Confused about membership

[+SunBurns]

Very confused about what is necessary. I have been a free member for awhile. Since I have been unable to locate the closest cache from where I live after several attempts, I purchased premium membership, thinking it would help. So far, I see no difference in instruction. Still unable to find cache.

 

So, I tried to use android phone but not need to buy an additional app! Is this a cash cow? Still do not see any difference in instruction on how to locate our first cache. Help please!

[+Panther&Pine]

Well the PM (Premium Membership) doesn't help you find caches in the field, it can help you find which caches you want to go for.

 

Would you mind letting us know which cache (the GC code would be most helpful) so we can help?

[+whh0]

Unfortunately no amount of money thrown at Groundspeak will help you locate your first cache! Premium membership gives a whole range of useful features and extra caches only available to to Premium members but won't help you with that elusive first find! It would be useful to know what you are using to try and find the cache - GPS or another smart phone app? Also what is the difficulty rating and size of the cache - you could be trying to find something the size of your little finger nail! Has anyone else found the cache recently? It is always worth logging a "did not find" if you have looked for cache and have not found it - the cache could have gone missing........

[+maxx borchovski]

Maybe post a 'help a noob' request in the forum for your area and see if an experienced cacher would take you out for your first cache. Also the cache you are seeking what is the difficulty / terrain numbers? I found when starting out the low number caches were easiest to find. I feel like I have gotten my geocaching 'eyes' now and can spot the out of place items that can give away the cache location. Also you could message the cache owner or fellow cachers who have found the cache recently and ask for additional hints.

[+Gitchee-Gummee]

Perhaps.... just by chance.... maybe a cache that isn't "the closest to your house" might be a better one for you to go after.

 

There are many variables in geocaching -- difficulty ratings, size (yes, size does make a difference), hide types (traditionals, puzzles, multis, etc) -- all of these things can make finding a cache not-so-easy.

 

You need to be able to look at and/or read the cache page and logs to determine some of these things first.

[+Sol seaker]

Try looking for a cache that is large to begin with. Try a park with a lot of caches. Look for caches that have a 1 difficulty level.

Don't give up, some caches do go missing so look for a lot of them.

Look for piles of sticks or other things that might conceal a cache.

Look in a 20 foot radius of where your GPS puts you.

Looking for your first ones by yourself is tough, but people do it. Try a lot of caches. Soon you'll find one and then the next will get easier. The more you find the easier it will get, so don't give up.