Difference between revisions of "Hiding a cache"

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==Voluntary Cache Maintainers==
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==Defining your objective==
[[Voluntary Remote Maintainers]]
 
The list of people who will be happy to undertake maintenance for you should you prepare them in advance. This list is especially useful for when you wish to place a [[cache]] that is far from your home, but close to theirs. This is also called a holiday cache.
 
  
==What does undertaking maintenance entail?==
+
Before placing a [[cache]] , it's often useful to define your objective. For example, your objective could be to:
It is very unlikely that your [[cache]] will be hidden by you and never require you to revisit the location again.
 
  
Sometimes things happen:
+
* Share a stunning place or view with your fellow [[geocacher]]s
* Animals find and destroy the cache.
+
* Boggle their minds with a diabolical puzzle
* Bushfires go through and melt your [[cache]] into insignificance.
+
* Make them search for a [[cache]] in an extremely public place
* A tree falls in the forest and there's no one there to hear it, displacing your cache.
+
* Give them a nice hour or so out of the house
* A river rises, washing away the hiding place and the [[cache]] with it.
 
* The container succumbs to the ravanges of time, heat and / cold and perishes.
 
* A previous finder does not replace the lid properly and the contents get wet / damaged.
 
* The container is damaged in some other way.
 
* Someone pees on your [[cache]] (yes, this has happened, ewww, nasty).
 
  
A well maintained [[cache]] is a [[cache]] that is worth doing. Often you will see logs that indicate that the [[cache]] requires maintenance. As a good cacher, you should be prepared to visit your [[cache]] as needs be to:
+
There are many other objectives, all equally valid!
* Check the integrity of the container.
 
* Remove broken / soiled items.
 
* Replace a log book or non-functioning pen.
 
* Restock the [[cache]] with [[swaps]].
 
* Check whether the [[cache]] has been placed back in just the right area under the shrub / bush / bridge.
 
* Are the magnets holding up.
 
* Has the bush grown so much since you left it that the terrain or difficulty rating need changing.
 
  
==How often should I maintain my cache?==
+
[[Hiding a cache]] does mean taking into account some [[Guidelines]] (specific to [[geocaching.com]], but often still valuable). Further to this, you should consider [[Cache hiding best practice]].
Maintenance does not mean every week, every month or once a year. It should mean that you visit often enough to keep the [[cache]] in good condition.
 
  
==How do I know when to maintain my cache?==
+
Geocaching is not just like real estate - location, location, location. It also takes into account the fun of deciphering a puzzle, finding a [[cache]] in a extremely public location, taking a trek through 10 kilometers of virgin bush land or anything else that really takes your fancy.
Sometimes you will get a Did Not Find (DNF) log on your cache. Does this mean you drop everything immediately and rush out to the location and see if it's still there? Probably not. Sometimes people and satellites have bad days. An easy find for one [[cache]] may take another cacher multiple visites (personal experience here). If your [[cache]] is rated accordingly it could also mean that you are just rather tricky and a DNF could be what you intend to receive more often than not.
 
  
A run of DNF's, however may mean that your [[cache]] has been compromised. How many is a run? Oh, say 3 or 4. Again, this does not mean that you immediately drop and run to the [[cache]] location, especially if it's a tricky hide. Still, you should keep in mind the relative experience of the cachers who are logging the DNF's. Someone new to the game may not be as thorough as someone who has found hundreds of caches. Someone who has more experience may just be having a bad hair day. On the other hand, your [[cache]] may indeed be missing.
+
Before hiding you should also consider the ongoing [[#Maintenance|maintenance]] that your placement may require.
  
This is probably going to be the case if your [[cache]] was hidden near a trail or in a public / exposed location. Especially if there is only one tree within 50 meters of GZ and the log indicates that the tree was searched thoroughly.
+
==Where do I hide the cache?==
  
==So my [[cache]] is gone / broken / missing, what do I do?==
+
When thinking about where to place a cache, try to keep some of these things in mind:
Be prepared to visit your [[cache]] as needs dictate to ensure that the [[cache]] is all well. If you find that you can't get there immediately and you suspect that the [[cache]] has been compromised, temporarily disbale the cache. This gives future hunters and indication that something may be astray with that [[cache]] so they don't waste their time trying to find something that is not there.
 
  
On the other hand (there are lots of hands here), don't leave your [[cache]] in a temporarily unavailable situation for too long either. People would prefer not to have their lists blocked up with hundreds of temporarily disabled caches. A decent rule of thumb would be 30 days to get out there and check on the cache.
+
===Will it be easy to get to ?===
 +
If it is only a hundred meters from a road or path, there's a good possibility that someone (not a cacher) may find and either take or plunder your cache. Try to find a place that will take a bit of time to get to, preferably on foot. Remember, not everyone who caches will have hiking equipment or 4WD access so consider that there are also people who [[cache]] with their kids and would appreciate something not too hard. On the other hand there are die hard cachers who would walk 30 kilometers (each way) to get to a beautiful view and wonderful virgin bush.
 +
===Will it be easy to find?===
 +
If it is too visible, or too close to busy roads, trails, etc. there's a good chance someone may stumble upon it. Don't make it too difficult or rate it accordingly. There's nothing quite as annoying as heading out to a terrain 1 / difficulty 1 [[cache]] and finding that you need to bushwack for 250 meters. Or getting to a pile of rocks spread over hundreds of meters and trying to find the proverbial needle in a haystack. If you hide it well, give enough hints so that the finder has a reasonable attempt to locate it. Hints will be encrypted in [[ROT 13]] format, which is easy to decrypt on the trail.
  
If you do get to the [[cache]] location and find that the [[cache]] is missing, you can replace it (prepare in advance and take along a replacement container) or you can archive it. Archiving means that the [[cache]] is gone and will not be replaced. Avoid archiving a [[cache]] without going to see if it's missing. It's preferable to avoid leaving plastic boxes out in the wild. Be responsible and remove the remnants of the [[cache]] if you are going to archive it.
+
===Will it be on private or public land?===
 +
If you place it on [[private land]], please ask permission before putting it there and make sure your [[cache]] description says that access is available and permission has been sought and obtained. Some parks and gardens will not appreciate cachers coming into and destroying the vegetation. If in doubt, ask permission. You are ultimately responsible for the [[cache]] so make sure you know the rules for the area where your [[cache]] is being placed.
 +
 
 +
===Is it a good location?===
 +
You should consider a [[cache]] in a place that is unique in some way. The big reward for geocachers, other than finding the [[cache]] itself, is the location. A prime camping spot, a good picnic area, great viewpoint, unusual location, etc. are all good places to hide a cache.
 +
 
 +
If your chosen location has a number of features, you may want to place a [[multi-cache]] with multiple waypoints that takes finders on a journey to the final cache.  Alternatively, you might just mention what's nearby in your listing.  One good cache in an area is far better than several low quality ones that only serve to show more of the same.  In general, you should not place a cache where there is already one nearby that highlights the area to finders.
 +
 
 +
Think of your chosen location as a destination, not just a particular spot, landmark or item with coordinates.  People finding your cache will see the surrounding area, and if encouraged by multiple waypoints or a suggestion in the listing, will often explore further out of their own curiosity.
 +
 
 +
==Preparing your cache==
 +
 
 +
You need a container. Anything water resistant, snow resistant, sun resistant, etc (depending on your climate), will do. Geocachers have had good success with plastic buckets, tupperware, lock'n'lock, sistema containers, ammo boxes, plastic pipes, etc. You'll also want to invest in some zip-loc bags to put the items into in case your container leaks. This is probably a good idea for your log book, even if you think the container is water proof. The next finder may not reseal the container as well as you hope.
 +
 
 +
Whatever the container, make sure to mark your [[cache]] so that someone who comes across it can work out what it is. Mark the container with http://www.geocaching.com.au, the name of the cache, and any contact information they feel is necessary. More info is better than less. That way if someone finds it they can contact the hider, especially if the [[cache]] looks suspicious or is on private property.
 +
 
 +
Depending on the location and difficulty of the cache you may want to [[camouflage]] it.
 +
 
 +
A logbook and a pen. A small spiral notebook is often the best. Avoid loose leaf sheets as they won't remain in good condition. Put a pen in the [[cache]] as well. Not everyone will bring a pen, so if you want a log left, leave a pen.
 +
 
 +
You should also include a stash note. It's a piece of paper that tells the finder (especially if they're not yet a geocacher) what it is all about. http://wiki.geocaching.com.au/wiki/Stash_note
 +
 
 +
Lastly, you can put goodies / [[swaps]] / trade items / trinkets in the cache. It's recommended, but not necessary.
 +
 
 +
It's up to you what you want to put in your cache, budget permitting. Try and avoid second hand items or things that the kids or dogs have chewed on. Nasty! Do not put food in a cache! Critters have better noses than we do, and will bite, nibble or swallow your [[cache]] in an attempt to get to the goodies.  Anything that might cause a fire or be unsafe in the hands of a stranger (especially a minor) should also be avoided.
 +
 
 +
==Placing your cache==
 +
 
 +
When you have determined where you are going to put your cache, go put it there.
 +
 
 +
When you reach the location to place your cache, the hardest part is getting exact [[coordinates]] from your GPS unit so you can use these on a [[Cache listing website]].
 +
 
 +
Using the hints and tips supplied in the [[accurate location]] page as well as a reading and basic undertstanding of [[accuracy]] will assist you greatly in determining accurate [[coordinates]]. ie. a [[waypoint]].
 +
 
 +
This will also place you in good standing with the people who will try and [[finding a cache|find]] your [[cache]] as they can be reasonably certain that the actual [[cache]] is within the accepted limits.
 +
 
 +
==Letting everyone know about your cache==
 +
 
 +
Now you need to list your cache online!
 +
 
 +
For full details, see [[Listing a cache]].  But in brief:
 +
 
 +
There are a number of [[Cache listing website]]s, but most Australian caches are listed on one of two sites, [http://www.geocaching.com Groundspeak (Geocaching.com)] or [http://geocaching.com.au Geocaching Australia (Geocaching.com.au)].<p>
 +
We hope you chose to list with us here at GCA, but to help you make the decision that's right for you, check out [[GCA vs GC]].<br>
 +
<br>
 +
To list your cache with Geocaching Australia, fill out the [http://geocaching.com.au/my/cache/new Hide A New Cache] form. You'll be able to make a good looking cache page with ease, thanks to our [[Advanced Editor]] (no HTML knowledge is required!)
 +
 
 +
==Maintenance==
 +
 
 +
Once you place the cache, it is your responsibility to undertake [[maintenance]] of the [[cache]] and ensure the area around it is not suffering. There are potentially many people who will seek and find your cache. If you notice severe trails being made to your [[cache]] location, then you may consider temporarily making the [[cache]] unavailable so the area can recover.
 +
 
 +
You'll need to return as often as you find necessary to ensure that your [[cache]] is not impacting the area, and ensure that the [[cache]] is in good repair.
 +
 
 +
When you receive information that the [[cache]] has been compromised (eg trashed, washed away, cracked in the sun or snow, etc), please arrange to do some maintenance. If you feel that the area is not longer worthy of a cache, don't just archive the [[cache]] and leave it to be rubbish. Retrieve the [[cache]] and dispose of it accordingly.
 +
 
 +
It's encouraged that you should replace the container, clean up the contents, check the log book for usability, check the pen, etc. There will always be more people who will want to find your [[cache]] and if it's in good condition it encourages other to follow in their footsteps.
 +
 
 +
Nasty caches that haven't had any [[maintenance]] aren't any fun to find.

Latest revision as of 14:26, 2 August 2016

Defining your objective

Before placing a cache , it's often useful to define your objective. For example, your objective could be to:

  • Share a stunning place or view with your fellow geocachers
  • Boggle their minds with a diabolical puzzle
  • Make them search for a cache in an extremely public place
  • Give them a nice hour or so out of the house

There are many other objectives, all equally valid!

Hiding a cache does mean taking into account some Guidelines (specific to geocaching.com, but often still valuable). Further to this, you should consider Cache hiding best practice.

Geocaching is not just like real estate - location, location, location. It also takes into account the fun of deciphering a puzzle, finding a cache in a extremely public location, taking a trek through 10 kilometers of virgin bush land or anything else that really takes your fancy.

Before hiding you should also consider the ongoing maintenance that your placement may require.

Where do I hide the cache?

When thinking about where to place a cache, try to keep some of these things in mind:

Will it be easy to get to ?

If it is only a hundred meters from a road or path, there's a good possibility that someone (not a cacher) may find and either take or plunder your cache. Try to find a place that will take a bit of time to get to, preferably on foot. Remember, not everyone who caches will have hiking equipment or 4WD access so consider that there are also people who cache with their kids and would appreciate something not too hard. On the other hand there are die hard cachers who would walk 30 kilometers (each way) to get to a beautiful view and wonderful virgin bush.

Will it be easy to find?

If it is too visible, or too close to busy roads, trails, etc. there's a good chance someone may stumble upon it. Don't make it too difficult or rate it accordingly. There's nothing quite as annoying as heading out to a terrain 1 / difficulty 1 cache and finding that you need to bushwack for 250 meters. Or getting to a pile of rocks spread over hundreds of meters and trying to find the proverbial needle in a haystack. If you hide it well, give enough hints so that the finder has a reasonable attempt to locate it. Hints will be encrypted in ROT 13 format, which is easy to decrypt on the trail.

Will it be on private or public land?

If you place it on private land, please ask permission before putting it there and make sure your cache description says that access is available and permission has been sought and obtained. Some parks and gardens will not appreciate cachers coming into and destroying the vegetation. If in doubt, ask permission. You are ultimately responsible for the cache so make sure you know the rules for the area where your cache is being placed.

Is it a good location?

You should consider a cache in a place that is unique in some way. The big reward for geocachers, other than finding the cache itself, is the location. A prime camping spot, a good picnic area, great viewpoint, unusual location, etc. are all good places to hide a cache.

If your chosen location has a number of features, you may want to place a multi-cache with multiple waypoints that takes finders on a journey to the final cache. Alternatively, you might just mention what's nearby in your listing. One good cache in an area is far better than several low quality ones that only serve to show more of the same. In general, you should not place a cache where there is already one nearby that highlights the area to finders.

Think of your chosen location as a destination, not just a particular spot, landmark or item with coordinates. People finding your cache will see the surrounding area, and if encouraged by multiple waypoints or a suggestion in the listing, will often explore further out of their own curiosity.

Preparing your cache

You need a container. Anything water resistant, snow resistant, sun resistant, etc (depending on your climate), will do. Geocachers have had good success with plastic buckets, tupperware, lock'n'lock, sistema containers, ammo boxes, plastic pipes, etc. You'll also want to invest in some zip-loc bags to put the items into in case your container leaks. This is probably a good idea for your log book, even if you think the container is water proof. The next finder may not reseal the container as well as you hope.

Whatever the container, make sure to mark your cache so that someone who comes across it can work out what it is. Mark the container with http://www.geocaching.com.au, the name of the cache, and any contact information they feel is necessary. More info is better than less. That way if someone finds it they can contact the hider, especially if the cache looks suspicious or is on private property.

Depending on the location and difficulty of the cache you may want to camouflage it.

A logbook and a pen. A small spiral notebook is often the best. Avoid loose leaf sheets as they won't remain in good condition. Put a pen in the cache as well. Not everyone will bring a pen, so if you want a log left, leave a pen.

You should also include a stash note. It's a piece of paper that tells the finder (especially if they're not yet a geocacher) what it is all about. http://wiki.geocaching.com.au/wiki/Stash_note

Lastly, you can put goodies / swaps / trade items / trinkets in the cache. It's recommended, but not necessary.

It's up to you what you want to put in your cache, budget permitting. Try and avoid second hand items or things that the kids or dogs have chewed on. Nasty! Do not put food in a cache! Critters have better noses than we do, and will bite, nibble or swallow your cache in an attempt to get to the goodies. Anything that might cause a fire or be unsafe in the hands of a stranger (especially a minor) should also be avoided.

Placing your cache

When you have determined where you are going to put your cache, go put it there.

When you reach the location to place your cache, the hardest part is getting exact coordinates from your GPS unit so you can use these on a Cache listing website.

Using the hints and tips supplied in the accurate location page as well as a reading and basic undertstanding of accuracy will assist you greatly in determining accurate coordinates. ie. a waypoint.

This will also place you in good standing with the people who will try and find your cache as they can be reasonably certain that the actual cache is within the accepted limits.

Letting everyone know about your cache

Now you need to list your cache online!

For full details, see Listing a cache. But in brief:

There are a number of Cache listing websites, but most Australian caches are listed on one of two sites, Groundspeak (Geocaching.com) or Geocaching Australia (Geocaching.com.au).

We hope you chose to list with us here at GCA, but to help you make the decision that's right for you, check out GCA vs GC.

To list your cache with Geocaching Australia, fill out the Hide A New Cache form. You'll be able to make a good looking cache page with ease, thanks to our Advanced Editor (no HTML knowledge is required!)

Maintenance

Once you place the cache, it is your responsibility to undertake maintenance of the cache and ensure the area around it is not suffering. There are potentially many people who will seek and find your cache. If you notice severe trails being made to your cache location, then you may consider temporarily making the cache unavailable so the area can recover.

You'll need to return as often as you find necessary to ensure that your cache is not impacting the area, and ensure that the cache is in good repair.

When you receive information that the cache has been compromised (eg trashed, washed away, cracked in the sun or snow, etc), please arrange to do some maintenance. If you feel that the area is not longer worthy of a cache, don't just archive the cache and leave it to be rubbish. Retrieve the cache and dispose of it accordingly.

It's encouraged that you should replace the container, clean up the contents, check the log book for usability, check the pen, etc. There will always be more people who will want to find your cache and if it's in good condition it encourages other to follow in their footsteps.

Nasty caches that haven't had any maintenance aren't any fun to find.