decline2state

I am so excited about this as I have never done a cache machine and I love Astoria! I hope to bring my geohound since I am staying the weekend, any warnings or suggestions for doing so? Looking forward to it! -Julie

I like to leave germex, light sticks, compass, and bungee cords. I admit that I usually do not trade because the caches are filled with junk or toys that I am not interested in. If I found a practical item I would most definitely trade!

Hello! Do any of you know where I can find stats on caching in the PNW? For example #: cachers, hides, finds, events, etc? I wonder if I can contact Groundspeak... Thanks

TB motels kill me. I am new at this but they seem to be either prisons or an organized way to kidnap TB's. One of my TB's is in a prison 30 miles from my home. People keep "discovering" it but the hotel has a "one for one" rule so it sits there. I want to steal my TB and set him free. Have any of you ever done this? If I do set him free I am going to add one of those laminated tags with a part about o TB motels!

Were you asked to return for the Dalles Coin?

I second the Mountainssmith Lily suggestion, excellent pack! http://www.ebags.com/mountainsmith/lily_re...?modelid=111478

After much searching this is my new love.... http://www.ebags.com/mountainsmith/lily_re...?modelid=111478

I have two geocaching bags - one for around town and a backpack for hiking. Both bags have the following in common: gps, iPod (GSAK), camera, cell phone, Gerber multi tool (love it!), compass, lip balm, extra batteries, sunglasses, TB's, a few trade items, and pens. The backpack contains a lot of trade items, matches, emergency blanket, water, snacks, dog treats, first aid kit, hat, water proof jacket, bug spray (even though I apply skin so soft before leaving), sunscreen, rubber gloves, toilet paper, cito and dog bags, and germex. I love my 2 bags so much, and searched a long time for the perfect backpack, here is the link to the backpack: http://www.ebags.com/mountainsmith/lily_re...?modelid=111478

I recently attended my first event and there were numerous TB's that did not have an actual metal tag, instead they were laminated photocopies of a tag. At the time I assumed their bug went MIA so they copied their "copy" and started a new bug. Is this the case?

I went paperless for the first time this weekend and it was great! I used my old iPod and transferred the information to notes using GSAK's macro. I will never go back to paper! I started writing out the cache information in a journal because I didn't want to print the cache pages up. I kept leaving information out. Then I printed up some pages, but when I would go out, I would have more caches loaded into my GPS than I had info on. Now, I make sure that the GPS and iPod have the same cache info in them. Much easier and less confusing!

I found one! Looking forward to the event and meeting other local cachers!

By far the best I have seen thus far is http://butano.sigitem.com/ and I found it in he original cache!

1) you can't get all the caches on a route on one trip. Stick to the plan and besides, you don't have the printouts for those not on the plan anyway and you won't find them! 2) If retrieving and placing TBs and coins all in one day, take good notes, and triple check the numbers! 3) If you are looking for a cache that you can't find, and there is an area with fresh dirt that appears as if someone dug up a tree or bush - no one dug up or removed the cache location you are looking in the wrong place. 4) Trust your senses, not the gps for the final find. 5) If you think it's junk, it is, and don't leave it in the cache. Trade UP! 6) Dogs are a great geocaching cover. 7) When caching alone, without dog, don't persue a cache in secluded areas if something doesn't seem right. 8) If you go for that cache on the way to dinner, you will be late.