East coast geocacher, FalconLoader, recently logged a seven-states-in-eight-days geocaching extravaganza, bringing his personal cache tally to over 500 while raising money for the non-profit Fisher House. Congratulations FalconLoader on your Cache-mencements!
Somewhere between leaving and returning FalconLoader learned a few things—and shares them here with us—sage advice and reminders for cachers young and old!
FalconLoader’s Geocaching lessons learned:
10. Caching isn’t about the numbers. Remember to enjoy the journey.
9. Go with a "wingman." Caching is both more safe and more fun when shared. Remember the old adage, “Two heads are better than one…”
8. Plan, Plan, Plan! The most important factor in real estate is location, location, location. The most important factor in caching is plan, plan, plan. Many of my target caches were disabled or in areas that gave the cacher nothing but a smiley for gratification.
7. Read the notes carefully. Know what you’re looking for. Minimize risks and confusion.
6. Night caching is fun; bring more batteries.
5. Alabama has tornados...watch for them! See #8
4. Give back, it is worth it! This trip wasn’t about me. I simply did what I could to help Fisher House. Likewise, sometimes the best part of a cache is the satisfaction that you—or your team—have left the area better than you found it. Practicing CITO is important and rewarding.
3. Keep a camera and tripod handy. Don’t leave camera and tripod in trunk.
2. Contact local cachers and/or caching groups for recommended caches.
And the most important lesson:
1. Have Fun. Enjoy the journey.
FalconLoader is a geocacher/father/pastor/ANG member (among other things) from the eastern part of the United States. He recently undertook a week-long geocaching marathon to raise money for Fisher House—an organization that supports military families when a service person requires hospitalization. You can read more about Fisher House at: www.fisherhouse.org.
Originally published May 5, 2009