Before we can hide our first cache, we must learn just what types of caches there are to be hidden. The following is a bit long but it lists all cache categories available to be hidden.
Cache Types with the icons that are associated with them:
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 Traditional CacheThis is the original cache type consisting, at a bare minimum, a container and a log book. Normally you’ll find a tupperware container, ammo box, or bucket filled with goodies, or smaller container (“micro cache”) too small to contain items except for a log book. The coordinates listed on the traditional cache page is the exact location for the cache. The general rule of thumb is, “If you take an item, leave an item, and write in the logbook.” Some caches are themed, so make sure to read the description before going on a hunt. |
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 Multi-Cache (offset Cache)A multi-cache (“multiple”) involves two or more locations, the final location being a physical container. There are many variations, but most multi-caches have a hint to find the second cache, and the second cache has hints to the third, and so on. An offset cache (where you go to a location and get hints to the actual cache) is considered a multi-cache. |
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 Letterbox HybridA letterbox is another form of treasure hunting using clues instead of coordinates. In some cases, however, a letterbox has coordinates, and the owner has made it a letterbox and a geocache. To read more about letterboxing, visit www.letterboxing.org web site. |
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 Event CacheOccasionally, local geocachers and geocaching organizations designate a time and location to meet and discuss geocaching. After the event the caches are archived. |
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 Cache In Trash Out EventCache In Trash Out is an activity intimately tied to geocaching. While out there on a cache hunt, we collect litter along the trails and properly dispose of it. Cache In Trash Out Events are much larger clean-up events that involve and benefit the larger community. |
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 Mega-Event CacheA Mega-Event cache is similar to an Event Cache but it is much larger. In order to qualify as a Mega Event, the event cache must be attended by 500+ people. Typically, Mega Events are annual events and attract geocachers from all over the world. |
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 Mystery or puzzle cachesThe “catch-all” of cache types, this form of cache can involve complicated puzzles you will first need to solve to determine the coordinates. Examples include sending the cache owner a verification codeword found inside the logbook, performing some task at the cache location and taking a photograph, or writing the online log in a format or with content that satisfies the cache requirements. Due to the increasing creativity of geocaching this becomes the staging ground for new and unique challenges. |
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 EarthcacheAn Earthcache is a special place that people can visit to learn about a unique geoscience feature or aspect of our Earth. Earthcaches include a set of educational notes and the details about where to find the location (latitude and longitude). Visitors to Earthcaches can see how our planet has been shaped by geological processes, how we manage the resources and how scientists gather evidence to learn about the Earth. For more information about Earthcaches, visit www.earthcache.org.NOTE: Earthcaches are approved via a very stringent process with VERY specific rules as to what will and will not pass for an Earthcache location. You really need to do your homework before submitting an Earthcache for approval. |
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 GPS Adventures Maze ExhibitAn event exhibit cache represents geocaching participation at the GPS Adventures Maze Exhibit. The GPS Adventures Maze is a traveling educational exhibit designed to teach people of all ages about navigation, GPS technology and geocaching.NOTE: A Maze Exhibit is not something that there is a lot of. To date, there has only been one exhibit location to visit. It was in Muncie, Indiana over the summer of 2007.There are supposed to be more in the future, at various locations, but don’t look for there to be many of this kind of cache to find. |
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| Grandfathered Cache Types These are cache types that are no longer available for creation on geocaching.com. Visit the Waymarking web site for other GPS hunting activities. |
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 Virtual CacheA virtual cache is a cache that exists in a form of a location. Depending on the cache “hider,” a virtual cache could be to answer a question about a location, an interesting spot, a task, etc. The reward for these caches is the location itself and sharing information about your visit.Because of the nature of these geocaches, you must actually visit the location and acquire the coordinates there before you can post. In addition, although many locations are interesting, a virtual cache should be out of the ordinary enough to warrant logging a visit.Some Virtual caches have moved to www.waymarking.com. |
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 Webcam CacheThese are caches that use existing web cameras placed by individuals or agencies that monitor various areas like parks or road conditions. The idea is to get yourself in front of the camera to log your visit. The challenging part, however, it that you need to call a friend to look up the web site that displays the camera shot. You will need to have them to save the picture to log the cache. If you’re a tech-head you could use your wireless modem and save the image yourself on your laptop.Some Webcam caches have moved to www.waymarking.com.NOTE; While new Virtual and Webcam caches are no longer available to be posted, they are still available to be found. Many owners of exsisting virtuals and webcams did move their listings to the Waymarking site, but most chose (thankfully) to leave their listings on the main Geocaching site, as is. I say “thankfully” because sometimes Virtual and Webcam caches can be some of the most interesting cache locations you will ever visit. |
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 Locationless (Reverse) CacheLocationless caches could be considered the opposite of a traditional cache. Instead of finding a hidden container, you are given a task to locate a specific object and log its coordinates. A scavenger hunt of sorts, it involves collecting waypoints of various objects around the world.Locationless caches have evolved into www.waymarking.com. Waymark categories are similar to how locationless caches were listed on geocaching.com, but you can now search for the locations in each category.NOTE: All Locationless caches have been archived or moved to the Waymarking site. None are still active on the main Geocaching site. |
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In a future blog, we will touch on what Waymarking.com is, as it relates to the Geocaching site. But for now, we will skip talking more about it.
For your first cache hide, I would suggest you do something basic. A classic ammo can or decent size Tupperware box for your first container will do. A powdered drink container or something similar would be OK too. The biggest thing to try to make sure of is that whatever container you use, it needs to be as water proof as possible. remember, your container will be exposed to all sorts of weather conditions. You don’t want all your goodies and logbook getting soggy wet as soon as the first rain hits it.
Next, fill your container with family friendly toys, trinkets, and the like. Some people put in really nice prizes for the finders, but it is up to you what you want to put in. Just be sure not to put anything in the box that you wouldn’t want a small child to get hold of. (no knives, matches, food, gum, fireworks, etc.)
Print you off a sheet that explains that the game of Geocaching is, so that if someone who is not a geocacher finds the box, they will hopefully leave it alone and not take it. These info sheets can be downloaded from Geocacher U
Place the info sheet in a ziplock bag with a log book of some kind. A small spiral notebook will do. It is best to write the name of the cache and the waypoint code (all start with GC) in the front of the logbook.
Now, go find a place to hide the cache.
Since this post is getting a bit long, we will discuss what to look for when you are scouting out a place to hide the cache, in our next blog.
In the meantime, here is a link to a part of the Geocaching.com website that has a wealth of information, especially for new cachers:
Happy caching…
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Capt. Kid
Wonderful! I am proud of you and your writing skills.
DJ Christie
Great job on the intro to the hobby. One of the best intro articles I have read this side of GeoCaching University quite a while. Excellent Job!!
D-n-F.
wyalusingwillie
An excellent hobby! Geocaching has brought me to many beautiful sites which I wouldn’t have found on my own. Many, many times, I found myself saying, I didn’t know that was here!’. Many times, I sat upon hilltops gazing at vistas which soothed my soul. After a few finds, I discovered a maxim which states, geocaching is about the adventure, not about the container.