Category: Learn

Whether you’re about to find your first geocache or your ten-thousandth, you’ve come to the right place to learn more about the game.

/ Paige Edmiston

You’ve Got Mail: The Latest Geocaching Message Center Updates

 

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Last April, we announced a brand new feature: the Geocaching Message Center. With this feature, you can send and receive messages from Geocaching.com and the Geocaching Intro app.

So why are we talking about the Message Center again? Well, when we launched this feature, we promised to keep making improvements based on your feedback. We recently wrapped up work on a few biggies so we want to make sure you know about them!

The big ones:

  • You can now reply to geocaching messages directly from your email!
  • Choose how you want to receive Message Center notifications: receive email notifications for every new message, notifications only after inactivity or no email notifications at all.

Note: You can change your notification preferences in Account Settings.

Other improvements made at geocacher suggestion:

  • See images in the email notifications.
  • You can load more conversations in the Message Center.
  • We raised the character count limit to 4000 characters.
  • TB and GC codes automatically hyperlink in messages.
  • Trackable and geocache names automatically hyperlink in messages to owners.

Watch this short video, featuring two awesome Geocaching HQ developers, to learn a little bit more about what went into making the Message Center:

Thanks to all of you who participated in innovation games, completed surveys and participated in the User Insights Forum about Message Center! Interested in giving your two cents on future geocaching features? Check out this blog post for some ideas on how to get involved.

/ Alex

Tips for Geocaching With Pups

By Dani Navarre

Your favorite geocaching companions
Your favorite geocaching companions

Nothing is better than geocaching with your best friend and who could be better than man’s best friend? Geocaching isn’t just a hobby for humans—your four-legged friends can join in on the fun too.

Coming home to slobbery kisses and a wagging tail is enough to brighten anyone’s day. Your dog waits patiently for you to return home, he hears the hum of the car engine, and bounds down the stairs to greet you at the door. He does so much for you and deserves a little treat. You can add a little color to your favorite canine’s grey day by putting a leash on that enthusiasm and heading out for some geocaches. Sounds like a walk in the park that earns more than one kind of smiley. As someone who has trained with scent detecting dogs, I know exactly how rewarding working with animals can feel. One of the most enjoyable parts is having a goal that you and your furry friend can work toward together. Whether you are practicing obedience training or just want to get out for some fresh air, geocaching can be a fun way to get all the members of your family (human and canine) outside.

 

Stellar geo-sense
Stellar geo-sense

So here are HQ’s top tips for geocaching pups:

  • Socialize at your local dog park. While your dog is having the time of his life, you could be catching a few smilies. Dog parks are a popular places to hide geocaches, so next time you are out take a look.

  • Is your dog an adventurous pup or does he make sloths look hyperactive? Be sure to choose caches that match your dog’s fitness level. If your dog is a trailblazer he may enjoy longer hikes with more challenging terrain, but if your dog is a couch potato an easy urban stroll might be a better match.

  • Turn your dog into a geocache. Has science gone too far? Don’t worry your pooch is safe, but he can become a trackable puppy with a geo dog tag. Your pup will enjoy all of the pets and your human friends will love the new trackable.

  • Sensitive puppy paws. Be aware of the geocache’s terrain. The summer heat and cement or metal surfaces can be a dangerous combination for your dog’s sensitive paw pads.

  • Carry water. Make sure you and your dog are hydrated to keep those tongues wagging.

  • A safe pup is a happy pup. Check to see that your dog’s vaccinations are up to date for tick and mosquito protection. A hike through the woods can make for a fun day…until you come home with a car full of ticks and one sad puppy.

  • Collars aren’t just a fashion trend. Local leash laws vary by city. Before you set Rover free to roam, check to see if a leash is required.

 

Geocaching with your dog can be fun for whole family. What’s your favorite geocaching animal story?

 

and they're fun!
and they’re fun!