+mikev1963 Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 How many poeple out there geocache without a partner? I just started and was wondering if its safe to do this? Mike Quote Link to comment
+StarBrand Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 About 75% of my finds are with my wife and kids - the other 25% are all alone. Really depends on the terrain and my preperation as to whether I thought it was safe to go alone. I carry quite a bit of gear and a decently stocked daypack in the Jeep to be prepared. In any case I always let somebody know where I am going. Quote Link to comment
+gof1 Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 This game will take you to many different types of areas. From inner city parks to deep woods trails. Some caches would be right at home on a "worlds most extreme sports" tv show. some are a trip to the store. You have to asses the risks of each cache as they come. If at any time you don't feel safe walk away. Quote Link to comment
+macatac1961 Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 About two thirds of my finds are by myself. It's as safe as you make it. You can let someone know where you're going and bring a cell phone, but as long as you pack appropriately you'll be fine. Water, munchies, batteries etc. If you're new to hiking, start with easier ones and work your way up to your own comfort level. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 (edited) I do about half my caching alone. Its as safe as walking down the street or hiking in the woods alone. The key is to have a little common sense. If something doesn't feel right, turn around. Same as any other outdoor activity. I've been on over 300 solo cache hunts and have hiked hundreds of miles alone and have felt the need to turn around maybe twice. On another note, I see you are in Rockaway. You're in luck because that puts you within a half hour drive of some great geocaching. Check out the caches in Rockaway River WMA, Wildcat Ridge WMA, Norvin Green State Forest, Farney State Park and around Split Rock Reservoir. You are also smack in the middle of Treequest country. He is the king of NJ cache hiders. If you want a quality geocaching experience just look for the Treequest name. You won't be disappointed. It is hunting season, so you might want to stick with Sunday caching in the WMAs (wildlife mamagement areas) right now, or at least wear hunter orange. Edited November 20, 2006 by briansnat Quote Link to comment
Tahosa and Sons Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 Sometimes I look for them when Lil Tahosa goes along, sometimes I hunt alone. But when I hide the good ones in the backcountry I'm usually alone, just the bears, mountain lions, coyotes and elk & deer for company. Quote Link to comment
+michigansnorkelers Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 Broke my leg geocaching alone! But seriously ... I did. http://www.geocaching.com/seek/log.aspx?II...mp;LID=20526751 Slipped on a small hill, twisted my ankle and landed on it with a loud crack. Took two hours to get the 8/10 of a mile back to the van. Back geocaching one week later on crutches with leg in cast. Since then, I carry a cell phone and a whistle. And I'm a lot more careful of where I place my feet! So, seriously, geocaching alone can be dangerous. Hiking alone can be dangerous. Riding your bike alone can be dangerous. And snorkeling alone can be dangerous. Yet, I do these all the time. So, be careful out there. Be prepared. Be cautious. Happy geocaching! And a bad day geocaching limping back to the van on a broken leg, is still better than a good day at work! Quote Link to comment
+BlueDeuce Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 If at any time you don't feel safe walk away. Yep, and I've done it more than once. Quote Link to comment
+Kabuthunk Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 About 95% of my caching is done alone, the other 5% is either with my roommate, fiancee, mom, or a friend of some sort. Quote Link to comment
woolsox Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 About 75% of my find have been by myself, usually during lunch. I have done some in parks and others in urban areas. Unless it is an unfound cache, I read the logs and have avoided one's that had statements about the "other" non-caching activity the area. I carry a cell phone and wear the appropriate footwear. Just as in any activity, you have to be aware of the surroundings. Quote Link to comment
+AK-Jeff Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 All my caching has been alone. I carry a small first aid kit and my cell phone. I figure if I get injured in such a way that I need help I call 911 and give then the location where I am. When they find me they can sign my log book and log me as a find. Quote Link to comment
+ThePropers Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 (edited) I do about 95% of my caching alone. With nearly 900 finds, I have only been: Bitten by 13 snakes (resulting in 2 fatalities) Been murdered three times (although one time it was a case of mistaken identify) Been run over by 2 cars and 1 eighteen-wheeler. That was one sucky day. Fell off of 1 cliff. Been pushed off of 2 cliffs. Been attacked by a family of bears and once by a rabid chipmunk. Gotten into a hornet's nest and stung a dozen or so times. Drowned at least a half-dozen times. Buried under an avalanche (lost 3 fingers and my big toe). But on a serious note, it's only as safe as you make it. If you're going to go tromping around on mountains and in the woods by yourself, take appropriate precautions (make sure someone knows where you are, what time to expect you back, carry a cell phone, extra batteries for the GPS, mark your car, carry a first aid kit, etc). Use some common sense, and if something appears too dangerous to attempt alone, don't do it. Edited November 21, 2006 by ThePropers Quote Link to comment
+JC_Geo Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 80% of the time I cache alone. I always have the cell phone with me, just incase. Quote Link to comment
+rhelt100 Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 I have done about 75% of my finds alone. My issue is that my wife doesn't enjoy any hikes over 1/4 mile or so and my kids (4 & 5) aren't really up to long high terrain hikes, they don't enjoy them much either. My 5 year olds favorite saying is "This is taking TOO long!" I do try to come prepared though. I always carry water and my cell phone...well when I don't forget one or both in the car. So far, I've abandoned one hunt due to a possibility of a 30 foot fall off of rocks. I returned to this one a few weeks later with my wife in tow just in case and got the cache. I also had a case of bad heat exhaustion when alone. I attempted a long uphill hike and just didn't make it before dizziness set in. In this case, I had forgotten both my water and cell phone in the car. It was a good lesson...but I still finished the final 100 feet of the climb to the cache once I recovered. http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_detai...g=y&decrypt= Quote Link to comment
+jadeskyline Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 My 1st 100 caches where with a buddy, but I got tired of holding his hand the whole time so I now cache alone. I would only do this in areas that I know. If the area is unknown to me I usually wait until I could find a new buddy. Quote Link to comment
+jadeskyline Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 (edited) I do about 95% of my caching alone. With nearly 900 finds, I have only been: Bitten by 13 snakes (resulting in 2 fatalities) Been murdered three times (although one time it was a case of mistaken identify) Been run over by 2 cars and 1 eighteen-wheeler. That was one sucky day. Fell off of 1 cliff. Been pushed off of 2 cliffs. Been attacked by a family of bears and once by a rabid chipmunk. Gotten into a hornet's nest and stung a dozen or so times. Drowned at least a half-dozen times. Buried under an avalanche (lost 3 fingers and my big toe). But on a serious note, it's only as safe as you make it. If you're going to go tromping around on mountains and in the woods by yourself, take appropriate precautions (make sure someone knows where you are, what time to expect you back, carry a cell phone, extra batteries for the GPS, mark your car, carry a first aid kit, etc). Use some common sense, and if something appears too dangerous to attempt alone, don't do it. Wow thats funny! Pushed off 2 cliffs!!!!! Edited November 21, 2006 by jadeskyline Quote Link to comment
+Eddieandeddie Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 I do a lot of caching alone...son is often in school or otherwise busy. I haven't gotten to any that are really physically challenging outside of a hike, or where I thought I might get lost. The compass in my head is pretty good, knock on wood (literally, sometimes). I HAVE come across some dicey looking individuals, in out-of-the-way spots, and kept on my toes, but generally, like animals, they seem to be more afraid of me than I of them. Geocachers in general are suspect to muggles, plus I guess I look rough and usually carry a large stick of some sort. Bottom line, each cacher has to assess the risk of each cache based on the situation. By all means, if it feels funny, walk away. A smiley isn't worth it. Quote Link to comment
+Bad_CRC Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 I usually drag my girlfriend along, but I often go alone as well. Either way is good depending on your personality. I enjoy solitude, so I'm perfectly happy hiking or geocaching alone. Some of the more dangerous ones would probably be good to go with someone in case you are injured or something, and it's always a good idea to bring a phone. Quote Link to comment
k9swx Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 I've only been on 4 geocaches so far (in the past 2 weekends I might add!) but I always go by myself. It's just nice to get away for a little bit and enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. I haven't been on any long dangerous hikes as of yet, but I'm always careful as I can be. I do need to invest in some hiking boots and a walking stick one of these days. (maybe I can borrow one from House??) Of course I do have to mention I also go storm chasing by myself, something that really isn't recommended to do solo. Other than the incident with the grain bin in the middle of the interstate, I've managed to survive. (PM if you're interested in that story) So I guess the bottom line is if you have friends/family that are interested in going with you (ones that you enjoy spending time with!) then invite them along. If not, hit the trails on your own and just be prepared. I carry a cell phone and ham radio with me, so I should be covered should I need to call for assistance. Have fun! Quote Link to comment
+Torry Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 I did a lot of my caches while on the road delivering toilet paper. But I prefer to go with company ... and let them bring the toilet paper. I'm not real fond of groups of more than three as the more you have the less you get to enjoy the thrill of the find. Quote Link to comment
+H2OBob Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 About 80% of the time, I go alone. Sometimes the wife goes along, sometimes my Lab Ellie goes, and when they are here, I go with my daughter and grandson. At times I wish I had someone along, but at other times, I'm glad to be alone. To commune with nature, you have to be alone with your thoughts. There's nothing better than lying under an oak tree, watching wildlife, to freshen your spirit. Quote Link to comment
+crazygramma Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 I do probably 95% of my geocaching alone. Like other posts have said, it's as safe as you make it. I don't like city caching alone, because I feel too conspicuous. I mostly do backcountry mountain biking caches where I don't have to worry about muggles. I would love to have someone to go with, but my bottom line is "it's better to go alone than not go at all". So go for it! Just take reasonable precautions. Quote Link to comment
BC_Trainguy Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 I've just started getting back into Geocaching again. However my kids are to old and don't want to come out with me anymore. I was wonder if this is the place to find another fellow geocacher to go on hunts with? I live in the Vancouver area of BC Canada. Quote Link to comment
+ThePropers Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 (edited) I've just started getting back into Geocaching again. However my kids are to old and don't want to come out with me anymore. I was wonder if this is the place to find another fellow geocacher to go on hunts with? I live in the Vancouver area of BC Canada. Probably want to post something aboot this (hehe...I said aboot) in the regional forums. There's a Canada Section Edited November 22, 2006 by ThePropers Quote Link to comment
+Jhwk Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 98.2% of the time but I could be off Quote Link to comment
+PlantAKiss Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 I'm a newbie and haven't had much of a chance to go caching yet but I would like to have someone go with me, at least for some of them. I don't worry too much about getting hurt but I do worry about being in isolated areas alone. There is a heavily wooded trail in a park with a couple of caches and I must admit I'm nervous there. There have been a couple of murders in the park (not recently) and the trail is quite removed from the majority of park traffic. Other areas that are a little more populated don't bother me. I hope to one day find a caching partner. Quote Link to comment
+edscott Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 How many poeple out there geocache without a partner? I just started and was wondering if its safe to do this? Mike I've done about 65% of mine alone. JAScott goes with me if the terrain is not too difficult and is going more often lately, but sometimes I want a longer hike than she wants to do. Quote Link to comment
+Bro Man Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 I have brought my 7 year old son on a few hunts. But the majority Ive gone on alone. Like the previous posters have mentioned, carry a cell phone and everything you need for a day hike. I wish I can share my adventures with the Mrs. but she is just not into the "outdoors" thing. Quote Link to comment
+Cpt.Blackbeard Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 I'm 44 and single, so yea I normally cache alone. Sometimes I can persuade my nephew, sister, or brother-in-law to go along, but normallt it's just me. And when I get there I remember that I forgot my camera and cell phone again, luckily I always remember the GPSr though. Quote Link to comment
+Colorado Cacher Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 All but about four times since I have started four years ago. Quote Link to comment
The EAM Team Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 Its always just me and my 2 sons (7&8) out in the woods. And I don't even own a cell phone. No difficult hikes or rock climbing (over 3 feet tall anyway) or anything like that. Sometimes I start getting the heebee jeebees (sp?), but I just talk myself out of it and keep on trekking. Quote Link to comment
+chiqui74 Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 (edited) I have been only one geocaching (alone btw) but I have hiked alone and I had a bad experience. I was attempting a day hike up to Mount Vesuvio in Italy. It was a cold but clear day with nice, white fluffy clouds. I was following a route marked on a map, which was all fine and dandy at first. I passed a few people but then I was by myself. At one point, I realized I was lost and and way off track and started retracing my steps (I didn't have a GPS then). On the way back, I started to get some altitude sickness. I felt very dizzy and weak. I just had to sit down for a while. That, however, didn't make much of a difference. I started throwing up and of course, freaking out even more. I had some water but I didn't plan well enough and I didn't have any food with me. I also had several pounds worth of photographing equipment on me which made it even more difficult for me to carry on walking. My cell phone did not have a signal either so I couldn't call anyone. All the way back to the car, I really thought I wasn't gonna make it. I could hardly stand up straight. To make matters worse, I made the stupid mistake of not telling anyone where I was going. It was a terrifying experience. Live and learn. I didn't hike, alone or otherwise, for one and half years after that. That could have happened to anyone. However, I think that women have another kind of danger to worry about. As a girl, alone in the woods, you are an easy target. People won't bat an eyelash if they see a man hiking alone or walking around in the woods alone but, in my experience, women attract much more (unwanted) attention. June Edited November 23, 2006 by chiqui74 Quote Link to comment
+denden9 Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 I never cache alone i alway have my brother with me. That way someone is always close by if anything strange happens. Because you never know what can happen Quote Link to comment
+Peanuthead Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 "Since then, I carry a cell phone and a whistle. And I'm a lot more careful of where I place my feet!" Wow, a whistle is a very good idea. I know the whistle is great to alert other humans... but I am just curious, do you think it would work to deter a Mountain Lion or a Protective Mama Black Bear or a pack of Feral Dogs? Quote Link to comment
+Cpt.Blackbeard Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 "Since then, I carry a cell phone and a whistle. And I'm a lot more careful of where I place my feet!" Wow, a whistle is a very good idea. I know the whistle is great to alert other humans... but I am just curious, do you think it would work to deter a Mountain Lion or a Protective Mama Black Bear or a pack of Feral Dogs? Sometimes, it depends on how determined they are to proceed. Quote Link to comment
+jcblough Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 How many poeple out there geocache without a partner? I just started and was wondering if its safe to do this? Mike I just started myself. I'm either alone or w/ a 4 year old, which maybe less than alone! I go alone into areas where he can hack it. Quote Link to comment
+TrailGators Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 I prefer to cache with others. To me it is a lot more fun. We post in local threads as to where and when we are caching so we can meet up. I have cached alone many times but feel really weird when I have done urban caches alone. However, I don't mind going on a peaceful hike when I'm alone. I'd just rather have someone to chat with! Quote Link to comment
+johninvandergrift Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 I always go alone. If something happens, "THEY" can always track my movements because I have my GPS with me. Right? Quote Link to comment
vagabond Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 I've been caching almost 6 years,with over 2500 finds. Over 90% of the finds have been by myself, the rest have been with 5 different grandsons or my wife Quote Link to comment
+Criminal Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 (edited) Sometimes I look for them when Lil Tahosa goes along, sometimes I hunt alone. But when I hide the good ones in the backcountry I'm usually alone, just the bears, mountain lions, coyotes and elk & deer for company. No, I'm there too, stalking you silently. A 5 Terrain solo hike: Edited November 24, 2006 by Criminal Quote Link to comment
AZcachemeister Posted November 26, 2006 Share Posted November 26, 2006 I do remote caches alone all the time. I also enjoy having company. Choosing the correct partner(s) is very important. If they can't make it, they might drag you down with them. At best, you will have to return to show the authorities where their body is. Quote Link to comment
+TheTwoCavaliers Posted November 26, 2006 Share Posted November 26, 2006 How many poeple out there geocache without a partner? I just started and was wondering if its safe to do this? Mike I do most of my caching alone. If I am worried about the area I turn around and leave. I have seen some homeless camps while out and about and they scare the heck out of me. Once I really wanted to get this one not far from home and I got brave and took my son with me! I was still kinda scared but it helped having him there. I also like taking my little ankle biter with me! No protection but he loves it just as much as I do. Have fun caching and stay safe! Quote Link to comment
dsandbro Posted November 26, 2006 Share Posted November 26, 2006 About 90% of mine are solo, including all my 4s and 5s and all my backcountry/wilderness caches. No problem. I am perfectly comfortable solo x-country hiking. I have done it all my life both professionally and for personal recreation and do not worry about it at all, neither does my wife worry about me when I am out in the forest alone. Quote Link to comment
+Robespierre Posted November 26, 2006 Share Posted November 26, 2006 Caching is more fun with friends and family. We occasionally get a family group for a day. However, I'd do almost nothing unless I cached alone sometimes, or with the black dog. Never been scared...... 'cause I don't cache in New Jersey. Quote Link to comment
+ArriBlossom Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 Never been scared...... 'cause I don't cache in New Jersey. I fly solo about 60% of the time. Mostly in the woods and half of the time in New Jersey. And... I'm a woman. I never get scared. Well, rarely anyway. Quote Link to comment
the955iman Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 I am new to all of this but, it seems like it is more fun with someone. I haven't been alone yet so I can't speak from experience. I am a social person and just enjoy having others around. Quote Link to comment
+andGuest Posted November 28, 2006 Share Posted November 28, 2006 I would say that 1000+ of my 1200 finds have been solo. I have done some hazardous things while caching alone but that is my nature. I am a firm believer that what will happen is going to happen. I do however carry a cell phone with me when I do cache alone (if I do not forget it at home or in the car). The only time I have been injured once while caching I was in a group; so go figure. Also my pup is usually with me when caching; so maybe I do not cache alone much. Quote Link to comment
+jackrock Posted November 29, 2006 Share Posted November 29, 2006 I've been doing this a couple of months, so far alone because I don't know anyone else. I've hiked alone for years so that would be much the same. If I don't like a situation, I leave. I've run into homeless camps twice since caching. Makes me nervous coming across people living in the woods. I often take a dog with me and plan to take him when I return to try and get a cache that's near a encampment in the woods. Quote Link to comment
+Team Four A's Posted November 29, 2006 Share Posted November 29, 2006 I have done geocaching both alone in area's I know. I also tell someone where I am going or leave a note so if I do not show back where I left the note someone knows where to look for me. I normaly always carry a whistle with me. I do not have a cell phone. But I do go geocaching so far with my kids, my husband has not had time to join us yet. I have them carry whistle's too and sometime I take a small first aid kit along. We always have a first aid kit in our van and the van has On Star and the kids know how to use it in case of emergency. I like this feature a lot! We always leave a note for my husband or tell him if we plan to go geocaching so again if we do not get home when we were supposed to he can call the van on star phone or come looking for us. Just remember if you plan to go along leave behind a note so if you do not come home they know where to look for you. Do call if your plans change if you can or if you are running late. Good Luck! Happy Geocaching. Quote Link to comment
FlagFinder Posted November 29, 2006 Share Posted November 29, 2006 i cache about %10 alone local caches only or else i take my freinds Quote Link to comment
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