Thanks all for your contributions!!!!
Below is a summary:
Below are a few tips and hints from some seasoned cachers regarding both finding and hiding a cache:
FINDING A CACHE:
* Trust your GPSr.... but not to much. DamhuisClan
* Switch on your GPSr at least 15 mins prior to looking for the cache. It just makes a difference with the accuracy. GEO936
* Our best kept secret is the small maglite torch that always accompanies us when we go out caching - it never lets us down! Tricky Vicky & Mickey
* Remember to look up! CapeDoc
* Safety First - as always:
Do not get yourself into tricky situations - either natural - such as flood waters or cliffs (can easily happen following the GPSr) - and remember you are distracted often using one hand and constantly looking at the GPSr. AND manmade dangers. Walking around parks and other remote areas with a GPSr in your hands - you can be an easy target for muggers! Carbon Hunter
* Read the cache description CAREFULLY and right to the end before even starting to look for the cache, especially if it's a multi or a mystery cache. Get an idea of what you will need to do and have with you before you start. Gr8scot
* Not always, but in many cases you need to look for something that is "out of place". That is often where you'll find the cache! GEO936
* A lot of cachers give subtle hints or clues hidden in their logs... Try and read between the lines... It gets easier the more you do it... Make notes... It helps...
o Photos can be a dead give away... Look at the background, the trees, the rocks or anything that will help you recognize something when you get to GZ... Lots of times you'll see the cache container in the photo, which will help you in figuring out where something of that shape and size could be hidden... Henzz
HIDING A CACHE:
* My suggestion for placing a cache in the wild - make sure no fynbos needs to get trampled to get to the cache - soon a path is formed and that is what we want to avoid! Tomtwogates
* Create interesting listings easily by using Firefox as your browser, install the "Greasemonkey" script, then download and install "Write Area". Once installed right click in the "long description" box of the "Create/Edit Listing" page. Click on "Edit in a write area" and a box will open that will convert everything you do automatically to HTML when you click "Save". Remember to tick the "descriptions are in HTML" box! CapeDoc
* If you do place one on top of a mountain or on a long hike - make sure your hints are sufficient for the cacher to find it - nothing more frustrating than hiking for a day and coming up empty handed! Tomtwogates
* When hiding a cache, take multiple readings (6 - 10 is good), moving several meters away each time and approaching from as many different directions as you can, allowing the GPS to 'settle' each time. Then average them to get the coordinates to use on the cache page. MnCo
OTHER TIPS:
* Once you've found the cache, take time to write a decent log and try to avoid putting in spoilers. Most cache owners would prefer a longer, descriptive log (even if negative) to just logging TFTC or "easy find". Think of it as a way of saying thank-you to the person who placed the cache. Gr8scot
*
o Use a stick in a hole... before sticking your hands in.
o Wear gloves when searching holes.
o Pick up caches slowly, you never know what may lurk underneath them.
o Way mark your car or the start point on a hike so that you do not get lost on your way back. Use the track feature on the GPS to backtrack to the start.
o Take pictures...
o Carry a pen, a spare log sheet and a zip lock bag.
o Keep a note book and make a note of your finds. Wazat
* Carry a few cache maintenance items in your bag. Carbon Hunter
* Suggestions of things to carry in you caching bag:
o water
o toilet roll
o small towel
o pocket knife/multitool
o compass
o flexible measuring tape
o medical kit
o additional tissues
o cable ties
o spare batteries
o wire coathanger Many contributers
* Take the time to enjoy the areas that Geocaching take you to. I have encountered amazing places through this sport and that is what drives me to continue. The Could Not Zees
* Rather take out two (or more) not so great objects and put it one great item. This way the stuff in the cache will get better and better. If you trade multiple objects for one great item, the value gets "watered down" (even if the overall value of the swag has increased) and the next person to find the cache will have nothing great to find.
"Trade up and don't dilute" CapeDoc
