Geocaching is a worldwide, modern-day treasure hunt game that uses GPS technology to track down hidden caches or containers. This outdoor game is usually enjoyed with family and friends.
One of the most important aspects of the game is the location of the geocache or cache- where to hide them. Geocachers, the people who do the hiding of the cache, would have to look for a good location to hide the containers. Geocachers will normally hide the containers in places that interest them. These locations can be diverse depending on the geocacher. It can be a park, forest, body of water and even in an urban setting. Whatever your location may be, ensure that it is accessible for participants to go to and it is safe. Make sure that you asked for permission from the landowner or manager, whether public or private. You wouldn’t want the seekers or participants to be accused of trespassing. In case you want to hide your caches in a forest, ensure that no wild animals roam around it. This can be dangerous to the seekers. Bottom line: your location should be safe, secure and accessible.
Now that you have decided on a location, it is time to prepare your cache. First, decide on what type of container it will be – film canister, ammo cans, Tupperware type of plastic container, etc. Whatever your choice of container may be, make sure that it can withstand any type of weather and it can be sealed in such a way that no outside elements such as water or dirt can get inside the container. Be sure that it will look like an official geocache. Provide information that will tell the seeker that it is what they are looking for.
It is also important to consider the contents of your container. If you have small containers, you will be limited to putting small items. Do not forget to put in a logbook, pencil or pen. The logbook will contain signatures of all the participants who have found the cache. You can also include a welcome note and tradable items. Depending on the size of your container, you can put a disposable camera and ask the participants to take a picture as a souvenir for you. Refrain from putting food, explosives, drugs, knives or alcohol inside your container.
When you are satisfied with your cache it’s now time to hide them. Proceed to the location of your choice armed with your GPS coordinates. During bad weather, GPS may work poorly. It is then advisable to mark a waypoint. Make sure that you have a copy of it to bring back with you.
When you have finished planting your cache, you can now fill out an online form. Provide information that will attract participants to your location. You may also want to put attributes so that participants can easily assess your cache. Samples of attribute include: how far is the hike? Is it dog friendly? Or can be accessed by people in a wheelchair? And so on…
Hiding the cache is not the end of your work. You must maintain the area surrounding your location. Once in awhile you must check whether your cache is still in good condition.