The Benefits of Winter Caching
In fact, in many ways caching is best suited as a winter activity. Consider some of the pluses of caching
during the colder months:
The Tree Cover Is Gone
All those moisture-filled leaves that blocked and reflected the satellite
signals in the spring and summer are gone. You have the benefit of much greater GPS accuracy than
you would have in the summer months.
As a side note: this makes winter a great time to go back and double check your cache coordinates.
However, remember that the cold will also make your GPS respond slower. Keep it warm when you can and
allow a little extra time for switching screens and zeroing in on a location.
 The Bugs Are Gone.
They're all nestled—snug as a bug, as it were-underground. No more pulling spider webs
off of your clothes and out of your mouth! Remember all those times in the summer when you wished for one
mosquito-free day? That day is finally here! Of course, this can be a downside if you happen to be the
sort of person who enjoys tick checks.
The Poison Ivy Is Considerably Less Of An Issue
While there is no season that is safe from the effects
of poison ivy, the winter at least brings some relief in that it is no longer growing rampant in the woods
and your clothing offers you considerably more protection. However, never assume the danger isn't there
(especially if you are more sensitive to the stuff). Vines growing on trees and fence posts can still
cause a reaction and you will still find some vines hiding entwined among other plants.
One other benefit really depends on your point of view and your amount of frustration. Very often while
caching in the winter you will find a set of footprints leading right to the nearest cache. If you're
looking for just one more smiley face, these can be helpful. However, if you're looking for those "FTF"
bragging rights then you can immediately begin mentally amending your log of any "WOOO HOOO" comments.
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