Nubcakes

This is exactly why you don't offer information easily. Give the most vague information you can without lying. Also, research the cache area before going in for it. If I was in your shoes I'd state that I did not see the no-trespassing signs and then ask if they are asking me to leave. If he asked what I was doing there I'd repeat the question: Are you asking me to leave? I'd go back and forth until they let me go. It's worked with hostile cops more often than not. Avoid saying anymore than absolutely necessary, every single word you say can be used against you in the court of law. In these tough times the authorities are not your friends, they will condemn you with any chance they get. Before I forget; People, even though photography is NOT A CRIME, the authorities in America try to criminalize the hell out of it. NEVER admit to authorities that you have a camera. If they ask, don't answer. If they see it and ask about it; downplay it's significance as much as possible without being defensive. They will use EVERY opportunity they get to seize a camera and NOT return it to you or at the very least refuse to return the memorycard/film. TLDR; People in law enforcement or black suits are ALWAYS bad news. Don't give them ANYTHING to use against you. Edit: Everyone watch the following video and the rest in it's series

Yea, Swans are grade-A jerks. You gotta put them in their place and stand your ground! Ideally you'd want a spade or kukri*. The last swan that attacked me got sent to heaven with a spade's edge to the neck. Spades are nice but you cant always carry one with you. That being said, you can always carry one of these with you so long as you don't have criminal intent; * - A Kukri as it's called, is like of like an all purpose cutting tool from Nepal. It's a combination of an axe and dagger. I like to keep one handy with me when I go Geocaching because they are so handy, like a multitool. I haven't had the liberty to fend off a swan with it, but I am confident it'd work fine. If all else fails go for their necks; Grab, squeeze, and twist.

I didn't even know there were premium Caches until I read this thread. I have to say I think it's a good idea for the reasons already mentioned here. I've only been Geocaching for a little over a year and I've ran into some pretty retarded Geocache(ers). I cant believe that anyone would think it'd be OK to rehide a cache or take it home to "improve" it. 30 bucks a year is not that much people. I spend more than that to fill up my gas tank. If you don't feel that it's worth what you get for it, try thinking of it as a tribute to those who truly help maintain this wonderful community.

Now that's a bad day! I can't say I've ever been asked to leave or what I was doing. I am usually discrete enough to avoid suspicion. The scariest Geocache story I mentioned above was so far my only "bad" geocaching experience. I never did work up the nerve to go back and actually get/log the cache.

One time I was grabbing a cache in a park on the western outskirts of the detroit area when I heard a rustle nearby. I turned to find a gun pointed at my face. The park rangers thought I might be a drug smuggler and took me in for questioning. Fortunately since I complied and was very polite I managed to get off within an hour after being taken to the police station. Taking that into account I sometimes worry a geocache may be on a drug smugglers/gang's territory. Ever since that encounter I conceal carry a handgun just in case with my permit of course. For some reason a cop's suspicion seems to melt away the moment I tell them I have a conceal carry permit and am currently carrying.

The best disguise for city caches tends to be one of those neon orange vests. Just put one of those on and keep a clip board with something on it. People will assume you are some sort of worker and ignore you. That's what I do and I never get looked twice.

If the world was a perfect place I could go and do what I please without a worry. Sadly, the world is far from perfect. I am no longer so naive as to believe that everyone is friendly and just waiting to help you out. There are many people out there that would seize the opportunity to take advantage of anyone they see. It is more of a "just in case" piece of equipment. I've never had to use it while geocaching and I hope I absolutely never need to even consider it. I figure if you are going to do something, you might aswell do it right. I carry 3 spare magazines* and a box of ammo. * - Please review the following: http://www.everydaynodaysoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ClipMagazineLesson.jpg Edit: You know, the first thing out of my friend's mouth when I explained what geocaching was, was "You know, that sounds like the perfect setup for murder or mugging someone."

Close, 1952 Polish TTC. I plan to switch to a Makarov sometime in the near future. 7.62X25 penetrates way too much

I Geocache because it helps me think. Seeing things I haven't seen before or variations of things I have seen before helps give me ideas for just about anything. It's hard to explain but it helps me clear my mind and think of solutions to problems in my life. Every single time I've gone out geocaching regardless of being in a group or alone, I always return feeling better than before and have new ideas handy. It's also fun seeing the previous logs and thinking about how each person found the cache. Did they go through the same troubles you did? Did they find it at the same time of day that you did?

Hmm... It's easiest to just post a picture of the contents to my Hiking/Geocaching backpack. That's what I pretty much always carry on me. Ya know, all the standard stuff, except that bottle in the upper right hand corner. My brother snuck that in while I wasn't looking. You cant see it in the picture but there is also spare batteries, pens, and abit of bug repel in the first aid kit. Now if I am going to be out in the field a while I pack alittle extra stuff...