HWyatt Posted October 7, 2005 Share Posted October 7, 2005 I'm taking some newbies out geocaching and one of them has bad knees and can't hike too far. So, as I look at cache notes...the (D/T) means distance and apx time it should take to find the cache, right? So if a cache has (3.5/1.5) rating it means 3.5 miles and apx 1.5 hours. Am I reading this right? Thanks. HWyatt, not wanting to lose a friend geocaching Quote Link to comment
+TotemLake Posted October 7, 2005 Share Posted October 7, 2005 Difficulty and Terrain with 5 stars being the toughest, and if you see a 5/5 you probably need specialized equipmnet to get to it. Quote Link to comment
+WildGooseChase Posted October 7, 2005 Share Posted October 7, 2005 (3.5,1.5) would be a 3.5 difficulty and 1.5 terrain. Both are out of 5 stars. Here is a form most people use to rate their caches. Geocache Rating System Go to the bottom and hit "Rate Cache" and you'll get a good idea what the stars really mean. Keep in mind all the ratings are subjective. That 3.5 difficulty may not be as hard as it sounds, then again, maybe it is! Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted October 7, 2005 Share Posted October 7, 2005 (edited) It means difficulty (how hard it is to find and/or retreive the cache when you get to the site) and terrain (how hard it is to get to the cache site). Here are the accepted definitions: Difficulty rating: * Easy. In plain sight or can be found in a few minutes of searching. ** Average. The average cache hunter would be able to find this in less than 30 minutes of hunting. *** Challenging. An experienced cache hunter will find this challenging, and it could take up a good portion of an afternoon. **** Difficult. A real challenge for the experienced cache hunter - may require special skills or knowledge, or in-depth preparation to find. May require multiple days / trips to complete. ***** Extreme. A serious mental or physical challenge. Requires specialized knowledge, skills, or equipment to find cache. Terrain rating: * Handicapped accessible. (Terrain is likely to be paved, is relatively flat, and less than a 1/2 mile hike is required.) ** Suitable for small children. (Terrain is generally along marked trails, there are no steep elevation changes or heavy overgrowth. Less than a 2 mile hike required.) *** Not suitable for small children. (The average adult or older child should be OK depending on physical condition. Terrain is likely off-trail. May have one or more of the following: some overgrowth, some steep elevation changes, or more than a 2 mile hike.) **** Experienced outdoor enthusiasts only. (Terrain is probably off-trail. Will have one or more of the following: very heavy overgrowth, very steep elevation (requiring use of hands), or more than a 10 mile hike. May require an overnight stay.) ***** Requires specialized equipment and knowledge or experience, (boat, 4WD, rock climbing, SCUBA, etc) or is otherwise extremely difficult. Edited October 7, 2005 by briansnat Quote Link to comment
HWyatt Posted October 7, 2005 Author Share Posted October 7, 2005 Ah...it's just a repeat of the stars.... Thanks so much. I printed off your detailed explanation....so I won't have to ask again. I appreciate your speedy replies. HWyatt Quote Link to comment
+Miragee Posted October 7, 2005 Share Posted October 7, 2005 I have always liked these posted by QDMan here. Here are my ratings: Difficulty * - A Muggle can find it. ** - A neocacher can find it. *** - I can find it. **** - Maybe someday I'll find it. ***** - I'll never find it. Terrain * - I can run to the cache. ** - I can walk to the cache. *** - I can still walk to the cache, but I have to rest before I come back. **** - I can walk to the cache if I set up a base camp halfway there. ***** - I call Harry's Cargo Service to airlift me in and out. Quote Link to comment
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