BugLuv

Thanks to all who responded. Just to clarify, if there are less than 5 in a cache, they sometimes get neglected? Things in this area seem a little slow. Some caches are not visited that often, and not too many TB. However, I was at an exchange cache with lots. So, I guess it would have been okay to take 2-3. I will keep this in mind for next time, or may occasionally go get one if I have a vacation, etc. that can move it along.

Thanks! Yes, I wouldn't take too many, because then I get stressed (and not fun). : ) I thought about taking up to 3, if I can match the goal. I like to have fun with them, make comments, and take pictures. I have been restraining myself because it seems not many do this. I guess I will let my inner-weirdness shine through. ha!

Another etiquette question---If you find a cache with a lot of trackables, how many can/should you take? I have only been taking one, even if I could help move along others. The reason I only take one is that I have no idea what the standard "rule" is. But, basically, I would like to a couple more. ; )

GREAT! Thanks to all!!! This gets me started. : )

Great!! Thank you!

I have tried to search the forums before posting this thread, but could not find anything broad. I did find some helpful posts on certain types of puzzles! I would like to start doing some mystery caches. Some have clear instructions. However, some I cannot even begin to know how to do. I have found some that are symbols, which I assume that you have to discern letters in some manner. I have found some that are just a passage of text-no instructions. I am assuming there is some legend somewhere or some process of counting letters. Everyone else seems to be "in the know". Is there a good link to an old thread on basic information on getting started with puzzles? Anyone have any advice?

Thank you-I understand now. The coin is so pretty, though. I was hoping I could buy a real one. : ) But...I was hoping for a real Kraken, too. Guess I will have to settle for virtual. : )

I just received the email. Do you purchase this souvenir after finding a cache? Wasn't sure how this works.

Very cool! I’m already finding it hard to part with one! ?

???

I am glad I read these message boards, so my expectations can be low. My plan is to release some TB to see what happens, with low expectations of outcome. I also plan to place a handful of caches at the end of longish trails, just for fun. I believe I will have few visitors but that is what I want. I love to hike, and have found some cool spots that would be nice to share. I also like the idea of putting something really awesome in a hard-to-reach cache occasionally (for free and for fun- : ) ) Overall, in my short career ; ), I have found that each adventure is full of ups and downs. Keeping expectations low, leads to more ups. I have had some really amazing experiences, learning about new areas, and finding cool new places. This is the best part for me! Areas I have been all my life, but never new of a particular spot. Or, learning something new about a favorite old stomping grounds. So..I guess for me, I try to focus on the whole experience of exploration. I think the swag thing is fun. I have not found anything super valuable or interesting, but it is fun to move little items from cache to cache. Or keep a cool one. I like to have fun with the items. For example, I found a seal erasure that was looking really old/faded, so I spiffed it up with a pen (eyes, eyebrows, smile, bowtie) and passed it on to another cache. I bought a baggie of little dinosaurs for 25 cents at the second hand store. Also, I found cool keychains for 10 cents a piece at the second hand store. For me, if I keep the cost low and keep a sense of humor, I am a winner. Just recently, I have found some trashed caches or just plan junk in the cache, which is really sad to see. Also, missing TB. Kudos to the people that are making these situation better.

Freima, Thanks for the post. I am starting to understand! I did find a trackable, and I am starting to understand the whole process and collecting, etc. I did not realize there are events, and people getting together in real time. That makes collectibles make much more sense. My family and best friend think I have lost my mind. I find this all fascinating, and it really fits my personality. I think it is the mix of exploring, secrecy, creativity and collecting....or something like that! I was so excited when someone found my first cache. ha ha . I just received my tracking numbers travel bugs that I ordered, so will be releasing some into the wild. Sigh... so much to learn, but I have time. : )

Thank you!

So, I finally parted with my trackable. I had 2 questions. If he is still in the cache when I travel, can I go get him? Or, is that bad etiquette? 2. What is this? It has the same symbol as the trackable and appeared when I dropped it off. Is this a virtual coin? Do I need to do anything with it?

So, did you ever find out what the piano music was???? I would have passed out on the spot! My only scary moment was today (I am easily startled). I wanted to really check out this location before saying it needed maintenance, so I was deep in my own thoughts, picking through an area with a stick. 3 big dogs came running across the open, grassy area right up to me. Since I wasn't prepared for it, I screamed. And, then felt really stupid, as they were nice dogs.

Edited 6 hours ago by kunarion I got my arm got stuck in the blood pressure machine at the grocery store and couldn’t get out. LOL!! So funny! I don't have an exact number. I just thought I might as well release a bunch, since they seem to get lost/stolen/not picked up. I have some cool, free ideas I want to try for the hitchhikers. I will check out the clearance rack. : )

Great thread! I just ordered some tags, so this thread is very helpful for me! In the original posting it talked about a TB Passport, but the link was broken? Also....is there a cheaper way to buy TB? I am open to "letting them go" and be chill about their outcome. However, it would be easier if the tags were cheaper. Just curious if there is a way to buy in bulk or some other cheaper way. I searched buy in bulk on the "shopping section" of this website, but they were still about five bucks a piece.

Thank you for the info! A whole new world! : )

Haha on the joke(went over my head). Basically, in a couple months I’m going out of the country, so will be a long way from NJ but long time to wait, not really fast! I’ll try to message the owner. Great idea deal on the horned animal pix. So many ways to be creative!

Thanks!! I thought about asking-wasn’t sure if I should. Great tip. My instinct was to keep it moving. Haha- great goal, but poor Darth ended up in IL-we can’t have that! How can you tell this one has met its goal? I tried to see if the contest was over, but couldn’t tell.

I found my first trackable. I actually have seen them before, but did not know what they were. My question relates to the goal/purpose of the trackable. For example, if I can somewhat meet the purpose in 2 weeks, and I can really meet the purpose in 2 months (related to travel), what is the etiquette? Better to keep it in circulation or keep with you for a bigger progress.

Thanks for the replies. That is really cool! I have thought about occasionally putting something really cool in my new cache-just for fun. I love the idea of the zipper pull idea! Also, from reading on the geocoin posts...It seems like there is a hobby of collecting coins & trackables (physical coins and virtual collections) outside of just geocaching and finding them? I think that is what is confusing me (one of the things!).

Kunarion, I just checked your profile, and now, I have more questions! The items you leave in caches---What do the serial numbers and other numbers lead to? Such as the zippers? (If you don't mind answering, or direct me to a page, if you have already answered). Thanks for fueling my addiction. ; )

Wow! So much to learn. Thanks so much for taking time to answer my questions. Ah ehm...I have a couple more... 1. What is 2/3s? 2. What is a virtual find? I have read the help sections more than once. The content is still settling in my brain. I think once I actually use one, it will make more sense. Plus, I just checked out this website-I had no idea that geocaching had another side besides running around in the woods. : ) This is really cool. I started out orienteering with map and compass. For awhile, I was all curmudgeon about GPS...But, I drank the Kool-Aid....and here I am....

Ugh, this is relatively close to me!! I guess I will have to go torture myself.