[Berniss]

Hi

I am completely new to Geocaching and just heard about it yesterday. I found it very interesting and decided that I would give it a go. I have an eTrex H GPS to use and have already found some close caches. I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips and maybe some rules about Geocaching before I go and start Thanks!

[The Blorenges]

Welcome

To start off I suggest you get a mug of tea/coffee/your favourite relaxing drink and read through the links here:

Geocaching 101


Then when you've gone through that lot please come back and ask for more clarification on any bits you don't understand.


MrsB

[Pup Patrol]

The Help Center covers pretty much everything:

http://support.Groun...k.com/index.php

The Guidelines are helpful to finders as well as hiders:

http://support.Groun...g=kb.book&id=11

Of course, this "Getting Started" forum has a lot of information, too.






B.

[briansnat]

Rule 1 Have fun

[StarBrand]

Before you hide a cache - read the guidelines well - see the link in my signature also.....

Why isn't the cache where my GPS says it should be?

The general accuracy of most handheld GPS devices is around 15 to 25 feet. Remember though you have might have to add your potential error to any error the cache owner had when placing the cache. That means you could easily find yourself looking for a cache up to 50 feet from where your unit says ground zero is. Most of the time you will find them within 20 feet or less but do be prepared to widen your search. Put the GPS away when you are within 20 feet or so and start looking for likely hiding spots.

Back off and re-approach the area if necessary to verify you are looking in the right spot.

Forget Stealth:
I advise you to not try and be stealthy. That just attracts more undue attention. Instead be bold. Be proud of what you are doing - act as though you are doing nothing wrong (mostly because you aren't!!). Act as though it is your job to find that cache, a job you are very good at and proud to do. Find it. Sign it. Put it back and move on. Carry a clipboard and look professional - you'll blend into the background.

Here are some general hints:

Look for caches with a difficulty of 2 or less for your fist few caches. Stick with regular sized caches for your first few. Micros can be quite hard to find sometimes. Stick to areas you are familiar with. Look for anything out of place or unusual. Look for unusual piles of sticks, grass, leaves, rocks, sand, etc. Feel where you cannot look. Think vertical, not all caches are on the ground. Look up or at eye level. Look for traces of previous searches to zero in on the spot. Think like the hider - where would you put a container in this location? Look for things too new, too old, too perfect, not like the others, too many, too few. Change your perspective - a shift in lighting can sometimes reveal a cache. Keep in mind that many micros are magnetic or attached to something (via string, wire etc). Slowly expand your search area to about 40 feet from where your GPS says ground zero is. Bring garden gloves and a flashlight - they help! Be prepared to not find the cache more often then you think.

Most of all - have fun!!

[Berniss]

Hi everyone,
I am soo grateful for all of your replies and tips. Thank You very much. I found them very useful and plan on going for my first Geocache tomorrow Thanks again