Post by TermiteHunter on Jul 6, 2022 23:22:25 GMT -5
Stealth is a part of Geocaching.
Some caches require it to protect it's existence. They often have a STEALTH attribute on the cache page if there are people usually around.
The last thing you want to do when caching is draw unwanted attention to yourself or the cache you are looking for (or found)
This is more difficult in some situations.
Caching in the park or woods:
Usually nothing is required as far as stealth. You are in the woods with other cachers or out of view of most visitors.
If someone is around, wait them out. Be discrete.
Caching along the road:
Here you are visible to passersby. You don't want to draw attention.
Park safely out of the way. You don't want them to think something is wrong and stop to help.
Here the ultimate trick is to look like you belong. It's easy.
Wear a bright traffic vest. Nobody sees those. You are ignored and become invisible. You are now only something to avoid hitting with the car.
No vest, no problem. Carry a clipboard (or similar) and act like you are there for a reason. Some sort of DOT person or planning crew member. They are ignored.
In the Parking lot:
Park as near to the cache as possible. Use the vehicle for cover while you make the find and re-hide.
Avoid at least making the find or returning a container if there is a nearby occupied vehicle. Wait them out or move on.
You can look for hiding spots while pretending to talk on the phone or better texting. Do not grab the cache or inspect odd places in front of anyone.
The Urban Cache:
Much the same as the parking lot cache.
Mill around with your phone (which you are probably using anyway) if in view of others.
Sometimes a crowd cannot be avoided.
You can find a cache with others around, just be cautious and a little sly as you make the grab for the cache.
You will look strange disassembling the trash can and looking under the free paper box. Be aware.
If someone does ask what you are doing....Usually the best answer is to explain it with a short concise answer. You can get more detailed if they seem interested.
Those at business sometimes attract someone from the business. They may not be aware that this is there. If they seem to have a problem with a cache nearby be sure to log a note (assuming you did not find it) or include in your log that the property owner nearby may have issue. Give the CO a chance to remove it. Better not to continue searching.
Print one of the many "I'm Geocaching. What is it?" pamphlets as a hand out. (not the most handy thing if you are away from your vehicle or don't carry it with you)
Overall:
A traffic vest does wonders in many situations. Add a clipboard for added cover or in place of the vest.
Be discrete at all times. Look for observers and avoid making a find in front of any non-geocacher.
Move on if you can not look for or find a cache without being observed.
If you are caught, explain what you are doing. Shorter is better. Expand on it if they might be interested.
LEO's (Law Enforcement Officers) are supposed to have been informed in the past but they may have never actually encountered it or it has been a while. (They can get special free access at GC.com)
Generally be reluctant to find a cache in front of a business owner or a non cacher unless they seem intrigued after an explanation when caught looking.
Some caches require it to protect it's existence. They often have a STEALTH attribute on the cache page if there are people usually around.
The last thing you want to do when caching is draw unwanted attention to yourself or the cache you are looking for (or found)
This is more difficult in some situations.
Caching in the park or woods:
Usually nothing is required as far as stealth. You are in the woods with other cachers or out of view of most visitors.
If someone is around, wait them out. Be discrete.
Caching along the road:
Here you are visible to passersby. You don't want to draw attention.
Park safely out of the way. You don't want them to think something is wrong and stop to help.
Here the ultimate trick is to look like you belong. It's easy.
Wear a bright traffic vest. Nobody sees those. You are ignored and become invisible. You are now only something to avoid hitting with the car.
No vest, no problem. Carry a clipboard (or similar) and act like you are there for a reason. Some sort of DOT person or planning crew member. They are ignored.
In the Parking lot:
Park as near to the cache as possible. Use the vehicle for cover while you make the find and re-hide.
Avoid at least making the find or returning a container if there is a nearby occupied vehicle. Wait them out or move on.
You can look for hiding spots while pretending to talk on the phone or better texting. Do not grab the cache or inspect odd places in front of anyone.
The Urban Cache:
Much the same as the parking lot cache.
Mill around with your phone (which you are probably using anyway) if in view of others.
Sometimes a crowd cannot be avoided.
You can find a cache with others around, just be cautious and a little sly as you make the grab for the cache.
You will look strange disassembling the trash can and looking under the free paper box. Be aware.
If someone does ask what you are doing....Usually the best answer is to explain it with a short concise answer. You can get more detailed if they seem interested.
Those at business sometimes attract someone from the business. They may not be aware that this is there. If they seem to have a problem with a cache nearby be sure to log a note (assuming you did not find it) or include in your log that the property owner nearby may have issue. Give the CO a chance to remove it. Better not to continue searching.
Print one of the many "I'm Geocaching. What is it?" pamphlets as a hand out. (not the most handy thing if you are away from your vehicle or don't carry it with you)
Overall:
A traffic vest does wonders in many situations. Add a clipboard for added cover or in place of the vest.
Be discrete at all times. Look for observers and avoid making a find in front of any non-geocacher.
Move on if you can not look for or find a cache without being observed.
If you are caught, explain what you are doing. Shorter is better. Expand on it if they might be interested.
LEO's (Law Enforcement Officers) are supposed to have been informed in the past but they may have never actually encountered it or it has been a while. (They can get special free access at GC.com)
Generally be reluctant to find a cache in front of a business owner or a non cacher unless they seem intrigued after an explanation when caught looking.