One of the best things about geocaching is that players can experience the game at different levels of difficulty. Clues are often included in the cache notes to help those along that need a hand. While some cachers believe using the clue is cheating the validity of the find, many cachers feel justified for deciphering the clue for a variety of reasons.
Besides helping the geocacher find the cache quickly and efficiently, a clue can be a fun activity for the kids. Since the decoding key is right beside the clue, a geocache page can provide entertain for school-age kids as they ride along to the next location. A great idea for geocaching parents: keep some cache log clues handy for the kids to solve while waiting for a haircut or at a restaurant. The kids get to sharpen their minds and get interested in a future cache find! Better yet, ask him to keep the clue solution to himself as a handicap. The first to find the secret clue cache gets a special treat, i.e. ice cream cone, no chores, etc.
For those that enjoy finding the cache without the clue, it is good to know it is there to fall back on if needed. Often clues can be vague and ambiguous, as in “under a tree,” but sometimes a precise clue can help a geocacher as a last resort from having to log the dreaded DNF (did not find).
If hiding geocaches, remember that your audience does not always share your same perspective. What may be obvious to you, the hider, may not be obvious to the geocacher. Even if you think your cache will be a simple find, why not include a clue to provide some help to a rookie in the sport? Experienced geocachers always have the option to remain clueless.
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