pekwalker Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Today I went out to find my very first Geocache and the experienced turned out to be a failure. I guess I'm still a Muggle until I find my first. Good thing is, I have ordered a GPS and it should be here mid week. Quote Link to comment
+mdplayers Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Sorry to hear your first try wasn't successful. Hopefully once you get your new GPSr you'll make that first find. Quote Link to comment
+kunarion Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 (edited) Today I went out to find my very first Geocache and the experienced turned out to be a failure. I guess I'm still a Muggle until I find my first. Good thing is, I have ordered a GPS and it should be here mid week. If you open the map, and select Satellite view, sometimes you can see landmarks in relation to the cache icon (count the number of fence posts or trees in a row, or whatever). That's handy even if you have a GPS. Did you pick an easy cache to start? Choose a “2/2” or less (easy terrain, low difficulty), pick a cache that has a small or larger container, and be sure there's a great hint, and that the logs mention that people are currently finding the thing. Did you make an online log? Log either a DNF (Did Not Find, means you, well, didn't find it), or a Note. Or at least contact the Cache Owner (that's what happens when you make a cache log). They might offer help. I would. I even have cache photos ready to email. When you get your new GPS, plan to visit a big open area like a soccer complex that has some caches. Then you can get a good feel for how the device works, before going to more challenging places. Edited May 5, 2013 by kunarion Quote Link to comment
pekwalker Posted May 5, 2013 Author Share Posted May 5, 2013 Thanks for the suggestions. The site was one of the 3 that the geocaching.com free iPhone app had listed and it was only 0.5 mile from my house. I may try to give that one another try on a different day. I was so excited when the phone beeped letting me know I was close. I thought for sure I was about to find my first. There were a couple of muggles on the ball field near the location so I didn't want to make it obvious I was looking for something. I followed the hint and looked everywhere that it would have made sense but to no avail. I will give the other two listed in the app a try and will hopefully have better luck on my next attempt. Quote Link to comment
+Jayman11 Posted May 5, 2013 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Try doing a larger size cache at first. If it is a micro they can be really tough especially at first. Some of them are the size of the eraser on a pencil. Quote Link to comment
+FMT15 Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 Like previously posted, looking for larger sized caches to begin will help. When I first started out I watched a few videos on Youtube just to get the idea of what a geocache could look like Quote Link to comment
+GeePa Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 I see that GC1ZJKZ was the cache you were looking for. The hint may help you a bit. Also, like others have said, it is helpful to look for larger caches when you are new to the game. Quote Link to comment
+popokiiti Posted May 6, 2013 Share Posted May 6, 2013 You'll find your first cache, and soon, I'm sure. You are a geocacher already - aware of and searching for the cache! Use the clues if there are any, read past logs and remember that whatever unit you use, it won't always land you right on the cache. You have to put on your detective hat and look for things that don't quite fit. Let us know how you get on, and which caches you are looking for...the GC number is good. Don't forget to post your DNF (did not find) online. Good luck, you are no longer a muggle - you are one of us and very welcome! Quote Link to comment
anarkiegrl2 Posted May 15, 2013 Share Posted May 15, 2013 Is the gps on a smart-phone enough to get started on my first geo-find/search Quote Link to comment
+Reino Heli Posted May 15, 2013 Share Posted May 15, 2013 Is the gps on a smart-phone enough to get started on my first geo-find/search Yes it is. I found first 30 or so with iPhone and Samsung S2. Quote Link to comment
+Chief301 Posted May 15, 2013 Share Posted May 15, 2013 Is the gps on a smart-phone enough to get started on my first geo-find/search Many experienced cachers started with smartphones. Some with thousands of finds have never used anything but a smartphone and don't even own a GPS. Totally doable. Just don't expect the phone to find the cache for you, it will only get you in the vicinity, within about 10-30 feet usually. After that it's up to you. Good luck! Quote Link to comment
+CominInHot Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 My iPhone gets me right on top of caches...no problem at all. Thinking about a GPS when I'm out of cell service, otherwise I have no trouble. Though I'm still a newb overall . Hope OP finds that first cache soon!! Quote Link to comment
+Lonemorf Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 I have a magellan explorist 310, and a Samsung Galaxy Note - I get better results with the Note The kids get to use the magellan now, as its waterproof, well actually, kiddy proof! Quote Link to comment
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