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)