Brand new

[Paul8915]

Hi. Quick bit about myself...Very new to this geocaching but not to walking, which I have been doing for several years, although not as much as I would like!! At the moment I do not own a GPS, so am using the old fashioned map and compass approach-probably why I haven't found owt yet!

Would someone kindly explain to me what 'clip locks', 'nanos' etc all mean or look like as I am probably missing some cacjes while actually looking at them. Many thanks. Paul

[+briansnat]

A nano is a very small cache. Some are slightly larger than the eraser at the end of a pencil. Probably something you should avoid for now, especially if you don't have a GPS. They are hard enough to spot at times, even with a GPS. One clue, they are often magnetic, so if there is a metal object nearby, be sure to examine it thoroughly, using feel for places you can't see.

 

Never heard the term Clip Lock. Google says it's either a brand of guitar strap or a small clip used to seal opened snack bags, neither of which would have many applications in geocaching. There are Lock n Locks which are Tupperware type containers that are of various sizes and shapes.

 

It is possible that you are looking right at the cache. Caches are sometimes disguised as everyday objects. Bolts, junction boxes, rocks, etc. These specially camouflaged caches will usually be rated higher on the difficulty scale.

 

For starters, your best bet is to stick with regular sized or large caches with a difficulty of 2 or under.

 

There are some geocachers who geocache using the map and compass method. Some have thousands of finds that way, but most of them honed their skills early in the days of the sport when most geocaches were regular sized.

 

It's far easier if you invest in a hand held GPS. You don't need to break the bank. They can be had new for $90 for the most basic model, around $120 for one with a few more features and up to $500 for a top of the line hand held unit. You can also find good, used units in the $40 or $50 range. Units like the Magellan Meridian, any Magellan eXplorist, Garmin GPS V, Garmin Map76S, Garmin Map 60CS and DeLorme PN20 would all be good choices if you can find them used at a good price ($50 and under would be a good price).

Edited November 24, 2010 by briansnat

[+Monkey_Chops]

I'm pretty new to this myself but nanos seem to look like this: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/comm...anoGeocache.jpg and are magnetically stuck to things.

 

As for clip locks, I would assume that is a plastic box with a lid that clips onto it, locking it from the elements.

[+jeffbouldin]

Another option to get started would be to use your phone, if you have a GPSr enabled smartphone. There are apps for iPhones, WM, BB, Android, and some Symbian phones.

Edited November 24, 2010 by jeffbouldin

[+mwellman]

Welcome to Geocaching, Paul8915!

 

We rented a GPS to try out this sport and we were hooked!

 

Yes, you can find caches by maps and compasses. Just be aware that a 3 metre error is average and most of us start searching about 10 metres away from ground zero (GZ). Google Earth may or may not be terribly accurate in your area. So read the hints and the logs before you go.

 

Have a look at the Groundspeak store and the Cool Cache Containers for some ideas of containers.

 

Start with low difficulty and terrain and larger containers until you get familiar with geocaching.

 

Have a look at your local geocaching forum and/or attend a event, where you find other geocachers who will be willing to go on the hunt together.

 

Enjoy your Geocaching Adventures!

 

Edited for spelling errors.

Edited November 24, 2010 by mwellman

[+The Blorenges]

Hi Paul, welcome

 

"Clip Lock" is just a UK name for Lock 'n' Lock plastic boxes. These types...

 

 

You might like to have a look in the Groundspeak Knowledge book "Containers explained".

 

In the UK quite a few geocachers start off by searching for traditional caches using the excellent O.S. maps and using the hint on the cache page. This method can work well (if your map-reading skills are good ) but geocaching searches become more complicated when you want to do a multi-cache with several stages.

 

If you have any questions which are specific to geocaching in the UK you might like to drop in over here...

 

Groundspeak's forum for United Kingdom & Ireland

 

or

 

The Geocaching Association of G.B.

 

MrsB

[+StarBrand]

Here are some general hints:

 

Look for caches with a difficulty of 2 or less for your fist few caches. Stick with regular sized caches for your first few. Micros can be quite hard to find sometimes. Stick to areas you are familiar with. Look for anything out of place or unusual. Look for unusual piles of sticks, grass, leaves, rocks, sand, etc. Feel where you cannot look. Think vertical, not all caches are on the ground. Look up or at eye level. Look for traces of previous searches to zero in on the spot. Think like the hider - where would you put a container in this location? Look for things too new, too old, too perfect, not like the others, too many, too few. Change your perspective - a shift in lighting can sometimes reveal a cache. Keep in mind that many micros are magnetic or attached to something (via string, wire etc). Slowly expand your search area to about 40 feet from where your GPS says ground zero is. Bring garden gloves and a flashlight - they help! Be prepared to not find the cache more often then you think.

 

Most of all - have fun!!