Night Caching

[+Team_Vod]

I am going to give this one more shot and hope I don't get chastised, etc.

 

Has anyone done any night caching or gone geocaching after sun set where you need artificial light to light your way to a cache? I ask because one member here has politely pointed out geocaching is not about the numbers, and of course I realize that, but about the adventure.

 

Considering I am only doing urban geocaching right now and am not going to expand much beyond that for a while, in a municipality there are usually laws/ordinances about when the areas such as public parks close after sunset. There are also areas where even on public property one should be careful about searching for something with a flashlight, such as in an alley in a not so good area of town, etc. But as long as I obey local laws and ordinances and avoid areas of town that may not be so nice or safe after dark as others can night caching be fun? Is it potentially more challenging? I ask because I am considering doing this tonight at one of the large public parks on the way home. I am off work at 10 pm and the park closes at 11. Anyone caught in the park after closing can be cited or even arrested, depending on what they are doing.

[+kunarion]

the park closes at 11. Anyone caught in the park after closing can be cited or even arrested, depending on what they are doing.

That's the tricky part. Cachers will need to know that this Night Cache is not allowed half the night. What has the park manager said to you about this? One wildlife refuge near where I live has "Closed At Dusk" signs, but the rec park manager mentioned that the refuge's gate never closes, and they don't mind if people are there to check out wildlife at night (or to cache). That's subject to change, of course. Also, weirdoes may be there if it's open 24 hours, or even people who aren't Geocachers.

 

I once searched for a night cache on Stone Mountain. The cache was on the ground below a tiny light that you'd see in a treetop after dark and your eyes adjusted. And it wasn't maintained, so it wasn't working. And now we're on the top of the cliff and have to get down the mountain in the dark without falling to our doom. Fun!

Edited May 21, 2016 by kunarion

[+narcissa]

Of course finding small containers is more challenging in the dark. Whether or not it's fun is subjective.

 

Read cache pages and use your best judgment.

[Pup Patrol]

I am going to give this one more shot and hope I don't get chastised, etc.

 

Has anyone done any night caching or gone geocaching after sun set where you need artificial light to light your way to a cache? I ask because one member here has politely pointed out geocaching is not about the numbers, and of course I realize that, but about the adventure.

 

Considering I am only doing urban geocaching right now and am not going to expand much beyond that for a while, in a municipality there are usually laws/ordinances about when the areas such as public parks close after sunset. There are also areas where even on public property one should be careful about searching for something with a flashlight, such as in an alley in a not so good area of town, etc. But as long as I obey local laws and ordinances and avoid areas of town that may not be so nice or safe after dark as others can night caching be fun? Is it potentially more challenging? I ask because I am considering doing this tonight at one of the large public parks on the way home. I am off work at 10 pm and the park closes at 11. Anyone caught in the park after closing can be cited or even arrested, depending on what they are doing.

 

I know of some folks who do nothing but night caching. Personally, we do our caching in the daylight so we can see the sights.

 

Once we were searching for a cache as it got darker. Underestimated the time it would take us to walk the trail and find the other caches, I suppose. It was very frustrating being able to hear the waterfall nearby and not being able to see it and get photos. And, I'll admit, my nerves were kind of jumpy walking back to the road in complete darkness, with nothing but our flashlights. Every little sound...I was convinced it was a bear. LOL

 

There are caches that are only meant to be found at night.

 

Help Center → Hiding a Geocache → Review Process: Hiding a Geocache

1.24. Night and UV Geocaches

http://support.Groundspeak.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=69

 

We tried one once, but it was a fail. We only found the first firetack. Wandered around trying to find the others for a bit, but lost interest. We do enough stumbling around in the daylight...in darkness it's even less fun.

 

If you are obeying all local bylaws, then there's no reason not to search for caches at night.

 

Be prepared for other folks being out there as well...who are not geocaching.

 

B.

Edited May 21, 2016 by Pup Patrol

[+Ambrosia]

Yes, different parks and towns have different attitudes. You need to know what those are for your local areas and stick to them. It's not worth getting in trouble.

 

We're very fortunate here. Even though the parks have signs with hours or dawn to dusk notices, they aren't enforced. Police only care if people are doing things like drugs or vandalism. A lot of our parks are well lit and in the summer people take walks late at night, after the posted hours. If a cop actually talks to you, they are friendly and just making sure that you are using the park only for park recreation.

[Pup Patrol]

Some times those bison tubes are shiny, making them easily found by a flashlight.

 

Otherwise, searching for larger caches would probably be easier in the dark.

 

And you might want a poking stick to use, rather than your hand.

 

 

B.

[+Manville Possum]

I enjoy geocaching at night, and Night Caches. I own one ? cache type that is made up of several reflective trail tacks that lead up to the final.

[+Team_Vod]

the park closes at 11. Anyone caught in the park after closing can be cited or even arrested, depending on what they are doing.

That's the tricky part. Cachers will need to know that this Night Cache is not allowed half the night. What has the park manager said to you about this? One wildlife refuge near where I live has "Closed At Dusk" signs, but the rec park manager mentioned that the refuge's gate never closes, and they don't mind if people are there to check out wildlife at night (or even to cache). That's subject to change, of course. Also, weirdoes may be there if it's open 24 hours, or even people who aren't Geocachers.

 

I once searched for a night cache on Stone Mountain. The cache was on the ground below a tiny light that you see in a treetop after dark and your eyes adjust. And it wasn't maintained, so it wasn't working. And now we're on the top of the cliff and have to get down the mountain in the dark. Fun!

 

This park is in a city of about 82,000 people in the immediate city if you add the population of the surrounding/bordering towns/cities it is about 95,000 people. This is a city park. The only wildlife might be deer, turkey, raccoon, possum, skunk along with the typical birds. this park is literally on the floor of the Big Sioux and Missouri River valley's. Really can't get any lower in the valley unless you are closer to the river or on the bottom of it, so no mountains or hills in the park. As this is a city park it is controlled by the city parks and rec. department who are the ones who allowed the cache's to be hidden there in the first place. They allow people to use the park accordingly up until closing time. Unless people are committing vandalism anyone can enjoy the full amenities of the park. No special permission needed unless one of the shelters are reserved. The city police usually patrol the park shortly after 11 pm and then through out the evening as needed.

[+Team_Vod]

 

And you might want a poking stick to use, rather than your hand.

 

 

B.

 

I take it this is because of a conflict with a critter that may possibly mistake my hand for food or feel threatened?

[Pup Patrol]

And you might want a poking stick to use, rather than your hand.

 

B.

 

I take it this is because of a conflict with a critter that may possibly mistake my hand for food or feel threatened?

 

I try to remember not to just stick my hand in a tree-hole, even in the daylight. Some folks bring small mirrors to check first. Good idea I have yet to implement.

 

Yeah, I don't want to be sticking my hand in somewhere if I can't see what, if anything, is in there. Be it a live critter or "something else".

 

B.

[+niraD]

Some of my Favorites have been Night Caches. But as you said, it can be difficult to find a place to hide one. A lot of parks around here close at sunset, or half an hour after sunset, so night caches won't work in them.

 

Many of the parks on the other side of the SF Bay close at 10pm. And some night caches take long enough to complete that it's better to do them during the winter, when it gets dark earlier. In the summer, it might not be completely dark until after 9pm. If you have to be out of the park by 10pm and the cache takes more than an hour to complete...

 

There is also night caching in the sense of finding regular caches at night. That also depends on park hours, as you mentioned. Sometimes it's a lot harder, because it's dark. But sometimes it's actually easier, because the camouflage that is so effective during daylight might be less effective under artificial lighting. But I haven't done much of this kind of night caching myself.

[+noncentric]

There are "Night Caches" - which Pup Patrol linked do. Those caches are meant to only be found in darkness, usually because they utilize reflective markers to find the hiding spot and those markers are tough to see in daylight. It should be okay to search for these types of caches at night, otherwise the CO shouldn't be adding the "Night Cache" attribute.

 

Then there is 'caching at night', which can indeed be fun. If going to search for caches at night, it's a good idea to check the attributes on the cache page. Here is a list of the possible attributes: Attributes

A couple attributes that I find most useful for caching at night are: Available at all times and Recommended at night

-- Caches with one or both of these attribute are good candidates for nighttime searches. Example

-- Caches with a red line through these attributes would not be good candidates. Example Example

 

Of course, plenty of caches don't have attributes, so then it's just a matter of using your best judgment. For example, many cachers would advise against nighttime searching in residential areas to avoid startling residents that might think you're a prowler.

[+Touchstone]

There are "Night Caches"...

 

Here's one example in your area:

 

Grandview Night Owl Quest

[+Team_Vod]

There are "Night Caches"...

 

Here's one example in your area:

 

Grandview Night Owl Quest

 

The park I am going to search in tonight is Riverside, not Grandview. But cool idea. Grandview is very, very hilly. In fact the terrain designation for this cache listing should be higher.

[+dprovan]

I am going to give this one more shot and hope I don't get chastised, etc.

I'm sure you'll get more good advice just like you have in every other thread.

 

Has anyone done any night caching or gone geocaching after sun set where you need artificial light to light your way to a cache? I ask because one member here has politely pointed out geocaching is not about the numbers, and of course I realize that, but about the adventure.

I don't cache at night much, but it's definitely a lot of fun. The first time I went out at night I didn't even have a flashlight. That was probably too exciting, but I still managed to find a few caches. These days, I take a flashlight which makes it easier even though it's still more challenging that daylight. One tricky part is using 2 hands to sign the log while your third hand holds the flashlight so you can see what you're writing. Consider bringing a friend.

 

Caches designed to be found at night are even more fun if you have any in your area.

 

It sounds like you have a good handle on the issues that transcend geocaching, so I'm not worried about you on that score. I'm actually kinda oblivious about the differences between night and day myself, but I haven't had any trouble.

[+Team_Vod]

I am going to give this one more shot and hope I don't get chastised, etc.

I'm sure you'll get more good advice just like you have in every other thread.

 

Has anyone done any night caching or gone geocaching after sun set where you need artificial light to light your way to a cache? I ask because one member here has politely pointed out geocaching is not about the numbers, and of course I realize that, but about the adventure.

I don't cache at night much, but it's definitely a lot of fun. The first time I went out at night I didn't even have a flashlight. That was probably too exciting, but I still managed to find a few caches. These days, I take a flashlight which makes it easier even though it's still more challenging that daylight. One tricky part is using 2 hands to sign the log while your third hand holds the flashlight so you can see what you're writing. Consider bringing a friend.

 

Caches designed to be found at night are even more fun if you have any in your area.

 

It sounds like you have a good handle on the issues that transcend geocaching, so I'm not worried about you on that score. I'm actually kinda oblivious about the differences between night and day myself, but I haven't had any trouble.

 

For my flashlight I am going to use the LED light on my smartphone. This way I can look at the geocache app on the screen to locate the cache's and see where I am going in the dark.

Edited May 22, 2016 by SUX_VR_40_Rider

[+Manville Possum]

I am going to give this one more shot and hope I don't get chastised, etc.

I'm sure you'll get more good advice just like you have in every other thread.

 

Has anyone done any night caching or gone geocaching after sun set where you need artificial light to light your way to a cache? I ask because one member here has politely pointed out geocaching is not about the numbers, and of course I realize that, but about the adventure.

I don't cache at night much, but it's definitely a lot of fun. The first time I went out at night I didn't even have a flashlight. That was probably too exciting, but I still managed to find a few caches. These days, I take a flashlight which makes it easier even though it's still more challenging that daylight. One tricky part is using 2 hands to sign the log while your third hand holds the flashlight so you can see what you're writing. Consider bringing a friend.

 

Caches designed to be found at night are even more fun if you have any in your area.

 

It sounds like you have a good handle on the issues that transcend geocaching, so I'm not worried about you on that score. I'm actually kinda oblivious about the differences between night and day myself, but I haven't had any trouble.

 

For my flashlight I am going to use the LED light on my smartphone. This way I can look at the geocache app on the screen to locate the cache's and see where I am going in the dark.

 

For night caching in parks after dark I use the flashlight feature on my zap stick.

[+noncentric]

There are "Night Caches"...

 

Here's one example in your area:

 

Grandview Night Owl Quest

 

The park I am going to search in tonight is Riverside, not Grandview. But cool idea. Grandview is very, very hilly. In fact the terrain designation for this cache listing should be higher.

It seems easier to evaluate the D/T ratings after actually finding the cache. The Grandview cache description doesn't show where the actual hiding spot is located, since a cacher needs to follow the reflective markers instead. However, the cache description does mention that the terrain might be tougher. The CO notes: "The terrain varies and depending on the time of year and the time of night you go it may get tougher. It is generally a path on the side of the hill to the south."

 

For my flashlight I am going to use the LED light on my smartphone. This way I can look at the geocache app on the screen to locate the cache's and see where I am going in the dark.

Smartphone flashlights can indeed be pretty bright. Just a note of caution, which may not apply to your adventures in the city park, but the flashlight can be quite a drain on a phone's battery. If you ever go night caching in the woods, then just be careful about how much battery power your phone has. Or make sure you have a friend with you, so you can use their phone's flashlight when your phone battery gets drained. I'm speaking from experience. It got dark and so I reached into my backpack for my trusty flashlight, but it wasn't there! I'd forgotten that I had left it elsewhere. One phone was drained and the second was around 10% by the time we reached our car, since we had to use the phones for flashlights.

[thrillseeker69]

Night time geocaching is great. It adds another element of challenge, and as longs as its legal, no problem.

Unfortunately, some anal retentative type geocachers are more concerned about arbitrary things such as hours day/night, registration, etc, that they are lost of the spirit of the game. The same types that complain about muggles during the day.

Good luck to you on your adventures.

P.S.- I like to use a tactical light, or a long baton style light to check out places before I reach in to where a cache may be.

[+TriciaG]

Unfortunately, some anal retentative type geocachers are more concerned about arbitrary things such as hours day/night, registration, etc, that they are lost of the spirit of the game.

So it's losing the spirit of the game to follow local laws?

[+narcissa]

I'd lose spirit if I was arrested for trespassing while geocaching. Different strokes, as they say.

[+fuzziebear3]

For those firetack style night hides, a good tactical flash light can help you find them across the forest. Hold it at eye level next to your head, and the tack will reflect right back at you. And it is good to have a good flashlight at night, although I don't keep mine on all the time (I have pretty good night vision if I let my eyes adjust).

[ohgood]

For those firetack style night hides, a good tactical flash light can help you find them across the forest. Hold it at eye level next to your head, and the tack will reflect right back at you. And it is good to have a good flashlight at night, although I don't keep mine on all the time (I have pretty good night vision if I let my eyes adjust).

 

I've found (accidentally) a few caches and secret camp areas thanks to helmet mounted led lights. you're 100% right on about keeping it at eye level, everything that can reflect in the woods does, at that location.

 

it's always fun to be flying along and catch an unexpected fire tack trail!

[+colleda]

have got the occasional cache at night, usually at the end of the day. When there is a new listing published, close by, at night we're off like a rat up a drain pipe.

One memorable occurence I went out looking for FTFs on a series of eight and light rain started. That was fun, trying to sign the logs under my wide brim hat to keep the rain off while holding a mini LED flashlight in my mouth. Then there are the nocturnal spiders. We have huge Orb Weavers that spin up sticky volleyball nets in the bush, UGH!

[Thore]

Speaking for areas outside the US, in Europe, especially in Germany, Night Caches are a lot more popular. Actually to the point that they became a thorn in people's a.. neck in some areas.

There are whole forum discussion sled about the 'right' flashlight to use and the opinions vary from pencil LED light to Military grade lights.

In my opinion the reason for them being more prevalent there is the lack of wildlife (urban and rural) and predators (four and two legged) and certain laws. In Germany I would not hesitate to go on a night hike in a park or woods, because the most dangerous being that I will come across is a... fox or a stray dog, both equally rare. There are essentially no dangerous insects (not counting ticks) and cell coverage for emergencies is pretty much guaranteed.

 

Since moving to the US, even to the relatively safe NE, I have changed my behavior to account for bears, black widows, snakes and the occasional hunting enthusiast... Not to mention urban caching in major cities...

 

Would I like more? yes, absolutely because they ARE fun.

 

Thore

[+hzoi]

I've hunted plenty of caches at night; I try not to in urban environments just because peering around with a flashlight makes some folk edgy.

 

I really enjoy night caches, as in caches that aredesigned to be found at night by using reflectors or something similar; I don't do them enough. I set one up when we lived in Oklahoma and that gave me a better appreciation for how maintenance intensive they can be.

[+ArtieD]

I love caching in the dark. It can add a whole degree of difficulty!

[+NYPaddleCacher]

I love caching in the dark. It can add a whole degree of difficulty!

 

Some times is seems like I'm caching in the dark, even on a sunny day.

 

 

[+sir dumil]

This weekend, the local geocaching association is hold their annual 24-hour geocaching marathon event.

This is the event that introduced me to night-time geocaching.

A headlamp and a flashlight make night-time geocaching very do-able.

It's quite an experience. I managed to see quite a few natural phenomena that I would not have guessed about.

Night-time mist can make some really bizarre, floaty patterns when lit up for example.

Oddly enough, I've never attempted a night-specific cache during this event.

[+Blue_Ranger]

Allegheny State Park Geobash was this past weekend, and one of the big attractions at ASPGB is always the night caches. 9 new ones were published this year, 1 just a few days before, and 4 each on Friday and Saturday. We discovered that because night caches are so popular there, there's a lot of old firetack trails that go nowhere... caches are up for 2 years and then archived, and it seems when CO's recover their old night caches, they usually don't pull their firetacks. When there's a turn, you have to examine the firetacks in the new direction-- if they look old and rusty, you probably don't want to turn there. On a couple of the caches, we pulled some of the clearly outdated tacks on our way back, so the next group would have an easier time of it.