For those who have not read the Harry Potter book series, the word ‘muggle’ may be unfamiliar. Introduced to the Oxford Dictionary in 2003, a muggle is defined as non-magical folk. In geocaching, however, a muggle is defined as a non-geocacher or, in other words, just a regular person.
Muggles are everywhere! While caching, a muggle can be spotted on the same trail, at a nearby window or strolling along your direct line to the coveted cache. Muggles are generally friendly people but can be a curious lot. Many a geocache expedition has been thwarted by a muggle who was interested in what a geocaching group was looking for in the bushes.
Muggle can also be used as a verb, such as “the cache was muggled.” This means that a curious explorer without knowledge about the sport of geocaching removed the cache container from its location or emptied it of all contents. Often, a muggled cache is unintentional and the cache owner is notified by other seekers immediately.
The best method to avoid a cache being muggled is to approach it stealthily…until you can’t. If caught suspiciously poking about a cache site by a muggle, be upfront. Tell the muggle about geocaching, how it’s played and why you play it. Invite them to sign the cache log and retrieve a trade item. Stress upon the secrecy of the cache location for the continuation of the game. Inform them of the website www.geocaching.com so they can research further. Some geocachers carry muggle business cards that make an explanation easier.
Remember to be kind and courteous to muggles. Who knows, because of contact with you they may become future geocachers!
Cache-to-Go: Muggle Another Day, GC1EX33 by Torran and Tatterhood. If up in one of the fastest growing bedroom communities in Alberta this summer, why not check out caches placed by these prolific St. Albert cachers?
Comments
Ah yes. I think most muggles simply don't realize that their actions could be a negative influence on the rest, trying to find the cache. Probably aren't intentionally out looking for ways to ruin the game.
Thanks for your comment, Chuck!
I was speaking with a fellow cacher here in Calgary recently who began geocaching because he was a muggle that removed a container. Once he researched what geocaching was about, he joined the game!
I'm hearing more often of muggles who stumble across containers. I guess we geocachers are starting to get noticed....
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