sugarkookies2369

This is just to let you know that there may be people about at this location (the "muggles" we spoke of earlier), and that you may need to be sneaky or stealthy to retrieve the cache, sign the log, and return it undetected. We try as much as possible to not let muggles observe where the cache is hidden...not because we're doing anything illicit but to protect the cache from vandalism or theft. If some folks nearby see you take a box out of that bush over there, open it, mess around with the contents, then put it back and leave, you can bet they will be curious about what that was all about. And they'll probably go over there and see what's in the box. Hopefully, the cache owner will have placed a "stash note" in the cache explaining what it is, what Geocaching is, and inviting any "accidental" finders to join in the game and please replace the cache where they found it. Best case scenario, the muggle will now be enlightened to Geocaching, maybe even think about giving it a try, and at least return the cache to its hiding spot. Worst case scenario, the muggle is a jerk who decides to steal the cache or vandalize it. Unfortunately, this happens quite a bit. So we try our best to be "stealthy" and not reveal the hiding place to any observers. This is part of the challenge on some caches, especially in urban areas with a lot of people. Ahhh...now I get it Thank you once again for your contined help! We are VERY careful to watch for muggles and have actually waited for over half an hour before replacing a cache for this reason. If I was to hide a cache, I think I'd check on it at least once a week, just to be sure that it's still there and safe! We have had such a blast thus far, even without a GPS! There have been 2 locations that we weren't able to find the cache with using Google maps as it doesn't give you close enough details but we zoom in as close as we can. The wooded areas are the ones that we need a GPS for. We still try anyway and still have fun looking even though we didn't find it! So far we have 3 down and many more to go!

I forgot to ask...what does it mean when they say "Use your stealth"????

Thank you SO much for your help! I'll do it that way as I have seen that screen before! This is so much fun and quite addicting

Really? That house in next door to me! I JUST moved to this area and my next door neighbors have those cars! Ok, now I am really confused! Those directions are NOT my neighbors yard, that's MY backyard! I did google maps and that's my yard. I just moved here in December. But this is why I'm confused....when I click on hide and seek, it asked to search by address, city, etc...I entered my address. The next screen had the directions that I asked about and which are the directions to my house. Was that just telling me where I live and NOT giving me the directions to a cache? Where do you get the directions, clues, etc...to find a cache? Ugh, I feel like an idiot!

Hahaha...I have to tell you that I was in shock for about a minute, trying to figure out how this person knew my son's name...??? I had labeled my profile pic, "Me and Trev" b/c it's a pic of my son and I however I obviously cropped him out when I posted my pic... Too funny!

Thank you so very much, your kindness is appreciated!

Hahahaha....Gosh, I'm saying all the wrong things, aren't I? But I feel better now that you made "Muggler" make sense! LOL...Thanks!

Can I also ask what a "Muggler" is?

Really? That house in next door to me! I JUST moved to this area and my next door neighbors have those cars!

I have a Metro PCS Finesse cell phone...and thank you for responding!

First and foremost, THANK YOU ALL for your time and help regarding my posted question! I truly appreciate your time and patience in explaining this to me Being that I'm 39, I almost felt silly having to ask any questions at all but to be honest, I really didn't understand the meaning of the directions....SO embarrassing! I now understand the concept more and each message taught me more and more... I can hopefully find a good priced handheld GPS so we can begin the fun! Please fell free to add more messages as I'm sure it'll only expand my understanding of this process, thank you again to everyone!

Hello! My family is so excited to join in on the Geocaching fun however we don't have a GPS and our cell phones navigate with an address only. Needless to say, we are looking to buy an inexpensive handheld GPS BUT I am clueless as to how to read the directions that they give you to start your hunt. What is: N 42° 40.167 W 083° 23.965 mean in english? Sorry to sound ignorant but I need to make sure that I understand this in order to buy a GPS that is equipt to use these directions. Thank you SO much for any help given!!!