SOLO CACHING

[+YAKE46]

I started geocaching (12/21/13) last year as way to get more exercise and see the sights more closely. Most of the 400+ caches I've found have been by myself, with the majority in the back-country. Being 68 years old I do get a bit concerned about my safety when I go over 3 star terrain and being in Phoenix when I see no one else on the trails at times. I rely on my cell phone to bail my butt out should I get injured. How many others cache solo? Should I get a partner?

[+Touchstone]

I started geocaching (12/21/13) last year as way to get more exercise and see the sights more closely. Most of the 400+ caches I've found have been by myself, with the majority in the back-country. Being 68 years old I do get a bit concerned about my safety when I go over 3 star terrain and being in Phoenix when I see no one else on the trails at times. I rely on my cell phone to bail my butt out should I get injured. How many others cache solo? Should I get a partner?

 

It's probably 50/50 for me. I prefer caching with family/friends however.

 

Always good idea to have a partner just in case. Always a good idea to tell someone your plans, and always a good idea to have a back up plan. Sounds like you know what you're doing, and given this a lot of thought. I'm not going to preach to the choir, so to speak.

 

The only thing different that I do when I'm out alone, is to carry a PLB (aka SPOT). Delorme also makes a similar product (InReach). There are many places that don't have cell phone signal in my area, that I can't depend on my phone.

[+Chief301]

I cache solo more often than not. I'm just starting to get to know some other local cachers through attending events in the past year, but I haven't really got together with them to go caching. I don't mind going solo and there really aren't that many high-terrain caches around here for that to be a concern.

[+nosynellies]

I started geocaching (12/21/13) last year as way to get more exercise and see the sights more closely. Most of the 400+ caches I've found have been by myself, with the majority in the back-country. Being 68 years old I do get a bit concerned about my safety when I go over 3 star terrain and being in Phoenix when I see no one else on the trails at times. I rely on my cell phone to bail my butt out should I get injured. How many others cache solo? Should I get a partner?

 

It's probably 50/50 for me. I prefer caching with family/friends however.

 

Always good idea to have a partner just in case. Always a good idea to tell someone your plans, and always a good idea to have a back up plan. Sounds like you know what you're doing, and given this a lot of thought. I'm not going to preach to the choir, so to speak.

 

The only thing different that I do when I'm out alone, is to carry a PLB (aka SPOT). Delorme also makes a similar product (InReach). There are many places that don't have cell phone signal in my area, that I can't depend on my phone.

+1 I really believe in over preparedness when it comes to safety.

[+The_Incredibles_]

I like to do it solo. Alone time in the woods keeps me sane.

 

However, sometimes I like to do it with a partner or in a group. Going with other people is often more fun than doing it alone, but you have to find the right person. Some people talk non-stop or they bring their barking dog with them and that's not fun.

 

It's a personal preference, really. At your age, especially, it might be a good idea to find a caching partner or at the very least, get a SPOT device.

[+Riverview CacheAways]

I go solo too, but I have decided that even when I am out in a peaceful Florida nature preserve, I am really not alone. This caching buddy only wanted to block the trail to a cache a couple of weeks ago.

 

 

 

 

[+ngrrfan]

I started geocaching (12/21/13) last year as way to get more exercise and see the sights more closely. Most of the 400+ caches I've found have been by myself, with the majority in the back-country. Being 68 years old I do get a bit concerned about my safety when I go over 3 star terrain and being in Phoenix when I see no one else on the trails at times. I rely on my cell phone to bail my butt out should I get injured. How many others cache solo? Should I get a partner?

I more enjoy caching with a partner, however one of my partners is a pilot so she isn't always available. My other partners still work 9-5 Mon-Fri. this means I either don't go or I stick with easier ones closer to town where my phone will work.

 

My pilot partner introduced me to DeLorme Inreach

Now no matter where I go my daughter has an idea of where to find me. It has the capability to send pre-made messages as well as having the capability to send an SOS message.

I find the price of the unit and the fee to be a well worth cost for peace of mind.

 

Go to events, meet others, make friends, and ask to tag along when they go caching or ask one to go with you.

[+Sagefox]

I like to do it solo. Alone time in the woods keeps me sane.

 

At your age, especially, it might be a good idea to find a caching partner or at the very least, get a SPOT device.

 

You really don't understand age... but you will in the future!

 

I am also 68 and I am about a 50/50 solo cacher also and I love it. This year I have gone places that no one of any age should go solo. Arizona forests, fresh bear scat on the long trail, mountain lion country with fresh sightings, a long night cache. And mountain lion meetings, bad neighborhoods, narrow log bridges to cross over raging winter streams.

 

I don't do this because I am super cool. In fact, I am usually dealing with my fear levels, but there is a cache out there that must be found!

 

You will be pleasantly surprised when you reach this age and discover that you don't feel as old as you thought you would when you were the age that you are now.

[+The_Incredibles_]

This year I have gone places that no one of any age should go solo. Arizona forests, fresh bear scat on the long trail, mountain lion country with fresh sightings, a long night cache. And mountain lion meetings, bad neighborhoods, narrow log bridges to cross over raging winter streams.

 

You've just summed up pretty much everything I want in an adventure. Where do I sign up?

[team tisri]

I started geocaching (12/21/13) last year as way to get more exercise and see the sights more closely. Most of the 400+ caches I've found have been by myself, with the majority in the back-country. Being 68 years old I do get a bit concerned about my safety when I go over 3 star terrain and being in Phoenix when I see no one else on the trails at times. I rely on my cell phone to bail my butt out should I get injured. How many others cache solo? Should I get a partner?

 

Most of my caches have been solo. I found a few with my wife (I changed my account name from "tisri" to "team tisri" to save her logging everything again), but she lost interest in it and few people I know have any interest in it. Truth be told I have little interest any more, but pick the odd one off now and then.

 

Geocaching aside I often go for long hikes in the woods by myself when we're out of town. I carry a cellphone but it's of limited use in areas where reception is very patchy and in some areas it's non-existent. I've considered getting a portable radio so I can call for help if I get into serious difficulty, but even then there's the question of whether anyone would hear it or not.

 

If you're hiking with someone else they may be able to administer basic first aid but if you get into real trouble and there's no cellphone service they'd still have to leave you to find signal to call for help. The advantage having a GPS would give you is that they could mark exactly where you are, so they could give a precise location to emergency services and also find you again after they had made their call.

[+MtnMutt-ProDuckShins]

I go SOLO a lot, being 65 years young I have no problems. I have NO Cellphone. I do carry an iPad in my Pack.

 

I alway leave a PLAN at Home and a Message to one of my sons. They know where I'm going and approximate time I should return.

 

One other STUPID thing I do is CLIMB SOLO but I've been doing this since I was 8 years OLD.

 

Each of us must make our own Decisions and stick to it, so as you cannot blame others for you possible mistake or mistakes. Remember you chose this not them.

 

Good Luck and keep that Smile going....

 

PS.... Life begins at the end of your Comfort Zone

[+uxorious]

I like to do it solo. Alone time in the woods keeps me sane.

 

At your age, especially, it might be a good idea to find a caching partner or at the very least, get a SPOT device.

 

You really don't understand age... but you will in the future!

 

I am also 68 and I am about a 50/50 solo cacher also and I love it. This year I have gone places that no one of any age should go solo. Arizona forests, fresh bear scat on the long trail, mountain lion country with fresh sightings, a long night cache. And mountain lion meetings, bad neighborhoods, narrow log bridges to cross over raging winter streams.

 

I don't do this because I am super cool. In fact, I am usually dealing with my fear levels, but there is a cache out there that must be found!

 

You will be pleasantly surprised when you reach this age and discover that you don't feel as old as you thought you would when you were the age that you are now.

 

Everyone ages differently. I find, at 66, I'm not as agile as I used to be. Minor inner ear problems means I'm not quite as steady crossing a log, or wandering off trail on a hill. Certainly I can't push myself like I could when I was younger. I really do feel I should go with a partner more often. However, I do prefer going solo, or just with the dogs.

[+TeamRabbitRun]

If you want to go out alone, check out www.INeverSolo.com

 

Like filing a flight plan.

[+Riverview CacheAways]

THANK YOU, The_Incredibles, ngrrfan, and TeamRabbitRun. Your advice about devices and filing a plan is great. I try to be careful, but your suggestions make so much sense. I am going to follow it. Thanks again, very much appreciated.

 

[+Mudfrog]

This year I have gone places that no one of any age should go solo. Arizona forests, fresh bear scat on the long trail, mountain lion country with fresh sightings, a long night cache. And mountain lion meetings, bad neighborhoods, narrow log bridges to cross over raging winter streams.

 

You've just summed up pretty much everything I want in an adventure. Where do I sign up?

 

I love the fun/adventure/challenge of most of the above. The exception for me,,, bad neighborhoods. Dealing with wilderness always carries certain risks but i kinda know what i'm in for when i cross into this territory. I know my abilities and how to deal with most situations that might arise. In my opinion, seaking a cache (a 99% chance a boring hide) in a bad neighborhood isn't worth taking a risk for. I'm not knowingly going to put myself in a situation where i have so little control over the surrounding elements.

 

, but there is a cache out there that must be found!

Sorry, but i just can't wrap my head around this way of thinking.

 

More on topic, good answers above. At the very least, try to always let someone know what your plans are. I love being alone in the wilderness but i do have to realize that things can go unexpectantly. Be sure to bring the necessities that the area you're going into requires. Try to be prepared with a game plan and an alternate plan just in case. Most of all,,, know your abilities and your limits!

[+captnemo]

I used to solo most of the time. Due to health concerns, I rarely solo anymore. When I do I find easy caches, carry a cell phone and leave a plan of where I going and when I'll be back. At 66 this seems wise for me.

[+hzoi]

I normally cache solo, or with my 1-year-old daughter, who would not be much help in an exigent circumstance.

[+niraD]

I've done most of my geocaching solo. However, most of that has been in situations where I wasn't really alone (urban/suburban caches, busy parks, group trips where I was the only geocacher, etc.). But I have done a few genuinely solo hikes, and yes, I take more precautions for them.

[+YAKE46]

Thank you all for your input but I didn't mention my other precaution before leaving home I make a copy of the mapped area/s with caches I'll be attempting and put on the refer for my wife. Next time I get to REI I'm going to look at the DeLorme inReach.

[+terrkan78]

I love hiking solo. The farther out in the boonies, the better. I've looked into the devices that you can use outside cell service, but they're not cheap - I haven't sprung for one yet. I leave a plan with family, but frankly I'd be surprised if they could even find my car, let alone find me.

 

I spend plenty of time thinking about what it would be like if something went wrong, very wrong, while I'm out hiking. It betrays my own issues to say so, but I actually kind of like the thought that if something does go wrong, I have only myself to rely on to fix it. Frankly, it scares much more to think of having to rely on someone else (unquestionably there's something sick and wrong with that!)

 

I'm not a rock climber and I draw the line occasionally when I'm out scrambling up/down steep terrain, but usually the lure of the cache gets me to GZ. There have been times when I've surveyed the incredibly scary and slightly over-my-head terrain, looking at the cuts, bruises and clothing tears I've accumulated on this particular scramble, and I've stopped to ask myself if this is worth it. So far the answer has come from deep from within, loud and unequivocal: This is where I feel alive. This is so worth it.

 

I accept the risks inherent in hiking alone. But I haven't watched (and don't plan to watch) that movie where the guy gets his arm stuck and eventually cuts it off to save his life.

[+GrateBear]

I go solo most of the time, but if it's a lengthy hike, a long drive on a desolate road that is intended for Jeeps/ATVs, or requires climbing, I'll bring my adult son along. He's not a cacher, but likes getting out in the remote areas.

[+AliJam]

I cache solo, don't want the company of others I work closely with folk all week and look forward to a little solitude now and then.

However I all ways leave a plan with wife and expected time of return. Even in the U.K. we get lonely places. Wife knows that if I am over an hour late she needs to start trying to contact me 2 hours and its call out some help time.

Never needed to use the call out yet but I feel safer knowing it's there.

[+J Grouchy]

99% of the time I'm alone...but it's almost all urban/suburban. One time I was going for an FTF and another cacher arrived while I was there. I've tried taking family along other times, but they generally aren't into it. I can't get my kids interested AT ALL - that is until I find the ammo can with toys inside.

 

I really kind of prefer solo caching. That way I know the find truly is MINE...and I don't have to feel quite so stupid when I can't find a cache.

[+SirDonB]

I tend to cache alone most of the time. I have made a few friends along the way while geocaching, and only really cache with one other person from time to time when our schedules allow for it.

 

At times I am worried about safety, but caching alone only means I am thinking of it more consciously. When I am with a friend, I am a bit more complacent. I also tend to be caching at the witching hour as well, so even less of a chance to have a caching partner anyway.

[+JL_HSTRE]

I mostly cache solo, although I'm only 32. I have a smartphone and generally try to avoid certain riskier areas if I'm by myself (ex: no swamphiking). No rocks to climb in FL but I do some tree climbers which is a bit risky solo. I don't generally go way out in the wilderness and they are all dayhikes; I'm usually in preserves and state parks with clearly marked trails not more than an hour or two from the trailhead.

 

I used to check in at trails/parks on FourSquare so my friends knew where I had last been, but I stopped using that app after the changes earlier this year. I'm don't know what I'll do as a replacement.

[+Corfman Clan]

I'm in Phoenix too, so I sorted your finds by terrain. I've also found all of the first 45 or so of your highest terrain caches. I have a hard time describing most of them as backcountry caches though they certainly are on desert trails where one needs to watch for venomous critters and poky things. There's nothing wrong with that. I think a cell phone is fine for the areas you have been caching. If you plan on expanding your caching to the remote areas where cell phone service is spotty, then a PLB, such as SPOT might be a good idea. I have a SPOT myself and have it with me whenever I'm off hiking/caching in remote areas. I've even had to use it once to call for help when my dirt bike broke down in BFE.

 

The best thing to do, as others have mentioned, is to let someone know were you are going and just as importantly, when you will return. Also, let whoever that is to notify authorities when you are late and state that you are an overdue hiker, not that you are missing.

 

Now back to those trails you've been hiking. Just because I don't consider them backcountry does not mean that one can go out and hike/cache on them without being prepared. A couple of summer's ago a cacher died from exposure trying for a FTF on a very hot afternoon on trails in the Preserve you've been hiking in. Be smart when you go out.

 

Personally, I look for caches that are not found very often so I end up in the remote areas quite often. If you see yourself heading in that direction to, I recommend taking a look at the link in my signature.

 

Good luck!

[+Ambrosia]

[+hzoi]

Is that a solo throwdown cache?

[+BAMBOOZLE]

My wife and I are almost 68 and 99.9% of the time cache together. One of the few times I was by myself looking for a cache in back of a playground a father approached me because his wife was worried about me.....I told him what I was doing and he attempted to help me but we didn't find it which was further embarrassing ( found it in 2 min on a return trip ). It's just sad and the world we live in. I think being incorrectly profiled is more likely than being injured.

Caching with my wife is great.....everyone likes older couples and many, including police, offer assistance.

By all means carry a cell phone and be sure you have a signal and good battery before hiking.