NYC Caching

[Grandma & Grandpa]

We may have an opportunity to hunt caches on Manhatten Island, New York, right downtown, in the near future. Being country people, we are used to having GPSr probs with tree cover. But we’ve been told that reception can be even worse in da big city – skyscrapers, steel structures etc.

Anybody have any knowledge to share about caching issues in NYC? Or suggestions on “don’t miss” caches?

Thanks a lot. cYa, Chris & Jim

[Lacknothing]

@Gram and Gramps wrote:

We may have an opportunity to hunt caches on Manhatten Island, New York, right downtown, in the near future. Being country people, we are used to having GPSr probs with tree cover. But we’ve been told that reception can be even worse in da big city – skyscrapers, steel structures etc.

Anybody have any knowledge to share about caching issues in NYC? Or suggestions on “don’t miss” caches?

Thanks a lot. cYa, Chris & Jim

When are you going? I have been there a couple of times. I can look up caches I did.

I googled mapped a lot so I could see where the cache was located. GPS was next to useless….

The views expressed here are that of myself only and do not necessarily represent that of the WGA board.

[Team Deejay]

If you have trouble in trees, you will have big trouble in skyscrapers. Even with a Garmin 62 series, I get a jumpy response in downtown Chicago. Manhattan will be even worse. Plus, the people placing caches in these areas often don’t take time to get good coordinates, so relying on aerial maps doesn’t always help. Here are some hints:

1. Read the cache page. If the coordinates are bad, someone will usually post a spoiler log where the cache is located.
2. Use a “better” GPS. An old Etrex or a first generation Magellan probably will be useless. Make sure you have reasonable maps on the GPS.
3. Take along a smart phone so that you can look at aerial photos.
4. Maybe try to make a local friend for phone-a-friends on the Geocaching forums.

Note that it is not the end of the world to log a few DNFs on vacation. Post your DNFs quickly and someone might contact you with help.

[Crow-T-Robot]

Central Park has a lot of caches and you’d probably have better GPS reception there. If you have the time, Bridges & Arches of Central Park is highly favorited but it is also a 30 stage multi that might be better broken up into separate visits. If/when I visit NYC, this is a cache I’m planning on doing. Otherwise, lots of other caches in CP and of all different types…Earthcaches, Mystery, Wherigo’s, Virtuals, etc.

Hope you have fun!

[Grandma & Grandpa]

Looks like we’ll be going to NYC at the end of April. We have looked up caches near Beckster’s ( our daughter ) apartment and jobsite, and noticed many don’t last too long. And yes, there are spoiler photos and logs posted for quite a few. Our primary locations will be in the Wall Street and Time’s Square areas, that’s more metro than Waupaca! Central Park is within walking distance. But with the many transit options available we can go elsewhere for tourist stuff or caching.

We have an iPhone and Galaxy S4, but are still old school with a blue eTrex Legend. Eventually we’ll upgrade the eTrex, but not yet.

Thanks for the responses, other thoughts and experiences Are appreciated.

cYa, Jim and Chris

[Uncle_Fun]

I last cached in NYC in April 2007. The GPS was worthless in the sky scrapper areas but not too bad in Central Park. A few of the caches in the park are still there as well as a lot more. I looked at a lot of past logs for all of the ones I did to try to glean some hints from them. There are always a lot of people around so it makes it difficult to search anywhere. Good Luck and have fun.
Uncle_Fun

[Author]

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