hetzels

Newbie(ish - 33 finds) needing some geocaching friends as only know of 4 cachers in our area (Loughborough/Leicester), 1 of whom will not reveal his web alias. For Leicester cachers, there is another forum here forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=297249&st=0&p=5076495&hl=caching group for leicester&fromsearch=1entry5076495 (Can't work out how to link)

Cycled the trail yesterday having looked at the caching map the day before. Seems like there are quite a few caches, particularly on the Bakewell end. Because we got on the trail at Hassop, and the smartphone kept saying the caches were off the trail, instead of on it, we only found 1 cache, Magic of Monsal.

We're based in the Loughborough area, fairly new to this, so would like to attend an event or group that is not too far away, as we only know 4 other local cachers (one of which will not reveal his web alias), and would like to meet more.

Another thing you can do when you get near the cache is to look for a 'cacher's trail', meaning something that shows a cacher has been there before. Most caches in parks, open spaces etc are near or in trees. Also, try looking a little bit higher. We found one recently 6ft up a tree, and it wasn't rated as very difficult.

We think it is definitely important to leave something more than TFTC, but we don't usually put too much more than that for fear of leaving spoilers.

Hi. We're based in Leicestershire, so would be glad to hear of fellow cachers in the area too.

Sometimes the compass can be a little off. Use common sense (or cacher's instinct) at all times.

Always follow hints. They help a lot. If there are no hints, read past logs for clues.

Sometimes even 1 or 2 star caches can be akward. When you pick a cache and get to near ground zero, start to say to yourself 'Where would I hide a cache round here?'. Look at the hint and try to think outside of the box, or look for what may be unusual, or if an area has been disturbed recently. We found a cache recently where there were lots of trampled nettles. Also, find a route where there are 5 or so caches, maybe a nice walk, then you have more chance of finding something than if you look for 1 at a time. Even if you don't find anything, you can still use the caches to find great walks or new places.