What makes a cool cache is similar to what makes a great story. While I'm caching, I want to feel as if I'm exploring something new, or to experience the thrill of a treasure hunt. Although "park n' grabs" have their place in geocaching, they tend to blur together and become quickly forgetten if they do not exhibit some quality that sets them apart. My most memorable caches are those that have some depth and thought poured into them. So just as with a story, a cool cache benefits from a rich plot, a spectacular setting, and some character. A flashy title never hurts, either!
The plot is essentially what defines the cache, and it may be fictional, non-fictional, or simply personal. The plot sets the experience for what a cacher should feel while tracking down the waypoint. Perhaps the cacher is solving a mystery, or learning about an Indian tribe, or trying to raid the vault of a jealous bridge troll? The plot doesn't require complex twists or great length. Instead, a good plot is creative and weaves a nice theme for the cache.
A setting is defined by the physical characteristics of the cache and should compliment the theme. Just because you don't live near an amazing vista doesn't mean you can't have a great setting for your cache. Consider adding props along the route or select waypoints that establish the mood and context for your cache. Maybe you want to choose a setting that provides a sense of exploration, whether it's a path less traveled to your favorite swimming hole or a forgotten butterfly collection in the back of your public library.
The character for the cache is roughly equivalent to its difficulty and terrain ratings. For instance, a high terrain rank might enhance the feeling of adventure, while a high difficulty could instill a sense of accomplishment. However, high rankings might come at the expense of excluding some cachers. It is not always possible to construct a cache that appeals to everyone, as some cachers prefer long hikes and others require it to be kid-friendly. Just try to choose a layout that compliments the theme of your cache.
While each of us have caught the geocaching bug, we all appreciate different aspects of the chase. Personally, I prefer a nice mix of adventure, romance, and exploration: a lone, gnarled tree near an overgrown monument. a canyon with the singing rock. a creature from a creepy poem that only appears under the cover of night! My favorite caches are those which are creative, teach me something, or take me to a special place.
What makes a cache cool is different for different people. In this particular adventure, Geocaching, you can customize the adventure to your interest and ability by using the terrain and difficulty indicators. I know cachers that are primarily interested in seeking history-related caches. I know cachers that seek the #5 terrain caches to feed their need for thrills. I know cachers that are strictly out for numbers and adore micros to make their numbers go up. I know cachers that prefer urban “clean” caches as opposed to tromping around in the tick-filled woods in the heat. I know cachers that have a variety of ability levels and prefer to screen their caches for terrain difficulty.
Caching is what you want it to be. You can mix and match your thrills and adventure to be whatever level of accomplishment you desire. If you are in it for the puzzle difficulty and want to find obscure “code” or solve mathematical esoterica, you can do it! If you are in it for sheer numbers and want to hit everything on a route between Boston and New York, you can get that too.
Got kids and looking for child-friendly sporters and caches? That can be arranged too. In fact, by using the indicators, the description and, sometimes, the hint – you can decide what kind of cache you most want to seek.
Another aspect of caching is the timing. You can go on your own schedule no matter if you are the biggest night owl, or the most early of birds. Whenever you have a few minutes, you can plan finding a cache, seeking a cache, or making your own cache for others to find.
And, if you understand the above, you know that cool caches are what a person wants. Some people are happy to find a simple micro and sign a log for the smiley. Some people are excited to find the smallest of teeny, tiny, obscure micro’s that require the skill of a CIA agent. If you’re looking for a puzzle to spend a month solving a complex math problem based on Pascal’s triangle or semifore code? They’re around. If you scuba dive and want to use that equipment to find a cache – or that new kayak – or that new climbing gear – this hobby can accommodate your desire for adventure.
If you enjoy putting together a puzzle for others to solve and like to be the most devious and devilish puzzle guy/gal on the block, you’ve found a place where others of like mind will join you in gleefully planning devilishly difficult puzzles too. Perhaps you just like the idea of a puzzle theme and want to base your puzzle on toys, or coffee, or swizzle sticks. Yes, this kind of thinking is whole-heartedly welcomed in this group of thinkers.
A cool cache is in the eye of the beholder. If you want to climb a mountain, dive to the depths, or do a Fourier transform to find a cache, there’s one out there with your name on it! As for me, I look for the SWAG. There are many definitions of what that word means. One is that it is an acronym for “Stuff We All Get,” as in the goody bags one frequently gets at a convention. The “urban” dictionary say’s it’s “goods, commodities or wares.” I like the treasure hunt aspect of caching. For me it’s the hunt. I can find a manageable hunt that allows me to have success, despite some physical limitations that preclude me from some of the most physically challenging caches. I like opening up a traditional cache and finding an assortment of surprises. They don’t have to be especially exotic or exciting to make my day. The box just needs to have a nice assortment and be clean inside.
Cool caches are also the smiley one gets at attending an event. Accumulating friends along with SWAG makes for a happy cacher. To get a smiley at the same time, makes it all that much better! Like participants in some secret code society we get to know people under alias’ and “go out and play,” much like when we were children. In fact, we’ll have others call us up to see if we can go out and play too?
Friends, puzzles, hide-and-seek, looking for treasure, or simply a stubborn person that is compelled to be undefeated? No matter what you are motivated to get for a cache, there’s a cool one out there waiting for your log.