Newcomers

[hecticlife]

You were asking what newcomers would think of the forum

Well, we are newbies and have been reading about bad caches and what you dont like -

how about some suggestions for what makes a good cache or mention some you have enjoyed?

We are into week 2 and have enjoyed all we've tried so far - even the ones we've failed at

[+Jaz666]

Welcome to our wierd and wonderful hobby!

 

A good cache takes you to somewhere of interest, or a nice view.

The best of all are the ones that take you to somewhere right on your doorstep that you never knew existed.

 

If you want to have a look at what makes a particularly good cache, have a browse of the Top100 caches as rated on the www.geocacheuk.com website.

http://stats.geocacheuk.com/cachetools/hig...&county=all

[+The Blorenges]

Welcome to the hobby/game/pastime/addiction* of the Joys of Geocaching.

 

A great cache for one cacher may be ignored by another cacher, according to how you play this game.

Personally, I agree with Jaz's view above, but those whose prime concern is chasing numbers would probably ignore an interesting multi-cache ending at a lovely view at the top of a hill.

 

So set a cache that you would enjoy doing. However, I would repeat the advice given elsewhere: Don't rush into it (I know it's tempting ). Wait until you've done maybe 20 - 30 caches and have seen a wider variety of types/containers/ideas. Then take your time making your plans, and enjoy the cache-planning experience which is the "other side of the coin" in Geocaching.

 

MrsB

 

*delete as applicable

[+John Stead]

Welcome too to this mad world of Geocaching.

The Blorenges have given sound advice and I would emphasise that the variety of the game is one of its attractions. I have to admit that some days I go out to see how many I can find in an area, others to find a single cache perhaps an interesting sounding multi or a good walk to a viewpoint.

The one thing I might add is to try to go to an event if there is one near you. Either the camping events (which you can mostly visit on a day basis) or an evening get together in a pub give the opportunity to meet others and compare notes. In my experience you will be made very welcome and find we are not all totally mad but all different.

But mainly enjoy yourself.

[hecticlife]

Our thanks to all for the advice. We will be doing a few more before making our first cache. And we do like the idea of looking for vantage points with a great view using something larger than a micro ( these seem to be more interesting). Thanks again to all who took the time to reply.

 

Dave and Jane

[+Custheyder]

I'm new to this game, just passed the 20 mark rhis weekend with the kids. I'm currently in the process of designing my first cache and have gathered together all sorts of materials to make it something of a challenge.

 

Caches I've enjoyed have been cleverly camo'd. Some have been in clever hiding places. The ones that I haven't been particularly struck by have been 35mm film canisters without even a sticker that have been dropped in a corner under a rock. Sometimes location is not enough, for me anyway.

 

Cust.

[+jerryo]

Agreed. I've actually got some of these micros out and I'm gradually replacing them with proper caches. Some are micros like this because the original, larger one was muggled, and some have to remain micros in certain surroundings: disguised or specialised containers. I quite like micros though, in the right place.

[+L8HNB]

Please don't assume the cache has to be in an ammo or plastic box or 35mm film thingy, there are lots of ways that caches can be hidden with-out these.

 

Try to think of something different to tease the hunters, their logs will reflect the effort you put into the hide/location.

 

Good luck!

 

H&L

[+Custheyder]

Oh trust me ... When I do publish it'll be a little different.

 

Please don't assume the cache has to be in an ammo or plastic box or 35mm film thingy, there are lots of ways that caches can be hidden with-out these.

 

Try to think of something different to tease the hunters, their logs will reflect the effort you put into the hide/location.

[+Dizzley]

Oh trust me ... When I do publish it'll be a little different.

 

Please don't assume the cache has to be in an ammo or plastic box or 35mm film thingy, there are lots of ways that caches can be hidden with-out these.

 

Try to think of something different to tease the hunters, their logs will reflect the effort you put into the hide/location.

I'm enjoying my new interest in geocaching too. It really seems that there are all sorts of reasons people do it. Some like to get a dozen done in a day. Some like a puzzle, some like a walk, some don't I'm beginning to find it's a great way to see somewhere off the beaten track when I visit places. As far as hiding goes - I took the advice and hung fire for a bit, but I've got myself a lock-n-lock box, a couple of waterproof micro containers, some gathered contents, and a developing plan for placing them. I'm off for a few days so I might actually place my first cache soon.

 

I'd agree with the posters in this thread that the best caches are the ones that lead you somewhere that you would enjoy. Pleasant surprises make things even better. Of course, we could just try to increase our find numbers!

[fraggle69]

you may wish to check out this coin It's difficult to explain why caches are so good, because there are sooo many things that go into making a good cache. My 200th cache was GCR6N9 and the best I've done so far, but for very specific reasons. I would sugest to any newbie that they attend some events, as a lot of good caches are talked about as well as tips being exchanged and lots of food and beer going down.