Hiding your very first Geocache
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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November 4th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Thanks so much, any information is helpful as I am just stating out, I have hid 3, and had troble with some of the things you have listed. As too close to another cach on one, and Coordinates were off on another. Thanks again.
November 4th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
I’m more of a finder geocacher rather than a hider. I appreciate it when cachers hide a cache where I can concentrate on the finding rather than keeping a lookout for muggles. Definitely, not in view of houses. It would seem that the geocache is just waiting to be muggled.
November 7th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Good article.
I really try to think about where people will have to park, and maybe even post the coordinates for the parking spot in the descriptive text.
To make sure the coordinates of the cache are correct, I usually go find my hiding place, get the coordinates, plant the cache. Leave and walk around a bit, turn my GPSr off and on again, and go back to re-check the coordinates to fine tune them. SOmetimes, I do this two and three times if there is a lot of tree cover, or inbetween tall buildings, etc. Then, I go away and come back the NEXT DAY and pretend I’m the guy trying to find the cache. How close can I get to it with the coordinates I have written down?…
Then, and only then do I list the cache as being “active”. It’s worth it. I’ve not yet had a problem with any of my caches.
I have an intresting situation, in that we have three homes in different states — one in Texas, one in New Mexico and one in OLD Mexico in Alamos, Sonora. I presently have caches in two of the locations, and will place some in Alamos this winter. I always have to explain to the reviewer that we frequent the locales often enough to care for the caches; and in the case of the ones in New Mexico — I befriended a geocacher who lives there who offered to assist me in repair/replacement should that become necessary. That seems to have appeased the reviewer, and all my caches have been approved..
December 31st, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Thanks for this. I’m a newbie to geocaching and need great info like this!