Geo-cachers

Thanks for bumping this, Janster!

I've heard of this before but never had a good handle on what it is. Reading this thread, it looks awesome. I'm always in search of places I've never been and new adventures I've never tried, this looks like it'll fill both those interests. And May is a great time of year for it. I haven't checked it out, I hope there are a decent number of caches around; there aren't exactly a lot of people up here, but if it looks promising or there are caches near common destinations (like around my parent's area) I'll be purchasing a GPS next payday!

Also having read this it looks like it's important to remember your good outdoor manners: stay on marked roads and trails, follow all posted regulations, stay off private property, and leave gates open or closed as you found them, and be good stewards of the outdoors: if you pack it in, pack it out. Also, carry basic first aid and know how to use it. Having done several geologic mapping projects, gravity surveys, etc. this is something that was beat into my head ad nauseum and it's always good to be reminded.

 

I hid some geocaches in 2001, and 4 are still active! Amazing!!

 

my buddy and i stumbled across a cool cache a while ago up in this old fire look out tower

there was this awesome sticker that said "johnny is a pyro" and it had a picture of a kid lighting a doll house on fire. it was funny and i wanted to take it but didn't have anything worthy of leaving behind. wonder if it's still there...

 

Geocacher here, My GF intro it to me from a friend that told her about it. I'm hooked. So for 2040 finds, 66 hides, 44 personial TB,s wondering the planet, many FTF's. My best, 500 in one day. Like most have said, It is a great way to see new and interesting places. My work makes me travel and I'm like hell ya, a new place to GC. So for, I have 6 countries. Anyone in the (805) area that would be interested in joining me for a day of GC, PM me.

 

I've been on www.geochaching.com ALL FRICKIN DAY. Thanks again, TW, for ruining any chance of productivity.

I'm so excited to try this out. I've also found a couple more interesting things beyond regular geochaching. Benchmark hunting looked really cool, where you go look for benchmarks from the National Geodetic Survey. I think they are usually placed by the US Geological Survey, and many of them have been in place since 1945. Also EarthCaching (www.earthcache.org) looked so cool. Maybe it was just me, because I'm a geologist. But this is basically geocaching where the point is to find a specific place to learn about the geoscience of the area. At least to this hopeless geology nerd, this is EFFING AWESOME.

This is going to be so cool!

 

Why can't a girl with an "explorive" personality like you live in my area, and run into each other while geocaching, and live happily ever after?

 

Story of my life, right there.

I find myself asking the same question regarding men.

 

Awesome!! It's fun finding new hobbies to explore!!

If you have a smart phone - there's probably an App for geocaching. I know the iphone has an app (I use it along with handheld GPS). Some apps are free and some you have to pay for - and they all vary in capabilities.

If you're on facebook - there's a North Dakota Geocaching Association page.

You can always introduce your local folks to the hobby. Hide some of your own geocaches, and have events (meet & greets) in your area.

And Yes..Tread Lightly. Although, some geocaches require you to go WAY off the beaten path - as long as its legal (and within guidelines to do so). Here in PA, we have many 'state game lands' and there are geocaches all over the place and they're not on any trails (they're the hardest to navigate - bushwhacking the whole way).

And yeah...Benchmarking and Waymarking..... My husband enjoys benchmarking, although we haven't found any. There are a few within a few miles of the house, but they haven't been found in 6+ years. Getting to them to try and look for them is impossible due to urban sprawl. LOL While others are just so buried ....never to be seen again. I know some folks use metal detectors and have to dig to find them.

 

You must be keeping them maintained - and that's the key to a successful geocache!!

I love just getting out and seeing different things. We find some really incredible stuff trying to find places to hide new caches too. You never know what's in your own backyard....until you look closer.

Awesome!! Wish I could travel around like that..... What's your username?
(everyone else....add your usernames if you like). My husband and I use Lieblweb.

One of my most successful TB's (oldest TB) was taken to Russia. I was a bit upset to see it go that far....in fear of it getting lost. Sure enough...I think its gone already.

And she has a muddy truck!!!

Beth, if you go out geocaching alone..... PLEASE PLEASE be careful out there. Have some sort of self defense protection with you. You never know...and better to be safe than sorry!! Geocaching will take you off the beaten path. GOOD LUCK!

 

There is a free app for geocaching called C:GEO. Works great.

 

My user name is the same as TW, RADDBUS, for VW Bus, I really want a 21 or 23 window VW Bus. My SWAG's are poker chips with this bus on them.

and here is the real thing. One day I hope to own one. Be cool looking for geocaches with my signiture bus and RADDBUS on my plates

 

I run across benchmarks fairly often, but it might just be because I'm always out in the middle of nowhere, where they tend not to be disturbed and there's no urban sprawl to cover them up. Several of the marks listed for Bismarck were at the airport, but I don't think I want to go goof around in random airport hangars. Sounds like a good way to meet Homeland Security agents

Checking out the ND geocaching Facebook page right now. Honestly, I didn't have any idea there were so many people into this! There are plenty of caches, several within a mile of home (probably helps that I have several giant parks and a river right by my apartment). And I got the trial app from Geocaching.com on my iPhone but I think I'll probably get the full app here in a few minutes.

Awesome awesome awesome.

 

I don't know you, but I think I'm in love!


Ok, I'm done being an internet creepo!

 

Thanks for the heads up. I'm actually a decently experienced outdoor wanderer. Dad had us out hiking, camping, etc. all the time when I was a kid. Which of course taught me that the first rule is all your experience doesn't mean squat: you still need to be prepared and be able to stay calm. Let someone know your plans and an ETA for your return, and of course be as vigilant of the people as of the animals and terrain, whether you are in town or in the middle of nowhere.

My username is beth_geo, just signed up for it today of course.

 

Always thought about doing this, but I don't want to join a group or anything like that... I want some coordinates, a pack of supplies, something to add to the cache, and my solitude. Seems like there are a ton of groups but I'm more interested in some solo exploring with a goal at the end...

 

My first impression is that geocaching can be whatever you want it to be. A free membership on geocaching.com will give you all the coordinates you need, and you can go alone or with friends or however you want to do it.

 

It might be that whole "Living in the middle of nowhere" thing



I am about to release a set of 5 geocoins with a Moonshine Still theme
I really enjoy trackables. That's an enjoyable albeit expensive part of Geocaching.

 

You might have a point there. I'm only in town where I actually live about half the time, the rest of the time I work out in the boondocks for, like, 3 weeks straight.

Le sigh. lol

 

Sweet, done and done... even gave you the referral credit !! Thanks for the input, now to get a few good apps for the iPhone, get a basic pack together, and go exploring!