Already an expert
geocacher? If so, go directly to the cache, do not pass
Go. If not, read on.
So, you're
interested in Geocaching? Great, here's a chance to try out
your new GPS receiver (GPSr) without traveling too far (if you just
purchased your GPSr nearby). This cache is a "micro" sized
container (typically the size of a 35mm film can, magnetic
keyholder, or smaller). It's hidden near one of three
outdoors supply stores all within a few tenths of a mile of
each other (isn't Marlton great!). The object is to find the
"cache" (in this case, a very small plastic container) well hidden
in, on, or around some nearby trees, using your GPSr to get you to
GZ ("ground zero," or where the cache is hidden). Because
it's a micro-sized cache, you must bring a pen to sign the
log.
Program the
latitude and longitude as a "waypoint" into your GPSr (see
instructions or ask the salesman for help). Set the GPSr to
navigate. Walk outside if you're still inside (you can't get
good satellite reception indoors). Follow the arrow, working
around obstacles. Decide which way around obstacles will be
easiest. Keep following the arrow on your GPSr and watch the
distance go down as you get closer and closer. Once it gets
to about zero, start looking around.
The cache is out
in the open, but it’s disguised to blend in and not look too
obvious, so you might have to do a little searching. Make
sure no one is watching you. Some "stealth" will be required
so that the "muggles" (non-geocachers) don't see what you're up
to. This is a somewhat challenging cache for beginners, and
will likely teach you a few lessons about making assumptions, so it
might take a bit of searching; if you can't find it, decrypt the
hint below for some help. But don't look at the hint unless
you can't find it. Remember that your GPSr is only accurate
to within about 20 feet, so search within a 20' radius if
necessary.
Once you find
the cache, you’ll find that micros are too small to hold
trade items ("swag") like the larger caches, but like every cache
you’ll encounter, there will be a log sheet for you to
sign. If you haven't already, come up with a caching name
(kind of like a screen name on AOL) and use that name to sign the
log. Micro log sheets have no room to leave notes, so just
write in your caching name and the date you found it.
When you're
done, put everything back exactly the way you found it (or should
have found it). Make sure the "cammo" is doing its job so
that the next person can enjoy the thrill of finding this
micro.
When you get
home, go online at www.geocaching.com and post your
visit. If you have not done so already, set up an account
using the caching name you used to sign the log (choose well
– you can’t change it). Describe your experience
if you like. Indicate whether you found the cache or
not. Sometimes even experienced cachers cannot find a
cache. If you could not find this cache, even after searching
for a while, you should still post a "DNF" (Did Not Find), and send
the cache owner ("CO") a request for help. Either way, do not
disclose anything in your posting that describes where you found
it, the type of camouflage, or how it was hidden
("spoilers"). Not only will that spoil the fun for others, it
will likely get your posting deleted by the CO, which means you
won’t get credit for the find.
That's all there
is to it. Now get online and search for some more caches in
your area. Try some multi's (a multi-stage cache, where at
each stage you'll find the coordinates to the next stage, until you
reach the final). Or a nano (a very small cache container,
about the size of a pencil eraser). Or a puzzle cache (you
have to solve a puzzle before you get the coordinates to the actual
cache). There are many other variants, so give them all a
try.