Spider Woman

For a new cache, I recently put in an unopened DVD, a VHS movie, and a music CD. The rest was mostly toys and stuff. I also add stuff to my caches from time to time, and I've moved stuff from one cache to another if the item didn't fit well in the cache it was placed. Then I include a note in both logs describing the move. I picked up a CD from a cache once, leaving equal value trade goods and found that the case was empty. Next time, I'll look inside first!

OK, I'm getting the Christmas spirit now. Try this to the tune of "The Little Drummer Boy) The Little Caching Boy Come she told me, Oh, this is such fun! A new cache has been placed, Oh, this is such fun! We have no time to waste! Oh, this is such fun! So let's go forth with haste, Oh, this is such fun! This is such fun! Grab your Garmin now, Oh, this is such fun! Come on, let's run! Search the bushes Oh, this is such fun! Search all the tree stumps too, Oh, this is such fun! I see no cache in sight Oh, this is such fun! Look down, look left, look right, Oh, this is such fun! This is such fun! This is such fun! Shall I try the hint? Oh, this is such fun! Honey, there's none! Muggles looking! Oh, this is such fun! Pretend you're watching birds, Oh, this is such fun! We're such a pair of nerds! Oh, this is such fun! It's safe now, look up there! Oh, this is such fun! This is such fun! This is such fun! Then we spotted it! Oh, this is such fun! Me and my hon. Me and my hon. Me and my hon. Oh me and my hon. Joy to the world! Me and my hon. Me and my hon. Another new one! Honey, let's run!

A few times, I've seen FTFs logged, seemingly within minutes of a cache being approved. Maybe they're just really lucky to be at the cache location when it is approved and have a handheld along, with internet access. Surely no one would use inside information just to increase their number of FTFs... Anyway, I think it would be a simple matter to include the date and time that a cache is approved to each cache listing, not just the date it was placed. What do you think? Then, if someone logs a FTF two minutes after it is approved, we can all raise our eyebrows in unison.

I don't think I'll ever find all of them within easy driving distance from me. From center of Stanford University campus (half-way between San Francisco and San Jose, CA): Within 1 mile: 6 Within 5 miles: 67 Within 10 miles: 207 Within 25 miles: 832 Within 50 miles: 1674 Within 100 miles: 2961

I sent my response. I love those staffs! I saw Marky's at the San Mateo picnic on Oct 4 and was very impressed. Such meticulous workmanship!

People swap all kinds of things. Here are some examples of things I have seen and/or traded: Small toys (very common) Music CD Movie (DVD/VHS) Compass Coupons for free items Camping/ hiking accessories T-shirt Baseball cap Keychain Flashlight Book Cool pen, pencil, marker, etc. Glitter glue Jewelry Watch Coins (U.S. or from elsewhere) Pez dispensor Batteries A lot of people also leave a particular item in each cache they visit--a calling card, either literally or figuratively. I've seen cards displaying a photo of the cacher, with their statistics and a message, for example. I leave a small brass spider charm in nearly every cache I visit. (Sometimes I forget.) When I'm out shopping, I keep my eyes open for small, unusual items. I keep a container of trade goods in my car. When I go to a cache, I take several items so that I can choose the one that best fits the cache, and is at least as valuable as any item I might take. I don't usually take anything, though, just leave something and sign the log.

Thanks for putting the zing! back in my life! I like the new forums a lot!

I usually cache alone. However, I find that navigating and driving at the same time can be problematic. Also, it's safer to go with a buddy, especially for a woman alone in a remote location. I put an ad on Craig's List (www.craigslist.com) for an activity partner, describing geocaching. and someone who works at the same place I do responded. We've done some caching together, and I still do some on my own. I like hiking alone. I see more wildlife that way and I can go at my own pace. I always tell someone where I'll be and bring along my cell phone or a two-way radio, depending on the remoteness of the location.

Thanks for all the great ideas. I like the extendable dental-type mirror idea. I wonder if there are any available with a light attached. That would be very handy. If not, I could probably attach a little flashlight to one. I will definitelly keep gloves and a walking stick handy, too. I've come across rabbits, coyotes, snakes, and lots of huge spiders when I've been out and about, but so far, haven't touched any of them. However, when I was a farm girl, I once touched a rat when I was reaching into a dark nest box.

Several of the caches I've found recently have involved reaching into a dark place and feeling around for the cache. Now, I'm as daring and adventurous as the next guy, but I wonder about snakes, skunks, spiders, badgers...the kinds of wild life that love dark holes. I don't normally wear gloves or carry a stick, but both seem like a good idea. What do people do to protect themselves?

Thanks for the advice! I got my first FTF this weekend! I did a search using a 30 mile radius of my zip code, and looked through all of the listings until I found one without a "Last Found" date. Then I hurried out to it. It involved a 20 mile drive, a 2 hour hike and scaring off a coyote, but I got it! ;-)

I really want to get a FTF under my belt! How do you get to be the first at the cache? I get weekly notifications and look at the most recent cache listings on the home page, but I never see them before someone else has gotten to it. I live in an area of lots of active geocachers (Silicon Valley), so that might explain it. I'd love to hear any tips others might have.

If you don't mind breaking in someone new to caching you could advertise for an "Activity Partner" on Craig's List (www.craigslist.com). I hooked up with two people that way. One of the responses was from someone who has been geocaching for about four months. I'd advise meeting in a public place and doing a cache in a nearby park the first time or two, because they'll be strangers, after all.