Caching 101 - Caching Etiquette Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Fishongetthenet: Time for this one to go. Container has been retrieved.

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Hidden : 10/2/2011
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

This cache is part of a series dedicated to sharing caching details we have experienced through our caching adventures.
Caching 101 - Cache Location Caching 101 - Maintaining a Cache

Every cacher has their own opinion on what makes a great cache. For some, it is the park and grabs that make the numbers go up on your stats page. For others, it is a funny adventure that happened on the way to a cache, or maybe it was a memorable container that made the cache stick out. But no matter how you define a great cache, there are a few etiquettes that every cacher follows. Here are a few that work well for us:

  • Hide the cache as well as or better than found – this includes replacing the container where it was located and covering it to prevent accidental discovery. Some owners provide camo materials to aid in hiding the cache, and cachers should take the time and care to ensure these are used and placed appropriately.
  • Respect the hide location and take care to avoid damage to the area – this is especially important for natural settings and delicate hiding spots like hollowed stumps or logs. By minimizing possible damage to the cache and surrounding area, you can help ensure the cache will be available for a long while.
  • Practice CITO – many caches contain CITO bags to help keep the natural areas as they should be.
  • Sign the logbook. This one may be too simple. In order to claim the find, a cacher must physically sign the logbook unless the log is damaged and unsignable. Remember, cache owners are allowed to delete website entries that do not match a signature in the logbook, should they so choose.

We recently had a property owner use the phrase “leave no trace” when discussing possible locations to place a cache, and that phrase really describes the advice above. The only evidence that you have been there should be your ink in the log.

One other area that has us puzzled is the etiquette on approaching a cache when there are already cachers at GZ. Mrs. F’s approach is to march ahead and ask if they mind if we join them. We have met some really great friends using this technique…but we have also come across a couple of cachers visibly uncomfortable with us “invading” their search. In these instances, we have politely excused ourselves and moved off. I guess our answer is, we still don’t know on this one. But, if you happen to run into us at GZ, feel free to help us look.

One last bit of advice, always remember you are an ambassador for geocaching. Your actions will be observed by muggles even if you are not aware of any around, and your logs will be read by many others who follow in your footsteps. So whether you consider geocaching to be a hobby, or think of it as an Olympic sport, it is a great pastime that relies on an honor system and respect for the cache, the surrounding area, fellow cachers, and muggles – both property owners and passer-bys.

This cache is located in the Midland City Forest. It is located ~45 ft from the main trail, but we only had 35ft accuracy on the GPS when we checked the coords for the 3rd time. Tree cover could cause some difficulty with the search for this one. Good Luck.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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