Once you pinpoint the cache location as closely as you can using your geocache GPS (see our Tuesday post), it’s time to start searching. Geocachers are devious thinkers. When you’re hiding a cache, part of the fun is finding a hiding place that’s hard to spot. You want your cache to be found, but you want fellow cachers to work for it. So think sneaky as you start looking.

Cache containers can be any size but are usually smaller than a shoebox. Ammo boxes, plastic containers and tiny film canisters are prized for their waterproof and weather-resistant qualities. Any container that is or can be made weather-proof will work. Some people wrap old pill bottles in layers of plastic tape. Many geocachers cover containers with camouflage tape to make them harder to spot.

Don’t expect finding the cache to be easy. Using your GPS to get to the location is only half the fun. The thrill of the hunt and exhilaration of discovery are what geocachers live for. You’re not going to find the cache sitting out in the open. Look under rocks or logs, inside hollow trees, on the undersides of fences and structures, behind rocks in rock walls and in the crooks of trees. Check tree branches and ledges. We once found a cache hanging inside a hollowed tree. A devious cacher had fashioned a 2-sided hook from a coat hanger. A tiny hook of metal was wedged in the tree bark with the cache hanging from the other hook inside the hollow tree. Ingenious!

Cachers are no less creative in cityscapes. Powerful magnet strips glued to thin metal slide boxes (like Sucrets boxes) can be attached to utility boxes or the undersides of metal guard rails. If your coordinates lead you to a parking lot light pole, carefully pop up the base cover that hides the screws. These covers slide up, making a perfect spot to hide a small cache. We’ve found micro-caches hidden inside the cone-shaped filials on top of metal fence posts. The filials pop off and the cache can either be stuffed into the cap or dangled on a string into the post.

As you’re searching, it’s important to replace items exactly as you find them. Not only do geocachers pride themselves on protecting the environment, but who wants to give away the cache site to the next guy? You worked to find the cache; he should, too. Geocachers live for the thrill of the hunt! ActionGPS has a full line of GPS units perfect for the sport of geocaching. Visit our website today and happy hunting!