Posted by admin on Nov 03, 2009
by: Larry Sullivan (localbiz)
Once you have gotten some cache finds under your belt, it might be time to hide some geocaches. I would not recommend hiding any caches until you have found a good variation of caches, so that you understand the game pretty well and understand the time and responsibility requirements.
Hiding caches is not as easy as you might think. There are a number of factors to take into account. Remember you are placing geocaches for others to find, so you want to make sure everything is good to go before publishing the new cache. Before I go any further, you need to make sure you read and understand Groundspeak’s rules on hiding caches.
So what do you need to take into account when hiding a cache?
Location: “location is everything” they say. As I drive around, I am always looking for new places to hide a cache. When evaluating a location, I ask myself:
• Where would/could geocachers park?
• Is this a high muggle area?
• Are there too many houses/businesses around?
• Where are the nearest caches in the area?
• How much bushwhacking or stealth would be required?
• What unique features or reasons do I have to put a cache hear?
Permission: Getting permission is very important. If the cache location is on private property, then it is critical to make sure the owner knows what geocaching involves, where the cache is located, and if there are any special instructions. There are tons of stories out there about geocachers getting into trouble because the property owner knew nothing about geocaching.
Cache type: There are a variety of sizes of caches. Pick a cache that will fit well into your environment-one you can hide and hopefully find. The possibilities are almost endless. Be creative, it does not always have to be an ammo can.
Coordinates: You need to make sure the coordinates are fairly accurate. It has been amazing to see how many caches there are out there with coordinates that are drastically off. It is very frustrating to the geocacher who has to figure out where the cache is vs. where it should be. Take multiple readings, approach from different angles, use multiple gps devices are all options.
Swag/prizes: Should you provide first to find prizes? It is really up to you but I usually will provide a prize for caches that take some effort or the geocacher needs to work to find it.
Maintenance: Remember if you hide a cache, you are responsible for it. Sounds basic but it is amazing how many cache owners seem to go MIA after they hide a cache. Periodically check on your cache, respond in a timely manner when a geocacher has a question or thinks the cache needs some help. If you can’t maintain the cache or have decided to stop geocaching, allow a fellow geocacher to take it over or archive the listing.
I hope these points are helpful. Overall hiding caches is just as fun as finding them, so I encourage everyone to try it out and help the hobby of geocaching grow.
img credit: nio_nl
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Posted by admin on Sep 09, 2009
One of the fun aspects of Geocaching is the thrill of the hunt and wondering what you'll find in the cache, if you do indeed find it. The little toys (often called "Swag") are always exciting for the kids, but obviously most adults don't find much joy in little Sponge Bobs or G.I. Joes 
But there are things we can find in caches that can be neat and exciting to find for both children and adults; trackable items!
There are two types of Trackable Items
- Geocoins
- Travel Bugs (TB)
They both have the same basic "function" or goal.
A travel bug looks just like military dog tags (I.D. tags.) Geocachers can buy them for a few bucks and attach them to anything they want. You could attach a TB to a stuffed animal, small toy, key chain... anything that is relatively small.
The image above is of one of my travel bugs called "Your lucky day."
A Geocoin is basically a coin, usually about twice the size of a quarter, that Geocachers can also purchase for a few bucks, usually a little more than travel bugs, or have custom made. The coin(s) can be themed however you like. Maybe you want it to represent your company, family, organization, club... anything. It could even be dedicated to your favorite pet or maybe a loved one that has passed... the possibilities are really endless.
So what do you do with them?
All TB's and Geocoins have serial numbers engraved into them. These numbers are unique to that particular TB or coin. Once you receive your TB or coin you activate it at the official Geocaching website. Once it is activated it will have it's own page, where you name it, explain it's purpose and give it a mission. Once you have the page done you release it into the "wild" (put it in the nearest Geocache)
Everytime a fellow Geocacher finds it they input the serial number on the Geocaching website, which digitally "picks it up." Once they move it along by dropping it into another cache, they digitally "drop it."
When a TB or Geocoin is in a cache a small icon with the picture of it will appear next the cache listing on the site.
The neat thing about TB's and Geocoins is that you can give them a mission. For instance, we have a good friend in Germany who is also an avid Geocacher. So I created a TB and made it's mission to go to his city in Germany for him to pick it up and then send it back to me.
There are many fun ideas. Maybe you want it to visit various beaches around the world or gardens etc. You can even request that people take pictures of it along it's journey and post them to the item's page.
Each cacher can write a note about the item on the page as well and you keep track of where it is on that page, so you know where it is at all times.
Now won't that be neat to show people your TB or Geocoin that traveled the World and came back? 
Travel Bugs and Geocoins are just another fun aspect of this awesome hobby we call "Geocaching!"
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Posted by admin on Nov 07, 2008
Geocaching is an outdoors GPS "treasure hunting" game, which began in 2000, where people hide small, waterproof containers, called "Caches," in various spots all over the world (currently over 100 countries throughout the world.)
Inside the caches you'll find a piece of paper or notepad (log book) for people who find it to sign, and often times, but not always, trackable items such as "Travel Bugs," which resemble Military dog tags, and Coins and small toys and trinkets. Once placed, the owner logs the grid coordinates on the official Geocaching site so others can find them, enjoy the location, log their visit and possibly trade some small items.
In general the game seems a bit dull, but many of those who give it a shot and experience their first cache are Geocachers for life
So what's so fun about finding a little box with toys in it?
That's a good question. The fun isn't just in what you find inside the cache, although most kids LOVE finding new toys and going on adventures. No, the true fun is discovering new locations, many of which you never knew existed, and meeting new friends along the way. (It's also a healthy hobby to get into! You're getting fresh air, relieving stress and exercising your mind and your body!)
However, there is something to say about starting a Travel Bug, or releasing a Coin, and watching it go from cache to cache and eventually back to you, many times after a trip around the world!
Geocaching truly is a fun sport and an excellent hobby! Whether you do it for the exercise, because your kids love it or for other reasons, there are thousands and thousands of great people around the world willing to welcome you to new and exciting places where they've enjoyed and they invite you to enjoy as well!
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