Spending cash to find a cache!

Why aren't all good things in life free? Well geocaching can be. I have compiled a list of things that may be needed to find a geocache in the wild. Many of these things you will not need if you are only going to be urban geocaching. And depending on what you already own and how challenging the caches you are seeking are, you may not have to spend a $1. Items marked with a * are not needed to get to the geocache but might be a good idea


Getting to the Geocache
-GPSr
            The gpsr is going to get you to GZ ground zero using the coordinates provided by the CO Cache Owner (hider). You can get as fancy as you want here. There are dozens of options and we will look at those in my next post. However, have a smartphone? It is likely also a gps. And there are great apps available for geocachers for BlackBerry, Iphone and Android smart phone.
  -Compass * (old school back up)
            Can be used to triangulate a cache location. Also can get you back to your vehicle if your gpsr gobbles up all of your batteries.
-Map/Road Atlas *
            Before you ever turn on the gpsr you can use your map to get you to the general location. Be it the local park or a lake out in the country.
-Camera *
            While having pictures is not necessary you are going to see some beautiful sights and will want some mementos.
-Batteries
            While most modern gpsr units have really good battery life. It is no fun to find your way out of a bush or valley without your gpsr. Always have a spare set, or two, or three!

Now where is that geocache? This is the treasure hunt.
-MultiTool *
            These are great as they have a bunch of handy tools in a small package. You never know when pliers/knife/screwdriver may come in handy
-Flash Light *
            For use at night or for looking into dark nooks and crannies where the CO Cache Owner may have hidden the geocache. Remember this is a treasure hunt!      
-Tools of the Trade *
            Well these can include telescopic mechanics mirrors/magnets, a metal coat hanger, rope, tweezers, etc... There are a lot of really creatively hidden geocaches and you never know what will help you find them!

Found It! Now what?
-Pen/Pencil/Marker
            Inside every geocache there is a log book to sign. Lots of caches will have a pen etc. inside but always good to have your own just in case.
-Paper/Spare Log Sheets *
            Sometimes the elements can get inside the caches. Nice to have some on you to replenish in case of need.
-Trackables *
            There are geocoins, trade bugs and dog tags that are all trackable online. These are meant to be moved from one cache to the next. They travel the world and their travels can be followed online. For more info check this out... Trackables!
-Swag, The Treasure
            The rule of the land is to take a piece of Swag and replace it with something of equal or greater value. Usually in the cache descriptions it will give you an idea of the style of swag or if there is a theme. Near Drumheller, AB? Maybe dinosaur related swag, be it toys or fossils, etc. Usually nothing to costly, toys, souvenirs, etc..


A NOTE What should not be placed in a cache?

People of all ages hide and seek caches, so think carefully before placing an item into a cache. Explosives, ammunition, knives, drugs and alcohol should not be placed in a cache. Respect the local laws.

Food items are always a bad idea. Animals have better noses than humans, and in some cases caches have been chewed through and destroyed because of food items in a cache. Please do not put food in a cache. 

From the FAQ @ Geocaching.com

Maintenance * While not compulsory it is always nice to help out a cache in need
Spare Cache Containers*
Ziploc Bags*
Duct Tape*
Garbage Bags for CITO - Cache In Trash Out
            More info Here!

What should I Wear? 
Hiking Boots
Long Pants
Long Sleeves
Hat
Sunglasses
Poncho/Rain Jacket
Walking Stick/Pole
Gloves
        Towel/Rags

Surviving the Hunt having the right supplies makes a big difference
 Water/Drinks
Snacks/Food
First Aid/Band Aids
Bug Spray
Sun Screen
Umbrella
Toilet Paper/Wipes

Well that was a long one. But I hope it helps. Next blog is going to delve into the many options for GPSr units. From smart phone apps to entry level gpsr's to the newest paperless caching gpsr's.

And finally a treat for making it through my list. Another video you may enjoy!

And so it all begins,

On a cold and dreary January morning, I stumbled upon a website. This website was Geocaching.com. Why and how I came to be there I don't recall. What I do know is that geocaching is the activity that I had been wanting to do without knowing it. It combines my love of the outdoors, my wife's enjoyment of hiking and sight seeing, and our children's love of treasure hunting. It didn't take long to realize that this was going to be great for our whole family. Not to mention that there are 100's of caches ready to be found within just a 1 hour drive of our house.

So, what is geocaching? Well simply put, it is a Hide and Seek Treasure Hunt. Someone hides a container of treasure and marks its gps coordinates. And other geocachers try and find it using their gpsr (receiver). I have also heard it described as "Using a billion dollar military satellite network to find tuperware in the woods." But the good folks at Geocaching.com have prepared a little video that will explain better than I.

For any more information on what geocaching is please visit Geocaching.com.

Now, the decision has been made, we will be geocachers! So what next? Time to go shopping. Oh boy, is this going to cost me a lot? I know that's what we were thinking. Well the good news is that it will only cost you what you want to. You can literally start geocaching without spending $100. Or you can go gear crazy and spend $1000's. I am going to go into the gear and tech needed to geocache in a outdoor, out of town setting in my next blog.