Do You Feel Self-conscious When Caching

[+harold1066]

Do you feel self-conscious when out geocaching? I pretty new to this and when I`m out looking I feel that people are looking/watching me even when there`s no-one about.

 

I feel that banging and crashing in bushes and the undergrowth is some how a no-no and that any minutes someone is going to shout "WHAT THE BL***DY HELL ARE YOU UP TO!!!!!".

 

I`ve only cached alone, is it better with a couple of people?

 

Is that feeling part and parcel of the game.

 

I would like to get out to more caches but the uneasy feeling puts me off, especailly in more urban areas.

 

Geo

[+Daisy&me]

Take a dog with you. It gives a reason to be there and if a muggle approachs while you're poking around in the undergrowth you say things to your dog like 'Where's your ball Daisy? What have you done with your ball?'

[+KiloTwo]

Hi.

 

I've only been caching for a couple of months, and I can understand what you mean. When alone, I'm worried that someone out of view is watching me or when there are people around they think I'm a weirdo, but I just get one with the hunt and try not to think about it. If anyone DOES come up to me and questions what i'm doing, then I politely tell them it's none of their business - as long as I'm not on private land. A security guard came and asked what I was looking for while I was searching for a micro in the City last week. I just told him I'd dropped my pen, and he walked off.

 

I also do a lot of caching with my girlfriend, and it is MUCH easier to do with 2 or more people. One can keep an eye out while the other searches, or cuddling etc can disguise a good feel around for micros.

 

Taking my dog out for a walk is very helpful. A person with a dog is a lot less likely to arouse any suspicions, in parks, streets, paths or fields etc, than a person on their own.

 

To help with your uneasy feelings in urban areas, I have a couple of suggestions: a map will make you look like a lost tourist; a small packed lunch will give you a reason to be sat in a particular place for a while, as will a newspaper, magazine or book.

 

And yes, I think the feeling of unease is part and parcel to a point - especially the feeling of triumph once you've retrieved then replaced a cache with people around you none the wiser.

[+Flackadder]

I much prefer caching with one of the family. Not so lonely for a start. And much more importantly, they can carry all the gear :-)

 

I never feel self- conscious. Feel more like on a secret adventure!!!!

[+kbootb]

The first couple of times, yes.

 

I was sure other people were looking at us as if we were strange, but then what were they doing in the same bit of forest it they weren't caching? At least we had a reason to be crashing through the stingy stuff!

 

The truth is they really don't care... and anyway, my GPS look like a mobile phone. So I can always hold it to my ear and pretend I am some busy tycoon striking the deal of a lifetime, or at least telling soemone what time to put my dinner on.

[+Naefearjustbeer]

When I go out caching, I am usually pretty sure that there is no one around due to the fact most of the caches I have found are in quiet secluded spots, If I do spot someone I feel like I know something that they dont know and it is a good feeling. It is like you are on a secret mission or something.

[+S&G.Davison]

Only time I did was in London doing one of Perthos caches you know the ones ... "under the seats" ... we where hanging around one seat in one of the parks waiting for a groups of muggles to finish eating sandwiches and go... after 20 mins Sue gave up and walked over to the seat crawled under it saying "dont mind me I just need to get something ..." they watched her find the cache and then went back to the "cheese and pickles"

 

Actually in city centres like London there are so many "nutters" us cachers are borderline "normal"

 

In the country side .. I dont feel self concious at all as its a lot easier to be "discrete" ... we always have cameras with us and no one looks at you "doing macro shots of leaves"

 

S&G

[+Lizzzzeeeee]

If you can't find a dog a couple of kids will do, nobody ever comments when kids do daft things in the undergrowth. I have told mine to pretend they're having a pee before! I've also frequently held my GPS to my ear and pretended to be making a phone call when approached by muggles!

 

Who says I'm strange

[+The J J Noodle Fan Club]

Kids and Dogs - ideal if you can have both really!

 

Our 4 year old found a micro for us in a very public place in Oxford once. Out loud I'm saying "come on - get up - you'll get dirty" for the benefit of passers by and the tour groups then quietly so that only he can hear "go on - look in there, can you feel anything - well done you've found it".

 

All adds to the fun really.

 

When we're caching without the kids or canine then to be honest we've done so many now we just carry on regardless. The only thing to avoid is drawing attention to yourselves so that others go over to the area and poke around once you've gone.

 

Another good decoy is to have a camera with you and pretend to be taking pictures. I was a member of a camera club for many years and believe me we took pictures of some wierd things and got eyed just as suspiciously as you ever do when caching.

 

JJNFC.

[+Belplasca]

I've only once been asked what I was doing. And that was the one occasion when I wasn't alone!

 

But Hornet and Lost in Space made full explanations and the questioner went away, satisfied!

 

Bob Aldridge

Edited June 24, 2004 by Belplasca

[+Firth of Forth]

I must admit to having become more blase about what other people might be thinking the more I have been out geocaching. It is certainly easier if you are not on your own, but unfortunately, once your children are past a certain age, they are much more likely than their parents to be concerned about others. My teenage daughter is horrified if I carry on regardless rummaging around in the undergrowth when passersby appear, and urges me to stop. Looking for a hidden plastic container just isn't cool! She also gets very embarrassed if I reveal my passion to anyone!

[+Volvo Man]

I still get a little self conscious at times. Just recently I've noticed a lot of lone women walking their dogs, mainly because I've been doing a lot of urban woodland caching.

 

I always worry that I will see a headline about the Watford Stalker or something that describes a longhaired man with a beard in his mid thirties wearing army clothing, lurking in the woods.

 

I'm not worried about groups of people, or people with big dogs.

 

The other day, I did consider trying to get some muggles to move on by acting like a looney though!

[+snaik]

Love being in the hills, merge in to the background don't look like a tourist wear what a person walking in that area would also be wearing. forget the tracks and paths you've got a gps + compass go straight for cache, nothing wrong with crawling under bushes do it all the time. When you meet someone pass the time of day first puts them off!!. Was at The Beast of Boddin last night in the the middle of a North Easterly Storm totally soaked got back to the Road next thing Police Car turns up, bobby opens window as said what the %&^$ are you doing out here at 10 o'clock at night in a storm, replied been Geocaching, ah said he have heard about that then drove off.

 

TIDE: etelpmoc kcehc lleps

Edited June 24, 2004 by Snaik

[+snaik]

I have a Cache 2.54cm Or Is It An Inch that i can see from my office, Dougie a colleague sits at the window and can now tell me when a cacher is approaching the Cache, he getting quite good as as yesterday told me an American was going to the Cache, Wrong Canadian!! just shows you what people perceive!

[+Pharisee]

One can keep an eye out while the other searches, or cuddling etc can disguise a good feel around for micros.

Ahhhhh..... it's true what they say, then.... Size doesn't matter

[+Lost in Space]

......I always worry that I will see a headline about the Watford Stalker or something that describes a longhaired man with a beard in his mid thirties wearing army clothing, lurking in the woods......

 

Long haired??

 

Mid thirties??

 

That won't be The Hornet then!!

[+Slytherin]

I've only once been asked what I was doing. And that was the one occasion when I wasn't alone!

 

But Hornet and Lost in Space made full explanations and the questioner went away, satisfied!

 

Bob Aldridge

Yes, being caught coming out of the bushes with those two must take some explaining.

[Danegar]

Must admit, I quite enjoy being outdoors in the peace and quiet (At least when I get off the big red machine anyway ) on my own and I can't say I've ever felt self concious about caching or threatened by being on my own at all.

 

Oh, hang on, I'm 6'2" and 17 stone, do you think that might have something to do with it?

 

Danegar

[+Pharisee]

I've only once been asked what I was doing. And that was the one occasion when I wasn't alone!

 

But Hornet and Lost in Space made full explanations and the questioner went away, satisfied!

 

Bob Aldridge

Yes, being caught coming out of the bushes with those two must take some explaining.

Funnily enough.... the only time I've ever been asked what I was doing (whilst out caching) I was rummaging around in a churchyard with those two

[+TeamG]

Feeling self concious is all part and parcel, the only time i felt i couldn't do a cache because of how it made me feel/look was Sunninghill 8 which is dodgydave's house, i bailed on that and am still working up the courage to tackle it again. Will have to go back next time dresser as a council worker or something.

 

The only time i have been questioned was at the Oracle Micro Cache where i was kicked off the premises twice (not forcably, was just asked to leave), and i was with a friend of mine to. That incident actually put him off geocaching, permanently.

 

I actually think in urban situations you can blend in quite easily with a high visibility jacket and a PDA.

[+AuntieWeasel]

If the terrain is at all appropriate, wear binoculars. It never fails to mislead, and birders are expected to behave strangely. When people helpfully inform me there's a white-crested northern loon nesting over the next hill, it's all I can do not to ask if it looks delicious.

 

Though, as my partner reminds me, if you hope someone mistakes you for a birdwatcher because it's more respectable than your actual hobby, you might want to rethink.

[+harold1066]

Take a dog with you.

After buying a GPSr, Palm, leads to connect GPSr to PC, GPSr to palm membership to GC.com I don`t think wifey will allow me to spend anymore money on extras for geocaching

 

I think I`ll just need to toughen up and not worry about it.

 

Geo

[+currykev]

I usually carry an open can of Special Brew and act like father Jack.That way I can go vitially anywhere in London unnoticed.There are side benefits too ...the odd 10p thrown my way,and I get to eat free soup sometimes.Whos says caching is expensive!!

Edited May 7, 2006 by currykev

[+The Flying Boots]

Always prefer to cache together but if I'm (Mrs F.B.) caching with the dog on my own I try to pretend I've lost the dogs ball.

If the dog is with Mr F.B. flying model planes and I'm totally alone then I've come up with the idea that if anyone asks I'll say the dog lost his collar on our last walk around that spot and I'm just looking for it.

[+perth pathfinders]

No I cache alone quite a bit, don't feel a bit self concious?

 

What's wrong with a woman wandering around in circles with a bright yellow GPS, poking about in the bushes, Normal behaviour aint it?

 

 

Just realised - this thread is nearly two years old, wow!!

Edited May 7, 2006 by perth pathfinders

[+Geotrotters]

Funny this should come up again. I've been thinking the same myself recently.

 

I tried going out caching alone a couple of weeks ago but felt a bit uncomfortable. It makes it easier if I can talk my son into coming along. We normally talk most of the way and don't realise other people are around half of the time.

 

If there are muggles near the cache it also makes it easier to stop and make it look as though you just need a rest. I just perch on something while we're talking.

[+Kryten]

It's all in the body language, if you look and behave as if you have every right to be there, you will be ignored.

Dont try and hide, in an urban environment wear a high visibility waistcoat or jacket and you will be taken for an inspector of something or other.

[+HazelS]

After discussing whether or not lone women feel safe whilst caching ages ago, I began caching alone.

 

I absolutely love caching on my own now!! It solves the problem of not getting enough time to myself, plus I get exercise, fresh air, and most importantly, I get to go caching!!!

 

However... I too noticed that if you're a lone bloke, you tend not to get asked questions etc, but the number of times I have been approached and asked if I was ok, did I need any help, is my husband running late?... I got verty paranoid that I was quite conspicuous.

 

I was really aware that having a dog and kiddleys is a great excuse for rummaging for lost balls, and jumpers etc, but since I don't have enough time at home for a dog, and nor do I want to get pregnant just to have a caching excuse, I now borrow my friend Jane's dog Duke.

 

He is a wonderful Golden Labrador and is of wonderful teprement... so long as he's going walkies, he'll go anywhere with me!

[+scaw]

I don't go on my own Im just to frightened. I have done a couple on my own when i knew where they were but affraid i am paranoid and havent got the confidence to go it alone.

[+The Other Stu]

I've done a few alone, I've never really had a problem (even when the dog's not there) until I went to do one of Alibags the other week (she knows which one!).

 

I felt like a drug handler picking up his "stash"!!!

 

the_other_stu

[+Paul G0TLG]

I don't normally feel vulnerable, although I'm not very happy - as a single male who caches alone - with multis where you have to count things in playparks to get clues. Coincidentally, the only problem I've ever really had was this last weekend, doing a cache in a town centre park I was verbally abused by some louts who clearly believed that any man walking on his own in a park MUST be a paedophile.

 

Needless to say, I walked on rather than risk exposing the cache, and I don't really care what people like that think of me - it just leaves a bit of a sour taste in the mouth

[+wizard1974uk]

Sometimes I have felt a little self conscious, but now I just think bugger it, they should mind their own business.

[+Alibags]

I felt like a drug handler picking up his "stash"!!!

 

Ah, that's what happened to my stash!

 

I frequently cache all by myself. I don't feel remotely self concious. I greet everybody I meet with a cheery greeting. Mind you, I think that 27 years or so of wandering around dressed up as a Roundhead may just have killed off any embarrassment systems I may have had before.

[ciprol]

Interesting point.

 

I am new to Geocaching. I have to say that I am somewhat self conscious out there in public, especially after this 911 thing. People and security guards seemed to be much more suspicious of our activities.

 

While travelling in the US over the last two months, San Francisco specifically. A govt employed security guard in uniform came my way and stood near me when I was just walking near the Ferry Terminal and looking for a good angle for some photos of the Bay Bridge. And in Union Square looking for a cache, the security agents clearly took good note of me. Now back at home and thinking of going for a cache near me, one that is on a bridge. The thought of attracting the bridge guard gave me discomfort. I think nobody would have cared if I was 16 years old and walking around with a GPS.

 

No, I don't look like Bin Laden.

[+civilised]

I don't go on my own Im just to frightened. I have done a couple on my own when i knew where they were but affraid i am paranoid and havent got the confidence to go it alone.

 

I'm not sure if you're male or female, or even where you cache - but I would say that in my limited experience there's absolutely no problem caching alone outside of towns.

 

One of the most interesting things for me since starting this activity is just how quiet most rural caches are. I live in Wiltshire - home to lots of ancient monuments - and I'm always amazed by how empty the countryside is - even near world famous sites.

 

I did a series of 6 caches a week ago, covering perhaps 30 miles in total, and the only people I saw, while out of the car, were a team of other cachers

 

The bad guys aren't really interested in rural locations - no obvious, and frequent, easy pickings.

 

London is a different kettle of fish

 

civilised

[+civilised]

Another solution is to beg, borrow, or steal a child or a dog.

 

Either of these 2 gives you carte blanche to behave in a completely irrational manner

 

civilised

[+stora]

Another solution is to beg, borrow, or steal a child or a dog.

 

Either of these 2 gives you carte blanche to behave in a completely irrational manner

 

civilised

 

Now if only the local dogs home would let me 'borrow' one of their dogs for the day.

[+civilised]

Another solution is to beg, borrow, or steal a child or a dog.

 

Either of these 2 gives you carte blanche to behave in a completely irrational manner

 

civilised

 

Now if only the local dogs home would let me 'borrow' one of their dogs for the day.

 

Ours does - here

 

You can take them for a walk and find the cache nearby

 

civilised

 

PS - this is meant to be humorous and not to encourage people to raise the hopes of homeless dogs

[ciprol]

Another solution is to beg, borrow, or steal a child or a dog.

 

Either of these 2 gives you carte blanche to behave in a completely irrational manner

I like this idea! Guess that's why we sporn children....

[+civilised]

Another solution is to beg, borrow, or steal a child or a dog.

 

Either of these 2 gives you carte blanche to behave in a completely irrational manner

I like this idea! Guess that's why we sporn children....

 

After 10 years of parenthood I haven't come up with a better reason yet

 

civilised

[+Alice Band]

I cache alone too, and have been asked what I'm doing only once. However, I was once accused of being a secret government spy at this cache.

[Cache Traders]

No Kiddies? No dog?? Take a camera (nothing expensive,) and pretend you are a photographer, it works for both rural and urban locations. Although someone (with a dog,) did ask me if I was lost once. I just replied, "No I'm playing with a new toy, thank you." No hassle!

[nobby.nobbs]

I cache alone too, and have been asked what I'm doing only once. However, I was once accused of being a secret government spy at this cache.

 

your secret's out then!!!

 

like others i only feel a little odd when having to pick clues from kids parks when my daughter not with me. and has been said i feel safer in the forest than i ever do in town. who's going to hang around in the woods for the outside chance that a victim might walk past? when they can hang about in a dark alley and grab a victim every few minutes.

[+kewfriend]

Do you feel self-conscious when out geocaching?

I`ve only cached alone, is it better with a couple of people? this is a family sport we couldnt possibly answer that question here!!

 

I would like to get out .. more. you said it!!!

 

Geo

 

Depends what we're wearing

[+*mouse*]

I far prefer going it alone! Nothing worse than going caching and have someone else find the cache - must be my competitive streak coming out! So I've only found a handful of caches with anyone else. I've never come accross any problems or been questioned by anyone - even at urban caches.

Sometimes I have to bide my time if there are muggles about but that's part of the game.

 

I think being female helps though - it's a shame that a single bloke is seen as dodgy while a single girl doesn't raise any suspicions......

[+Alice Band]

your secret's out then!!!

 

My secrets are alway out. Just ask Rutson

 

*ducks*

[+Alibags]

I thought of this topic last night, as I was jumping up and down in a highly public place, trying to replace a cache in it's hidey hole. Any sense of shame and embarrassment I ever felt is now way way in the past. Such a pity that I dont have teenage kids to inflict myself upon!

[+freespirit1402]

occasionally i have felt a bit weird but now have gone past caring, if all else fails and i get muggled i adopt the 'isnt this a cracking view pose' until they leave.

 

in a group i found myself even less self conscious as a few of us went out recently and i found i couldnt give a whit. that said on a motorway madness cache today zr7 and i exited into the bushes, rustled around for a bit then came out smiling to the suspicious stares of a coachload having lunch in the same layby we had parked norbert in so maybe sometimes group caching or at least couple caching has its disadvantages!

Edited May 11, 2006 by freespirit1402

[+The Bolas Heathens]

I was ferreting around in holly bushes in some woods on the edge of an open area of a town looking for a cache and saw at least two lone female dog walkers turn and go back the other way.

 

I was mortified (as the last thing I want to do is scare someone) and took this as a hint to try and find the cache some other time.

[+Bear and Ragged]

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