We’ve researched the mistakes that everyone makes when Geocaching for the first time, so that you can start safely.
Geocaching is an exciting outdoor activity where participants use GPS devices or mobile apps to hide and seek containers, called “Geocaches” or “caches,” at specific locations marked by coordinates.
Combining a modern-day treasure hunt with technology, it promotes exploration, adventure, and a sense of global community among enthusiasts. Each cache typically contains a logbook for finders to sign and sometimes small trinkets for trading.
Beginners often make mistakes choosing difficult paths or being unaware of their surroundings, but these experiences are part of the learning process and add to the adventure. Logging finds online and sharing experiences with others is an integral part of the activity.
Geocaching is a wonderful outlet to get outdoors and explore, appealing to people of all ages. But, what mistakes do people make?
For beginners, it can be quite daunting, with a lack of mainstream coverage there isn’t much to go on, therefore, mistakes beginners make are often made by everyone at some point!
To begin, Geocaching involves using a GPS-enabled device to find hidden containers, geocaches or caches. People can log their finds online and share their experiences with others online.
Easy mistakes to make…
Here are some difficulties people have discovered that I’m sure everyone goes through once in their geocaching experience.
Maaria Lidgren made the age-old mistake of trying to reach a cache from the wrong side of the path.
“I think it’s a classic thing to do, to go through impossible terrain to find a cache – and then find a nice path just on the other side of the cache. I did it with a baby, our second-week geocaching.”
A similar mistake was made by Jessica Keesing Styles, whilst she scrambled up and down rocks, under branches, and through bushes. Only to appear on a path a 30-second walk from the road.
Finding the wrong path isn’t the only common mistake. Not being aware of your surroundings is a very common mistake made by beginners and experts alike.
Connie Moulton, an avid geocacher, shared her experience of this.
“My muggle and I were in a remote spot on Vancouver Island. We came across a young couple doing the deed,” she said.
“We silently snuck by them and they didn’t even see us. Man, we laughed so hard.”
Geocaching is full of phrases and abbreviations. Getting up to date with your ‘muggles’, ‘piffles’, and ‘SWAG’ is always handy.
And if those make you overwhelmed, do not be alarmed. We have completed a geocaching glossary for all the key terms to help you out!
So, next time you think you’re making a mistake or ruined your entire cache adventure by taking the wrong turn please don’t panic. There are probably hundreds of other cachers that have made these mistakes before you.
