Lamp skirt caches

[+shadowmib]

I've found four caches so far, of which two have been lamp post caches. I guess I can do them to get my numbers up, but it seems kind of lame to put them in there. I mean maybe if it was something like a LPC in front of a really fancy building, museum, or some point of interest but... Target, CVS drugstore, etc? That just seems kind of lame to me.

 

What's the general opinion on these?

[+burtsbodgers]

Couldn't agree more.

Caches should be placed where there is something of interest to other cachers.

However some people like them and use them to get their numbers up, and each to there own.

If you do not like them then don't look for them, if every one ignored them they would go away!

[+briansnat]

There are a lot of geocachers who agree with you. Complaints about LPCs come up frequently in the forums and at events. There is however a huge segment of geocachers who are into this sport for numbers. To them there is no such thing as a lame cache.

 

I'm with you. To deal with them, I just don't hunt the things anymore. If my GPS is pointing to a parking lot I keep driving.

Edited March 11, 2011 by briansnat

[+StarBrand]

The very first one I found seemed like a neat idea and took me a good 30 minutes to find. After 30 or so more, (or far less) I found them to be lame copies and some of the least thoughtful hides out there. Unless it happens to be right next to my Jeep by accident because I am shopping somewhere - I won't bother to go hunting them anymore.

 

However, a vocal segment of cachers come to thier defense at the mere mention of the word "lame".

[+ngrrfan]

Although they may seem lame, they do serve a purpose. If you are trying to find a cache on every day of the calendar to fulfill a challenge, they come in real handy. You can be out running errands and knock one off and have your cache for the day.

[+StarBrand]

However......fun is sometimes a state of mind....

 

[+emabie]

As someone who is very new to geocashing I think the parking lot ones can be fun to find with the kids. I agree I did get interested in this sport to get me outside in the woods and trails more but I think there is a place for the grab and go cashes. Is there a way to filter them out of your search results?

[+briansnat]

As someone who is very new to geocashing I think the parking lot ones can be fun to find with the kids. I agree I did get interested in this sport to get me outside in the woods and trails more but I think there is a place for the grab and go cashes. Is there a way to filter them out of your search results?

 

You can filter out 1/1 caches if you are a premium member and use pocket queries. That will eliminate a lot of these, but unfortunately it could eliminate a lot of cool caches too. Kind of using a hand grenade to kill a mosquito.

[+Kameharem]

I don't mind finding them and if you ignore every cache that is in a parking lot you may miss some nice ones. I found one that was created to look like a small electrical cover and stuck to the side of the LP instead of under the skirt. Found one that was a Super Mario block stuck with a magnet up a pipe next to a sign. I thought both were clever and was glad to find them.

[+knowltonGeo]

I've found four caches so far, of which two have been lamp post caches. I guess I can do them to get my numbers up, but it seems kind of lame to put them in there. I mean maybe if it was something like a LPC in front of a really fancy building, museum, or some point of interest but... Target, CVS drugstore, etc? That just seems kind of lame to me.

 

What's the general opinion on these?

 

Yes, they can be kind of lame. A few that I've found have had active wasp nests in them. When you lift up the metal skirt you get ... a nice surprise.

 

It's just part of the game. Somebody was the "first" to do this, and it probably caught-on. I guess you could call it a "cache hiding fad" of sorts (is my impression of it). At one point it was probably quite novel. For brand new cachers it is intriguing the first few times.

 

[EDIT] But I think with a bit of thought all of us who enjoy hiding as well as finding can think of something to do that will make the hunt more enjoyable now.

 

I'd be interested to hear some of the justifications for metal skirt hides. Anyone brave enough to venture out?

Edited March 11, 2011 by knowltonGeo

[+StarBrand]

I don't mind finding them and if you ignore every cache that is in a parking lot you may miss some nice ones. I found one that was created to look like a small electrical cover and stuck to the side of the LP instead of under the skirt. Found one that was a Super Mario block stuck with a magnet up a pipe next to a sign. I thought both were clever and was glad to find them.

Yes - but in the end - they are just micros located on a few acres of blacktop in front of a retail big box store.

[+dfx]

I don't mind them. Yeah they're lame and all the same, but you could say the same about all those ammo cans hidden in tree stumps in the woods, right?

 

You can make going for LPCs fun too, just depends how you go about it. If it doesn't work for you, just ignore them and go for something else.

[+briansnat]

I don't mind them. Yeah they're lame and all the same, but you could say the same about all those ammo cans hidden in tree stumps in the woods, right?

 

You can say that. I don't. I'll take a nice walk in the woods to a cache any day, over an exhaust filled asphalt parking lot.

[+StarBrand]

I don't mind them. Yeah they're lame and all the same, but you could say the same about all those ammo cans hidden in tree stumps in the woods, right?

 

...

Yes - but in the end - they are well stocked larger caches located on a few acres of trees with a view of wildlife and not just micros located on a few acres of blacktop in front of a retail big box store.

[+CachinStrattons]

I'm still new enough that I'll go after almost any cache. That said, there are certainly some that are far more intriguing than others. I separate my caching excursions into two different types. If I'm "going out caching" for the day, we'll plan around the family being in nature and away from things. If I'm just running out to grab some caches in my free time, anything is game.

 

I've noticed that, as you grab more and more caches near your home/work, the easiest ones get picked off pretty quickly, and before long, there aren't any LPC's that haven't been grabbed already.

 

Personally, I think caches should be divided into "natural" and Urban/Suburban categories. Natural would be any cache at least 1000ft. away from a manmade structure, and Urban/Suburban would be in populated and/or commercial areas. I do, of course, realize that this is unrealistic and probably completely impossible to implement, but it would be a nice feature to be able to separate those types of caches out.

[hoosier guy]

They are good for cachers who may have a physical challenge. I never get too worked up over them.

[+autigerman]

Relatively new here but to me the difficulty for the LPC is avoiding muggles. If you take steps to operate in "stealth" mode, doesn't that make these caches more "interesting". I have found 4 or 5 already, so the "new" has worn off but trying to get the cache and sign the log without drawing attention adds some suspense to these hides for me. What say ye?

[+geodarts]

The first LPC I found is on my favorites list. I thought the person who placed it was a genius. Who would have thought to place a cache there? Who would know that these things lift up?

 

So I will stop and sign the log if I am in the neighborhood. Perhaps I have found one or two that actually take me someplace worthwhile -- but generally there is only so much that can be said about the quality of the line painting, the familiar work of the AK Line Striping Machine (or its equivalent), or whatever retail store that it takes me to. .I am never entirely sure why a cache needed to be placed in these locations, but I guess people find inspiration in different things.

 

Every once in a while a store employee will ask me about all the people going to a particular lamp post, which is a much better reaction to them than calling out the bomb squad. But I sometimes wish that Groundspeak would take more of an interest in asking whether permission has been granted to leave a container in someone's lamp post on their private property. I have resigned myself to their "don't ask don't tell" policy regarding permission for almost everything but earthcaches and figure that lamp post caches are here to stay.

 

I suppose that if more people used the park and grab attribute, they could be filtered easily with that. But then again most people who use attributes take more time with their caches than the average lamp post hide.

'

Edited March 11, 2011 by mulvaney

[+tozainamboku]

The ideal geocache is one that geocachers can find but that "muggles" (non-geocachers) aren't likely to find. In order to meet this goal the geocache hider has to use camouflage, concealment, or deception to hide the cache from non-geocachers in the area. The geocache finder has to learn how to detect the camouflaged or concealed geocache. Deception is used less, but sometimes you may see a decoy that attracts muggles and geocachers away from the actual cache.

 

The lamp post hide is popular because it is an effective form of concealment and easy to use whenever you find a lamp post skirt that is not bolted down. Whomever first discovered that you can hide a geocache here, found an excellent method for hiding geocaches in urban settings that aren't likely to be muggled (taken by non-geocachers). The technique is copied because it is easy and effective.

 

Of course some people object because the locations where you find lamp posts are usually not very interesting. If you have seen one parking lot... However, sometimes someone finds a lamp post near a scenic view or in an historic square. I think most of the complaints have to do with the location of the lamp post, rather than the hide technique itself.

 

Lamp posts now play a role in deception hides as well. A cacher will hide a cache near a lamp post but not in the traditional style. It is sometimes interesting to watch geocachers DNF a fairly easy hide because the cache is not in the first place they look.

 

I enjoy lamp post hides because I try to look at the variety here. Sure, many people just stick a film can or altoids tin under the skirt, but it can be fun when you find a nano cache or magnetic bison tube stuck to the inside of the skirt, or when you lift the skirt to find the cache is in a rubber tarantula or mouse, or when you find miniature Disney characters sitting at a table set with miniature plates and coffee cups (GC1E5YC). Try to remember that this is supposed to be a fun game and have fun whatever you might find. But if your are getting bored by too many of the same thing, use the techniques others have provided here to reduce the chances of finding the caches you aren't enjoying.

Edited March 11, 2011 by tozainamboku

[+geekwalrus]

In the midst of a New England winter (when I started) this was mainly what I had. Now with the thaw I'll love to explore others. I feel that they have their place though-my six year old, whenever we enter a parking lot, now asks me, "Is there a cache in that lightpost daddy?"

[+shadowmib]

I probably should have titled this thread a little differently. Actually, the LPC itself IS a clever way to hide a micro where there isn't any other good place to stash one. My main complaint is placing them at the big box stores, drug stores, fast food joints, etc.

That is the part I find really lame.

 

Even in urban areas, there are many more interesting places you could put one.

[+NeecesandNephews]

I see a lot of replies I agree with. Mainly, they serve a purpose.

 

number hounds

handicapped cachers

kids

good hide for an urban setting (a lot better than a dumpster)

some cachers aren't as able or willing to go a long distance for a cache, and having one near where they shop is helpful.

quick and easy path to cache ownership

very weather friendly

 

If you don't like them, or get bored with them, simply filter them out. Someone will be happy to get that first smiley, or that FTF, or even to find a cache at all. Remember, the hobby can be quite intimidating when starting out.

Its just like having wheels. You didn't start with a Harley, you started with a tricycle, graduated to a bike with training wheels, then without, and so on.

Some folks found their liking staying with non-motorized wheels. You have to start somewhere, and then find what satisfies you the most.

I'm sure the guy driving his Maserati looks down on you and your Prius. Each one of you wanted them or you wouldn't have bought them.

I still hunt them, just because I hunt them all !! Yes, I enjoyed some more than others, but I was happy to get each one.

[+Ike 13]

Are they lame? Yes they are all pretty much the same and almost never take you to a nice spot.

 

Do I still do them? Heck ya. They're good for number runs or at night or if you need one for that day or to get over some DNF's.

 

Some places have way way way too many. So as in life everything in moderation.

[littlegreenman1]

No, I'm not a fan of them at all. They're way overused and uncreative, IMO.

 

That said, I realize there are alot of people who like to cache that have mobility issues, transportation issues, etc that prevent them from going out and tromping through the woods and around old cemeteries like I tend to do. Plus, i'm sure kids love'em when they're out getting drug around shopping.

So they have their place, but I generally choose to avoid them.

[+briansnat]

see a lot of replies I agree with. Mainly, they serve a purpose.

 

number hounds

handicapped cachers

kids

 

They are good for cachers who may have a physical challenge. I never get too worked up over them.

 

I don't think that just because someone is handicapped it means that they are necessarily satisfied with Target parking lots and 7-Eleven dumpsters. To think that is incredibly patronizing.

 

Easy caches can be hidden in interesting places.

 

As far as kids, my experience with then is that they aren't all that thrilled with the idea of micros. They want to find a "treasure".

Edited March 12, 2011 by briansnat

[+kwcahart]

After watching that video, thanks for reminding me to not watch YouIdiotsTube. I had almost forgotten.

[+NicknPapa]

I've found four caches so far, of which two have been lamp post caches. I guess I can do them to get my numbers up, but it seems kind of lame to put them in there. I mean maybe if it was something like a LPC in front of a really fancy building, museum, or some point of interest but... Target, CVS drugstore, etc? That just seems kind of lame to me.

 

What's the general opinion on these?

 

IMHO,, most are lame but some are not. In the right location or with the right container they can be cool. If they are full of wasps they can way too exciting, I'm allergic to the little buggers. No, I won't be doing any in the summer.....

[+shadowmib]

So far of my 3 micros I have found, the one I really like was a camo'd pill bottle wedged in a small scrub like tree at a local park. Even a person in a wheelchair could have got this one (and probably would have seen it before me due to its height)

 

I logged two DNFs then had to write the CO because I wasnt sure what I was looking for (due to someone logging about finding an "ammo box"). When I finally found it I felt like I just won the lottery. The moist film can at the drug store LPC? Not so much.

[+Relheok]

I enjoy them when I find them out of state on trips where caching was not my primary goal.

[Techen]

I am personally into geocaching for the excitement of finding unique and interesting finds in fun places, however I do also use it as an excuse to get out of the house. I'm trying to get out and walk at least 2 miles a day, and a 3 mile there-and-back walk to a LPC cache in hopes that it's something more interesting (or at least has some interesting treasure like a small geocoin or TB in it) is enough to drive me to do so. It might be a slight disappointed when you find it's an old LPC cache with some old pennies and a broken rubber band stuffed in it along with a moist log, but whatever. I already walked that way, so at least it got me out of the house.

[+Bergie Bunch]

As a handicapped cacher, while I can't say I enjoy them, I DO appreciate them. While my wife and son romp in the woods for an hour grabbing their caches, I hit the local PNG's. They keep me from being bored while we all participate in an activity we love. I have one lamppost hide that was a 1.5/5 I believe. We found a street light out in the middle of the woods at an old camp site so in the large tree next to it we placed a 5 gallon bucket in the tree, about 20 feet up. It was a great hide, til a new owner bought the land.

[+Team_LPD]

While I have found several, I do find them lame. Nothing interesting about them. I guess they do serve a purpose for people who do not want to or cannot venture out of the concrete city. However, I wish the people who do place these caches, would do so on the outer edges of the parking lots. Nothing like being at GZ and finding it's right smack dab in the busiest part of the parking lot.

 

All those stores, Wal-Mart, Target, Sears, etc. have video cameras covering their parking lots. Plus, rooting around trying to find one of these caches very near other peoples vehicles can lead to some very interesting conversations and potential confrontations.

[+jmw61]

Lame. I avoid them and have even twit filtered some cache placers because that's all they seem to place. But's that's just me, I could be wrong...

[+geocat_]

I remember my wife and I looking all over for one early on, before we realized those things even lifted up. Finding the first one was quite an experience. Now, the best thing about them was that they helped me keep my consecutive days streak alive. Here in Ohio, some days with snow and ice and freezing temps make me appreciate an easy one. Bottom like, they exist, they will continue to exist, so just enjoy them or ignore them.

[+Chief301]

I don't mind them, but of course I'm still fairly new at this. Like someone said, the lameness comes not from the type of hide but from the location. Under a lamp post skirt is actually a perfect hiding spot for a cache. The first one I encountered was at the edge of a casino parking lot, but actually had a scenic overview of the Mississippi River, so it really wasn't a bad location (I didn't know about LPC's yet and haven't been back to that area again, so it's still a DNF on my logs ) The most recent one I've logged is at the boat launch at a local lake and is also a pretty cool scenic location.

 

Once I did find out about them, I rushed back to one I had previously DNF'd, all excited that I "knew the secret". I triumphantly lifted the skirt and found nothing. The cache was actually about 10 feet away in a fence post. So LPC's can also serve as decoys to keep things a little more interesting.

[+Student Camper]

If I knew of a LPC somewhere I might save it for when I am in need of an easy find or don't have time for anything else,but I wouldn't discard it out of hand just because it is lame.

I'm not a numbers hound but I don't have a large number to choose from, I have found more than half of the caches in my community and when i'm done, I will have to boat or fly to find more.

I live on an island and every hide is precious.

[+nittanycopa]

I'd like to find one placed atop the lightpost. Actually, I'm pretty sure a few of these hides exist. Gear and a sense of humor required, of course.

[hoosier guy]

"I don't think that just because someone is handicapped it means that they are necessarily satisfied with Target parking lots and 7-Eleven dumpsters. To think that is incredibly patronizing."

 

Whoa, talk about reading too much into someone's opinion. Sure every cacher should go after whatever cache they feel they can grab. But I can't help but think that for some who may be older or challenged in someway LPC offer an option. This seems to be borne out by comments later in the thread.

[+EdrickV]

Of the 12 caches I've found so far, only 1 of them was an LPC. And I almost didn't find it. I actually only found that cache by accident when I bumped the skirt while looking like crazy in bushes. (This one was at an edge of the parking lot.) The others I was with (who had all given up) could hardly believe I found it once I called them over.

 

Unlike some of the ones mentioned here, it was not at a big retail store or anything. (I actually didn't go there to do the cache, I was there for another reason and was going to do the cache to pass the time some of the others did something else.) Until I saw this thread, I had no idea there are (apparently) lots of these around. It did teach me a lot about where caches might be hidden in an urban environment, which helped me find later caches which I otherwise would probably have missed. Unlike some of the other caches I found, the LPC one was also not just a log only cache, while it wasn't all that big, there was a lot of stuff in it which made looking through the cache more interesting then the log only types.

 

LPC or not, I can see a reason for caches around big stores though. If you are going to a store with someone else, but aren't planning to do as much shopping as the other person, the Geocache would give you something else to do while they shop. Also, if the store is somewhere that the cache owner shops a lot at, it means they may be able to do frequent maintenance checks without having to go very far out of their way. For cache owners without a lot of free time, that might be important.

 

Caches that require long hikes in the woods are caches I'm not likely to be visiting. I am not much of a hiker.

[+docsigma]

I've found 49 caches so far, a lot of them urban nanos, but I am yet to find an LPC. I believe that this is because, at least in my neck of the woods, lamp posts either don't have skirts at all, or they are bolted down.

 

EDIT: speelign

Edited March 18, 2011 by docsigma