RainbowTVP

I am planning to hide my first cache... and came up with a couple of ideas, and I wonder if anyone has done any like these and I have a question. Idea #1 "Choose Your Own Adventure" type where at each of the first few multicache sites, you read part of a story, then get 2 choices of actions, each with a set of coordinates- which will lead you to another story segment, plus more coordinates, eventually leading to the cache. I planned it out, and have done it so all choices will lead to the cache- no dead-ends, but the story will be different, and some of the choices would make the trip longer... There would be at least 4 stops, a maximum of 7. Idea #2 is the more complicated of my ideas... does anyone remember the Scott Adams text games? I was thinking of a cache similar to the one above, except- at the first few caches, there would be game pieces- like matches, a knife, rope, key (these would be printouts, not actual items)- the trick is you acn only carry a certain # of items at a time (like 4) and wouldn't know for sure which items you might need... Of course, this would be on the honor system As you get to subsequent caches, you will need some items, for instance- you need to build a fire, there need matches- the backs of the pieces would each have 1/2 the coordinates (ie 1/2 would be on the fire, 1/2 on the matches) to get you to the next cache. Okay- it sounds complicated, but like something I would like to look for. Can anyone point me to any that are at all like those? Would they sound like something you would be interested in searching for? What is the average # of caches in a multicache; what is the maximum amount you have encountered or would consider reasonable? The only one I have found so far that is like these, would be this one I guess it kind of inspired me... Tara P Tara P

I am planning to hide my first cache... and came up with a couple of ideas, and I wonder if anyone has done any like these and I have a question. Idea #1 "Choose Your Own Adventure" type where at each of the first few multicache sites, you read part of a story, then get 2 choices of actions, each with a set of coordinates- which will lead you to another story segment, plus more coordinates, eventually leading to the cache. I planned it out, and have done it so all choices will lead to the cache- no dead-ends, but the story will be different, and some of the choices would make the trip longer... There would be at least 4 stops, a maximum of 7. Idea #2 is the more complicated of my ideas... does anyone remember the Scott Adams text games? I was thinking of a cache similar to the one above, except- at the first few caches, there would be game pieces- like matches, a knife, rope, key (these would be printouts, not actual items)- the trick is you acn only carry a certain # of items at a time (like 4) and wouldn't know for sure which items you might need... Of course, this would be on the honor system As you get to subsequent caches, you will need some items, for instance- you need to build a fire, there need matches- the backs of the pieces would each have 1/2 the coordinates (ie 1/2 would be on the fire, 1/2 on the matches) to get you to the next cache. Okay- it sounds complicated, but like something I would like to look for. Can anyone point me to any that are at all like those? Would they sound like something you would be interested in searching for? What is the average # of caches in a multicache; what is the maximum amount you have encountered or would consider reasonable? The only one I have found so far that is like these, would be this one I guess it kind of inspired me... Tara P Tara P

Hey, whose up for a revolt? Convert or die- Imperial scum! Tara P Tara P

Hey, whose up for a revolt? Convert or die- Imperial scum! Tara P Tara P

I was going to check them out to offer further advice, but you didn't log them yet. It does get easier after a while, but a 1 can generally be found without much trouble- you get to the area, and the spot is fairly obvious. Remember though, the hider does the rating, and one person's 1 is anothers 3 (or 5). We have learned that when seaching for one particular cacher's hides, we add a couple of points to the ratings. His "short walks" are long, exhausting hikes to US... And another, always rates them 3/1, even though we have had no trouble finding them, so we know not to be turned off by his "3"s on future caches. Here are some examples of our finds- We are walking along the path, the numbers are dropping fast, suddenly, they hit 20, then start to go up again... so we backtrack to the point where they changed, then look around in a 20 foot circle for possible "hiding spots". We see a fallen tree... look inside- there's the cache That's a 1. If you expect it to be *easier* than that- then I guess geocaching isn't your sport That's basically how it is every time- the differences being- the distance from the path (which makes it harder, as we have a larger circle to search); the number of possible hiding spots- we searched for one the other day that could have been in around 100 places...; the actual hiding spot- it might be in a stump or fallen tree, under some rocks, in the fork of a tree, under a ledge, under a bush, etc. We have had a few that were really hard to find, and we said if that had been our first search, we may never have tried again! Micros, BTW are particularly hard to find- because of their size, the possible hiding places increases. Look for some one gallon pretzel jars or a few 10 lb buckets and it is much simpler! It might be that you are expecting too much... or it might be the hiders in your area are hiding them too well... Try taking a day trip to another area for some 1s. Tara P Tara P

I was going to check them out to offer further advice, but you didn't log them yet. It does get easier after a while, but a 1 can generally be found without much trouble- you get to the area, and the spot is fairly obvious. Remember though, the hider does the rating, and one person's 1 is anothers 3 (or 5). We have learned that when seaching for one particular cacher's hides, we add a couple of points to the ratings. His "short walks" are long, exhausting hikes to US... And another, always rates them 3/1, even though we have had no trouble finding them, so we know not to be turned off by his "3"s on future caches. Here are some examples of our finds- We are walking along the path, the numbers are dropping fast, suddenly, they hit 20, then start to go up again... so we backtrack to the point where they changed, then look around in a 20 foot circle for possible "hiding spots". We see a fallen tree... look inside- there's the cache That's a 1. If you expect it to be *easier* than that- then I guess geocaching isn't your sport That's basically how it is every time- the differences being- the distance from the path (which makes it harder, as we have a larger circle to search); the number of possible hiding spots- we searched for one the other day that could have been in around 100 places...; the actual hiding spot- it might be in a stump or fallen tree, under some rocks, in the fork of a tree, under a ledge, under a bush, etc. We have had a few that were really hard to find, and we said if that had been our first search, we may never have tried again! Micros, BTW are particularly hard to find- because of their size, the possible hiding places increases. Look for some one gallon pretzel jars or a few 10 lb buckets and it is much simpler! It might be that you are expecting too much... or it might be the hiders in your area are hiding them too well... Try taking a day trip to another area for some 1s. Tara P Tara P

For us- if we make an actual attempt to find a cache and can't- we post a not found- this happened once (the cache was gone). Well- we have gone round and round and then went home to sleep and came back the next day- but we didn't consider it a second attempt- we were just taking a break during our first attempt We have set out to find a cache, but changed our minds for various reasons- usually, it is something like today- we have just done one or two caches, there is one more in the area that we decide to check out- we get to the start point, and find it is an hour walk, not counting searching, and we only have 45 minutes of daylight left... we decide to try another day. Or we drive to the start point, and there is a thunder storm, or someone gets sick, etc- unless our failure has something to do with our inability to find a cache- we log a not found, but if we probably could have found it, had we put effort into it, then we don't log it. IMO, we never *really* started the search... Now- if you have the opinion as some do, that as soon as you leave the house or punch in the coordinates you are "searching" then that changes things- I guess it all depends on where you think the "search" begins... For me it has nothing to do with pride or avoiding a frownie... I just don't think anyone else would care that we were halfway up the trail when some started vomiting and we had to turn back (that was hypothetical- a little vomitting would never turn us back from a cache attempt )... It just seems irrelevant to me... Now, if we checked under every rock and log within 1000 feet of the coordinates- that seems like important information. Maybe this question needs to be answered- what is the *reason* for having a "not found" option- I thought it was so that 1) other searchers can be aware of possible difficulties and allow extra time or otherwise avoid our mistakes and 2) so the owner can check on possibly missing/moved caches or bad coordinates or caches that may be hidden *too* well... As far as an "official" policy on this- how would anyone *know* if someone started a cache and didn't log it? And I think, since from other forum threads it seems that geocachers are split equally on this issue, a set policy would make the sport less fun for half the cachers... If it became madatory to log *every* failed attempt, no matter how mundane, I'd be annoyed; if it became against the rules to do so unless a *real* attempt were made, then others would be prevented the fun of posting their misses... Tara P Tara P

For us- if we make an actual attempt to find a cache and can't- we post a not found- this happened once (the cache was gone). Well- we have gone round and round and then went home to sleep and came back the next day- but we didn't consider it a second attempt- we were just taking a break during our first attempt We have set out to find a cache, but changed our minds for various reasons- usually, it is something like today- we have just done one or two caches, there is one more in the area that we decide to check out- we get to the start point, and find it is an hour walk, not counting searching, and we only have 45 minutes of daylight left... we decide to try another day. Or we drive to the start point, and there is a thunder storm, or someone gets sick, etc- unless our failure has something to do with our inability to find a cache- we log a not found, but if we probably could have found it, had we put effort into it, then we don't log it. IMO, we never *really* started the search... Now- if you have the opinion as some do, that as soon as you leave the house or punch in the coordinates you are "searching" then that changes things- I guess it all depends on where you think the "search" begins... For me it has nothing to do with pride or avoiding a frownie... I just don't think anyone else would care that we were halfway up the trail when some started vomiting and we had to turn back (that was hypothetical- a little vomitting would never turn us back from a cache attempt )... It just seems irrelevant to me... Now, if we checked under every rock and log within 1000 feet of the coordinates- that seems like important information. Maybe this question needs to be answered- what is the *reason* for having a "not found" option- I thought it was so that 1) other searchers can be aware of possible difficulties and allow extra time or otherwise avoid our mistakes and 2) so the owner can check on possibly missing/moved caches or bad coordinates or caches that may be hidden *too* well... As far as an "official" policy on this- how would anyone *know* if someone started a cache and didn't log it? And I think, since from other forum threads it seems that geocachers are split equally on this issue, a set policy would make the sport less fun for half the cachers... If it became madatory to log *every* failed attempt, no matter how mundane, I'd be annoyed; if it became against the rules to do so unless a *real* attempt were made, then others would be prevented the fun of posting their misses... Tara P Tara P

If you post the size of the cache container, the searcher could come with the coordinates of the place he plans to hide the cache with him, rather than returning with the coordinates after hiding it. It could be limited within one park to limit the travel distance between caches- thn the only problem would be that if it was *really* busy, there would be a greater chance of impacting the park... Tara P

It sounds to me like you are making this *way* too hard! Just turn on your gps, type in the coordinates, and follow the arrow. When you get down to say, 30 feet of the cache- start looking As for settings, use what is recommended in the geocaching faq- it does not matter which settings are better- what matters is which settings the other geocachers use when they hide the cache you are looking for. As others said- start with some 1/1 caches. We were unsuccessful on our first few hunts, too. But after you start finding them you develop some kind of 6th sense (or would this be the previously undsicovered 7th "geocaching" sense) and it just gets easier... sometimes too easy Another suggestion would be to contact some other cachers in you area that seem experienced and ask if they can offer advice or even take you out on some searches. Tara P Tara P

It sounds to me like you are making this *way* too hard! Just turn on your gps, type in the coordinates, and follow the arrow. When you get down to say, 30 feet of the cache- start looking As for settings, use what is recommended in the geocaching faq- it does not matter which settings are better- what matters is which settings the other geocachers use when they hide the cache you are looking for. As others said- start with some 1/1 caches. We were unsuccessful on our first few hunts, too. But after you start finding them you develop some kind of 6th sense (or would this be the previously undsicovered 7th "geocaching" sense) and it just gets easier... sometimes too easy Another suggestion would be to contact some other cachers in you area that seem experienced and ask if they can offer advice or even take you out on some searches. Tara P Tara P

Wish I had thought of it The only problems I would see are - you are relying on others to make this work- and they could mess it up by not re-locating or by re-locating to a bad spot... Maybe add some guidelines as to where/how it is to be moved... Or it would get too "multi"- would there be a limit? As someone said, maybe reset it periodically? Tara P Tara P

Wish I had thought of it The only problems I would see are - you are relying on others to make this work- and they could mess it up by not re-locating or by re-locating to a bad spot... Maybe add some guidelines as to where/how it is to be moved... Or it would get too "multi"- would there be a limit? As someone said, maybe reset it periodically? Tara P Tara P

I am glad you reversed this decision! I have no problem with potentially offensive caches, as long as they are clearly described. As a Christian, I would *love* to do this cache or one like it. As a Christian, I would not object to others making caches for things that offend me, as long as I know about it in the description so I can avoid it.(excepting things that are illegal ) Tara P Tara P

I am glad you reversed this decision! I have no problem with potentially offensive caches, as long as they are clearly described. As a Christian, I would *love* to do this cache or one like it. As a Christian, I would not object to others making caches for things that offend me, as long as I know about it in the description so I can avoid it.(excepting things that are illegal ) Tara P Tara P

One man's junk... is another's treasure... I try to pick either unusual/interesting things or useful things. I like to find things that are unique- a person's signature item, for instance. I really don't care if I take anything. Just sign the book and enjoy the victory! When I find something really cool in a store that is clearanced- I buy a bunch of it. That way, I get a more valuable item without going broke (having been caching long, but have been a bargain hunter for years ) I try to choose things that I would be excited about if I found it in a cache- but what excites me might bore someone else... Tara P

One man's junk... is another's treasure... I try to pick either unusual/interesting things or useful things. I like to find things that are unique- a person's signature item, for instance. I really don't care if I take anything. Just sign the book and enjoy the victory! When I find something really cool in a store that is clearanced- I buy a bunch of it. That way, I get a more valuable item without going broke (having been caching long, but have been a bargain hunter for years ) I try to choose things that I would be excited about if I found it in a cache- but what excites me might bore someone else... Tara P

I'll throw in my 2 cents... As some said above- I'd rather people took time and thought out their caches- so it doesn't bother me if someone seems to find a lot but hide few... We haven't hidden one yet, but we have been scouting locations and filling containers Also- there are probably people who don't have the money or desire to hide a cache... so what? As long as they aren't plundering the caches they visit. The more people out searching the better IMO. I guess it is like in organizations- there are lots of people invovled, but only the "core group" of usually 5-10% who do all the planning and work... The rest just show up to meetings- but that is their role in the group... Tara P

I'll throw in my 2 cents... As some said above- I'd rather people took time and thought out their caches- so it doesn't bother me if someone seems to find a lot but hide few... We haven't hidden one yet, but we have been scouting locations and filling containers Also- there are probably people who don't have the money or desire to hide a cache... so what? As long as they aren't plundering the caches they visit. The more people out searching the better IMO. I guess it is like in organizations- there are lots of people invovled, but only the "core group" of usually 5-10% who do all the planning and work... The rest just show up to meetings- but that is their role in the group... Tara P

If it is a cache near me, I would probably know the area enough to know if there is pay parking... and if I didn't, I wouldn't really cae... BUT if it were far and I drove a good distance for it- and found out once I got there that I had to pay for parking... I'd be annoyed. If I had the cash on me, I'd pay... but if I didn't- I probably would be soured by it and not come back... It should definitely be in the description. I usually don't carry money when caching. Tara P

I don't know- I don't really have a problem with it- so I guess I vote yes, you should be *allowed*... BUT I think maybe a better way to do it would be to place it in it's permanent location and have a fair theme... Maybe for the duration of the fair, you could put in some tickets, etc that can be used there? Or... if you could hide it somewhere other than in one of the booths... Somewhere out of the way of the way. Part of the fun of caching is that you have to sneak around so no one sees what you're doing. But I think you should be allowed to post it- just make it clear what will be visited and if people don't want to come, they don't have to. I don't see it as commercial, myself, unless someone is profiting (or trying ) from it. I see a fair as a public place, just as a park, personally. Tara P Tara P

I don't know- I don't really have a problem with it- so I guess I vote yes, you should be *allowed*... BUT I think maybe a better way to do it would be to place it in it's permanent location and have a fair theme... Maybe for the duration of the fair, you could put in some tickets, etc that can be used there? Or... if you could hide it somewhere other than in one of the booths... Somewhere out of the way of the way. Part of the fun of caching is that you have to sneak around so no one sees what you're doing. But I think you should be allowed to post it- just make it clear what will be visited and if people don't want to come, they don't have to. I don't see it as commercial, myself, unless someone is profiting (or trying ) from it. I see a fair as a public place, just as a park, personally. Tara P Tara P

wouldn't ya know it? Yesterday we thought we'd squeeze in one more cache before heading home... but no one wanted to carry the back pack... so we took out only the few things we knew we'd need and carried them in our pocket. Well, we took longer than we expected... and it turns out that the first time we left the flashlight in the car was the first time we needed it... Tara P