Geocaching really is a fun activity for the whole family. Once I first heard of Geocaching I was hooked. I wish I had found out earlier in life.
If you do not already know what geocaching is please check out our post What is Geocaching? before reading the rest of this post.
Here is the list of 5 things I knew before I started Geocaching:
1. Both the Description and Log can be lifesavers.
Thoroughly read the description because some geocaches require special external apps or are hidden at different coordinates than listed.
Check through the log in the app and see the recent comments. You can see when other geocachers found or did not find the geocache. Also review the log because some geocaches will be reported lost, broken or stolen. It has been frustrating navigating and searching and searching without any luck because the geocache simply does not exist anymore.
2- GPS is not perfectly accurate
Remember your GPS is not going to be 100% accurate so you may have a little more ground to search. According to Geocaching app once you reach 30ft you should start looking. If you still have trouble look through the hints section or photos for hints.
3. With some geocaches, you may consider wearing particular forms of clothing
It may seem like a fun idea to grab a geocache on your lunch break but make sure its not one deep in the woods. I once thought there was one along a trail until the trail stopped and I was jumping creeks in my dress shirt and tie.
Bug spray and tick spray can also be a must on some geocaches. Don’t forget to check for ticks if you have to search through the woods.
4. Bring a buddy
It’s good to have other points of views and help when searching for a well hidden geocache.
5. If you don’t find it report a Did Not Find (DNF) on the log
It helps others if you post DNF did not find. If others report the same thing people may notice and not waste their time considering it could have been lost or stoledn. Alo the person who hid geocache will return to site and ensure its still there. Try again another day or another season if needed.
BONUS
Bring some small swag, many geocaches have small trade-able items both for the kiddos and adults. You can find all kinds of great things inside of a geocache.
Oh and bring a pen! Some geocaches are too small to fit a pen inside.