Bad hiding place?

[jfpinell]

There's one I've looked for in a park (NO guys, NOT my "favorite"....before anyone gets the wrong idea! This is in a totally different Town about 12 miles away) several times. (Am I allowed to mention the Town by name here?) My toy takes me just about under a....I don't know what you call it....some big play thing to crawl on with ladders, "steering wheels", slides, etc. all in 1. Question is, 1)Is it a good idea to put them where dozens of kids are every day? What are the chances it's going to be gone 10 mins. after it's first hid? (Not to mention some woman with her kid getting paranoid you're watching them!) *rolls eyes* and 2) How far off are you allowed to put one before it's considered in bad taste (or better put find one away from its coordinates before moving it back closer to where the toy says it should be)? Somehow I think this one wound up the same as my favorite one did (in theory). I've felt under several permanent benches about 10 feet away from this play thing (whatever it's called), around the pavilion about 30 feet away and all around that play thing (when no one was there.)

[+Panther&Pine]

If you don't feel comfortable hunting for one, then don't. This activity does require you to use personal judgment.

You could even mention the cache by GC code with a link.

[+kunarion]

For a Traditional Geocache, it's not good to list coordinates that are not accurate. But the hider may have used a device that isn't very accurate, or made a mistake when typing the coords. Or maybe you aren't yet familiar with how your "toy" works.

 

In your example, the cache may not be on the playground equipment. It might be in the pavilion or on the benches. Go to the web site, look at the icon on the map (zoom in, and use satellite view). Compare the icon location with where the GPSr was directing. If it is in fact on the monkey bars, as mentioned you may prefer to skip that one. Or, as you tried, hunt when nobody's around.

 

And when you can't find a cache, submit a DNF log on the cache page. Then write to the Cache Owner and ask. When hunting a cache, you'll need to review the terrain and difficulty rating, the cache size, cache description, previous logs, and the hint. See if previous logs say the cachers were uncomfortable with searching while kids were there, or if they say the coords were off. If not, reconsider where you're searching. And remember that some "Micros" are about the size of a fingertip, and painted to match the bench.

 

If the coordinates are way off, there's a place in the log form to add better ones.

Edited July 25, 2014 by kunarion

[+Chief301]

There's one I've looked for in a park (NO guys, NOT my "favorite"....before anyone gets the wrong idea! This is in a totally different Town about 12 miles away) several times. (Am I allowed to mention the Town by name here?) My toy takes me just about under a....I don't know what you call it....some big play thing to crawl on with ladders, "steering wheels", slides, etc. all in 1. Question is, 1)Is it a good idea to put them where dozens of kids are every day? What are the chances it's going to be gone 10 mins. after it's first hid? (Not to mention some woman with her kid getting paranoid you're watching them!) *rolls eyes* and 2) How far off are you allowed to put one before it's considered in bad taste (or better put find one away from its coordinates before moving it back closer to where the toy says it should be)? Somehow I think this one wound up the same as my favorite one did (in theory). I've felt under several permanent benches about 10 feet away from this play thing (whatever it's called), around the pavilion about 30 feet away and all around that play thing (when no one was there.)

 

If you do happen to find the cache, please DO NOT move it "closer to where the toy says it should be". Always replace the cache exactly as and where you found it...no guessing where you "think" it should be.

 

If the coordinates are truly that far off, place it back where you found it and log a NM (Needs Maintenance) to let the CO know that you found it X number of feet away from where your GPS showed it to be. You don't know where the original hiding place is, whether the cache has migrated over time, or whether in fact it IS in the proper spot but the coordinates aren't really good. The CO should check on it and replace it in its proper spot if it has moved.

 

I think once you actually find a few caches you'll have a much better understanding of how this all works.

 

1)Is it a good idea to put them where dozens of kids are every day? What are the chances it's going to be gone 10 mins. after it's first hid?

 

Playground equipment is usually NOT a good place to hide a Geocache for the reasons you've mentioned. However, under certain circumstances it can work. I found one recently during a CITO event....the playground was not a very busy one, being hidden away at the back of a subdivision, so it was quite possible to search at a time when no one was there, and the cache was placed in such a manner that it is highly unlikely any kids would spot it. So that one wasn't bad.

Edited July 25, 2014 by Chief301

[+kunarion]

There's one I've looked for in a park (NO guys, NOT my "favorite"....before anyone gets the wrong idea! This is in a totally different Town about 12 miles away) several times.

Is that the only cache around? Someone in this Forum has a nice list of caching tips, but here are some:

 

Look at the star rating for a cache. If both Difficulty and Terrain are less than “2”, it should be good for beginners. Pick a “Traditional Cache” (green icon), “Small” or larger size (save Micros for later). Check the description to see if it's something that seems likely to find. Look for an encrypted “additional hint”, there may be useful info there (for more of a challenge, bring it along encrypted and use it only if necessary). Read a couple of recent logs, so you know others are finding it. Look at the “satellite” view on the map, to see where the cache icon is in relation to walls, fences, and other landmarks.

 

Select “Geocaching Mode”, or other hiking mode, and watch the compass and distance. When it says you're closer than 30 feet from the cache, it's time to look less at the GPSr, and look around for hiding spots.

 

When I started Geocaching, if the cache description was very specific, that's one I'd try – I'd basically know exactly where I was going to look when I arrived. You might try a similar system.

[+Panther&Pine]

There's one I've looked for in a park (NO guys, NOT my "favorite"....before anyone gets the wrong idea! This is in a totally different Town about 12 miles away) several times.

Is that the only cache around? Someone in this Forum has a nice list of caching tips, but here are some:

 

Look at the star rating for a cache. If both Difficulty and Terrain are less than “2”, it should be good for beginners. Pick a “Traditional Cache” (green icon), “Small” or larger size (save Micros for later). Check the description to see if it's something that seems likely to find. Look for an encrypted “additional hint”, there may be useful info there (for more of a challenge, bring it along encrypted and use it only if necessary). Read a couple of recent logs, so you know others are finding it. Look at the “satellite” view on the map, to see where the cache icon is in relation to walls, fences, and other landmarks.

 

Select “Geocaching Mode”, or other hiking mode, and watch the compass and distance. When it says you're closer than 30 feet from the cache, it's time to look less at the GPSr, and look around for hiding spots.

 

When I started Geocaching, if the cache description was very specific, that's one I'd try – I'd basically know exactly where I was going to look when I arrived. You might try a similar system.

Normally we don't have to mention that the caches you look for should be enabled and currently listed on the website, but today I'm feeling the need to put that put there.

[+narcissa]

I am calling troll on this guy. This is ridiculous.

[4wheelin_fool]

1. You should not move any cache to a better spot.
   
2. You should not seek any cache that makes you feel uncomfortable.
   
3. You should not seek any cache that makes others uncomfortable. There may be a better time to look. Kids who are geocaching with their parents may enjoy it.
   
4. You should log your finds.
   
5. It is okay to mention your town.
   
6. You should not move any cache to a better spot.
   
7. You should not move any cache to a better spot.
   
8. You should not move any cache to a better spot.
   
9. You should not move any cache to a better spot.
   
10. You should not move any cache to a better spot.
     
    

 

Hope that covers it. Have fun!

[+mrreet]

I am calling troll on this guy. This is ridiculous.

 

Favorite point awarded!

[4wheelin_fool]

I am calling troll on this guy. This is ridiculous.

 

Favorite point awarded!

 

It may be too early for that. Perhaps we all could be helpful and point him towards the help center.

[jfpinell]

I am calling troll on this guy. This is ridiculous.

 

If you don't want to respond, then don't. Some of us just like to chat about things more in detail and need a bit more advice than others.

[jfpinell]

I am calling troll on this guy. This is ridiculous.

 

Favorite point awarded!

 

It may be too early for that. Perhaps we all could be helpful and point him towards the help center.

 

For some reason that link is sending me to a song on youtube. :/

....Interesting.

[+Ambrosia]

I am calling troll on this guy. This is ridiculous.

 

Favorite point awarded!

 

It may be too early for that. Perhaps we all could be helpful and point him towards the help center.

 

For some reason that link is sending me to a song on youtube. :/

....Interesting.

 

Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!111

[+narcissa]

I am calling troll on this guy. This is ridiculous.

 

If you don't want to respond, then don't. Some of us just like to chat about things more in detail and need a bit more advice than others.

 

I find it curious that this comment contains two complete, correct sentences when the rest of your comments are completely incoherent.

[+Ed_S]

There is one point brought up in this thread that some folks could benefit from. That is, a lone person, especially a lone adult male, lurking in the bushes around a playground full of kiddies, is the sort of thing that panicky mommies will call the cops on in a heartbeat. BUT - give that same man in the same circumstances a dog, and nobody looks twice.

 

If you feel self-conscious looking for caches, do something to make yourself blend in.

[Keystone]

I hid an off topic post and a reply to it. Lets stick to discussing Geocaching. Thanks.

[+Chief301]

If you feel self-conscious looking for caches, do something to make yourself blend in.

 

Like what, disguise yourself as a piece of playground equipment?

[+qtbluemoon]

If you feel self-conscious looking for caches, do something to make yourself blend in.

 

Like what, disguise yourself as a piece of playground equipment?

He stated what, in the same post you quoted from. Bring a dog.

Edited July 25, 2014 by qtbluemoon

[jfpinell]

If you feel self-conscious looking for caches, do something to make yourself blend in.

 

Like what, disguise yourself as a piece of playground equipment?

He stated what, in the same post you quoted from. Bring a dog.

I like the other idea: make like playground equipment and maybe they won't notice you.

[+Panther&Pine]

I wouldn't recommend letting strange children climb on you....

Edited July 25, 2014 by MooseJawSpruce

[+Chief301]

If you feel self-conscious looking for caches, do something to make yourself blend in.

 

Like what, disguise yourself as a piece of playground equipment?

He stated what, in the same post you quoted from. Bring a dog.

 

I was being facetious. Comments followed by a smiley ninja shouldn't be taken at face value.

[jfpinell]

I wouldn't recommend letting strange children climb on you....

Well, then make like a piece of playground equipment and hang a sign on your nose saying "out of order. Do not play on."

(This is actually starting to be funny)

[+qtbluemoon]

If you feel self-conscious looking for caches, do something to make yourself blend in.

 

Like what, disguise yourself as a piece of playground equipment?

He stated what, in the same post you quoted from. Bring a dog.

 

I was being facetious. Comments followed by a smiley ninja shouldn't be taken at face value.

Point taken. I'll remember that.

[+The A-Team]

I am calling troll on this guy. This is ridiculous.

Favorite point awarded!

It may be too early for that. Perhaps we all could be helpful and point him towards the help center.

Well played, good sir. It's been a while since I've been rickrolled.

[+jellis]

I wouldn't recommend letting strange children climb on you....

Well, then make like a piece of playground equipment and hang a sign on your nose saying "out of order. Do not play on."

(This is actually starting to be funny)

I've been watching this and still wonder if you are a SPA cause you spend more time on here then actually finding a cache.

[+The_Incredibles_]

I wouldn't recommend letting strange children climb on you....

Well, then make like a piece of playground equipment and hang a sign on your nose saying "out of order. Do not play on."

(This is actually starting to be funny)

I've been watching this and still wonder if you are a SPA cause you spend more time on here then actually finding a cache.

 

SPA = slightly prickly alligator?

 

To answer the OP's question, it's not a good idea to hide a cache on or near playground equipment.

 

#1 it's going to go missing

#2 unless it's a quiet playground, cachers arriving are either going to creep the parents out or they're going to have to leave and come back later

 

I do have some hides near playground equipment, but not too close. More like 100 or 200 meters away, on the opposite end of the field. This way, families can enjoy the cache, but people without kids can find the cache without feeling uncomfortable or making muggles uncomfortable.

[+The_Incredibles_]

OK, never mind. I see the cache was published anyway.

 

New playground cache

[+wmpastor]

OK, never mind. I see the cache was published anyway.

 

New playground cache

Looked at the photo and it looks like a park (with playground), not just a playground.

[jfpinell]

OK, never mind. I see the cache was published anyway.

 

New playground cache

Actually I was asking about one in Brillion at a park where the toy takes me DIRECTLY UNDER a big....whatever it is....climbing area, slide, etc. all on 1 thing. It just seemed strange that it'id be there due to all the kids. (Obviously you're NOT going to go getting in their way nosing around while they're having fun playing any more than they'd be jumping around on a tennis court when you're waiting to play a game.) As for the worrying of women with their kids, no one take this wrong, but as I said in the topic about the ammo. boxes, if people in this Country weren't so paranoid and over proactive nowadays, you wouldn't have to worry so much. (Heck, even if you're constantly walking around halfway across the playground nowadays some women would start thinking you're stalking them or watching them just waiting! -I've seen it happen.)

[+Trotter17]

I've got a little daughter. She is eleven months old and makes excellent camouflage when geocaching!

 

I also have three dogs, a plastic crown, an all black suit, a clipboard, hiking boots, a red wig, a Court of Owls mask from Batman, a 1980s boombox, and some psychic paper.

 

Using these, I cache where I want, when I want!

[+K13]

OK, never mind. I see the cache was published anyway.

 

New playground cache

Actually I was asking about one in Brillion at a park where the toy takes me DIRECTLY UNDER a big....whatever it is....climbing area, slide, etc. all on 1 thing. It just seemed strange that it'id be there due to all the kids. (Obviously you're NOT going to go getting in their way nosing around while they're having fun playing any more than they'd be jumping around on a tennis court when you're waiting to play a game.) As for the worrying of women with their kids, no one take this wrong, but as I said in the topic about the ammo. boxes, if people in this Country weren't so paranoid and over proactive nowadays, you wouldn't have to worry so much. (Heck, even if you're constantly walking around halfway across the playground nowadays some women would start thinking you're stalking them or watching them just waiting! -I've seen it happen.)

 

I'm very close to the half-century mark, and if I were visiting a playground with my 2 year old nephew and saw a lone male walking about the area, I would keep notice and maybe even call someone with a badge. It isn't just women who are watching out for their children.

[+J Grouchy]

There is one point brought up in this thread that some folks could benefit from. That is, a lone person, especially a lone adult male, lurking in the bushes around a playground full of kiddies, is the sort of thing that panicky mommies will call the cops on in a heartbeat. BUT - give that same man in the same circumstances a dog, and nobody looks twice.

 

If you feel self-conscious looking for caches, do something to make yourself blend in.

 

Nobody? That actually puts me on guard just as much since the dog could itself be a ploy. No...in my opinion - and this is unfortunate, but just a sign of the times - any grown male around a playground without a kid is likely to raise suspicion.

[+narcissa]

OK, never mind. I see the cache was published anyway.

 

New playground cache

Actually I was asking about one in Brillion at a park where the toy takes me DIRECTLY UNDER a big....whatever it is....climbing area, slide, etc. all on 1 thing. It just seemed strange that it'id be there due to all the kids. (Obviously you're NOT going to go getting in their way nosing around while they're having fun playing any more than they'd be jumping around on a tennis court when you're waiting to play a game.) As for the worrying of women with their kids, no one take this wrong, but as I said in the topic about the ammo. boxes, if people in this Country weren't so paranoid and over proactive nowadays, you wouldn't have to worry so much. (Heck, even if you're constantly walking around halfway across the playground nowadays some women would start thinking you're stalking them or watching them just waiting! -I've seen it happen.)

 

I'm very close to the half-century mark, and if I were visiting a playground with my 2 year old nephew and saw a lone male walking about the area, I would keep notice and maybe even call someone with a badge. It isn't just women who are watching out for their children.

 

You would call the police because someone was walking around?

[+K13]

Maybe, that would depend on the situation and their actions. I might do the same if it were a lone female. Protection of the children from a perceived threat is more important.

[+narcissa]

Maybe, that would depend on the situation and their actions. I might do the same if it were a lone female. Protection of the children from a perceived threat is more important.

 

How is walking around a park a threat?

[+K13]

Maybe the same way walking into a bank can be a threat. It depends on how the person appears. A solo adult walking around where small children are playing will raise my awareness, just as a person entering the bank wearing a hooded jacket and dark glasses. It has to be taken in the context of the situation.

[+NYPaddleCacher]

I've got a little daughter. She is eleven months old and makes excellent camouflage when geocaching!

 

I also have three dogs, a plastic crown, an all black suit, a clipboard, hiking boots, a red wig, a Court of Owls mask from Batman, a 1980s boombox, and some psychic paper.

 

Using these, I cache where I want, when I want!

 

If you use them all at the same time you can pretty much guarantee that people stay as far away as possible.

[+wmpastor]

I've got a little daughter. She is eleven months old and makes excellent camouflage when geocaching!

 

I also have three dogs, a plastic crown, an all black suit, a clipboard, hiking boots, a red wig, a Court of Owls mask from Batman, a 1980s boombox, and some psychic paper.

 

Using these, I cache where I want, when I want!

 

If you use them all at the same time you can pretty much guarantee that people stay as far away as possible.

But stay out of k13 territory just to be sure!

[+Ambrosia]

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), every year, more than 200,000 children are abducted by family members. An additional 58,000 are taken by nonrelatives with primarily sexual motives. However, only 115 reported abductions represent cases in which strangers abduct and kill children, hold them for ransom, or take them with the intention to keep.