I Just Can't Find Caches!

[+johntclever]

I'm brand new to the geocaching sport...but I'm having all sorts of trouble finding caches.

 

I've gone after about a dozen caches but only found two--and thats even after the tips and reading posts!

 

I have enjoyed getting out and finding parks in my area but I want to find some caches too.

 

It is somewhat frustrating and I'm looking for some tips from more experienced cachers out there.

 

Please help!!!

[+cache_test_dummies]

Welcome, johntclever!

 

For the two caches you did find, did your GPSr indicate that you were close to the right spot (within 50 feet or so) when you found them? If not, perhaps your GPSr is not set up correctly.

 

Geocaching.com uses WGS84 datum, and the coordinates are specified as Degrees, Minutes, Decimal Minutes. Double check to make sure these settings are correct on your device. If they are, or you don't know what this means, post back here again.

[+bigdog999]

well I can't say I'm experienced, but I have found some. Fist of all, start with the lower ratings ones first, to build up your confidence. Take your time, be patient. As the above poster mentioned, make sure that your GPS is setup right. Your GPS with good reception will get you within 50 feet of the cache. Look around, notice things.

 

Look for something out of place. An unnatural pile of sticks or rocks. The easier caches will allow you to be familiar with how cachers hide their caches so that as you get better you can recognize potential spots. We have one cacher in my area who hides most of his caches either covered with rocks or under larger rocks. Now if I do one of his caches, I've learned where to concentrate my searches. Don't get discouraged.

[+johntclever]

Oh...so you mean the GPS isn't ready out of the box? I have an Explorist 500 and according to it, its accuracy is usually 10-30 feet. What else is there I can do to get it more accurate?

[+Hoppingcrow]

10-30 feet is par for the course. After that, you kinda have to let your geo-instincts take over. As was said previously, you'll learn to zero in on things that just don't strike your eye as being quite natural.

[MagicMeeko]

Yeah, set it to WGS what ever it is. Also, if its straight out of the box, it has to find it self (basically speaking) before it can be used...... Your Manual should mention this. (Yeah RTFM indeed)

[+Jeeping Family]

John T, come on out to GCJGP9 around 9 in the morning, we are going to do both of the caches out on Lake Thunderbird. There are a few others out there that are super simple to find. Also, if you come out we can help you make sure you are doing this right.

 

Oh, and if you come you will get wet, pack accordingly

[Dale_Lynn]

If your GPS is set to WGS84 and you have entered way points correctly, and it gets you to within 10-30 feet of cache ( you have found two).... The rest is up to you... As others have said, look for things out of place, something that isn't quite natural, look in hollow of near by tree, look under garbage can, look under drinking fountain, look in end of old rotted log. Look, look, look....

 

One of the things I do is put down GPS and backpack where GPS says I'm dead on the spot (or as close as it will register) and cast a search in a circle ever expanding out around the GPS/Backpack position.

 

Think if as a lost key, its something that you have to look at every square inch of areas to find. If you have GPS parameters correct and other have found specific cache then it means you just have not seen it!.... There is no place sacred when hiding a cache, it could be anywhere, most likely where you least expect it., like down what appears like a animal burrow or maybe hanging up in a tree, or....

 

Dale

[Dale_Lynn]

oops...

Edited May 28, 2005 by Dale_Lynn

[+johntclever]

Wet...what do you mean wet?

[+Jeeping Family]

Wet...what do you mean wet?

Wet, the cache is underwater. The other cache nearby is on a island.

[+johntclever]

Ah very interesting indeed.

[+Jeeping Family]

Parking at N 35 13.572 W 97 16.891, like I said, around 9 we are going to try it. Then there are a few others out there that I need to sign, then I am heading down to Slaughterville and Purcell we come home and get rid of stuff we don't need.

[+gpsjeep]

Also check to see if your GPSr is set to magnetic North and not true north.

[+Jeeping Family]

And you missed a real fun trip. Wish we would have remembered a camera and a way to keep it dry.

[YellowDogMo]

Thanks gpsjeep! SMRT took me out for my first caching on Friday and I couldn't figure out why my gps'r was off from his. I should have know it being off, oh say 17 degrees... I had it set to true north. I have since rectified that problem after reading this posting.

[+defindingmoments]

As was said previously, you'll learn to zero in on things that just don't strike your eye as being quite natural.

Like the dirty diaper hidden in a grocery bag hanging from a tree. I reassured my husband that it was not the cache. Not a great first experience but memorable!