Cache Hunting Technique

[markandlynn]

Lynn likes to walk in ever decreasing circles until she steps on the ground at 0feet.

Mark walks slowly in a straight line finds something beyond the cache on the bearing and walks towards that searching.

The kids mill around hoping the cache will jump out of the ground shouting "hi i'm here"

I know some people use the tracklog to "draw a circle arround the cache.

Whats your prefered technique when there is no UPOS ?

[+The Blorenges]

Before I give an answer...What's UPOS ?

[+Alibags]

I use The Force.

 

 

Seriously, it entirely depends upon the cache. Some you can follow the arrow right to, some you have to pass and repass until you get some sort of consensus from your GPS, some jump out of the ground shouting "I'm here", some you have to systematically search every tree (rock, stump, post...) within the target area.

[markandlynn]

Before I give an answer...What's UPOS ?

Unusual / Unlikely

Pile

Of

Sticks / Stones

[+Simply Paul]

Utterly Pointlessly Obvious Site?

 

To find a cache I tend to read the clue

Getting to the right place depends on the sort of cover. If it's woodland I might get to a more open space and see what the GPS thinks. Then another spot and compare readings. A bit of triangulation usually gets results.

If it's more open, I use the straight-line approach.

 

SP

[+The Blorenges]

Unusual / Unlikely

Pile

Of

Sticks / Stones

Aaaah, thanks!

In that case I have to say we tend to use the WWWWHI * approach

 

Mrs B

 

*Well, Where Would We Hide It?

[alistair_uk]

Personally I look for where I would put the cache if I were placing it. Then (if I didn't find it, obviously) I tend to look in what I consider the least likely places and then work to the most likely. I know it sounds strange and I have no idea why I started doing this but it works for me.

[Team 'James W']

My GPS is far more accurate at speed. To find particularly elusive caches, I have often been seen running in straight lines past the suspected point looking for the point at which the arrow flips direction. Walking slowly usually causes the arrow to spin around too much.

 

When the arrow flips I move further to the left/right and run again, maybe from a different angle. Kind of like a rough triangulation technique.

 

I find it works well! It can be funny though, trying to charge through streams/gorse bushes etc. for your 'flypast'!

 

James

 

Edit: Spelling

Edited October 28, 2005 by Team 'James W'

[+Team Maddie UK]

i usually follow the GPS to the general location keeping in mind the error margin on it and then look for obvious, then where would I hide it. usually find it using those two methods. Of course reading the clue can be helpful so long as it isn't "At the base of the tree" when you are in a forest.

Lynn

[+walkergeoff and wife]

I have found that switching from the arrow to the actual co-ord display has often brought me right to the cache.

 

However, 'where would I have hidden it' is a good one, too.

 

If all else fails, I take Mrs WG along with me. She can find things in the freezer and the airing cupboard!

[+sTeamTraen]

Before I give an answer...What's UPOS ?

Unusual / Unlikely

Pile

Of

Sticks / Stones

I'm glad you explained that. I was looking for words beginning with U to tack onto the front of the usual expansion of POS, at least as used by engineers, which is "not family-friendly".

[+The Blorenges]

If all else fails, I take Mrs WG along with me.  She can find things in the freezer and the airing cupboard!

I know what you mean: Happens regularly in our household, too...

 

"Male" Blorenge: "Where's the chutney*?"

Mrs B: In the fridge.

"Male" Blorenge: "I can't see any....."

Mrs B: Opens fridge, moves Flora tub 3" to the left ..."There!"

"Male" Blorenge: "Aaaaaah....."

 

*Substitute any "invisible" item, as required for breakfast/lunch/tea...

[+The Hokesters]

Before I give an answer...What's UPOS ?

Unusual / Unlikely

Pile

Of

Sticks / Stones

I'm glad you explained that. I was looking for words beginning with U to tack onto the front of the usual expansion of POS, at least as used by engineers, which is "not family-friendly".

You mean stick-o-flage!

[+Simply Paul]

Speaking of sticks, don't forget that most useful of cache hunting tools, (after a GPS) the pokey stick. Poke-rustle. Poke-rustle. Poke-clonk. "Got it!"

 

SP

[+purple_pineapple]

Couldn't agree more, and is the main reason I hate caching by motorbike. (well, you try carrying a 4 foot stick on a motorbike).

I'd rather not shove my hand into a random holes in the ground, for fear of finding something other than a plastic box. Besides, as SP says, the rustle rustle plonk sound is a dead giveaway!

[+Pengy&Tigger]

Poke-rustle. Poke-rustle.

Poke-squelch..... "Not good!!!"

 

I usually have a big stick for poking and for thrashing.... now`t like a good thrash in the woods.....

 

Pengy

[+CANTOR CLAN]

well if there is no upos try looking for a really prickly gorse bush or head for the nearest stinging nettles because 9/10 of all caches we have found involve getting stung or scratched to death,all for a plastic box !!!!

[+wigglesworth]

One aspect is to look for the obvious place. This is on top of the steepist hill in the area!

The other trick is to look on the other side of the unpassable waterway.

Peter

[+The Bongtwashes]

well if there is no upos try looking for a really prickly gorse bush or head for the nearest stinging nettles

If theres no gorse or nettles, it must be the fallen tree or ivy covered stump!

[+Clyde.]

I tend to follow the GPSR until it starts going batty then I know that I'm in the right area.

Then have a good look around ( but not too deep ) hoping that it will hit me in the face so to speak, 99% of the time it doesnt so then its off with the jacket and in we go.

It usually ends up with me getting covered in mud,nettle stings and whatever else nature decides to put in my way. Then Bonnie shouts 'here it is' finding it was hidden in a nice clean, unprickly place and she has that look on her face

[+Billy Twigger]

Go on an event cache and just follow!

[nobby.nobbs]

sheer bloody mindedness. if i've gone tot he trouble of going to find it then i usually stay until i do.