TheVaultrons

I haven't read the replies, but here's what we've done to keep costs down. - bought a mid-range GPSr instead of top of the line - use public transit or walk - converted old curling brooms into hiking sticks instead of buying fancy metal ones - don't own a PDA - basic membership - used stuff we already had as swag - haven't bought fancy camping gear/hiking gear/specialized equipment - stick to quick caches (no overnight stays, long hikes, etc) - cache locally (no travel costs like gas, vehicle rental, hotels, restaurant meals, etc). Some geocaching gear that have non-geocaching uses and which we would have acquired anyway so don't really count towards the cost of geocaching: - internet access - writing utensils - computer/printer - cell phones - backpack - batteries - flashlight - digital camera ...there's probably more. I think the only things we've purchased specifically for geocaching is the GSPr and I want to get some hiking boots.

Mr. Vaultron and I have just started geocaching and I (the Mrs.) have discovered that my current pair of winter boots, which are more fashionable than practical, are just not going to cut it on off-trail cache hunts. Can you recommend a good boot (available in Canada)? Mr. Vaultron and I are limited somewhat in our hiking opportunities by the availability of public transit. In other words, we're limited to urban parks, some of which can be fairly hilly and rugged with leftover hurricane damage, but I'm not going to need really serious boots for overnight trips or mountain climbing or really long hikes. I'd also like to find something that is going to be adequately warm for a Canadian winter but cool enough for summer, if that's possible. So I guess what I'm trying to say is: can you recommend an inexpensive, basic, all-season women's hiking boot available in Canada? TIA

I vote for "sea-toe" as in Cito Gaston, they guy who managed the Toronto Blue Jays from '89 to '97.

Thanks for all your responses. You have put my mind at ease a fair bit. Intellectually I know I have nothing to worry about, but there's that little tiny irrational fear in the back of my mind that wonders "what if." I'm definitely going to print off some of those cards/brochures and add them to my kit. Thanks for the link. Keep the responses coming.

I've noticed that many cachers make up cover stories when approached by a muggle. Is it really necessary? (I'm not criticizing, I'm a curious newbie). What's wrong with explaining geocaching and stressing that the cache is to stay in place? Wouldn't telling the truth serve to recruit more people into the sport? To me, that seems like a good thing. What are your thoughts?

Mr. Vaultron and I are newbies. I (the Mrs.) have been reading the forums and noticed quite a few posts mentioning encounters with LEOs. I'm a little concerned about this. I'm the type of person who's nervous around authority figures, even when I've done nothing wrong. How common is it to have a LEO question your activities? Is it something that a cacher brings on him/herself by lingering around too long in one spot? Any input is appreciated.

I need some wisdom from some seasoned geocachers. I've seen in all kinds of cache listings warnings about muggles. I understand the need to be discrete about looking for, finding and re-placing caches so the muggles' curiousity doesn't get aroused, but just how discrete do we need to be? Is it acceptable to have 1-2 muggles around or do we have to be completely unseen? Do you have any tips on how to be stealthy? I'm also wondering about signing the logbook. Is it acceptable to move the cache a significant distance in order to find a private place to sign the logbook? What if we can't put it back right away? Is it considered bad form for the cache to be away from it's hiding place for more than a few minutes? TIA "Mrs. Vaultron"

Hi there. We just wanted to introduce ourselves. We're the Vaultrons (not our real name, of course). We're a newlywed thirty-something couple from Halifax, NS. We are extremely new newbies. In fact, we went on our first hunt yesterday and got our first find! It was a lot of fun and we're looking forward to many more hunts. Who knows? Maybe we'll do our own hide sometime after we've settled into our new hobby! I'm sure this forum is going to be very helpful and I hope you guys don't mind a bunch of newbie questions from us.