September #Geochallenge

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The September 2016 #Geochallenge is to hide a geocache.  I love these challenges because they force me to get out there and doing something.  Sometimes the challenges even take me out of my comfort zone and help me experience a part of the geocaching sport that I would not normally attempt. I find that I usually come away from these challenges with a new-found love for the sport that is already my addiction.  If you haven’t tried one of the Geocaching Vlogger’s #geochallenges, you should give it a try.

This month’s #geochallenge brought to mind one of the questions that I often hear and, in some cases, wish it would have been asked.

Who should hide a geocache?

Well, let me start by say there are no hard and fast rules on who is allowed to hide a geocache.  Anyone who is a member of the geocaching community is allowed to hide a geocache.  But there are some great suggestions and lots of good opinions.

The Chief Richard Taylor Nature Trail

1. You should probably find a few before you hide your first geocache

   Hiding a geocache can be a great experience or it can be a terrible experience.  The difference is usually determined whether you do it right or not.  On the geocaching website, it is suggested you hide a geocache only after finding a variety of caches in your area.  Most members of the geocaching community recommend finding between fifty and one hundred before you hide a geocache.  Why? By finding caches in a variety of locations, in several different containers, hiding by different geocachers will give you a good understanding of what makes a great cache.  The more you find the more likely your geocache will be interesting and enjoyable for you and the finders.

2. The Rules.  Oh No!  There are RULES?

   Yes, there are some rules to be followed when you hide a geocache.  These rules can be reviewed at Geocaching Guidelines. It may look like a long list, but trust me, you want to read through them.  These guidelines have been put in place for your benefit.  Without reading these guidelines you would probably be surprised that hiding a geocache within 150 feet of an active railroad track is a no-no.  Have you ever wondered if you could place a geocache on Mars?  The guidelines will give you the answer.  I know, I know!  This is supposed to be fun and now it’s starting to sound like homework.  Trust me, if you do your homework it will be fun, otherwise, you will have lots of headaches!

3. Wait!

   Wait for what?  Once you have done your research, found plenty of geocaches, and you feel confident that you know what you are doing, go hide a geocache.  Now you have to wait for a volunteer reviewer to determine if all the rules and regulations have been followed in the placement of this cache.  Did you notice the word “volunteer”?  They do not get paid to review your post.  It may take up to seven days (sometimes longer) for them to get back to you.  And when they do you may not like the answer.  Remember, they are trying to help you have a successful and enjoyable geocaching experience.  If you are told something needs to be changed, then change it!  As you get more experience finding and hiding geocaches you will get less of these suggestions (thus the recommendation in number 1).

The main thing to remember when you hide a geocache is to have fun and make it fun for others.  The minute it stops being fun, its time for you to rethink your involvement.  Geocaching is probably the most fun sport you can be involved in.  Getting too hung up on the numbers or the competition between friends can remove the fun very quickly.   Don’t let this happen too you!

So, who should hide a geocache?  Everyone with a desire to get involved with this fun activity should.  Just make sure you read the guidelines, have fun and go hide a geocache.