New in Ozaukee County

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 12:57 am

Greetings all, team goirish75 here. Fairly new to it all, found 8 caches so far and hid one. We became premium members over at geocaching.com and just wanted to say hi.

I got a quick question about "events" though. (can be intimidating since we dont know anyone in the "caching community") So when you show up for these events and chat and meet, how are the caches usually put out? Are they already entered before the event? Are they caches that we would have to enter into our devices on our own (coordinates only)? And I guess, whats the protocol when you are in a large group and everyone heads out to look for caches, is there a pecking order as to who gets to go where first or is it kosher for groups to hunt and find the same cache at the same time? The wife, daughter and I are loving this new hobby and its got us hooked. Just dont wanna show up an event where so many already know each other and kinda look silly as noobies. Thanks all. Smile

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 5:46 am

In our opinon that is the best place to be when you are new. Meeting up with a mix of new and old cachers. Learning many of the "tricks of the game" and making new friends.

Usually the waypoints get downloaded at the event.

Different teams do groups differently but our favorite is "finders tree". When a person in the group spots the cache they back off and go at least 20 feet from the cache and either say I am at the finders tree or say nothing until all others spot it. When we do this with kids the last one who finds it gets to open it, so that take the "sting" out of being last. It is best to explain the process to the whole group ahead of time so the whole group is on the same page.

Welcome to the game.
Jim and Cathy
aka Timberline Echoes

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 8:07 am

We highly recommend events! While there is caching involved with most events, the purpose of events is either educational or social... perfect for newbies! That's how you get to know cachers (and in the forums here, too), so don't be afraid to speak up. Ask questions. There will always be someone willing to take you under a wing.

As for caches that go along with events, each event is different, so you might want to contact the event "owner" for more information if you don't get any answers from the event cache page. You might end up hand entering coordinates for new caches unless it's a larger event with on-site download capability. Sometimes the caches are published before the event, so you might want to check one more time before you head out the door. Sometimes the event attendees get first crack at new caches before they are published. It varies.

And no matter who you end up talking to or caching with at an event, play the game the way you like, using your preferences and geocaching ethics. Don't follow someone on a long hike or such if that's not your thing. Take time to enjoy each cache before moving on to the next one. Sign the cache logs yourself. Enjoy the game and the time you spend with fellow cachers.

And welcome to geocaching and the WGA!

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 8:28 am

As new cachers ourselves, I highly recommend going to any events you can. We have met a bunch of amazing people from all over the state. I can't tell you how friendly and welcoming the folks of the WGA have been. We've made friends, explored amazing areas and basically are having the time of our lives! So welcome aboard and hope to see you soon, either at an event or out on the trails.

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 8:57 am

and just a snippet from the GC event cache guidelines

Quote:

an event cache should not be set up for the sole purpose of drawing together cachers for an organized hunt of another cache or caches.

not all events have caches published for the event. It is the social/educational value that is important in these type caches.

many events are small meet and greets where folks gather for Pizza, a potluck, bowling and burgers, whatever. Going out and collecting smilies can always be an aside but not to be the primary goal.

welcome to the sport and Yes, it is not suprising that 8 caches was enough to hook you Very Happy

For me, I think it was three Cool

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 10:23 am

Welcome team goirish75. Glad to have ya aboard.

zuma

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 11:48 am

Welcome aboard from your neighbor to the north (aka Port Washington).

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 5:14 pm

Welcome to the WGA and to geocaching! I cached for several months before attending an event. How I wish I had gone to one right away, I would have come away with some education on the sport and wouldn't have had so many disappointments on my cache outings. Events are a nice way to meet other cachers, maybe even cache with them. I highly recommend attending local ones for sure, and branch out if and when you are able to explore other areas and expand your network of caching friends. Have a good time!

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 11:07 pm

Thanks for the warm welcome all. We have yet to "bump" into any other cachers while out on hunts yet, but really looking forward to it. When the wife and I share our tales of caching with family (muggles all), they think we're crazy. lol. It would be nice to be with others that "get it". Whatever "IT" is, Smile

.

Currently we are Android phone users for our caching and mapping, and have to say, it sure makes it easy and fun to get our feet wet in the sport. I'm looking forward to getting my first stand alone receiver, maybe a nice xmas present (hint hint), but for now just doing it by phone since it kinda does it all for us noobs. Hope to see ya out there.