You have gotten into cache hunting because you thought it would be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and bond with your kids. You have probably done some urban caches in town and in local parks but something is missing. You aren't doing caches on the Dark Side. These are caches that are off the beaten path and more in the outdoors. You don't do them because you are worried about the risks and you have kids with you. Of course, urban caches have a dark side, too. Noise, muggles, traffic - not exactly the ideal outdoor experience. So how do you come to the Dark Side? You have to use the Middle Path.

Often when people try new things they fall into one of two types. One is like the neurotic, phobic police detective, Adrian Monk. He is afraid of everything and any change. He is afraid of germs, snakes, bugs, basically everything. The other type is Lewis from the James Dickey novel, Deliverance. He recklessly takes his buddies down a Georgia river with no preparation, putting their very lives in danger. Neither of these types follows the Middle Path. The Middle Path is about preparation and practice; knowing what to take and how to use it; gradually gaining experience to venture into the Dark Side. The "Path of Adrian Monk" seems safe and you may very well want to stay on that path but you will never get those more challenging caches and that path is not always safe, which is not always obvious to see. Adrian Monk often finds himself on the Dark Side and doesn't know how to handle it. The "Path of Lewis" will certainly get you in trouble.

Preparation is about anticipating your needs, what you need to bring and how to use it. "The Ten Essentials" is a starting point when you are going on those more challenging Dark Side caches in the out of doors. They may be adjusted as you gain experience, and the Middle Path to the Dark Side is about gradually gaining experience to go after more difficult caches that are off the beaten path. In addition, as part of preparation when you are going after a Dark Side cache that involves a long hike away from civilization, you should also leave information with a trusted friend. This information should include your planned trip, coordinates and estimated time of returning. That way, if something happens they can get help. When going after a Dark Side cache you should always anticipate an overnight stay. Don't face this possibility with fear and trepidation like Adrian Monk or take no concern as Lewis would. If you are using the Middle Path you will be prepared for unforeseen circumstances.

This deserves its own heading as it is one of the greatest risks of the Dark Side. This is the type of risk that Adrian Monk would be susceptible to. This is one reason why his path is not always as safe as it appears. He will worry about things like snakes and bugs, ignoring more obvious but likely risks. Hypothermia is the losing of core body temperature. It is something to be especially watched for in children. It occurs when you get cold and wet. It doesn't have to be that cold either. It can easily happen with an unexpected spring rain or accidental slip into water. It is dealt with through prevention and treatment. This is done through retaining heat or producing heat. You retain heat through such things as wearing the proper clothing and staying dry. In cold wet weather use materials that keep you warm when wet. Cotton is very bad. Blue jeans probably kill more people each year than all the snakes combined. You add heat by eating lots of snacks, using fire or huddling.

The Ten Essentials

This is a list of the ten essentials of the Middle Path. If you are doing a cache on the Dark Side you should always carry these with you. It is not meant to be definitive or all-inclusive. Based on gained experience or different conditions it should be tweaked and adjusted. Some items like a pocket knife or fire starter may not be appropriate for young children. If you are cache hunting in a group some may just be needed for the group as opposed to everyone having them.

1. Navigation: In addition to your GPS you should also take a map and compass, and learn how to use them. Children enjoy compasses and should be encouraged to use them as young as possible. Eight years old is probably the earliest age they will actually be able to understand how to use them.
2. Light: Always bring a flashlight or headlamp in case you are caught after dark. Cylum glowsticks are great for kids. Put them on a string to wear around the neck and you will also see where they are in the dark.
3. Food: Always bring extra food in the form of snacks such as Power Bars or trail mix.
4. Water: Everyone should carry water in water bottles or bladders. Do not drink water from natural sources as it may contain giardia which will give you a bad case of beaver fever. All natural water should be treated by boiling, iodine tablets or a filter.
5. Clothing: Extra clothing should be carried for unexpected weather conditions. In cold and damp weather, avoid cotton as much as possible, using synthetic underwear such as polypropylene or thermax. Wool is also good. Use layering with insulating and shell layers. Socks should be synthetic or wool with sock liners.
6. First aid kit: Carry a first aid kit containing Band-aids, bandages, tape, butterfly closures or steristrips for larger wounds, antibiotic ointment, antacids, painkillers, moleskins for blisters and any specific prescription or other medications individuals need.
7. Pocket knife: Everyone should carry one except children who are too young to safely use one. A multi-use tool will also work well for many situations.
8. Signaling: Always carry something to signal for help. Take a cell phone if you have one, understanding that in some outdoor areas you may not get a signal. A whistle is probably the best way to signal for help. Three short bursts will summon help, carries a lot further than voice, and doesn't waste energy. A mirror may also be helpful. If you have a sighting compass with a mirror this doubles in use.
9. Fire starter: Always carry something to start a fire with. This includes a lighter or matches. Magnesium fire starters are also very good. Also carry some tinder or fire starter. Practice before you go out so you can start a fire easily under adverse conditions. Again, for children make sure they can use it safely before they carry it.
10. Miscellaneous: This includes sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellant.