Topic: Tips for Geocaching

[Ken (OP)]

Google maps are THE way to go if you don't have a GPS.  :hah:

I discovered this technique while trying to find a way to do better Geocaching without a GPS.

On each "View Cache Details" page you should see a set of Latitude & Longitude coordinates and you can paste those into a Google map Search window and that will return a map with those coordinates marked with a green arrow.

This set is for Miss Angele's Kids' Kache that's hidden in Tobaccoville Park. (N 36? 14.349 W 080? 22.499)    

NOTE:
To get the arrow to show on my maps I first go directly to the Google maps page (not from the link on the cache page but to www.google.com/maps)... then after entering the coordinates to the cache you must switch to the 'Satellite' view.
This has given me a green arrow on most, but not all caches.

In the picture below you can see the red square where my initial search was focused because that's where most of the trees and bushes are to be found, especially the evergreens and that's the 'main' part of the park where all of the tables, benches ETC. are located.
But, you can also see the green arrow that Google places to mark the actual coordinates, so on my next attempt maybe I can finally prove myself to be on a level with preschoolers!  

EDIT: This worked as predicted! Armed with this Google map I was able to go directly to this great little cache.
You can see my comments about the find HERE. ... some pics are included.

[Ken (OP)]

Read the Description Carefully

When reading the descriptions for a cache be sure to carefully read the description so that you can pick up any clues that are included.

Examples:

1/ If it tells you that the cache is a "magnetic hide in predictable places" it likely means that it's small and is attached to a light pole in a parking lot or something similar.

2/ If it tells you "When you arrive at this location, you will understand just what you need to do." it is likely that this is a multi-stage cache and when you arrive at this current location you'll be looking for clues (like coordinates) that will direct you to the next stage or location.

[Skhilled]

Thanks, that is good to know.

[Skhilled]

Here's some Geocaching apps for your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad:

Geocaching Apps

I currently use Geocaching Toolkit iGCT, Geocaching With Geosphere, and Geocaching. Since I have an iPod Touch (needs to be Wifi connected) I use these at home first to get the data. I then download the caches to my handheld GPS. The iPod can save the Google maps and other data for me while the GPS shows me in distances (miles, feet, inches) how close I am.