Nels_Anderson

This change is really disappointing. For me the maps just don't work right. When I scroll the view around there are tiles that just don't load. It's not just slow, they just never load (I left the map up for several hours while I was out and when I came back the tiles still had not loaded). I also find that it "forgets" who I am after a while and starts showing every cache as "not found" instead of indicating found and owned caches. That really hurts the usability.

One of the great things about geocaching is that it let me find places I would not otherwise know about. As much as I like a nice walk in the woods, a walk to some place with historic interest is even better. Having a historic attribute available to mark caches is a great idea!

I completely agree with your sentiments about this. I cache for the same reasons you do. But for some people yes, it is all about the numbers and not about the quality so you have to watch out for that. I'd hate to see geocaching get over-regulated as you don't want to stop peoples' creativity. So, all I can suggest is that you choose your caches carefully. The cache description should give you a good idea whether it's worth visiting or not and a quick check with Google Maps or something equivalent will warn you off from those that border a highway or other undesireable area. I'm sure you'll learn to avoid such caches with more experience.

My first hides were tupperware type plastic containers. After realizing that these caches just did not stay dry I have since switched completely over to ammo boxes. All the early plastic containers have been converted to ammo boxes by now too.

That's a good one! At least you got to log a find out of it. I ran into something similar on the last cache I hid. After submitting it for review, the reviewer denied it because the final of a multi-cache was too close. Of course, I could not possibly have known that since I had never tried to solve that multi. Fortunately I was able to find another suitable spot.

Around here anyway, most regular size caches are of the take and leave type. Micro caches, of course, don't really offer that option. What I really enjoy is caches that have finder's buttons made for them but this seems to be getting less and less common. I have quite a collection of them that looks nice mounted and makes a good reminder of some fun caches. All the caches I've placed have finder's buttons in them.

I'm not a big fan of puzzle caches, though I have done some of them including a couple that were particularly tough. In general, though, my idea of a good cache is one that gets me out of the house hiking and getting some exercise. If there's a lot of preparation before the actual find (i.e., solving the puzzle) that can be a real turn-off. I have noticed in my area quite a number of people placing rather difficult puzzle caches, but in watching them it seems like relative few people seek them out. It got to the point where so many of the new caches were puzzles that it started a backlash, where a series of "Return To Tradition" caches got placed. Which probably says that too much of any kind of cache in a given area is not such a good thing.

Well, the GPS makers must love some of you, with the large number of units you buy :-) Me, I'm still on the same Lowrance Airmap 100 that I've been using since around 1999 (yes, before Geocaching). Kind of thinking of a new unit these days, but this one still works just fine...

Well, strictly speaking they were the first to find it... But that's rather meaningless if others did not have an equal chance to find it. The whole FTF thing is way overblown by some people anyway.

This is a case where I really would appreciate seeing a DNF before I set off on a cache quest...If I knew it was surrounded by poison ivy I would not try the cache.

Logging a DNF is part of geocaching. It happens to anyone, and really says nothing about your personal skill as there can be many reasons for not finding the cache. I generally do log it, if for no other reason that I want a reminder to myself that I had tried that cache. The only time I won't log it is if I intend to go back and try it again in the near future; this generally applies to caches that are known to be exceedingly hard to find so I consider myself still in the middle of the search.

Here is mine: http://www.train-sim.com/geocache/

None. Never could really get excited about being FTF...leave that to the fanatics.

When I first read about this "record" I found it very hard to believe. Apparently geocaching is very different in Texas than it is here in New England as around here it would be impossible to visit anywhere near 300 caches in a 24 hour period. There are some basic points to the "game" that we all understand, and the need to sign the log to claim a find is one of them. Using shortcuts to try and claim a record makes the record bogus.

I really prefer that caches be accurately described so I know what I'm getting into before setting out and thus can choose to try this cache, or not. Some days I have time available and might want to try a more challenging cache. Other days I have only limited time and would like just a nice hike and a quick find of an easy cache. Spending time to drive out to a cache and then finding it's not what I expected is not my idea of fun.

Well sure, it's only natural to tell your friends and family about things you like to do, and geocaching is no exception. Though I'm the only one in my immediate family who actively caches on a regular basis, quite often when we get together for holidays a group of us will go out and do some caching. I've also taken friends with me and a few have even gone on their own. Spreading hobbies like this on a personal basis is the best way.

I do it as an excuse to get out of the house and get some exercise. I generally spend all day in front of a computer, so I need to exercise. If I just go out and walk for the sake of walking I'm bored after a few minutes and don't do enough. But if there's a reason to walk somewhere, like a cache to be found, I'll walk for miles without a problem. As a result I've found many interesting places nearby that I never would have known about, and that are even worth a re-visit even without a new cache to find.

Yes, it happens. I guess the problem is that by time you reach that frustration level you've already got a lot invested in the cache...starting from first finding the listing, reading the details, doing the hike and then of course a lot of searching. After all that it's hard to let it go. But you know what? At least around my area there are a LOT of caches. If one of them is a hassle it's pretty easy to just drop it and go on to another one.

I haven't been attacked, but on a recent caching session I did almost step on a duck! That brown momma mallard camouflage really does work. The duck was nesting quite near to the cache coordinates, and as I came around a tree searching for the cache the duck suddenly took off and flew off to the water. I'm not sure which of us was more surprised! I'd been searching the area for 15 or 20 minutes already and had no idea the duck was there.

I've been caching since 2001. During that time, the number of cache types has grown. For example, look up one of my early cache hides: GC5138 http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_detai...88-eb87e3c8a447 It's listed as a "Traditional Cache" and that was correct in 2002 when it was hidden, but I believe if it was hidden as a new cache now it would be classified as a mystery cache.

One reason this may happen is because the cache types have changed over the years. Several of my older caches are not really categorized correctly any more, according to the latest list of cache types, but were correct and approved as such when they were placed.

You did pay way too much. Something in the $5 to $10 range is more like it, depending on the size (ammo boxes comes in a variety of sizes). I have not found any local source, but there are a variety of mail order places that sell them. A Google search should find you a number of choices. By the way, I've found the ammo boxes to be well worth it. I've placed 6 caches and all but the most recent were originally placed in plastic tupperware type containers, and every one of them got wet inside. Either the plastic eventually cracks or otherwise fails, or more often people just don't close them properly. Ammo boxes tend to get sealed much better.

Huh! I am almost 100% positive that I parked right next to this vehicle when I did either the "Callahan Extreme" or "Callahan for Kids Too" cache. I saw the decal and was wondering whose it was. You probably did! The second photo was taken at the Callahan Park lot, while I was doing one of the caches there...

My favorite caching vehicle: 1963 Land Rover Series IIA 109 Station Wagon: