[DNF]

i have logged multiple DNF on a single cache before actually logging a find.

[New Cacher - how do you deal with police?]

Hail fellow Geocachers!

 

I am a relatively new Geocacher and have only been at it for 3-4 weeks. I love it so far, and don't know where its been all my life :-)

 

I typically do the majority of my caching at night because my Caching buddy works until 9pm, and with a very small child (who gets bored easily), and a wife who isn't much into it, caching alone or with my late working friend is the best bet.

 

So last night we went to do a multi-cache(my first one). The final coordinates took us to a small piece of national (and local) history, complete with picnic benches, cool plaques, signs, and statues. There were NO signs stating that the park closes at dusk or a note in the "attributes" section stating that it couldn't be done at night (yes, I know use common sense Bill, but we figured we'd find it relatively quickly).

 

It was later, around midnight when we parked our car in the lot and walked deep into the gully area. There were houses at the top of the gully, but we made sure not to shine our small flashlights upward to wake or frighten anyone, and kept our noise to low talk.

 

After an hour, we gave up our search wanting to come back during the day. We walked back to the car, and turned a dome light on to do a little logging in the app, clean our hands with some wipes, etc and head back home. A police officer pulls up behind us out of nowhere and puts his spotlight on (not the red/blue flashers).

 

He asked what we were doing, we told him we were Geocaching, and I had asked him if he knew what it was. With a "no", I gave him a quick explanation and showed him the (already open) app on my phone. He took our credentials, and went back to the car for a LONG time, and cleared us to leave, no citations, no warnings, just told us to leave.

 

I used to belong to a Paranormal investigation group YEARS ago when we had a similar run in, but we had badges, equipment, etc. The police officer was kind enough to tell us neighbors saw the flashes and were worried. He told us we were doing nothing wrong, but to just keep it down and not stay much longer.

 

Last night, the officer gave us no reason why were being stopped, or that someone called in a complaint, or anything.

 

I know he was just doing his job, but i'm curious to find out how others have handled police stops before, as i'm sure we've all had them at one time or another. The "What Is Geocaching" letter that goes into containers may be a great thing to edit to hand to people/officers as an information sheet/white paper in case you need it and keep a few in the car.

 

Since this was my first stop (and im sure ill be stopped at some point again), i'm wondering what everyone else does, or if you have anything prepared for them?

 

I was lucky enough that the cop was a geocacher. And he actually took to opportunity to mess with me a bit. Lol. But yes as mentioned tell the truth and explain to the muggle very politely what you are doing. I too am a night owl. But have never had an issue with the law at night. I'm almost convinced that the police don't come out at night.

[What does your geocaching title mean?]

I'm Australian and I like to travel

[TB logged as "picked up" by mistake]

the owner of the TB sticker can fix that, they can log onto the TB page and log it as retrieved.

 

you probably shouldn't post the trackable number on the forums either.

[~ Packing heat on the trail ~]

I carry my SIG P250 when ever im on a trail, im not so much worried about other people but there have been a lot of black bear sightings in my area lately and this is very uncommon. I recently bought some bear mace as I really don't want to have to shoot a bear but will not think twice if my life was in danger.

[A few questions befote my first adventure.]

photos of the container are fine, as long as it doesn't reveal the location of the cache, most photo's will be of cachers, or their kids holding the container, or of a landscape or view of the area. as you log more caches you will see photos that others have posted, this will give you a good example of what is ok to post.

 

As for your logging of a cache, really you can write what ever you want, but its a good idea not to give away the exact location of the cache. some people will not appreciate that as this is all about the hunt and the find. write about your experience on your way to the cache, if you had trouble finding it, and its nice to let the cache owner know that if their cache is in good condition or in need of repair. and remember just because you didn't find it, doesn't mean its not there, I have had a lot of new cachers not find some I have hidden and post that it is missing when they just didn't find it.

 

Go through the cache log and read what previous finders have written, you will see that some cachers will log a detailed description of their adventure and others will just log a "found it", it is entirely up to you how much detail you want to put into your log. Just remember to keep it kid friendly.

 

good luck with your new found hobby, remember the bug spray, and to keep your eye of the path.

 

oh and check out the podcaher podcast, they have a show every week and there can be some very useful info for new cachers. www.podcaher.com

[Best Brand of Hiking Boots]

In my opinion and for my long and wide foot, KEEN all the way. I am tight and would go to walmart and buy cheap and nasty boots. My wife decided to treat me for Xmas 2 years ago and picked me up a good pair of keens. No turning back, I can not talk highly enough of these boots, but as others have mentioned its what fits that counts. Go to REI and try on everything. You will find what is good for you. My keens are going on 2-1/2 years and are still in great shape. Spend the $$ and get something good. And you will the glad you put the money into this purchase

[Best Brand of Hiking Boots]

I just got a pair of KEENs for X-mas. So far so good. before that i used Asolos.

 

I too have a pair of keens, I am going on my third season with these boots, and they are holding up pretty well, and have never had a problem with them. like any boot a good maintenance will make them last a lot longer. some water proofing spray, and permethrin spray will keep the bugs away (read the warning label on the permethrin, it will kill cats)I think it will be difficult to buy a different boot after having these for so long and never to have a problem. and they are super comfortable, at just under $200 they work out cheaper than my running shoes. if your willing to spend the money it doesn't really matter what boot you get, as long as your foot will fit, and it offers good support, don't skimp and get a high cut boot to support your ankles.