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{{English|Wie verstecke ich einen Cache?}}
{{English|Wie verstecke ich einen Cache?}}
{{Unvollständig|Translation in progress}}
'''Your first own geocache'''


== The perfect moment for your first own geocache ==
Actually there is no perfect moment for your first own geocache. Cachers do not even need to hide an own geocache, but most people want to give something back to the community. It is very useful to gain as much experience in seeking geocaches as possible. It is the best way to see how and where others hide geocaches and how the containers or listings look like. It is also interesting to read the logs of the geocaches you found. High quality geocaches often get long log entries and many recommendation stars. If you did like the geocache and others too, than that might be the kind of quality cache we all like. Try to create a geocache that could also be fun so find.


==The perfect moment for your first own geocache==
== Know your responsibility ==
Actually there is no perfect moment for your first own geocache. Cachers do not even need to hide an own geocache. But most people want to give something back to the community. It is very useful to gain as much experience in seeking geocaches as possible. It is the best way to see how and where others hide geocaches and how the containers or listings look like. It is also interesting to read the logs of the geocaches you found. High quality geocaches often get long log entries and many recommendation stars. If you did like the geocache and others too, than that might be the kind of quality cache we all like. Try to create a geocache that could also be fun so find.
 
==Know your responsibility==
Your first geocache could be an exciting experience. However you should keep in mind that by hiding a geocache you are taking over responsibilities. Those who hide a geocache become owners. As an owner you are responsible for maintaining your geocache(s) and taking care of any issues that may arise. You can find [http://www.opencaching.de/articles.php?page=impressum#tos the terms for hiding a geocache and publishing it] at the Opencaching website.
Your first geocache could be an exciting experience. However you should keep in mind that by hiding a geocache you are taking over responsibilities. Those who hide a geocache become owners. As an owner you are responsible for maintaining your geocache(s) and taking care of any issues that may arise. You can find [http://www.opencaching.de/articles.php?page=impressum#tos the terms for hiding a geocache and publishing it] at the Opencaching website.


==Choose a geocache type==
== Choose a geocache type ==
Think about what [http://www.opencaching.de/articles.php?page=cacheinfo type of geocache] you would like to create. There are geocaches with and without a hidden container.  
Think about what [http://www.opencaching.de/articles.php?page=cacheinfo type of geocache] you would like to create. There are geocaches with and without a hidden container.  


Zeile 17: Zeile 14:
* A geocache that first requires to solve a puzzle or a sophisticated math or physics problem is called a http://www.opencaching.de/resource2/ocstyle/images/cacheicon/mystery.gif '''quiz geocache''' a.k.a. mystery geocache and http://www.opencaching.de/resource2/ocstyle/images/cacheicon/mathe.gif '''math or physics geocache'''.  
* A geocache that first requires to solve a puzzle or a sophisticated math or physics problem is called a http://www.opencaching.de/resource2/ocstyle/images/cacheicon/mystery.gif '''quiz geocache''' a.k.a. mystery geocache and http://www.opencaching.de/resource2/ocstyle/images/cacheicon/mathe.gif '''math or physics geocache'''.  
* A geocache consisting of more then one station where you need to find stages to reach the final location is called a http://www.opencaching.de/resource2/ocstyle/images/cacheicon/multi.gif '''multicache'''.  
* A geocache consisting of more then one station where you need to find stages to reach the final location is called a http://www.opencaching.de/resource2/ocstyle/images/cacheicon/multi.gif '''multicache'''.  
* And finally there are http://www.opencaching.de/resource2/ocstyle/images/cacheicon/moving.gif '''moving geocaches''' - if not attached to a vihicle they could also have a container.
* And finally there are http://www.opencaching.de/resource2/ocstyle/images/cacheicon/moving.gif '''moving geocaches''' - if not attached to a vehicle they could also have a container.


Geocaches without a container:
Geocaches without a container:
Zeile 25: Zeile 22:
You should decide the type of geocache first because it has influence on the need of one or more hiding places or none.
You should decide the type of geocache first because it has influence on the need of one or more hiding places or none.


==Find a good hiding place==
== Find a good hiding place ==
[[Datei:Lostplace katzenrod.jpg|thumb]]
[[Datei:OCE6DB Tütencache.jpg|thumb|hochkant=0.8|inappropriate place and container]]
If you want to hide a geocache with a container you need to find a good hiding place. Hiding a boring container at a boring place is probably not the best idea. Other people had already that idea. ;-) So it is good to know some handy criterias. Ask yourself if you would like to go to the geocache's location.
If you want to hide a geocache with a container you need to find a good hiding place. Hiding a boring container at a boring place is probably not the best idea. Other people already had this idea. ;-) So it is good to know some handy criterias. Ask yourself if you would like to go to the geocache's location.
* Is there something interesting to see? (nature, a view, cultural heritage, a monument or a special bulding)
* Is there something interesting to see? (nature, a view, cultural heritage, a monument or a special building)
* Is the geocache itself somehow funny or fancy?
* Is the geocache itself somehow funny or fancy?
* Is there some challenge to find the geocache?
* Is there some challenge to find the geocache?
* Is the geocache a special experience for cachers?
* Is the geocache a special experience for cachers?


When you found a nice location, next you need to find a good hiding place at the location. Often there are a gazillion possibilities to hide something. But always keep restricting criterias in your mind:
Next you need to find a good hiding place at the location. Often there are a gazillion possibilities to hide something. But always keep restricting criterias in your mind:
* Is the location overcrowded and cachers would permanently be disturbed?
* Is the location overcrowded and cachers would permanently be disturbed?
* Is there a high risk that the geocache could be found by muggles and get lost?
* Is there a high risk that the geocache could be found by [[muggle]]s and get lost?
* Is it permitted to hide the geocache at your desired location?
* Is it permitted to hide the geocache at your desired location?
* Is the location appropriate for the additional people (cachers and maybe vehicles) that your geocache would attract?
* Is the location appropriate for the additional people (cachers and maybe vehicles) that your geocache would attract?
Zeile 41: Zeile 38:
It is also important to an owner to have easy access to the geocache. As an owner you are responsible for maintaining your geocache and taking care of any issues that may arise as long as your geocache is active.
It is also important to an owner to have easy access to the geocache. As an owner you are responsible for maintaining your geocache and taking care of any issues that may arise as long as your geocache is active.


==Choose an appropriate geocache container==
== Choose an appropriate geocache container ==
===The size===
If you hide a real container you need to decide its size. Big containers offer space to drop and trade items. Small or tiny containers often contain only a log book but do not attract much attention. In case you already know the new location of your future geocache you need to find an appropriate size that can be hidden at that place. Most geocaches in towns range in size from ''nano'' to ''small''. In the woods such sizes would be hard to find. Out in nature you could place geocaches in size from ''normal'' to ''vary large''. Many cachers like geocaches with box containers containing a nice log book, items to trade and offering space to drop or retrieve trackables.
 
== Die richtige Dose ==
Ist die Cachegröße gewählt, ist nun die Wahl der Art der Dose dran.
 
[[Datei:Cachebewacher 3803567287.jpg|thumb|PETling]]
[[Datei:Cachebewacher 3803567287.jpg|thumb|PETling]]
Für die Cachegröße Mikro sind [[Filmdose|Filmdosen]] (diese haben den Vorteil kostenlos, aber den Nachteil u. U. nicht 100 % dicht zu sein) oder sog. PETlinge am beliebtesten. PETlinge sind die Rohlinge von PET-Flaschen und haben etwa Größe und Form eines Reagenzglases. Mit dem bereits fertigen Gewinde am Flaschenhals kann man diese mit einem normalen Flaschenverschluss 100 % dicht machen. Jedoch sind PETlinge im Einzelhandel (außer in speziellen Geocaching-Läden) nicht erhältlich; man bekommt sie nur im Internet über einschlägige Shops oder im Onlineauktionshaus. Eine Alternative sind Arznei- oder Kosmetik-Plastikbehälter mit Schraubdeckel; sie sind meist ebenfalls ausreichend wasserdicht.
=== The size ===
 
If you hide a real container you need to decide its size. Big containers offer space to drop and trade items. Small or tiny containers often contain only a log book but do not attract much attention. In case you already know the new location of your future geocache you need to find an appropriate size that can be hidden at that place. Most geocaches in towns range in size from ''nano'' to ''small''. In the woods such sizes would be hard to find. Out in nature you could place geocaches in size from ''normal'' to ''very large''. Many cachers like geocaches with box containers containing a nice log book, items to trade and offering space to drop or retrieve trackables.
[[Datei:100 3011.JPG|thumb|links|kleine Lock&Lock-Dose]]
Ab der Cachegröße ''klein'' eignen sich am besten die sog. [https://www.google.de/search?query=lock%26lock Lock&Lock-Dosen]; es müssen auch nicht die originalen sein. Es gibt schon recht günstige Nachahmer, die den gleichen Zweck erfüllen. Diese Dosen zeichnen sich dadurch aus, dass sie aufgrund des in den Rand eingearbeiteten Gummis extrem dicht sind und dass man beim Wiederverschließen wenig falsch machen kann; so bleibt der Inhalt dauerhaft trocken. Es eignet sich aber auch jede andere wirklich dichte Dose. Muttis Tupperware ist sicherlich zu teuer, wäre aber auch bestens geeignet. Bei den Dosen sollte man immer auf das Preis- Leistungsverhältnis achten, denn es kann immer passieren, dass so eine Dose mal gestohlen/gemuggelt wird, und dann ist der Ersatz durch eine neue Dose schon ärgerlich.


[[Datei:5.56 x 45 mm M855 Ammunition 3725867671.jpg|thumb|Munitionskiste]]
=== The container ===
Für die Größe ''normal'' sind Munitionskisten im Militaryshop oder in einschlägigen Shops im Internet zu erwerben. Sie kosten zwar in der Anschaffung ein paar Euro, sind dafür aber sehr robust und ebenfalls recht wasserdicht. Außerdem verfügen sie meist aufgrund ihrer Lackierung über eine natürliche Tarnung.
Outdoors a container should have an appropriate durability.


Als noch größere Behälter eignen sich z.B. Fässer aus dem Angel- oder Kanusport, Regentonnen mit dichtem Deckel etc. Da diese Dosengröße jedoch sehr selten ist, wird hier nicht näher darauf eingegangen.
Typical containers in size ''micro'' are film canisters and PET bottle preforms (in Germany called "PETlinge"). Film canisters are cheap or free but not 100% waterproof. PET bottle preforms have a bottle cap and are 100% waterproof but are only available at specialised shops. You could also use plastic containers for pharmaceutical products or cosmetics.


[[Datei:100 3011.JPG|thumb|links|small Lock&Lock box]]
Well-proven containers in size ''small'' and ''normal'' are so called [https://www.google.de/search?query=lock%26lock Lock&Lock boxes]. You can also find cheaper products with a similar system. These boxes are waterproof and easy to open and close. The content is well protected. You should not buy the most expensive boxes since there is always the possibility that a geocache container gets lost or destroyed.


[[Datei:OCE6DB Tütencache.jpg|thumb|hochkant=0.8|ungeeigneter Behälter]]
[[Datei:5.56 x 45 mm M855 Ammunition 3725867671.jpg|thumb|ammunition box]]
Überhaupt nicht als Cache im Freien geeignet sind Gläser, z.B. Marmeladengläser. Anfangs noch dicht, fängt der Deckel nach kurzer Zeit an zu rosten und wird undicht. Genauso unbrauchbar sind Metalldosen: Früher oder später ist der Deckel festgerostet; hier macht das [[Fachjargon#Heben|Heben]] keinen Spaß mehr.
Sometimes ammunition boxes are used as container for sizes from ''normal'' to ''very large'' but '''keep in mind to label such a box as geocache'''. Otherwise a [[muggle]] could report it to the authorities. Ammunition boxes are not cheap but waterproof and offer much space. Containers in size ''large'' and ''very large'' could also be waterproof boxes or containers for water sports.


Ebenfalls sehr unbeliebt: der “Tütencache“, auch Subbeltüte genannt. Hier wird um eine eigentlich ungeeignete, weil nicht dichte Dose eine Tüte gewickelt um die Dichtigkeit der Dose zu erhöhen. Wie diese Tüte nach ½ Jahr im Wald aussieht, riecht und sich beim öffnen anfühlt, kann sich sicher jeder vorstellen. Daher Bitte Bitte nicht!!!!
You should not use:
* plastic bag as container or to protect a non-waterproof container. Plastic bags break down quickly and end as trash in the nature.
* Coffee tins or cookie jars because they rust quickly and are hard to open.
* Glass jars because their lids rust quickly and the glass can shatter.


Letzten Endes bleibt natürlich jedem selbst überlassen, was für eine Dose er versteckt. Dies hier sind nur Tips und Hinweis, um mögliche Stolperfallen zu umgehen.
=== Things you should put in your geocache ===
 
==Things you should put in your geocache==
[[Datei:8a30695e-65dc-45cd-a23e-d63a796271d6.jpg|thumb|example for content]]
[[Datei:8a30695e-65dc-45cd-a23e-d63a796271d6.jpg|thumb|example for content]]
*A geocache with a container '''always''' contains a log book and if possible a pen - preferably a pencil. Pencils write even when wet or at low temperatures.  
*A geocache with a container '''always''' contains a log book and if possible a pen - preferably a pencil. Pencils write even when wet or at low temperatures.  
*Clearly label your container with a stash note so that any finder can quickly identify it as a geocache and as being harmless. The label should give the owners email address or an other contact method. It is useful to include information how to log the find.
*Clearly label your container with a stash note so that all cachers can quickly identify it as a geocache and as being harmless. The label should give the owners email address or an other contact method. It is useful to include information how to log the find.
*You '''can''' place items to trade or trackables in containers with enough space.
*You '''can''' place items to trade or trackables in containers with enough space.


==Things you should never put in a geocache==
=== Things you should never put in a geocache ===
*perishable items like food
* perishable items like food
*things that smell like food (could attract animals)
* things that smell like food (could attract animals)
*sample packages of cosmetics (could leak and ruin the geocache's content)
* sample packages of cosmetics (could leak and ruin the geocache's content)
*air freshener or perfumed candles (would transfer the smell to the geocache's content)
* air freshener or perfumed candles (would transfer the smell to the geocache's content)
*any illegal or dangerous contents like explosives, ammunition, weapons or items inappropriate for minors
* any illegal or dangerous contents like explosives, ammunition, weapons or items inappropriate for minors
*alcohol
* alcohol
*advertisement items
* advertisement items
*drugs
* drugs
 
== Hide the container ==
After finishing all preparation steps you can hide the container. A geocache needs to be protected from being discovered by [[muggle]]s. You could disguise it with material in the vicinity of the geocache like branches, stones or leafs.


== Die fertige Dose verstecken ==
Common hiding places are hollow stumps, a large network of roots of old trees, natural depressions, hollow crutches or piles of stones. But there are much more sophisticated possibilities. By seeking many geocaches before you hide your first geocache you will get familiar with that.
Wenn die Überlegungen und Vorbereitungen abgeschlossen sind und die Dose gefüllt ist, geht es raus in die Natur, um die Dose zu verstecken. Beim Verstecken immer darauf achten, dass der Cache mit Materialien (im Wald z. B. Blättern, Stöcken, Steinen) aus der Umgebung gut abgedeckt und vor Muggelaugen sicher ist. Dennoch sollte er natürlich für den geschulten Blick erkennbar sein, ohne die ganze Umgebung umzupflügen.


Geeignete Verstecke sind zum Beispiel hohle alte Baustümpfe, verwinkelte Wurzelhöhlungen, Vertiefungen im Boden (natürlich vorhanden, oder ausgehoben), Höhlungen in großen Astgabeln, Ansammlungen von Steinen usw.  
'''Don'ts''': Do never put screws or nails in living trees.


Absolut verpöhnt sind an lebenden Bäumen festgeschraubte oder -genagelte Dosen, Schilder etc. Wenn du etwas irgendwo festschrauben/nageln möchtet, findet sich ganz bestimmt ein geeigneter Baum'''stumpf''' dazu, oder aber das, was befestigt werden soll, wird mit Kabelbindern o. ä. (jedenfalls Dingen, die nicht so leicht in den Baum einwachsen können) am Baum befestigt. Solche Befestigungen sollten dann regelmäßig überprüft und ggf. erneuert werden, um dem Baum Platz zum Wachsen zu lassen.
=== Determine the coordinates ===
[[Datei:ETrexx Wegpunkt mitteln.JPG|thumb|waypoint averaging]]
GPS receivers are most precise in determining the GPS coordinates of your geocache. Smartphones often are less accurate.


== Koordinaten messen ==
If you just hit the waypoint button on your receiver to save your location you could get unsatisfying data. To find a geocache you need as accurate data as possible. If you are under clear sky just saving your position might be enough. Modern GPS chipsets do a lot of calculations and filtering before displaying a position. But if you are in the woods with dense trees or between several buildings it is beneficial to use a function that is called waypoint averaging. Check the manual of your GPS receiver how to do that.  
[[Datei:ETrexx Wegpunkt mitteln.JPG|thumb]]
Zum [[Koordinaten]]-Einmessen eignen sich am besten [[GPS-Gerät]]e. Die [[Smartphone|Handyapp]] ist hierzu leider weniger geeignet, außer bei ganz modernen Geräten, weil der [[GPS]]-Empfang hier einfach nicht so gut ist und dadurch die Koordinaten recht ungenau sind. Auch GPS-Koordinaten in Online-Karten sind meist nicht hinreichend genau.


Es reicht nicht, sich vor den Cache zu stellen und im Gerät auf „Wegpunkt setzen“ zu klicken. Die Koordinaten sollten so gemessen werden, dass der Cache aus mehreren Richtungen aus größerer Entfernung angegangen wird und jeweils dann eine Koordinate genommen wird. Daraus kann man dann meist einen recht guten Mittelwert errechnen. Viele Geräte haben auch eine „Positon mitteln-Funktion“, die hier helfen kann. Auch diese sollte jedoch mehrfach, aus verschiedenen Richtungen kommend verwendet werden und ein Mittelwert errechnet werden.
Just put the receiver on your geocache and hit the function, wait five minutes and then save the waypoint. You could also hold the receiver, activate the function, stretched your arm in front of you and turn slowly and several times on the hiding place. The GPS receiver will measure the position dozens of times and average it.
Der ermittelte Wert ist dann die Cachekoordinate, die später in der Beschreibung ganz oben steht, und sollte gut notiert werden.


Der Vollständigkeit halber kann zusätzlich auch ein [[Wegpunkte|Parkplatz]] angegeben werden, am besten als zusätzlicher [[Wegpunkte|Wegpunkt]]; dazu an einer zum Parken geeigneten Stelle den oben beschriebenen Vorgang wiederholen. Da ein Auto ja doch größer als ein Geocache ist, reicht hier im Normalfall auch das einmalige Setzen eines Wegpunktes.
The resulting coordinates are the values you need to enter into the "''Submit a new cache''" form. If there is a parking area nearby you could save another waypoint (no avaraging necessary) and add that information to your geocache listing.


== Der Testlauf ==
== Test you geocache ==
Wenn du dich für einen [[Multicache|Multi-]] oder [[Cachearten#Rätselcache („Mystery“)|Rätstelcache]] entschieden hast, ist es durchaus sinnvoll, nach dem Verstecken und dem Messen der Koordinaten einen so genannten [[Betatest]] machen zu lassen. Und dabei ist es vollkommen egal, ob du deinen ersten Cache versteckst oder bereits 20 Caches versteckt hast. Dieser Test soll sicher stellen, dass das, was du dir ausgedacht hast, so auch funktioniert. Dass z. B. das Rätsel lösbar ist, und dass als Ergebnis auch wirklich die richtige Koordinate herauskommt. Ober bei einem Multicache, dass alle Koordinaten an den richtigen Stellen versteckt sind (häufig vorkommender Flüchtigkeitsfehler: Koordinate der zu suchenden Dose ist in DER Dose drin) und vor allem, dass auch alle Verstecke gefunden werden können.
If you are creating a multi geocache or a quiz geocache it could be useful to test it before publishing the geocache listing. Such a "beta test" is not dependent from your experience. It is meant to find errors or misunderstanding others may have. For example, it could happen that your listing has a typo and noone can calculate the coordinates. Or maybe you did put accidently the coordinates of the next stage *in* the next stage's container. So, just ask around if someone would be so kind and test your geocache. Being asked to be a beta tester is quite honorable for some cachers.  


Ganz ohne es zu wollen und auch zu merken, schleichen sich bei komplexeren Geocaches schnell Fehlerchen wie Zahlendreher in den Koordinaten o.ä. ein. Da ist es sehr vorteilhaft, wenn das '''vor''' der Veröffentlichung jemandem auffällt und man diese Fehler noch ausmerzen kann, bevor der [[Fachjargon#FTF-Jäger|FTF-Jäger]] daran scheitert. Hierbei ist es auch durchaus von Vorteil, wenn den Betatest nicht die besten Freunde machen (weil die wissen, wie man „tickt“ und ihnen ein Fehler dann evtl. auch nicht auffällt), sonder evtl. sogar ganz fremde Cacher (aus der [[Fachjargon#Homezone|Homezone]]). Ein Betatest ist für viele eine große Ehre; daher wird wohl kaum jemand nein sagen, wenn er per Mail gefragt wird, ob er Lust hat, einen ganz neuen Geocache testen.
== Create the geocache listing at the Opencaching Website ==
After being successful with hiding a geocache, you need to create an online listing at the Opencaching website.


== Und nun? ==
By doing so, other cachers get notification emails about your new cache, can find it in the [[How to search for geocaches|website's search]] and on the [http://www.opencaching.de/map2.php Opencaching map] and start seeking your geocache.
'''Herzlichen Glückwunsch, du hast Deinen ersten Geocache versteckt.''' Jetzt geht es nach Haus um das [[Erstellen einer Cachebeschreibung/ Listing|Listing zu schreiben]].




[[Kategorie:Geocaching]]
[[Kategorie:Geocaching (English)]]
[[Kategorie:English pages]]

Aktuelle Version vom 23. Juli 2015, 11:10 Uhr

This is a translation of Wie verstecke ich einen Cache?. Please insert only links to (existing or to-be-written) English language Wiki pages here. In diesem Artikel bitte nur Links auf englischsprachige Seiten verwenden.

The perfect moment for your first own geocache

Actually there is no perfect moment for your first own geocache. Cachers do not even need to hide an own geocache, but most people want to give something back to the community. It is very useful to gain as much experience in seeking geocaches as possible. It is the best way to see how and where others hide geocaches and how the containers or listings look like. It is also interesting to read the logs of the geocaches you found. High quality geocaches often get long log entries and many recommendation stars. If you did like the geocache and others too, than that might be the kind of quality cache we all like. Try to create a geocache that could also be fun so find.

Know your responsibility

Your first geocache could be an exciting experience. However you should keep in mind that by hiding a geocache you are taking over responsibilities. Those who hide a geocache become owners. As an owner you are responsible for maintaining your geocache(s) and taking care of any issues that may arise. You can find the terms for hiding a geocache and publishing it at the Opencaching website.

Choose a geocache type

Think about what type of geocache you would like to create. There are geocaches with and without a hidden container.

Geocaches with a container:

  • The easiest geocache is a so called traditional geocache indicated with a traditional.gif treasure chest. If a traditional geocache is in the vicinity of a parking area it is called a drivein.gif Drive-In a.k.a. "drive-by" or "park 'n grab".
  • A geocache that first requires to solve a puzzle or a sophisticated math or physics problem is called a mystery.gif quiz geocache a.k.a. mystery geocache and mathe.gif math or physics geocache.
  • A geocache consisting of more then one station where you need to find stages to reach the final location is called a multi.gif multicache.
  • And finally there are moving.gif moving geocaches - if not attached to a vehicle they could also have a container.

Geocaches without a container:

  • virtual.gif Virtual geocaches and webcam.gif webcam geocaches usually do not require to find a stash.


You should decide the type of geocache first because it has influence on the need of one or more hiding places or none.

Find a good hiding place

inappropriate place and container

If you want to hide a geocache with a container you need to find a good hiding place. Hiding a boring container at a boring place is probably not the best idea. Other people already had this idea. ;-) So it is good to know some handy criterias. Ask yourself if you would like to go to the geocache's location.

  • Is there something interesting to see? (nature, a view, cultural heritage, a monument or a special building)
  • Is the geocache itself somehow funny or fancy?
  • Is there some challenge to find the geocache?
  • Is the geocache a special experience for cachers?

Next you need to find a good hiding place at the location. Often there are a gazillion possibilities to hide something. But always keep restricting criterias in your mind:

  • Is the location overcrowded and cachers would permanently be disturbed?
  • Is there a high risk that the geocache could be found by muggles and get lost?
  • Is it permitted to hide the geocache at your desired location?
  • Is the location appropriate for the additional people (cachers and maybe vehicles) that your geocache would attract?

It is also important to an owner to have easy access to the geocache. As an owner you are responsible for maintaining your geocache and taking care of any issues that may arise as long as your geocache is active.

Choose an appropriate geocache container

PETling

The size

If you hide a real container you need to decide its size. Big containers offer space to drop and trade items. Small or tiny containers often contain only a log book but do not attract much attention. In case you already know the new location of your future geocache you need to find an appropriate size that can be hidden at that place. Most geocaches in towns range in size from nano to small. In the woods such sizes would be hard to find. Out in nature you could place geocaches in size from normal to very large. Many cachers like geocaches with box containers containing a nice log book, items to trade and offering space to drop or retrieve trackables.

The container

Outdoors a container should have an appropriate durability.

Typical containers in size micro are film canisters and PET bottle preforms (in Germany called "PETlinge"). Film canisters are cheap or free but not 100% waterproof. PET bottle preforms have a bottle cap and are 100% waterproof but are only available at specialised shops. You could also use plastic containers for pharmaceutical products or cosmetics.

small Lock&Lock box

Well-proven containers in size small and normal are so called Lock&Lock boxes. You can also find cheaper products with a similar system. These boxes are waterproof and easy to open and close. The content is well protected. You should not buy the most expensive boxes since there is always the possibility that a geocache container gets lost or destroyed.

ammunition box

Sometimes ammunition boxes are used as container for sizes from normal to very large but keep in mind to label such a box as geocache. Otherwise a muggle could report it to the authorities. Ammunition boxes are not cheap but waterproof and offer much space. Containers in size large and very large could also be waterproof boxes or containers for water sports.

You should not use:

  • plastic bag as container or to protect a non-waterproof container. Plastic bags break down quickly and end as trash in the nature.
  • Coffee tins or cookie jars because they rust quickly and are hard to open.
  • Glass jars because their lids rust quickly and the glass can shatter.

Things you should put in your geocache

example for content
  • A geocache with a container always contains a log book and if possible a pen - preferably a pencil. Pencils write even when wet or at low temperatures.
  • Clearly label your container with a stash note so that all cachers can quickly identify it as a geocache and as being harmless. The label should give the owners email address or an other contact method. It is useful to include information how to log the find.
  • You can place items to trade or trackables in containers with enough space.

Things you should never put in a geocache

  • perishable items like food
  • things that smell like food (could attract animals)
  • sample packages of cosmetics (could leak and ruin the geocache's content)
  • air freshener or perfumed candles (would transfer the smell to the geocache's content)
  • any illegal or dangerous contents like explosives, ammunition, weapons or items inappropriate for minors
  • alcohol
  • advertisement items
  • drugs

Hide the container

After finishing all preparation steps you can hide the container. A geocache needs to be protected from being discovered by muggles. You could disguise it with material in the vicinity of the geocache like branches, stones or leafs.

Common hiding places are hollow stumps, a large network of roots of old trees, natural depressions, hollow crutches or piles of stones. But there are much more sophisticated possibilities. By seeking many geocaches before you hide your first geocache you will get familiar with that.

Don'ts: Do never put screws or nails in living trees.

Determine the coordinates

waypoint averaging

GPS receivers are most precise in determining the GPS coordinates of your geocache. Smartphones often are less accurate.

If you just hit the waypoint button on your receiver to save your location you could get unsatisfying data. To find a geocache you need as accurate data as possible. If you are under clear sky just saving your position might be enough. Modern GPS chipsets do a lot of calculations and filtering before displaying a position. But if you are in the woods with dense trees or between several buildings it is beneficial to use a function that is called waypoint averaging. Check the manual of your GPS receiver how to do that.

Just put the receiver on your geocache and hit the function, wait five minutes and then save the waypoint. You could also hold the receiver, activate the function, stretched your arm in front of you and turn slowly and several times on the hiding place. The GPS receiver will measure the position dozens of times and average it.

The resulting coordinates are the values you need to enter into the "Submit a new cache" form. If there is a parking area nearby you could save another waypoint (no avaraging necessary) and add that information to your geocache listing.

Test you geocache

If you are creating a multi geocache or a quiz geocache it could be useful to test it before publishing the geocache listing. Such a "beta test" is not dependent from your experience. It is meant to find errors or misunderstanding others may have. For example, it could happen that your listing has a typo and noone can calculate the coordinates. Or maybe you did put accidently the coordinates of the next stage *in* the next stage's container. So, just ask around if someone would be so kind and test your geocache. Being asked to be a beta tester is quite honorable for some cachers.

Create the geocache listing at the Opencaching Website

After being successful with hiding a geocache, you need to create an online listing at the Opencaching website.

By doing so, other cachers get notification emails about your new cache, can find it in the website's search and on the Opencaching map and start seeking your geocache.