RobinsonClan56

I am in an area that is full of magnetic nanos and skirt-lifters. There are a handful of COs that are more creative, but even then each of them tends to develop a "signature" to their hides (meaning - oh, this is Amy's hide, she generally finds an old log and hides a camo'd vitamin bottle.) I don't currently have that many FPs, but as a rule I am pretty stingy with them. I want a great location or hide that is truly unique or creatively difficult (typical location but atypical container, or typical container hidden in an atypical way.)

It would be really difficult to look at a picture on my instagram and then go through my finds to figure out which one it is. But if someone has that much free time... I'm not understanding your implication here. I meant what I said - there are a handful of geocachers that I am connected with on IG. We all post pictures of finds that we really enjoy. What about that is a bad idea? It means what it says - if I am looking for what I think is a lock-n-lock by a fallen log and have spent a long time looking with no success, I will see if maybe it isn't actually by the fallen log. Or if it is a film canister and I need to check smaller hiding spots. If the CO allows the pictures to remain in the cache's gallery, it becomes free to use. I use them as a last resort before giving up. I know others that go straight to pictures and hints to speed up the process. To each his own.

I will take pictures of containers or hides that I find really unique or interesting and post them onto my geocaching instagram. I acknowledge the CO, but never include the name or ID # of the cache. For me, this allows me to share my more memorable finds with fellow cachers without risking creating a spoiler on the cache page. I will admit, though, if we have been truly stuck trying to locate one, we have looked for pictures that show either the area or the container to make sure we are on the right track before accepting the DNF (insert gasp of horror here) or posting a NM when the problem is with the hunter and not the cache.

This is a great idea!

I have a friend who is well-known in our local GC community. He has been asked to make maintenance checks/runs for caches that the official owner can't get to quickly. There is also a group that hides series of caches under a group name and any given time any one of the individuals will perform checks and maintenance. I would recommend checking out activity logs for caches in your area, see whose name is coming up over and over again with quality logs and helpful information (I wouldn't trust a hide to someone who only ever posts "TFTC"), and just reach out. The worst thing they can say is no, right?

I have never used anything except my phone. I always read the description but only dive into hints and previous activity if I am having trouble. I bought a GPS for geocaching but it was too much trouble to manage when everything I need is on my phone, so it is stashed away, still unused, in a drawer somewhere.

That clears up my question - thanks for the additional information.

It is owned by a nonprofit - does that make a difference?

I am considering doing that. I picked up a really nice unregistered coin that I don't really want to give away. That would let it "travel" without having to let it go

I know that virtual caches don't necessarily fall under the same rules and regulations as physical hides, but I thought that I read somewhere that logging/finding caches should not require you to pay to enter a business. Example - there is a virtual cache at a lighthouse, but to claim it you have to pay to take the tour so that you can answer a questions whose answer cannot be found otherwise. Is this permissible? I am ok not getting the smiley, but I have to admit it is a little disappointing, especially with so many things closed/limited due to COVID restrictions, to be standing within a foot of the landmark and not be able to count it.

I don't log a NM without a DNF - I put the details of my search in the DNF and then follow with a NM if I feel it is warranted.

I don't always log DNFs - generally I only log it if I am pretty certain it is not there. If I feel like it is there and I'm just not laying eyes on it for some reason, I might leave a note, or I might do nothing and just plan to return another time. It really has nothing to do with numbers, I just reserve them for caches that I think may need a check from the owner.

We have found one set up like this. The coordinates were in the parking lot where you gathered information that translated into Dewey decimal information. It is still my daughter's favorite find

If I had to make a guess, I would say that the webcam cache isn't counted under the maps, but that is purely a guess.

Awesome. Thanks everyone!

What is the benefit/purpose of a PQ? Is it something I only need if I am using a GPS as opposed to my iPhone? Or if I ever manager to plan ahead for an adventure does it allow me to access cache information when I don't have cell service?

I know this is a side conversation to the OP, but as a cacher in NC I very much appreciate the cleanup done on inactive COs. It is frustrating enough that this area is overrun with PNGs, but folks also tend to place caches and then abandon them, meaning day trips for caching end up being a waste of time, gas, and bug spray.

The kids and I love finding good swag. If we come across cool stickers they go on our garage refrigerator. If we come across a cool guitar pick, pathtag, or other signature item we will take those as well. We are putting together a display for the kids' game room. My husband is generally indifferent. He is more of a sign the log and off to the next adventure kind of guy. I did find a really nice leather key ring that I traded out for him once.

That is amazing! The hubs and I were talking about geoart this weekend - there is a serious lack of it in my area. So now I am wondering - is this sufficient reason to ask the hubs for a month-long vacation in Spain????

I have to wonder, if the root goal of geocaching is to find a cache, why would someone want to make theirs impossible to find? For me, that seems like someone more interested in bragging rights than actually being a part of the geocaching community. I am all for a good puzzle, but a puzzle that is intentionally "unsolvable" is, in my opinion, not a good puzzle. And an owner who places a cache that they do not intend for people to find and do not intend to maintain has chosen the wrong game to play. Just my opinion, though.

Have some mercy on your colorblind friends! I can't read anything you wrote!

This is a fantastic idea! I think we will start doing this as well. I carry bags for us to CITO, especially out on trails and in parks, but I had never thought to leave them in the cache to encourage others to do the same.

I finally tracked this down. kunarion was correct - I am guessing it is a reference to the movie, not unlike folks who do a Harry Potter or Star Wars based series. Looks like the caches are all underground.

I carry chopsticks. Occasionally there are places that I don't want to put my hands, or they can be used to remove logs from nanos (you just twist gently into the middle of the rolled log and lift it out - sometimes if the log is damp, tweezers will damage it but i haven't had any issue with my chopsticks)

My thoughts exactly. You are no more likely to catch COVID-19 from touching a cache than any other of a myriad of diseases. Just wash your hands. It’s not rocket science.