springs21

Hey, it's great to see a newcomer wanting to learn more about Geocaching and the etiquette the game entails. The specific guidelines are quite lengthy, so I won't post them here. However, here is a direct link to all you'll need to know about it: http://www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx Some Geocachers are super stingy about it and will go as far as to request your cache archived if you put even a nail into a tree. So read them thoroughly. I don't really have any abnormal tools which I use to Geocache but I do have some typical items to take along. I always have tweezers, a multitool, small flashlight, and spare logs with me. You can carry whatever it is that you feel is necessary for your caching experience, but I do recommend tweezers and a multitool. As for your inquiry about events, I don't have any hard references. I have heard Geo Woodstock is a great one, but that's about it. I've only been to two local events since I started caching. I hope you can find some good answers from other cachers. Happy caching. Thanks for the reply. It was a tough pill to swallow to drive 30 minutes from home to find a cach, only to discover its hiding spot is 20 feet up in a tree. No mention on the description/hint about needing special tools to access. So It's made me curious of what some people carry in their kits. The link will be useful, and thank you for the easy hyperlink. Lastly, with all the horror stories of caches coming up missing I have elected to purchase a set of four realitor lock boxs that nothing short of a hacksaw is going to remove. I figure they will give me a good starter set to built some puzzle caches with. Happy hunting Springs 21 (one of the guys killing your hobby)

I've read through this forum post, and would like to post from the other side of the spectrum...the intro player. I started playing two months ago, and searched around for a group event to receive more information and guidance. My sibling (also new with around 150 finds)and I ended up traveling to Charlotte, NC (near her home)to attend a group event on August 31. The seasoned cach players at this event made things more difficult, as they seemed more interested in peddling other websites, and trying to force other to play side games rather than explain proper edicit for new geocaching. Now before everyone under the sun jumps on me saying that is not the norm, I will say I am confirmed for one of the 1 million geocach. meet and greet events in Southern Georgia scheduled this Saturday. I'm giving it a second go, of trying to learn more about this hobby and how to better respect it, but from someone just coming in, I would like to give the following comments. 1. New players (less than six months) should not be used to peddle other websites similar to geocaching. The whole process of geocaching is overwhelming to new players, please don't add confusion. 2. When hosting events as seasoned veterans, please do not pair a group of adults with a group with children. Those single adults are either having a day out away from their kids, or may not be kid friendly. 3. Encourage new player, but don't ruin it for them! We told the organizer that we were going to head up the street to attempt "octopus garden" (one of the oldest geocaches around our area), and the guy pretty much gave away the location before we even left the parking lot. 4. Deodorant and a shower are a must. I know we are all heading out for a day of getting dirty and hot, but showing up for your event smelling ripe does little to encourage others to attend your future events. 5. Own your caches! I've got a whoppping total of 52 completed, I've attempted at least a dozen that were gone. Over half the ones I found were in such poor shape, it's clear they have not received much love lately. ...and yes I bring spare logs to replace if needed. 6. I contacted my local geocaching club (about 45 miles south of me) as I was interested in setting up a puzzle cache based on a great one I solved in Texas. I asked foradvice for a first time person setting up a cach and received the following reply (and I quote) "In the last 6 months our reviewer for caches in GA has been very strict and has frustrated many of us so much that we are no longer interested in hiding caches." This doesn't help your game get better with encouragement like this going to new players. So stepping off my soapbox now, I'd love to understand this hobby better and if you could direct me (with reply or hyperlink location) to the following locations it would be nice. - Specific guidelines for hiding - Abnormal tools in your geohunting kit that you now can't live without - Best national events to attend Thanks in advance Springs21 (one of the guys killing your hobby)