Quixotic Prof

One post read: "Saw this at a bug trade. Wanted it, but..... maybe next time." So, are there gatherings of geocachers that bring bugs to trade? How is this organized? Are all the bugs put up for display and then auctioned?? qp

Please forgive my ignorance. What is a 'bug trade'? And, how is it that my travel bug was dropped off and picked up at a virtual cache? Thanks, qp

Are there any caches which have a particular theme or puzzle to them that encourages cachers to return to them? I was just thinking about the Poetry in Motion cache which (in addition to being a terrific hide) provided two additional challenges for me. First, I had to leave a penny older than the one presently placed. And, it was really difficult to find and replace without being noticed in such an urban environmemt. So, for the first time, I have considered going back to a previously found cache. What types of challenges (if any) would you find meaningful enough to return to a cache?

So, I submitted my very first cache. Immediately after doing so, I returned to the cache page and posted a log entry describing the original contents. Then, I also realized that I should go back and release a newly created TB that was also placed there. Finally, I set the cache site and the TB on my watch lists (these are all firsts for me). Checking back on my work, I noticed that the cache had been approved!! Wow. Certainly less than 30 minutes from my original posting. Oddly, though, the cache site already had 3 accounts watching it. How can that be? Or, why would that be? By posting the cache, am I automatically put on the watch list, hence I am now on it twice? Or, did the approver put him or herself on the watch list? Who else would have had time or even cared? Thanks, jf

I am preparing for my first cache hides. While the very first cache that I place is likely to be a traditional cache, I am also preparing to place a couple of multi-caches. The first multi-cache that I intend to place will likely use the numerical values from up to 6 different historical markers at four different locations along a well-maintained path. (Three of the markers happen to be within 20 feet of each other.) For this first multi-cache, the main coordinates given will be a possible parking spot. I had planned to describe each of the other four coordinates in the cache description. A formula for determining the final cache location will also be provided. From my limited experience in finding multi-caches, this plan seems common enough. For the second multi-cache, I wanted to make use of a broader set of clues. I intend to prepare three Clue Cards, that, when joined together will reveal things like the final coordinates, a map, a photo, and other descriptive clues. These clue cards would need to be picked up from three separate mini-caches or clue-card only caches. (Or, so I have gathered. I was intending to print 20 sets of these clue cards and have them laminated. Players would theoretically pick up clue cards then return them in the final cache location so that I could re-place them.) The location for this second multi-cache is roughly along the same trail as the first multi-cache. Question: Would it be considered 'legal' for me to make one of the locations for these necessary clue cards the final cache location of my first multi-cache? In other words, can I hide clue information for a new cache within an existing cache? Yes, I realize that the game would become much more challenging. But, since other aspects of this cache (such as terrain, distance and location) are pretty easy, I was thinking it appropriate. Thanks in advance for your comments. qp

Thanks for your thoughtful replies. Especially Mr. Snazz for the photos. Does anyone have any examples of creating more "artificial" hiding locations? I am reminded of a report on National Public Radio (May 9, 2002; search for "highway signs" at http://www.npr.org) that described an "artist" who posted a highway sign in Los Angelos that was entirely consistent with the Department of Transportation signs such that it was never discovered as a fake. The examples of fake bird houses is very similar to this scenario. Does anyone have any other examples of building such a hiding location? Thank you, qp

I have been thinking about how a cache container can be camouflaged in various ways. Some ideas that have come to mind are hollowing out a log or building a fake rock. Or, maybe at the extreme, manufacturing an object like a trail sign or a fence post that has a hidden cache area. As very much a newbie at this, I haven't come across any camouflaged caches and was wondering what examples people have. qp