Ontario Geocaching Association

Finding A Cache

To find caches in your area, first you need to visit the Geocaching.com website's search utility: Seeking a cache

Put in your postal code (zip code) in the search box and click the search button. You will find the closest caches to your location. Easy, right? Not so fast. First I suggest you visit the page on Geocaching.com that gives you the steps to finding a cache. Rushing out without the information could just end up in frustration. Finding your first Geocache

The Basics are :
1) Research the cache - read the cache description to find out more about things such as terrain and difficulty. See if you need any specialized equipment or knowledge before you set out.

2) Preparation - take adequate gear which may include extra water, pens, paper, maps, compass, dry socks and of course your GPS.

3) The Hunt - Finally! When you reach the area, it is suggested that you mark the location of your vehicle (even experienced cachers have become lost in the woods). Follow your GPS to the general area, staying on the trails as much as possible, even if it means walking past the cache site to find the trail in. Once you reach the cache site (within about 10-20 metres) then pocket your GPS and start hunting. Look for obvious hiding spots (stumps, rock piles etc) and try not to disturb the area at all while searching.

4) The Find - Hurray! Usually you take an item and leave an item, and enter your name and experience you had into the log book. It is suggested that you " trade up or trade even " when trading. Caches are not a place to deposit broken toys or useless items that you would have otherwise thrown out. Make sure your trade item is safe. A suggested list of items that should not be placed are ones that are not kid friendly. ( ie. no weapons, alcohol, cigarettes, adult or illegal materials)  Also, to prevent animals from destroying a container, no food or scented products (e.g. candles, lip balm) should be in a geocache. Finally for safety's sake, no matches, lighters, fireworks, ammunition or other explosive/flammable items should be inside a cache. Knives are also not recommended, although the occasional pocketknife can be found as a trade item.

Make sure to seal the cache and place it back where you found it. If it had some rocks covering it, please replace them. It's pretty straightforward. Leave it just as you found it (or hidden a bit better if you found it in the open).

Go home, log your find on the Geocaching site. Write a note about the experience without giving too much away for the next person.

Once you have found 6-10 caches, you can now place your own.

Also check out the geocachers creed. It's a great resource.

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