FTF HONORS GO TO LADYBLACKCAT!
PARKING: Please park at the “Parking” waypoint and walk down the road to the trailhead! The trailhead coordinates are also listed in the waypoints! FOLLOW THE TRAIL DOWNHILL TO THE FORK AND TURN LEFT BEFORE PROCEEDING TOWARDS THE CACHE! PLEASE DO NOT BUSHWHACK!
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
This Cache was placed with permission from the adjacent landowner. The landowner (Mr. Lowell Chambers) is a Board Member for our local trails organization and he has graciously allowed open access to this beautiful area, via his property. Mr. Chambers allows the general public access to this area year-round so there may be trash/debris lying around so please practice “Cache In, Trash Out” when claiming your smiley!
This cache was placed to highlight another hidden area in Porterdale, GA. Once you arrive at GZ, you will be in a scenic area located along the Yellow River.
***If you haven't done so already, be sure to check out my EarthCache
(The Porterdale Rockhouse-GC65Q5Y) also located on this property!***
***DISCLAIMER! I originally identified the tree, at GZ, as a Native American Signal Tree. After the cache published, I received information, from a trusted source, that this is NOT a signal tree. I changed the name of the cache to more accurately reflect your experience! HAPPY CACHING!***
YOU FOUND IT, now what?
What is Geocaching? https://www.geocaching.com/guide/
Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.
How is the game played?
At its simplest level, geocaching requires these 8 steps:
- Register for a free Basic Membership.
- Visit the "Hide & Seek a Cache" page.
- Enter your postal code and click "search."
- Choose any geocache from the list and click on its name.
- Enter the coordinates of the geocache into your GPS Device.
- Use your GPS device to assist you in finding the hidden geocache.
- Sign the logbook and return the geocache to its original location.
- Share your geocaching stories and photos online.
What are the rules?
- If you take something from the geocache (or "cache"), leave something of equal or greater value.
- Write about your find in the cache logbook.
- Log your experience at www.geocaching.com.
How did Geocaching get started?
It's a very cool story, actually. So cool that it deserves its own page.
What's usually in a geocache?
In its simplest form, a cache always contains a logbook or logsheet for you to log your find. Larger caches may contain a logbook and any number of items. These items turn the adventure into a true treasure hunt. You never know what the cache owner or visitors to the cache may have left for you to enjoy. Remember, if you take something, leave something of equal or greater value in return. It is recommended that items in a cache be individually packaged in a clear, zipped plastic bag to protect them from the elements.
Quite often you may also find a Trackable, a sort of geocaching "game piece" that you can learn more about here.
What should NOT be placed in a geocache?
People of all ages hide and seek geocaches, so think carefully before placing an item into a cache. Explosives, ammunition, knives, drugs and alcohol should not be placed in a cache. Respect local laws at all times.
Please do not put food or heavily scented items in a cache. Animals have better noses than humans, and in some cases caches have been chewed through and destroyed because of food items in a cache.
Trackable items:
A Trackable is a sort of physical geocaching "game piece." You will often find them in geocaches or see them at geocaching gatherings. Each Trackable is etched with a unique code that can be used to log its movements on Geocaching.com as it travels in the real world. Some of these items have traveled hundreds of thousands of miles thanks to geocachers who move them from cache to cache!
There are three main types of Trackables: Travel Bug® Trackables, Geocoins and other Trackables.
A Travel Bug is a trackable tag attached to an item that geocachers call a "hitchhiker." Each Travel Bug has a goal set by its owner. Goals are typically travel-related, such as to visit every country in Europe or travel from coast to coast. Travel Bug Trackables move from cache to cache with the help of geocachers like you. See the "What do I do when I find a Trackable?" section of the guide for information on how you can help Trackables move.
Geocoins are customizable coins created by individuals or groups of geocachers as a kind of signature item or calling card. They function exactly like Travel Bug Trackables and should be moved to another cache, unless otherwise specified by their owners.
Other Trackable items come in various forms including patches, key rings and more. A common feature of Trackable items is that they bear a unique ID code and text noting that they are trackable at Geocaching.com. More information about Trackables can be found here.
What do I do when I find a trackable?
You are not required to do anything with the Trackable, but if you would like to interact with it, you have two options.
- Move the Trackable
If you would like to move the Trackable to another cache, take it with you. You do not need to leave anything in its place as long as you are willing to help it on its journey. You can look up the Trackable's goal by entering its unique Tracking Code at www.geocaching.com/track or searching for the Tracking Code on Groundspeak's Geocaching Application. When you take a Trackable from one cache and drop it into another, it is important to log the Trackable's movements.
- "Discover" the Trackable
When you have seen a Trackable in person, but have not moved it, you can log that you have "discovered" it. To do so, you will need to write down the Trackable's Tracking Code (the unique series of letters and numbers etched on the item).