New Player On The Field

[+Sneakypete00]

Ok, my 2 main first questions are:

 

1) What do you write in the logbook when you find it?

 

2) When making a new cache, should I write something like a forward in the first page of the logbook, or write something on the cover of the logbook, or put something on the reverse side of the stashnote?

 

I have read a good sampling of the threads here. Some of these caches are too dern cool. I have several parks and cemetaries around me. I also agree to let the dead rest in peace, so I won't be putting it there. One of the parks near me, Casey Park, has quite a few caches in already. This park may be nearest, but it certainly is not only one out there

 

I will be using a traditional ammo box given to me from my father that I used to put important stuff in. That important stuff has since been transferred to a sentry firesafe box. I plan on cleaning up the box before hiding it. Giving it a fresh protective coat of paint, then camoflauge. It has a pencil sharpener stuck to the lid on the inside with a magnet for the pencils should they become dull or the pens become ineffective. The log book has plenty of pages, and will be kept in a seperate ziplock baggie along with the pens and pencils. Any moisture sensitive swag will also be placed in their own seperate baggies. My trinkets will be of the really useful variety. Stuff you could use to clip stuff with, hang, attach, store, etc. I also will be placing in it random goodies from Blockbuster. No McToys or shiney colored golf balls borrowed from Mini-golfing places.

 

I have a Garmin III plus. It's old, discontinued, but it works for me. It was my Dad's, but I kinda adopted it. I have the first 17 caches entered into it, going from nearest to farthest, from the list with the 100 mile range. I want to take the ol' folks out with me caching, but they always seem to have other plans. I just have to be patient for days off from work, good weather and such.

 

Any advice would greatly appreciated.

 

You'll be hearing more from me soon. TTYL.

Expect to hear more from me.

[+Kacky]

Ok, my 2 main first questions are:

 

1) What do you write in the logbook when you find it?

 

2) When making a new cache, should I write something like a forward in the first page of the logbook, or write something on the cover of the logbook, or put something on the reverse side of the stashnote?

 

 

Find lots of caches, read the logs, and then decide how you would like yours to be the same or different. Best way to learn, and also the funnest. What are you doing inside reading this! Get out there!

Edited June 4, 2006 by Kacky

[+briansnat]

1) What do you write in the logbook when you find it?

 

Whatver you want. I usually write a quick sentence about the hunt, mention what I trade and thank the owner for the cache. My online logs tend to be a lot longer. But I see people who leave lengthy logs and some who just write their names.

 

2) When making a new cache, should I write something like a forward in the first page of the logbook, or write something on the cover of the logbook, or put something on the reverse side of the stashnote?

 

You can, but its not necesary. I'd say about half the caches I find have a short welcome note mentioning the name of the cache, who placed it and the date it was placed. The rest have nothing.

[+Team JSAM]

When we sign the paper log most of the time we sign just the name, maybe somthing more if it was a nice hide or hike. We do most or the writing on the online logs thats were we tell the story.

[+Sneakypete00]

When we sign the paper log most of the time we sign just the name, maybe somthing more if it was a nice hide or hike. We do most or the writing on the online logs thats were we tell the story.

 

That makes perfect sense. You start your journey on the internet, and that's where you end it. Bookending, I like it!

 

So I will put my welcome on the back of the cover of my logbook. I think I will start a new trend by leaving a sticker in or on the log books I find. Kinda like stamps on a passport. Already got one on mine! I will be putting a secret message on the reverse of my stashnote.

 

This was taken from the Garmin website section on geocaching:

" Caches typically consist of a waterproof container discreetly placed within the local terrain. The container will include a logbook and any number of more or less valuable items such as toys, books, money, jewelry, trinkets, etc. You never know what the founder or other visitors of the cache may have left for you to enjoy. Be sure to fill out the logbook with the date and time you visit the cache and leave something in return. "

[+Sneakypete00]

I plan on going 'caching this Wednesday. Got off from work and hopefully it's a nice day weather permitting.

[+Team Neos]

I think I will start a new trend by leaving a sticker in or on the log books I find. Kinda like stamps on a passport.

We have a lot of cachers in our area who use address labels and other stickers. You'll want to be careful with this, of course. It won't be a concern at all with the larger caches and their larger logbooks...but some small caches have small logbooks, and a sticker takes up a lot of space that could have been used for signing the log.

[+Robespierre]

In the paper log: just something short. Any interesting thing that happened, or just leave my sticker in micros.

 

In the gc log: usually a sentence about who was along, and one about the trade, anything unusual that happened, a "thank you."

 

In your new cache: I write original date and contents, and the name of the cache. I also include a "geocaching disclaimer" ("congratulations, you found it, whether on purpose or by accident..." - you can find one on the gc site.

 

welcome to geocaching. have fun

[+Sneakypete00]

I should specify.

 

What I meant by leave a sticker, I meant like on the cover, inside cover, or back cover of the log. No, I do not wish to take up valuable log space on an actual page that could be used to sign in. This would only be applicable in traditional caches.

 

I have the name of the cache written on the inside cover of the logbook. Writing the original starting date and contents in there is another good idea. I also have the stashnote from this site in a slipsleeve right on top of everything so it's the first thing you see when opening.

 

Once I get it camo-ed, I'll figure out how to label it on the outside.

[+Sneakypete00]

Woot!

 

Found my first 2 caches!

Was going to go for 3 but the 3rd is a micro near a Top's Plaza.

 

I made sure to sign the logs and return things to orignal condition or improved condition.

Edited June 9, 2006 by Sneakypete00

[+Sneakypete00]

Yeah! Found it! Hope no saw me..

That puts me up to 3 caches found. My GPS is pretty accurate out in the open.

 

You folks were right, you don't know until you go out and try.

 

My head is tumbling with ideas for micros.

[+Sneakypete00]

Recycling my old post so I don't have to make new one.

(This usually makes oldbies happier)

 

Okay, I got a few caches under my belt now.

 

I now have what I call a "SWAG BAG" that contains everything I need for geocaching. It's a Beaner hip pack(fanny pack).

 

It contains:

bug spray

a small notepad

xtra pens and pencils

a bottle of refreshment

xtra ziploc bags for repair

a LOT of stuff to trade with

xtra batteries for gps and/or flashlights

 

I have 2 caches in construction. A 50 cal ammo box, and a lock n lock box.

 

I went looking for some neat stamps like the ones I've seen used in the log books at JoAnn Fabrics and found some neat fake rocks meant for garden decoration. No really good stamps though. SO! My next 2 questions are as follows:

 

1) Where does one get custom made stamps for log book signing?

 

2) Where does one get the stencils for cache labeling, like ones used with spray paint?

[+Munin]

1) Where does one get custom made stamps for log book signing?

For hand-making a custom stamp, here' s a couple of sites with instructions and tips:

 

How to Make a Rubber Stamp

Ruthann's Soft-Block Carving

 

2) Where does one get the stencils for cache labeling, like ones used with spray paint?

Sissy-n-CR sell stencils on their online store.

[+Sneakypete00]

Cool. Thanks for the links. I will be making use of them.

 

Here's another question:

 

How many caches can a non-prem keep in their watchlist?

[+Sneakypete00]

Cool. Thanks for the links. I will be making use of them.

 

Here's another question:

 

How many caches can a non-prem keep in their watchlist?

 

Bumping up my post. I looked in the FAQ for watchlist entries and only found a thread about who's watching your cache.

[+Gringo871]

Welcome to the Club!

 

If a cache has a good sized log, I put the date and time of discovery as well as some compliments regarding the placement, etc. If the log is a micro or even nano then only the date and signature. Some folks use fairly standard abbreviations such as: TFTC (Thanks for the cache), TN (Took nothing), and LN (Left nothing).

 

When placing my own caches I put the name of the cache on the cover (or inside cover) of the log and label the first entry, FTF (First to find). If you've put out a particularly difficult to find cache, a congratulatory comment to finders is nice.

 

Use your imagination and have fun!