer a encontrar no último minuto.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #20

Want to make sure geocachers have the correct coordinates for your puzzle cache?

Try using Evince or Geochecker.

These automated system will tell geocachers if they have answered the puzzle correctly -- and are headed to the right place.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #19

Hiding a cache?

Camouflage Duck Tape can be found in the hunting section of many big-box stores.

You can also find it online (via Cabellas) by clicking here.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #18

Consider finding or hiding a "Letterbox Cache".

In a Letterbox cache, you bring your own personal (hopefully home-made, not bought) ink stamper, and stamp the log book, and use the stamp in the letterbox to stamp your personal logbook.

This was popularized in England.

To find out more, go to Letterboxing.org.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #17

Before you set out, make sure that the GPSr has fresh batteries.

And keep a spare set on hand!

(This tip provided by a reader. Do you have a better one? Email us with your tip and we'll credit you!)

Geocaching Tip of the Day #16

Do you plan your geocaching well in advance, or do you like to hit caches on the fly, whenever you have free time?

If you're in the latter group, leave your caching supplies in the car – pens, trade items, gloves, boots – so that you can make a find at the last minute.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #15

Looking to buy a new (used) GPS unit?

There's no better place than the Groundspeak forum's GPS Garage Sale.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #14

The shortest path is not always the best path.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #13

McToys usually come packaged in a sealed plastic bag.

If your Happy Mealer doesn't want to keep it, leave it sealed in the bag and use it to trade in a kids' cache.

This lets people know that it is "new" and has all the pieces intact.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #12

Once you find the cache, if the kids haven't seen it, play "hotter / colder" with them.

It gives them the opportunity to have A Find as well.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #11

Want to have some fun and place an entirely different kind of cache?

Try hiding a "Liar's Cache".

A creative mind will have a good time with this.

Click to "Today's Cacher" for the description.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #10

Read the cache logs before you set out.

You may find that cachers before you found that the coordinates were off and corrections have been made.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #9

When caching with kids, try making a treasure map with them so they can follow along various waypoints.

Use an online map to identify some waypoints along the route. Remember X marks the spot.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #8

When placing a cache, a few packets of silica gel will help to absorb moisture in your container.

Attach them to the inside cover or the back of the log book so they are not taken.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #7

Leave some plastic grocery bags in the cache container to use for Cache-In-Trash-Out (CITO) -- and mark them for that use.

They fit perfectly in a old plastic film canister (camera stores sometimes have extras).

Geocaching Tip of the Day #6

Bring along an extra pen or pencil for signing the logbook.

A dry pen is very common.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #5

Consider bringing a small plastic "groundcloth" to spread out the cache items for your kids to view.

Picking the right item will often be a big decision for them, and spreading them out will be easier than trying to balance the stuff on that tree stump.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #4

When caching with kids, it's usually a good idea for an adult to open the actual cache container.

You never know what someone may have left in there…

Geocaching Tip of the Day #3

Are you a "mailman cacher" (through rain, snow, sleet or hail)?

If so, remember to bring along something to cover the cache container after you open it (an umbrella, jacket or something) so that no moisture gets into the container.

Sealing a container tightly isn't much good if you've just sealed water into it…

Geocaching Tip of the Day #2

One of the best treasures you will ever find is a cooler full of cold drinks and snacks in your car after you return from caching.

If you do this for a group, you will be hailed a hero.

Geocaching Tip of the Day #1

Always add a waypoint for your vehicle or wherever your starting point is.

You will have a much easier time finding your way back...