GlobeGeorge

Recently, I thought of something cool for a multi-cache. Like a normal multi, the co-ords would point to a micro or other small object that had the real coordinates written on it. My "safecracker" cache would follow the same principle, except that the final cache is locked! In order to open the cache and log your find, you'll need the combination, which could either be written directly on the waypoint micro, or, to be even sneakier, hidden in the waypoint coordinates, perhaps by writing the numbers in the combination in a different color from the rest of the co-ords, but not telling people why they are written this way, only that they had better make note of it. Has anyone implemented similar ideas with locks?

I'm sweet sixteen and licensed to drive (I live in NH), but I usually bring my mom along (age CENSORED) because we enjoy caching together.

Sweet 16, old enough to get my New Hampshire license!

Think back to middle school geography. There are two ways to express location: absolute location (i.e. drive to these coordinates) and relative location (i.e. drive two miles to the north of the church). Relative location, knowing where the cache is in relation to its surroundings, can be helpful because you may not be able to take a direct path there. The U.S. government provides something called the National Map. It's free for anyone to use-your tax dollars at work. You can enter coordinates and zoom right in to see what's nearby. The maps have better detail than Google Maps, which may not have clear satellite imagery. (Try using the "DOQ" options under "Imagery" for aerial photography.) You can find out if there may be obstacles (like rivers) on the way to the cache and choose the best point of entry. Try it at nationalmap.gov!

I usually drive a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan to the parking area listed on the cache page. Then, I just walk the rest of the way.

The Google Earth program, modeled on the program known as Keyhole (except the subscription fees have been repealed), allows one to create maps of anywhere in the world (use address, coordinates, or place name) for free. And these aren't cheap road maps. They are basically super-hi-def photos taken by remote-control sattelite. They accurately show terrain, buildings, and road/highway/place names in FULL COLOR. (Broadband only.) Just punch in the co-ords, and BAM! Instant maps! I tried it and it's really cool!

Google Earth TEST SIGNAL... TEST SIGNAL...

As you know, one should not leave food or drink (except for water) in a cache. However, there is a clever workaround that provides the same tasty results. Leave a COUPON for a free candy bar (or, if you're feeling really generous, a gift card to a candy store) in the cache! Since animals can't smell that (nor can they read) they are a 100% safe alternative to leaving actual food!

I was wondering if political items are allowed in caches. Would a political bumper sticker count as a soliciting cache?

Rubber ducks, except once, when I was out of stock.

Consult your local laws. In some towns/cities, laser pointers may be restricted/outlawed. If in doubt, don't leave one in the cache.

You can try AltaVista.com's Babel Fish, but don't expect a good translation.

If I find one, I'll put it out of commission. Thanks for the tipoff.

No, you can't make your own working TBs that are Groundspeak compatible. Start saving your money for the real deal.

Geocoins are logged and moved as if they were TBs. Use the TB forms to log the Geocoin(s). Geocoins are a bit rarer than their silver keychain counterparts, so you are lucky to find one!

I always grab a TB if I see it in a cache and follow up on moving it, even if only by a couple of kilometers. I have fun taking pictures and writing stories for the log pages. Besides, it means I have an excuse to hunt down another cache!

You can increase accuracy with a DGPS antenna beacon reciever. This is an optional accessory. It's expensive, but it allows you to pick up ground-based DGPS signals from the government. (Ironically, the same governmment who degraded GPS signals with S/A is now spending money to improve them with DGPS.) However, unless you are a millionaire, you don't really need a DGPS beacon reciever for ordinary caching. DGPS is used mostly by airplane pilots and boat captains.

ALWAYS log ANY found TBs or GEOCOINS online when picking them up AND releasing them. Otherwise, nobody will ever know where they went. Also, keep them moving, as the name implies, thee have to TRAVEL.

I have ordered a special Geocoin which I will place in the best overall cache (judged by me). Geocoins are a nice change from Travel Bugs because they are rarer. I am also doing this to encourage more caches in my area. The Rules: 1. Your cache must be located in or within 20 miles of Merrimack, NH 03054. 2. Your cache must be listed as a Traditional Cache (NOT a multi or virtual cache) 3. Your cache must not be underwater. One lucky cache will get my Geocoin! Good Luck!

All my life, the number 2 has been trouble for me, even worse than 13. It has affected me in too many ways to list. Geocaching is no exception. This is a true story. First, I had gone hunting for two caches. After the first hunt proved unfruitful, I went to the second, hoping to find the BIG ONE! Instead, the second cache was a wild goose chase, with a pesky fence just 60 feet away from where said cache was supposed to be. 2 strikes again! After a half mile or so into the woods, I stumbled upon my 2nd find ever. It was essentially ruined after water had leaked in. Well, there went the treasure, I thought, and after writing in the logbook and swapping out the feeble offering still in the cache, I turned around and headed back. After finding a so-called "shortcut", I got lost! I had to hike 5+miles to go back to my start point. Apparently, my entire navigation was upside down that day. Here's a map of my "path". The map (I already lodged a "Needs Archived" message for the fenced cache, and a damage report for the leaky one. Don't lodge any more, or you might delay the resolution of these problems.) Now that I have the Track Log working, this should never happen again. Cache on.

Thanks! That's an interesting story. I'll buy some TB's as soon as I get my money together.

I am considering the purchase of Travel Bugs. Once I register one, will I have to hunt through logs to find out its location, or will it be tracked automatically? Does anyone have a TB number I could use to see how it works? Thanks.