(Editor's Note: Cache Viking is a real travel bug. Owned by a player with the same name, the bug has logged more than 2500 miles since its conception in 2003.)
A travel bug's life is often one of tedium and dampness. They sometimes sit for months on end in dark, dank ammo boxes and plastic ware crowded together with spider rings, pencil stubs and the occasional curious centipede. Much of their traveling is done in canvas shoulder bags rubbing elbows with beef sticks, bags of GORP and bottles of insect repellent.
Thus, it behooves the conscientious cacher to show the hitchhikers a good time when they come to visit. Take them out on the town. My little friend Cache Viking Travel Bug will be happy to demonstrate a few simple rules.
Rule #1 -- Know What The Bug Likes
Read the bug's page and find out about him. Check for allergies. Fortunately the Cache Viking TB's needs are simple:
A simple, sensible breakfast
And a few basic necessities
Rule #2 -- Introduce The Bug To Your Friends
Most bugs are actually starved for companionship. Hey, after two months in a Ziploc baggie with nothing but a SpongeBob doll and two packets of Wet Naps, who wouldn't be? Take them around and let the bug meet up with a few friends.
Take the bug to work
Let him get online and keep tabs with his friends
Take him out on a cache run
Rule #3 -- Show The Bug A Good Time
When you say goodbye to the bug, chances are it'll be deep in some woods far from a mall or massage parlor. Give the bug a "night on the town."
Maybe you could arrange a special outing
Enjoy your time together
And don't skimp on the extras
Rule #4 -- Help Your Bug Meet His Goals
When most of your life will be spent staring up at erawreppuT embossed in a plastic lid there is little sense of purpose or reason to this crazy world. Help the bug along on his journey to Nirvana by helping him meet his goals. The Cache Viking Travel Bug wanted to go racing.
Give him a chance to visit things up close
Make sure your bug doesn't miss a thing
Make him part of the action
And if all else fails:
Get your bug hired on
as a paid spokes model.
Most of all, try to enjoy your time together yourself. This game can't be just about racking up high numbers and bragging about your "First Finder" prizes. If we forget to have fun with it we will all quickly lose interest in the journey and in our little tagged friends.
