What can you expect when you are looking for a cache? How do you know what to expect?
Look at the attributes.
Attributes are assigned by the CO to let other know what to look for. They are listed on the cache listing page, and are indicated by small graphics. By holding your mouse over the icon, a text box will tell you what the icon means. (On some phone apps, this can be done by touching the icons.)
Some common attributes for this area:
-Available in Winter (snowflake icon) - also called "Winter Friendly." It won't be buried under a foot of snow, so you know that it won't be on the ground.
-Ticks! (Tick icon) - bring bug spray.
-Dangerous Animals! (Snake icon) - Usually snakes in the La Crosse area, as there are timber rattlesnakes in the region.
-Parking Available (letter P) - You can park fairly close to the cache, sometimes right next to it.
-Thorns (vertical line with thorns, kind of looks like barbed wire) - You'll want to wear long pants and sleeves to avoid getting carved up by thorny plants.
-Hunting (Deer in crosshairs icon) - Wear blaze orange or avoid the area during hunting season.
-Scenic View (Binoculars icon) - Sign the log and enjoy the view nearby! (Bring a camera, too!)
-Stealth Required (Person in trench coat and hat) - Don't draw attention to yourself while looking for this cache. (More on stealth is covered in Lesson 5.)
-Special Tool Required (Swiss Army Knife icon) - Special equipment or tools may be needed to access the cache. Sometimes the CO will post what tool you need, but not always. (More on tools will be covered in Lesson 6.)
There are many more icons that aren't mentioned here. More information can be found at https://www.geocaching.com/about/icons.aspx
Cache is a camo taped pill bottle in a tree a little ways off the trail. It will likely require bushwhacking. Make sure to write down the number written on the lid of the bottle, you'll need it for the final exam.
To pass Lesson 4, make sure you prepared for finding this cache, and sign your name and write an appropriate log.
Experienced Cachers: Feel free to share any attribute-related tips that you may have.
The Geocache Notification Form has been submitted to Jayne Collins of the Wisconsin DNR. Geocaches placed on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource managed lands require permission by means of a notification form. Please print out a paper copy of the notification form, fill in all required information, then submit it to the land manager. The DNR Notification form and land manager information can be obtained at: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/findapark.html