Geocachers are as diverse as the GPS units they use. For some the cache is about the journey; for others it is a high intensity game of numbers. For many, finding the cache is the ultimate purpose for travelling to a certain location and leaving empty-handed feels like defeat.
So what do you do when the cache seems impossible to find? Here are some natural reactions:
1. Stare intently at your GPS and wonder why it’s not working.
2. Re-check the coordinates.
3. Blame the muggles/cache owner/last cacher to find.
4. Check under that rock…for the fifth time.
5. Widen the search area.
6. Think about why you ever believed geocaching was fun to begin with.
7. Look at the sky (may or may not include a raised fist).
The Tufa Waterfall – Calgary Parks 100 cache has been mentioned often over the last week because of the City of Calgary festivities surrounding the Parks 100th anniversary. The first attempt on this cache was aborted because the level of the Bow River, the slippery conditions, the steep terrain and the cache’s proximity water made this one tricky attempt. The second attempt, and successful capture, of this cache made me realize how close I had been on the first attempt.
Even though I railed against giving up on the first attempt, knowing when to ‘call it a day’ may have prevented a serious injury or worse, a trip down the Bow River without a boat. Here are some reasons to ‘call it a day’ when you’re out caching:
1. You’re alone. Geocaching can become a dangerous game when you’re out alone and travelling unfamiliar terrain. A cell phone or a dog is good but not great protection. Know your limits.
2. The terrain is compromised. Snow and rain can cause unsafe conditions on all surface types. Remember not to get yourself into somewhere you can’t get out of.
3. The weather changes unexpectedly. In Calgary, we hope for the best and try and prepare for the worst. Stop caching to seek shelter if caught out without the proper clothing or gear.
4. You or your group need to eat/use the toilet/reapply bug spray, etc. There is no doubt that caching makes a person hungry. Make sure you take care of you and your group’s personal needs first and foremost. The cache can wait.
5. You’ve injured yourself. Seek medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to try and push through the pain because the cache location is nearby.
6. The cache is not at its listed coordinates and you’ve spent ample time searching the surrounding area. Ample time can range from 15 minutes to one hour, depending on the cacher’s patience. Sometimes a fresh perspective another day can help you find it easier.
7. There are too many muggles to try and attempt collecting the cache. A simple reason but valid for the next cacher to come after you. They would like a cache to be there when they arrive.
The Tufa Waterfall cache has become a memorable find for me because I persevered after the first attempt. Giving yourself credit for knowing your limits is important. When geocaching, keep in mind that safety today enables you to “CARPE CACHE” tomorrow. Happy caching!
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