solo_cacher

I'm in Louisville, KY area and relatively new to the sport (I just logged my 22nd find). I don't cache a whole lot but would be interested in hearing from cachers in the area that might want the occasional cache friend to tag along to help out with local caches. I like caching alone but realize there are instances when it would be nice to have someone to help out on occasion. I live out in the Fern Creek area and do most of my caching on weekday mornings as I work 3rd shift. If anyone would like to hunt within the Louisville area preferably on weekday mornings please drop me a line. Thanks ddh1969

Or you could use the geocaching.com app...

Perhaps they've never heard of a 'cache in trash out' cache...I suppose hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping are doomed as well? What better way to teach about the environment than through geocaching. When you are caching and you actually SEE the problems first hand aren't you going to become more likely to want to do something about it? Personally, some one can moan and preach on and on about an issue but if it doesn't really seem to affect me I'm not going to worry about it but when I'm out trying to find a cache and I'm finding cans and bottles and other crap I'm NOT supposed to be finding it is literally in my face and affects me directly. I'm more motivated to do something. Or is that just me? Yes, go ahead, steal all the caches. Just make me hang out, searching for hours, finding nothing, getting frustrated and tearing up the area. That will help the environment.

Being a fan of the show 'Lost' I just like to refer to the 'non-cachers' as 'Others'... other suggestions... 'public' 'non-player' 'drone' 'passer' (geopasser) 'stranger' 'bystander' 'eyes' 'noser' 'watcher' 'zombie' 'body' just to name a few but where does it stop and who defines the new standard?

You aren't the only one my friend...well put. I think people are put off by the term 'muggle' because it may be more geeky than childish. People get the impression we are a secret society of nerds who play geeky games outdoors. "Did the chess club kick you out?" I think is the kind of thought process that most people seem to have. "Why can't you just hike and camp and go swimming like everyone else?" - oh to be 'normal' like 'most people'...that's what I strive for... At this stage of the game, we geocachers are all pioneers in a sport that was really only invented a few years ago and we really haven't even tapped into the potential of the game/sport yet. 'Mainstream' is not a word I would use to describe it for sure but sooner or later it is something that just about everyone will have tried at least a few times. I see a time when the game becomes more standardized and caches become more 'accessible' to more people. Different types of geocaching and various skill levels will come about as the sport evolves and who knows when someone may try to create a 'pro' geocaching rank. It's just bound to happen. That being said, I'm not sure the term 'muggle' will really even be appropriate over time. Us 'old timers' won't give it a second thought. There will come a time when someone will just assume you are looking for a cache and won't give a you second look.

Great find. I've been thinking of a way to start placing family friendly caches and this is something else I need to consider. I learned a lot by doing some trail caches recently. 'Trail caching' is something that a few of us may enjoy but geocaching should be accessible to everyone (who wants to do it) if at all possible. I think more accessible caches would make the sport more popular and appealing to just about everyone. Depending on how you look at it this can be a good or bad thing. I question the value of digging around in the woods just to sign your name to a piece of paper when this could be turned into a broader more educational experience.

Great find. I've been thinking of a way to start placing family friendly caches and this is something else I need to consider. I learned a lot by doing some trail caches recently. 'Trail caching' is something that a few of us may enjoy but geocaching should be accessible to everyone (who wants to do it) if at all possible. I think more accessible caches would make the sport more popular and appealing to just about everyone. Depending on how you look at it this can be a good or bad thing. I question the value of digging around in the woods just to sign your name to a piece of paper when this could be turned into a broader more educational experience.

I just started 'caching so I'm using my Nuvi 205 until I can afford to get a 'trail' model. It does do pretty well but I get tired of switching all the settings from driving to caching and back. Of course, the plan would be to use the Nuvi to get me to the general area then switch to the handheld once I get there. I have found 10 caches with it so far. I"m going to try it out in the woods tomorrow morning as I try to find my first trail caches with it. D

It's my 3 initials and the year I was born. It's my standard internet nickname.

It's my 3 initials and the year I was born. It's my standard internet nickname.

If you are talking about iPod Touch it has no built in GPS as far as I know unless ones in Korea are different. I hear you can get GPS addons for them but they seem to be hard to find. If you could get an add-on I suppose any GPS app would do the job.

Sounds like an advertisement for a Cruise company. This would violate the guidelines in more ways than one (Commercial cache, and a Moving cache. ) Don't do it. Forget about it. I'm assuming you'd be on this cruise so just enjoy yourself and do other things for a few days...you don't need anyone thinking this is a bomb or something.

I notice a lot of people start doing geocaching with their kids. Are there any special guidelines for people starting this hobby with their children? It seems I read a lot of horror stories in here about people starting out with their kids and not finding much if anything. They get discouraged and not only do the adults get burned right out of the gate the kids get a bad impression too. I would suggest rather than taking your kids out at the very beginning try looking for a few on your own then take your kids looking for the caches you've already found and let them see what they can do...when you think about it makes sense. No need in giving the kids a bad perspective on geocaching. Nothing in life is foolproof. Geocaching certainly is no different.

Just a quick question to spark some thought.... What makes you think the Coordinates from the Google map are any better than your GPS readings???? Did you note the term 'third OPINION'....not gospel...just the only other means I know to get a reference on a coordinate. This time it just happened to match my Nuvi. In no way shape or form do I conclude that is accurate if you understand the context of what I said. For the record...I don't 'trust' much of anything...I know I found the cache and I had 2 of my 3 sources match points 30 feet away from the actual cache. If I used something else it could have pointed me right to the cache. Based on the info I have that is the conclusion drawn. How far do we want to go with this?

I'm using a Nuvi 205 to get started in 'caching. I'm pretty much doing roadside caches now to get my feet wet. My first cache was a 'guard rail' cache and the coords were about 30 ft off. I typed the coords into google earth just to get a third opinion and it pointed right to where I was standing at the cache site(30 feet away from the cache). Sometimes it's possible the coords of the cache itself are off. Take into account differences in all the various units and other factors and it's not unusual or out of the question to be 20-40 ft away from the actual cache. Just make sure you are starting with the more simple ones (for me I know it's more or less stuck to a guard rail at some point so I know I can narrow my search easily). I wouldn't worry too much...just have fun with the kids...

dadgum, there has to be a jerk in every crowd...just don't anyone tell him about the secret cache hidden deep in the swamp...you know the one about 'The Fountain of Youth'...