Change of Seasons

[+sparqui66]

Tomorrow will mark my second season of caching, and I had a few questions for you "seasoned" cachers:

 

1. Will my GPSr reception improve once all the leaves are off the trees?

2. Is it easier/harder to search in fall/winter?

3. Do shorter days and dropping temps affect your caching strategy?

4. How does snow/ice/slippery leaves affect your searches and/or hides?

 

Anything else I should know about fall/winter caching? (Aside from wearing gloves to keep my hands warm instead of protection from creepy crawlies?!)

 

Thanks!

[+Alan2]

Winter's great-no ticks!! (under 40 degreess) (or mosquitoes, poison ivy, snakes, etc). Cooler to hike and better reception. Snow can make it hard to find the cache however. Enjoy it. Different perspective.

[+briansnat]

1. Will my GPSr reception improve once all the leaves are off the trees?

 

Yes

 

2. Is it easier/harder to search in fall/winter?

 

Freshly fallen leaves can make a cache hunt harder. SNow can make it harder or easier. The latter if there are footprints leading to the cache.

 

3. Do shorter days and dropping temps affect your caching strategy?

 

I start earlier and bring extra clothing along.

 

4. How does snow/ice/slippery leaves affect your searches and/or hides?

 

It doesn't. In the winter I will wear crampons if its icy aned snowshoes if the snow is deep enough. Wet leaves can be dangerous, but I'm just a log more careful when wet leaves are on the ground.

[+KelticFrog]

1. Yes

2. Sometimes yes, sometimes no

3. Of course. Fewer daylight hours=less time caching (usually)

4. I use a walking stick more often. Leaves are bad because they are incredibly slippery and you can't see what's underneath.

 

Ah Fall! My favorite caching time of the year. Less sweat, better satellite reception, brisk walks in the spectacular New England woods, no mosquitoes, fewer ticks, fewer muggles. Can't beat it.

[+MissJenn]

Ah Fall! My favorite caching time of the year. Less sweat, better satellite reception, brisk walks in the spectacular New England woods, no mosquitoes, fewer ticks, fewer muggles. Can't beat it.

Me, too! Me, too!

Well, except for the New England part.

[+Harry Dolphin]

I hate fall! It brings the promise of winter.

Also remember, fall and winter tend to be hunting season. No hunting on Sundays in NJ. Bright orange is said to help.

[+Team Rampant Lion]

I love fall and winter caching! Not a big fan of the summer heat. Fall leaves enhance the challenge but the color and aroma in the air enhance the experience of being outside. Snow and the crispness of winter is a great rush - particularly if you have a view. Love it, love it, love it!

[avroair]

15 inches of snow does tend to hinder the search occasionally

[+Team Rampant Lion]

15 inches of snow does tend to hinder the search occasionally

 

Add a star and use your GPS.

[+gracepap]

Fall is my favorite so far. Highly allergic to poison ivy so will be glad when it's diminished. Love the lack of bugs too. Looking forward to winter caching as well. Here in NYC snow is hardly a problem.

[+edscott]

Fewer leaves in the understory make navigation easier since I can see more contours and other features from further away, but fallen leaves sometimes obscure any recent human activity at GZ sometimes adding to the search time. No bugs, lower temperatures, and lower humidity make it more pleasant to be in the woods.