Discussions

I had heard a little about geocaching for a few years now and finally read up and went out yesterday. I went to three spots and eventually found one! They were all level one but it was just me and another rookie so it was the blind leading the blind really. They all had been recently found so I will go back to the two other spots once again after more experience.  
 
I was using my Iphone and the Geocaching 'intro' app linked from geocashing.com. There is also the full geocaching app for $12. There were lots on the map that I could not use because they needed the advanced membership.  
 
I have no problem spending the money to access them but I may get an adroid phone in the next few months: I may not. I don't want to buy the full two times plus the geocashing premium membership if not necessary.  
 
I guess I am a little confused about what I need to access them all and have more fun. What do you recommend using for an app? Are there better ones out there for the Iphone? Or is getting a Garmin a smart thing to do?  
 
I want to have the device on me or atleast in the car so if I happen to have time to kill and want to try one it is with me.  
 
Any other advice or hints for a beginner are greatly appreciated. Thanks.  
 

I love geocaching! I started with the app at first to make sure I enjoyed it and after a few months I decided to buy a actual GPS. I bought a Magellan GPS on sale at Canadian tire. I read lots of forums and it seems a lot of people prefer Garmon. There is also a geocaching starter kit at Canadian tire and the gps included is a Garmon.  
 
What I like about the gps:  
-I can use it where there is no cellphone range. This is probably the biggest advantage.  
- it easier to follow the screen on the gps and I like how it logs my walks and such.  
-I can use my gps for other things such as biking, quadding, ect. I have other outdoor hobbies that justified the purchase.  
 
What I like about the app:  
-it's super handy! If I don't have my gps with me I can use my phone in most cases. This is especially cool if I'm out of town or in Winnipeg I can spontaneously find one.  
-it knows where all the nearby geocaches are. With the gps you have to upload them from geochacing.com, which isn't too bad if you plan ahead.  
 
So overall, the app is great in most cases unless you want to geochacing in areas with no cell service.  
 
Edit: using my phone, sorry for any typos and grammatical errors.  
 
 
Edited by kärlek, 2015-08-09 09:41:40

Good to hear other people in brandon are doing this as well! I've been interested in trying it but wasnt sure if I'd have any luck around brandon !

that is great advice. Thanks so much.  
 
I was out today and found six. It is my new favorite hobby although I am really not very sneaky. lol

Happy_ Hour said "that is great advice. Thanks so much.     I was out today and found six. It is my new favorite hobby although I am really not very sneaky. lol "

You have to make sure you are sneaky!!! People who don't know about geocaching (we call them "Muggles") tend to take the containers from their hiding spots if they find them or have seen someone else find them. That spoils the fun for everyone else, so "sneaky" is the way to be. A dog is a great excuse for being in certain areas and you can always bend down to "tie your shoe" while looking for some caches.  
 
As for GPS units, a phone is good to start until you know you like the hobby and are willing to put some more money into better equipment. Just remember that a phone may not be as accurate as a GPS - at least that's my experience. Above all, have fun!  

JR said "    Happy_ Hour said "that is great advice. Thanks so much.     I was out today and found six. It is my new favorite hobby although I am really not very sneaky. lol " You have to make sure you are sneaky!!! People who don't know about geocaching (we call them "Muggles") tend to take the containers from their hiding spots if they find them or have seen someone else find them. That spoils the fun for everyone else, so "sneaky" is the way to be. A dog is a great excuse for being in certain areas and you can always bend down to "tie your shoe" while looking for some caches.     As for GPS units, a phone is good to start until you know you like the hobby and are willing to put some more money into better equipment. Just remember that a phone may not be as accurate as a GPS - at least that's my experience. Above all, have fun!   "

That is very sneaky. I will give that a go. Thanks.  
 
I would like to try and do a "hide" once I get a little more experience under my belt. I am just not too sure what is considered public property and what isn't. I have some homework to do I guess.

GPS can be off by 15 meters. The quality of antenna used can make a difference, which is why someone might find a separate device more accurate. Also GPS with WAAS is more accurate than regular GPS. However, most people placing the caches will be using regular GPS, so is it helpful to have your location more accurate when the location of the geocache is less accurate?  
 
I'd say the GPS part of geocaching gives you a general idea, but treasure hunting skills are required!  
 
Edited by tre86, 2015-08-10 07:39:47

I have the full app on an iphone and I have my GPS. I like both for the various reasons already listed.  
 
I would love to connect with more geocachers in the area. I started a facebook page today. Feel free to join. It will be quiet until we get going....but we will get there.  
 
I love caching and am always looking to go. I recently attended the mega event in Dauphin MB and it was a fantastic time. 215 caches found that weekend!!!  
 
Link to facebook group  
https://www.facebook.com/BrandonGeocachers

I joined the group.  
I would love to get out with someone else. One spot in town has me stumped and I would love for someone to help me find that one.

I prefer a stand alone GPS over using a phone. The GPS is waterproof and rugged and doesn't rely on cell reception. We got our 64s model from Prairie Geomatics in Neepawa (http://www.gpszone.ca/product/garmin-gpsmap-64s.php). That model comes preloaded with 250,000 geocaches so you don't even need to bother with a computer, if you don't want. We also use it with the Manitoba Backroads Map microSD for the best map detail available in Manitoba (http://www.gpszone.ca/accessories/software/backroad/manitoba-card.php)