What Do I Need?
Part 3
Return to the previous page
Hiding
First of all, I don't make any great claims to experience here. I'm currently preparing to hide my first two caches, so much of what I think about how it should work is just theory. On the other hand, I'm a pretty smart guy, so I think I can figure a lot of this out.
Here is a list of a few things you should consider when preparing to hide a cache.
Container
From my experience, I can tell you, waterproof is absolutely necessary! Several times I've come across a nice cache only to find everything inside it wet and much of it ruined. I especially remember one cache I had to drive some distance for. I found it in a very non-waterproof container and someone had left a piece of sidewalk chalk (pink) as a prize. The chalk had gotten wet and everything inside the container was now PINK! So, whatever you choose make sure it's going to stand up to the elements--especially the wet ones!
So, from this we learn:
- Wicker baskets - out
- Rubbermaid/Tupperware/other water-tight containers - in!
I've heard of some caches made out of Schedule 40 PVC pipe. While this would be very water-tight, I would be a little concerned about the resemblance to a pipe bomb in this day and age. Also, after selling and working with PVC for a few years, I know those pipe threads don't always want to unscrew, especially after being exposed to the elements for a while.
Baggies
This is a must. Get some ziplock baggies and keep each individual prize in them. I've even come to see that things already wrapped in plastic should also be placed in ziplock baggies. It just makes sense.
Micro-caches
 Micro-caches are very small containers that will usually contain nothing but a one page logbook strip of paper. They're a unique challenge because of the size and also because they're usually in fairly public places. Getting to them, finding them, signing them and replacing the cache can be difficult if there are a lot of people in the area wondering what that weirdo with the funny looking cellphone is doing!
Film Canisters seem to be a favorite container for micro-caches. I've also seen Altoid's tins, magnetic key boxes, and cigar tubes. Imagination is the key—can you hide it where no one will accidentally find it or can you make it look like something that belongs there?
Location
What are the three keys to Real Estate sales? "Location, Location, and Location." Geocaching probably has about five keys, but three of them are still "Location."
The location is going to depend on several factors. Who do you want to come to this cache--experienced hikers or novices? What kind of terrain is there in your area? How private/public is the area? Is the location going to be tied to the cache in some sort of theme? Yadda yadda yadda.
 Don't forget about the possibility of the location itself being the cache--as in a Virtual Cache. These are caches where there is no actual container. You follow the co-ordinants to what might be a landmark or some unusual sight. Often you have to email the cache owner and answer a question to count these as a find. When I was in Washington, DC, we did several of these. They were a lot of fun and turned out to be a great excuse to see some of the sights.
Stuff to Stash
As I'm preparing my first traditional cache, one thing I'm concerned about is the proper balance of items in the container. I don't want to fill it with just stuff for kids (although there are some great kids only caches out there) and I don't want to fill it with just one or two types of items. I've tried to put some toys in it, some CD's, some old (but still useful) RAM chips, a first-aid kit, and other items I would be happy to find in a cache.
On the other hand, maybe you're thinking of doing a theme cache. This would include items built around a particular theme--a movie maybe, or a pastime, or an event. In any case, try to include a good mix of items so that everyone can find something to enjoy.
And of course, don't forget to include a logbook. It's just not a Geocache without one. Some people throw a disposable camera in so people can take pictures of themselves at the cache. I'm considering placing a small tape recorder in mine so people can leave little audio clips of their visits.
|
