Getting The Upper Hand!

The Cache page offers a wealth of information. (click to enlarge).

Have you ever wanted to get the upper hand in certain situations? Perhaps you are playing a game and losing terribly. You sit there and desperately try to find a way to get the upper hand. As a child, I was always trying to get the upper hand when I played a game of chess with my older brother. I succeeded only once in all my attempts and I suspect he may have let me win. I have witnessed it with my own kids. When playing games with them, they were always trying to get the upper hand. You might be asking what this has to do with geocaching. Well, have you often looked at veteran geocachers and wondered how they are able to find caches quicker than you and have found caches that you were not able to find? Well, there is a way for you to get the upper hand, so to speak, and it is all contained on the cache page. Many geocachers do not pay enough attention to everything that is provided on the cache page. While paying more attention to all of its information might not give you the actual upper hand, it should make you a better geocacher.

The following sections of the cache page deserve more scrutiny as they contain a wealth of information:

• Cache Name – You can often get a clue from the name of the cache. If you see a word in the name that is completely capitalized, it is a good bet that that word is a clue. One example of this is one of our own caches called
• Cache Hider – Sometimes, certain cachers have patterns to how thay hide their caches. Knowing this could give you an idea how to find the cache.
• Hide Date – When was the cache hidden? Much older caches probably have less accurate coordinates so you may want to expand your search a little.
• Difficulty Rating – If you can’t find a cache, check its difficulty rating. A rating of 1 probably means the cache isn’t here. If it is rated a 5, then it is a very tough hide.
• Terrain Rating – A terrain rating of 1 indicates that wheelchairs can get to it. A rating of 5 indicates extreme hiking or special equipment required.
• Related Web Page – Sometimes, the cache owner posts a hyperlink to a related webpage. Check it out as there might be some useful information there.
• The Attributes – Attributes are very important. You may not be finding a cache but the attributes may be telling you that the cache isn’t available 24/7.
• Personal Cache Notes – Might contain some valuable info.
• Inventory – If a cache has some inventory listed, then it is big enough to hold that inventory. The inventory will help alert you to its probable size.
• Maps – Satellite view is extremely helpful. On one particular cache, I kept going to the area and the GPSr told me the cache was inside a private parking garage that was gated. When I looked at the satellite view, I discovered the entire structure was a parking garage and that the cache was on the open, top floor and could easily be accessed.
• Logged Visits – A cache with a lot of consecutive DNFs likely isn’t there anymore. Also, many cachers record certain details such as a place being very wet and needing rubber boots.

As you can see, the cache page offers a wealth of valuable information. Taking a few minutes to look at them can save you from wasting countless minutes hunting for a cache that isn’t there. Give it a try! It will definitely give you the upper hand!

What is your story? How has something on the cache page helped you avoid countless minutes searching for a cache without success. Tell us by leaving a comment below. We would love to hear from you!

Happy Caching!!!

Frank (Jewel)

Merry Christmas!!!

When I first started writing this post, I was sitting in my living room, early on a Sunday morning, as the wind blew and the snow fell. It turned out to be a snow day and there was no church in the morning. I struggled to wrestle my thoughts away from the horrible and senseless tragedy that unfolded in Newtown, CT just over a week ago. So many random thoughts were racing about my mind. I wondered how these families would cope with such a profound loss and prayed that they would find the strength to get through this ordeal. I wondered if any of those families were geocaching families and if they would ever geocache again. Like I said, a bunch of random thoughts. Well, suffice to say, the hustle and bustle of the season got a grip on me and I never got back to writing the post. A week has past and I still sit and wonder what Christmas will be like for them this year and in the years to come. I also think of Christmas and my own family, who are safe and sound with me, and I get a small reprieve from the heartache and a smile appears on my face.

As Christmas Day approaches and season pushes on, please know that all my geocaching family (any cacher that I have ever met) will be in my thoughts and prayers. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or are one that simply celebrates a happy holiday, my thoughts and prayers will be with you all. I pray that you will have a very safe and enjoyable holiday season. But mostly, I pray that you will get to celebrate the season in the way that it was meant to be celebrated – with FAMILY! And as you celebrate the season, take time to remember those who are struggling this holiday season. If you know of anyone who could use some help or a visit, take the time to lend a hand or a smile. As Kevin said in that holiday classic, Home Alone, “nobody should be alone on Christmas.”

Caching Heaven wishes to thank all of you for taking the time to read our blog. We look forward to a new year of writing and caching. Merry Christmas, everyone!!! Happy Holidays!

Frank (Jewel)