Leave It Somewhere

Cache Log

Reading Log Entries

Some people find the log by far the most interesting part of the cache information page on Geocaching.com. This is where previous finders (or non-finders for that matter!) report on their hunts. Many of them go way beyond a mere barebones description of what they found to writing entertaining narrative descriptions of the whole experience. There is obviously a fine line to tread between recording your experiences and giving the game away (thus spoiling the hunt for the next bunch of geocachers). This is why the log is introduced with a ‘Spoiler alert’, warning you that you may know a bit too much after you have read it. Many geocachers prefer to read the log only after they have visited the cache and you also have the option to print out the information page without the log entries attached.

Many finders attach photographs to their log entries and this is usually greatly appreciated by other geocachers. Just be warned, once again, that some of the photographs may be of such a nature that it provides the solution to the problem of finding the cache. You can avoid your hunt being spoilt by only looking at the photographs while you are adding your own!

Like any sport or activity geocaching developed its own vocabulary over time. It is advisable that you learn at least some of these geocaching words/expressions. Otherwise some of the entries in the log may be a bit hard to understand. The most common expressions and abbreviations that are used on the log are:

• BYOP – ‘Bring your own pen(cil)’ (This instruction is common for micro-caches as they are often too small to contain writing instruments)
• Cache – Geocache
• Cacher -  Geocacher
• Caching -  Geocaching
• CITO – Cache In, Trash Out
• Coin – Geocoin
• DNF – Did Not Find
• FTF – First to find
• GPSR – Global Positioning System Receiver
• Ground Zero – Immediate area around the cache
• GZ – Ground Zero
• Hitchhiker – A hitchhiker is an item that is placed in a cache, and has instructions to travel to other caches. Sometimes they have logbooks attached so you can log their travels. (See Chapter 4)
• Log – Log Book (or sheet)
• Muggle – Non-geocacher (this is derived from the Harry Potter series where non-magicians are called ‘muggles’)
• Multi – Multi Cache
• PnG (P&G) – Park and Grab (refers to a very brief geocaching expedition)
• Sig Item – Signature Item
• STF – Second to find
• Swag – Items for trading (Stuff we all get)
• TB – Travel bug
• TFTC – Thanks For The Cache
• TFTH – Thanks for the Hide (a variation on TFTC)
• TNLNSL – Took Nothing Left Nothing Signed Log

I hope that this article will be of use in opening a whole new world (with its very own language) to you!

About the Author

For a lively discussion of all things geocaching please visit: http://www.whatisgeocaching.com

Want to get into geocaching? Learn from a recognised expert: http://www.getintogeocaching.com

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Marmot Cache Messenger Bag $71.95 The Cache Messenger Bag by Marmot is a courier bag made with recycled products helping you to get to and from work or school while helping those who are providing a service to our earth.  The Cache is made with Marmot’s UpCycle products that minimize our impact on the environment by using natural, organic, and recycled or discarded materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.The Cache has the basic essentials just like any over the shoulder bag, with organizing pockets for all your pens, keys, etc, and quart size water bottle pockets keep you hydrated for your long day.

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Life Is Good Inc. Men’s Crusher Jake Log Off Tee $25 With a weathered look and excellent durability, the Life is Good Crusher Jake Log Off Tee for Men is garment washed and “crushed” for extra loft and double the softness. Constructed with double needle stitching on all seams, the Crusher Jake Log Off Tee can stand up to the rigors of weekend chores, camping weekends, and good old fashion hanging out!

Suunto X3HR $169 The Suunto X3HR is part of Suunto’s exciting new line up of performance watches. Looking for a lightweight, stylish, affordable personal trainer? Look no further, the Suunto X3HR is here! Pick your choice from a black, blue, or ice Suunto X3HR . unique Suunto product combines an altimeter, barometer, thermometer, heart rate monitor, and a training log. Backcountrytime.com is an authorized Suunto Watch Dealer and we have the Suunto X3 HR in Stock and ready to ship. The Suunto product code for the Suunto X3HR is SS004742110

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Well records, water-level measurements, logs of test holes, and chemical analyses of ground water in the Cache River alluvial aquifer-stream system, northeast Arkansas, 1946-76 (Open-file report) …

Records and logs of selected wells and test holes, and chemical analyses of ground waterin the Lower Cache La Poudre River Basin, Colorado (Basic-data report – Colorado Water Conservation Board) …

Flight log of Homer S. Lloyd …

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