Rat_Tails

That's not a limitation of the app, that's a restriction of Groundspeaks database for non-paying members. So, every third party software accessing the database shows this limit of "3 per day"/"traditional caches only". It's kind of reasonable to allow heavy online database usage only those who support it by paying. Groundspeak is the biggest source for geocache data and I can imagine they have a lot of database accesses every split second. If you just don't want to spend money for a PM account @ Groundspeak: You only need reading skills, hypertext transfer protocol (http) browser access to the internet, a GPS device and time plus the ability to go on the hunt. Even Groundspeak then gives you access to all of their cache data (even to PM caches, but thats an additional puzzle) and you can follow the coordinates to the cache. That's the way geocachers did it all the time in pre-smartphone era and still do it today. You really don't need an app. If you still insist on having free app access to more than three caches per day without applying for a paid membership @Groundspeak: There are other cache listing databases, which don't have such download limitations in their business model. And there are free apps with access to those open cache listing databases. All very good points Thanks!

Actually we had a drain pipe that was used as a drug drop. I knew about it in highschool. It was a local weed dealer, and if you watched the pipe you could nick the weed before the person who bought it came to collect it. I never saw any weed in the pipe, but some guys at school used to brag about it lol

Not to hijack topic, but also dont want to start a whole new topic as it's not something that can change, but having just downloaded NeonGeo I saw that it's limited to basic users for 3 caches per day. That's fine, that's reasonable. HOWEVER, I find it a rip that a refresh of a cache you downloaded already counts as a new cache. So I might download one today with the intent to do it, not get to it until next week, and then want to refresh to see if any issues with the cache (needs maintenence, disabled) have arisen, but now that counts as a new cache. Heck, even if I refresh it the same day I downloaded it (if you want to argue about hoarding cache info during non-caching days)! Being in South Africa, and not a high income earner, I don't have much money to spend on geocaching subscriptions and apps, so it's disappointing where the affordable, approved, apps for a free geocaching account have extra limitations (note I said extra limitations. I 100% understand the reasoning for limiting caches per day). Just sucks. /rant While it may seem not right or mean, you're getting those apps for free people have worked hard to build them so you can use them. If they want, they could limit you to one cache per lifetime unless you pay. Even using c:geo you get a lot of entertainment for free. I do t get three free meals at a restaraunt before I have to pay. I don't get three free tanks of gas for my car. So why do you deserve a full functioning, non restricted app for free? There's lots of hobbies and pastimes I'd love to try but can't afford, but that doesn't mean I should not have to pay... Not complaining about a limited app at all. Was mainly pointing out that caches I've already downloaded shouldn't count as a new cache on a refresh. And Geocaching punts itself as being a hobby for everyone, and not needing fancy equipment/apps etc. But perhaps I misinterperated this when looking up geocaching and got it wrong, which is also possible. But to reiterate, not moaning about limited apps, just that specific limitation I felt is unecessary. But that's just my opinion Edit: to add italics for emphasis

The search by address feature on the Hide and Seek a Cache page sometimes has issues when trying to search using a full address or city name. Assuming that your first find is near your home location, entering the coordinates for that cache shows 462 caches within 10 miles. Thanks and yes it is

Is this a PM feature cos mine doesn't find anything within 100 miles of my workplace?

Not to hijack topic, but also dont want to start a whole new topic as it's not something that can change, but having just downloaded NeonGeo I saw that it's limited to basic users for 3 caches per day. That's fine, that's reasonable. HOWEVER, I find it a rip that a refresh of a cache you downloaded already counts as a new cache. So I might download one today with the intent to do it, not get to it until next week, and then want to refresh to see if any issues with the cache (needs maintenence, disabled) have arisen, but now that counts as a new cache. Heck, even if I refresh it the same day I downloaded it (if you want to argue about hoarding cache info during non-caching days)! Being in South Africa, and not a high income earner, I don't have much money to spend on geocaching subscriptions and apps, so it's disappointing where the affordable, approved, apps for a free geocaching account have extra limitations (note I said extra limitations. I 100% understand the reasoning for limiting caches per day). Just sucks. /rant

Yup that's still a requirement of new caches http://www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx ETA quotation block for easy reading

The main page has an enormous screen image, taking most of the page. Underlined in the middle is, "Learn more about geocaching and how you can join the adventure". I don't understand how that could be missed. Sorry, I should explain I did find that, and I read through it, but I meant the quick-to-read PDF document, because the point I read being brought up was that new people to the game weren't reading all the rules etc and how to play. They were just downloading the app and going from there. That link on Geocaching 101 picture on the main page is also in the menu under 'Learn' which is where I found it, but to some, taking so much time to read everything there is too much. This is where the PDF would come in handy. Perhaps on the app, after one installs it and they open for the first time, there are a few screens that explain the basics of using the app and playing the game that they have to click Next after reading to move through (or make it a timed screen before the next button pops up, forcing them to hang on the page and read at least something for 5 seconds before being able to click Next). Lots of apps do that, and if you want to use the app, then you have to go through the 'tutorial'. And make the tutorial accessable after the first use, so if someone just next-next-next's through the tut then they can go back again for a refresher. That way, you target the people who just install the app and go from there, and there's not too much to read for those people who are too busy/lazy to read the 101 on the site However, the point on the app is moot for Android peeps, cos I started on C:GEO which Geocaching.com wouldn't have any control over (re adding the tutorial part). But for the free app from GC, it should be a start

Haven't read all the replies (yet) but to me, in South Africa, the Winter tag means it should be waterproof at least to protect against rain (we dont get snow here).

I got half way through page 2 but I felt I needed to put of newbie input in, for what it's worth. I use a free app, I signed up on the site, did a small bit of reading and then went out and found my first cache. Had the app or registration not been free, I would not have done this, simply because the exchange rate is not in my favour and it would not be financially viable for me at my current economical state. I must say, I'm not a beginner PC/app user, but it took me a while of browsing the forums before I came across the geocaching PDF which explains it pretty well in a nutshell. I was suprised that I didn't see it on the main Geocahing site (perhaps I missed it, but then if I missed it, most likely the general n00bs will miss it too). Perhaps making QUICK reads more easily accessable will help? (I have more to suggest but have to run into a meeting now)

Yes, try GxProxy. They have a good selection of anodized aluminum 'coins' that work well for this. http://www.shop.gxproxy.com/ Spanks

Oh poo, ok hows this?

Thanks for the discussion everyone Some excellent and valid viewpoints here. I totally agree on not bothering on 'crappy cache' cos the CO should sort it out. Thanks guys, really appreciate the friendly feedback!

I usually leave something handmade, like a clay charm for a necklace or bracelet, but I dont take anything. Nothing has caught my eye as of yet, it's all been small-dollar store kinda stuff.

What a nice gesture for the memory of your dad Travel far, little TBs!

Not to hijack the topic but are there any "generic" coins out there which "collectors" (read: thieves) wont be interested in keeping (like the TB tags but in coins). So that the average Joe can send out a coin in the hopes of it not being stolen, vs a fancy limited edition one?

Hi everyone I'm new here Starting caching on 01/01/2014! Loving every minute of it and have hooked in a bunch of other people (dont think they'll use the forums). Have yet to get my bestie onto Geocaching, I think she fails to see the fun in it but maybe we'll take her along on a caching trip. Learning lots, and enjoying finding the caches around CPT! Can't wait to do ALL of them (haha extreme goal I'm sure!) as well as try some outside of CPT and when we travel to East London and PE during the year for family visits! Will be nice not to just drive straight to the end location but be able to stop off and find (or at least hunt for haha) some caches Where does one find out about the Cache Events in the area?

Hi April is can be a wet month, so bring your raincoats just in case. But on the other hand, it can also be dry and no wind making it one of the best months in the year! Good spots I can think of, with website links for convenience: Table Mountain (weather dependant, go in a group and dont go in the late evening/at night when hiking! Also has an Earthcache I believe) In the same area as Table Mountain, you have Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (gorgeous picnic place, small entrance fee keeps out 'riffraff', littered with Geocaches) and Rhodes Memorial (a few chaches here but sometimes disabled cos of security finding them etc. Nice restaurant here -useless info, but ) V&A Waterfront and surrounds (CPT Stadium, 2 Oceans Aquarium* shopping mall*, boat trips*, etc). Robben Island (weather dependant, has an Earthcache, need to book your trip in advance) Cape Point (entrance fee required, but also makes the area more exclusive without 'riffraff' and it's riddled with Geocaches) Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek (wine/cheese farm areas, all in the same region, also riddled with Geocaches) In the CBD, you have the Company's Gardens (great on a Sunday, take some unsalted peanuts and feed the VERY tame squirrels and some bird seed and feed the hundreds of pigeons). I dont like staying after sundown though for safety reasons but I often go for the afternoons. You can also visit the SA Museum*, the Art Museum* and the Planetarium*). *not suggested for Geocaching specifically, but rather just a cool place to visit in an area with Geocaches Happy caching and welcome to South Africa when you arrive!

So I've been doing some reading and I see that sometimes if a log is wet or damaged, a geohelper (helpful geocacher ) will sometimes replace the log. Obv the original one is wet and damaged so the log is not readable anymore, but what about if a log is full (or wet, but not entirely unreadable). Will people replace it then as well? What if the cache owner wants to keep the log and read the entries? What's the protocol for this? Is there any? Sorry if it's a silly question.

For all those confused on Foursquare, it's an app where you Check In to places (similar to FB check in, only better). Some businesses give you discounts for your 1st, 10th, 100th check in at their venue, it also helps you find things to do/restaurants/gas stations/etc in your area/wherever you are. It's free to use https://foursquare.com/ And to the OP: 1) I leave handmade miniature clay food charms 2) You can find a supplier in your area and buy some Traveling Bugs. I wanted to buy a Geocoin and release it, but haven't accepted the fact someone might take it as a collectable so I'm prob going to release a TB instead in the meantime. 3) yes, I stand to be corrected but as far as I can tell, the 'Souvenirs' are like the Foursquare 'Badges' 4) I haven't found it yet lol 5) I like to Instagram my finds. I accidently IG a photo of a TB with the number exposed and suddenly had a bunch of people "discovering" it on the tracking page so I quickly removed the pic (and felt terrible about being such a n00b!). It was my 2nd cache find so I had no idea, but it makes sense now to keep the tracking number a secret! Obviously I don't show the exact location, but I photograph the container and I dont mention which cache it's for. Happy caching!

I leave handmade miniature food charms haha I have made so many of these that I have no use to keep them ALL so I leave them at cache sites. I'm going through my Blueberry Cheesecakes at this stage but might change them as the season changes (ie pumpkins in winter, candy canes at Christmas, etc). They're small enough to fit on my fingertip but not small enough for most of the micro's I've found so far though. ETA: I dont usually take anything. Only thing I've taken to date is a TB to deposit in another cache this coming weekend

I use the app C:GEO and do a Live Map search and scroll to the water's edge and find caches like that. A bit more manual but it works Haven't attempted any, but waiting for this one to be re-enabled so I can attempt it http://coord.info/GC47Y71

Aw but I'd hate to drill a hole in it! Sob sob lol but it makes sense

Cool thanks guys I liked the Traveling 2c Geocoin I saw online, doesn't say anything about being limited run or anything. I do realise that anything I release into the wild has the possibility of being stolen, I was just wondering what the differences were. Based on your comments, I'd presume a TB is a safer bet to send out, since there isnt much collectable about them except the stuffie they're attached to. I appreciate all the help guys And the welcome!

Hi everyone, I'm new here (haven't even introduced myself, I apologise!) Just had a quick question I couldn't find an answer to: What's the difference between a Geocoin and a Travel Bug besides the looks.... Is one more likely to be kept (stolen) than the other? I'd like to send out a Geocoin but maybe a TB would be a "safer" option? Thoughts?