ScouterDuck defines Geocaching

To begin, I will state that geocaching is not the same game it was when I began in 2004. It was not popular, geocachers almost operated as an underground. Cache hides were few, driving 100+ miles in one day to pick less than 10 finds was common. Urban caches simply did not yet exist.

Second, I was, and still am, first and foremost a hiker. Geocaching was merely a bonus during a nice hiking trip, and a reason to go hiking somewhere I had not been before. Often, I learned of new places to hike because a geocache was placed there. Six years ago, that was more than enough. Driving down a muddy dirt road to get to the parking and trail head, then three miles down a narrow rugged trail, then 400 feet of bush-whack to arrive at ground zero, then 20 minutes of poking around every stump and pile of sticks to uncover a rusty ammo can filled with dollar-store toys. Sign, trade, replace, then either backtrack or continue around on a different trail. All while sweating profusely and swatting at insects. One find. One physical workout. One filthy car. One perfect day!

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against numbers runs, lamp posts, and guard rails. And I welcome those who prefer these sorts of hides and finds. But I have decided they aren't for me. This is not why I became a cacher. Sure, I grabbed a few when they were novelties, but now that there is one on every block, every Wal-Mart, every culvert crossing on every rural highway, no thanks. However, let me make it clear I am not complaining. For those that prefer these, more power to you! Likewise, please do not complain when others hide caches in the back country, in wet places, in hard-to-reach places, with clever camoflage, and so on. Nor should anyone complain about puzzle caches: solving ciphers, sudokus, looking up obscure events, whatever. If you opt to skip these in favor of other types, no problem. But please recognize that some of us prefer the adventure, the experience, and the challenge of these caches.

Next, if you want to make one of these difficult caches for one of your hides, great! But please do not make your hide more difficult with intentionally inaccurate coordinates. If you do want to have something like that, make it an offset and clearly state in the decription, 'from the posted coordinates, look 250 feet at 125 degrees magnetic" or whatever. Just know that some people will be able to project a waypoint with a GPS, not all will break out their handy Silva compass (I will!) like you expect. Also, ensure your ciphers are ones people can solve with a little research; don't go inventing your own without providing some background.

Finally, the DNF log type is provided for you to make an admission, not an accusation. If you did not find a cache you were seeking, your first thought should not be 'it's missing' but rather, 'Gee, this guy really hid it well. I'm stumped.' Your online log should reflect this notion. Put the blame on yourself. Similarly, as an owner reading a DNF, your thought should be, 'Ha ha, I stumped someone.' Even if the logger is being negative, let yourself smile- you did stump someone! Of course, multiple DNFs over time are a signal to go check on the health of your cache.

This is one single cacher's two cents. Take it for what it is worth, then close your browser, go outside, and find some caches!