Winter Caching

[colonelby]

Hey, colonelby here.

 

I've just been wondering how geocachers are going about finding caches in the winter snow. Personally I enjoy skiing and there are several decent looking caches along the trail. (nice)

 

Do you have any unique winter caching methods or stories? Lets hear 'em.

 

Yazoo!

colonelby

[+Road Rabbit]

Here in Florida, we don't use quite as much sunscreen or insect repellant in the winter. But other than that, it's just the same.

 

It's a little cooler skiing, too. But the boat still runs fine!

Edited January 11, 2005 by Road Rabbit

[+Lemon Fresh Dog]

Make lots of tracks. Rock bluffs (short scrambles) and other such caches are good for the placing year-round. Some of my caches are likely under 3-6 feet of accumulated snow and ice -- good luck on those in the winter. Of course, I've given them clever names like "Summer Reading".

[+Prairie Dog]

Caching in Columbia, SC today. Temps were in the lower 70's. I just rolled up my sleeves and followed the GPS'r.

Sorry I couldn't resist.

I've never tried caching in the snow. Sounds REALLY challenging. I imagine a good sturdy hiking stick would help and maybe a small axe to break up thick ice. I'm no expert on the matter, but I do love snowboarding.

[+BlueSkyMI]

We went cachin' Saturday with about five inches of snow on the ground. It's definitely more challenging, and we only had time for six (had planned nine). I was frozen by the end.....and on the last one, I could barely sign the log.

 

I just made sure I had my trusty walking stick with me......comes in handy when that snow-covered, slippery trail suddenly goes downhill! And you can use it to poke around in the snow too!

[+briansnat]

A ski or trekking pole comes in handy for poking around in snow. One of the keys is to look at or above the snow for clues. Since caches are often hidden at the base of trees, those are the first spots I check. Then look for the telltale mound in the snow that might be covering a boulder or down tree and check around those, particularly at the base of a down tree, or at any splits in the branches.

 

Finally be sure to make misleading tracks around the area so the next person doesn't have a trail right to the cache.

[TahoeJoe]

I placed one along a local ski resort trail that skiers seem to enjoy but after 20 feet of snow the past weekend I have a feeling it might be a buried cache by now. I guess I'll have to wait for spring to go look for local caches.

[WH]

Footprints in the snow of previous finders are nice and handy.

[+BadAndy]

Night caches are excellant in the winter. The waypoints show up better because of the bare branches, and the final cache is usually well marked.

 

Doing one on a cold snowy night is awesome fun.

[+tands]

Prairie Dog beat me to this topic. But have to add that we had to be sure to wear shorts and sunscreen here in Columbia, SC on Sunday, hee hee.

 

Also, take plenty of breaks and drink water, so as not to get overheated....

[+Renegade Knight]

Bring a shovel. Hiking stick. Snowshoes help. A hiding spot you have a shot at finding helps. The base of a tree you might find, "under a log" fat chance.

[Spamiam]

Winter Caching

How do you go about it

 

Hunt in a temperate environment.

 

I'm with the GA and FL folks.

 

(Sorry - Couldn't resist)

[SilverLynx]

Try and look for caches that are marked 'Winter Accessable'. Bring gloves, because bare hands don't last long in snow. Bring geo-monkeys to obscure the tracks by running around after your done.

 

Lynx