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Get ready for a test of a new way to explore through geocaching on February 3. It’s an experiment and we’d love to hear what you think once you’ve played or created a new I <3 Geocaching Lab Cache. Whether you create a trek through nature, a romantic quest or even a trip guided by robots, the I <3 Geocaching beta-test is a new way for Geocaching Premium members to experiment with what might be part of the future of geocaching.

Beginning February 3, Geocaching Premium members can take part in the beta-test by using the Lab Cache creator  to craft a one-of-a-kind adventure for someone special. (Hint: It can even be indoors.) Each I <3 Geocaching Lab Cache will be a personalized, temporary Lab Cache meant for just one person.

This new test is different than normal geocaching and is open to all sorts of creative interpretations. To help get you started in creating a cool adventure, here are a few ideas we put together:

 

1. Say thanks to your favorite geocaching buddy.

It’s no secret that geocaching is better with friends, so why not use this opportunity to say thanks to your favorite partner-in-find. This could work by having your Lab Cache lead them to the outside of their favorite movie theater. In the description, you can leave a clue like, “Check under the bench outside.”  You could hide a typical geocache that contains two tickets to that movie they’ve been wanting to see. And don’t forget to include the find code inside, too. When they enter that in the web app, they’ll see a picture and your thank you. Who knows, maybe they’ll even have an a Lab Cache created to say thanks to you, too!

 

2. Make it really special.

Just like any other day, your loved one wakes up and heads to the coffee maker for their morning pick-me-up. Except this morning, there’s the URL to your Lab Cache with the words, “I can’t wait to see you!” When they open the Lab Cache on their phone, it leads them to the park where you two first met. Upon arriving, they see you sitting there with a delightful picnic waiting for them. And if you want to make it really special, maybe the find code is “MARRYME?” (No pressure.)

 

3. Create an all-day adventure.

We all know someone who thrives on adventure. For them, you could create something like a multi-stage puzzle cache. It begins by leading them to their favorite rock climbing crag and has the clue “Head to the top.” Once there, they find another clue: “It’s time to go for a hike, visit the top of the hiking trail we enjoy.” After safely rappelling from the rock climbing route, they’ll head to your favorite hiking spot and make their way to the top of you favorite trail, only to find another clue: “Now it’s time to get wet. Grab your kayak and paddle out to that spot we swim in the summer.” Your friend will paddle out to the floating platform to find a fluffy bunny, some balloons and of course, the find code to your Lab Cache. Epic!

Ready to begin? Click on this Premium Member link to start your limited time, single use Lab Cache: http://www.geocaching.com/iheartgeocaching/

An I <3 Geocaching Lab Cache is easy to create. You’re only bound by your imagination, a Find Code and, of course, local laws, regulations and just common sense. Need more info? Check out the I <3 Geocaching FAQ.

Tell us your creative ideas in comments below.  You might help inspire a once-in-a-lifetime experience for another geocacher.

 

Welcome to I <3 Geocaching. Premium Members can experiment with one Lab Cache during this test.

 http://www.geocaching.com/iheartgeocaching/

Question		Answer
What is I <3 Geocaching?		For the month of February every Premium Member will be able to hide one personalized, temporary geocache for one person. Once the geocache is found and logged by one account it is automatically archived. Choose your personal geocaching adventure, and its recipient wisely…check out this blog post for ideas.
What is a Lab Cache?		A Lab Cache is an experimental and extremely rare geocache type. These geocaches are a way for us to innovate and test new ideas to make geocaching even better. By creating and finding a Lab Cache, you’re helping shape the future of geocaching.
Does my I <3 Geocaching personal Lab Cache have to involve a container? Are there other limitations (multis, etc.)?		Not necessarily, and are you ready for this? Your personal geocache can even be indoors, even in your house! The person you share this geocache with will need to discover a code to unlock the find. Looking for some inspiration? Check out this video.
Will a geocaching community volunteer be reviewing my geocache before it’s published?		Your personal geocache, is just that, personal. A community volunteer will not be reviewing your personal geocache. Continue to follow all laws, local regulations and just common sense when placing your personal geocache.
How do I preview my personal geocache creation?		By visiting the link generated at the end of the building process you can view the geocache as your friend will see it. Be careful not to test the Find Code with any account but the one you used to build the cache since these Lab Caches can only be found once.
How do I share this personal geocache with my intended friend?		Simply copy the link generated at the end of the personal geocaching building process… and share it with your player.
Do I earn a smiley if complete a Lab Cache?		Yes – when you find a Lab Cache you earn a find and smiley. Congratulations.
Does a Lab Cache effect the statistics on my Geocaching profile page?		The short answer is, “It will in the future.” The current statistics system does not support Lab Cache finds, but it will in the future. We’ll keep you posted. For even more information check out our Help Center.
Does my hide count go up if I create a I <3 Geocaching Lab Cache?		Not yet. In the future, we’re planning to roll Lab Caches into your hide count at the same time we reflect Lab Cache activity on your statistics profile.
Who can view the Lab Cache I create?		Anyone who knows the URL address of your Lab Cache can see it, so be careful who you share it with!
I want others to play the geocache I created, how do I share it with them?		I <3 Geocaching is meant for one special person. This is a free test of a potential new feature. You may be able to create personal geocaches in the future in a very similar way.
My personal geocache was accidently logged by (a tester, another friend, an alien) how do I reset it?		Unfortunately there’s no way to reset your hide. Once the find code has been entered by another geocacher, it is automatically archived.
If I become a Premium Member during the month of February will I be able to create one for a friend?		Yes
How do I share my story of the awesome hide/find?		Join the discussion on our inspiration blog post or join us on Facebook.
Why can only 1 person log my Lab Cache?		I <3 Geocaching is a test, and as a test, we’re limiting the scope. So take your time creating and playing. You have until the end of February to complete an I <3 Geocaching Lab Cache.

 

Interested in even more information about I <3 Geocaching check out an expanded FAQ on our Help Center.

Ready for some I <3 Geocaching inspiration? Check out this blog post and share your ideas for an amazing I <3 Geocaching Lab Cache.

Have you completed creating a I <3 Geocaching Lab Cache?

Help us improve next time around.

Click here to take a quick survey

Have you finishing playing a I <3 Geocaching Lab Cache?

Help us improve next time around.

Click here to take a quick survey 

 

Four eyes see more geocaches than two. Many hands fumbling under benches, in nooks, and crevices are more likely to make the grab. A difficult puzzle is solved more easily with combined brain power. If you took our Geocaching Quiz and learned you are a Social Butterfly, chances are that you know the advantages that come with geocaching in a group.

 But finding someone to go geocaching with can sometimes be difficult, especially when just starting out. Luckily, there are geocaching organizations and associations all around that world that connect geocachers to other local geocachers, strengthen the local and global geocaching community, help beginners get into the game, and so, so much more.

Continue reading →

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Never be embarrassed again when asked if you put the fork on the right side of the geocache or the left. Become a geocaching etiquette champion after watching this quick, fun Geocaching Etiquette video. You’ll develop good trading habits, learn all about trackables, what to do around muggles and more. Watching the video is a great way to add a new confidence and joy to your geocaching adventure in just two minutes.

To help those new to geocaching, share your etiquette tips below in comments or on the Geocaching Facebook page.

 

One of the first rules of geocaching involves the matchbox cars, the bouncy balls and the lady bug erasers staring up at you from the bottom of the geocache. That’s geocaching SWAG – or Stuff We All Get. Geocachers trade swag by replacing items in the geocache with something of equal or greater value.

Now you can spread geocaching joy by leaving a trail of customized, do-it-yourself swag in geocaches. Geocachers often leave signature items in each geocache they find. The customswag might be a signed playing card, a crocheted finger puppet, identical erasers or __________ (insert your amazing idea here). Each piece is a sign to other geocachers that you visited the geocache. It’s a great way to build community. Leave a recognizable piece of swag and you will become known by yourswag. Think of it, you could be “Origami Guy” or “Ladybug Lady” or ___________ (‘Insert your amazing idea’ Person”).

Share your ideas for personalized geocaching swag below in comments or on the Geocaching Facebook page.