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cache/letterbox hybrid
Board: Geocaching and Other Stashing Games
Jun 30, 2010 3:06pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I'm planting a hybrid box/cache. so far, I've only stumbled onto a cache or two while looking for a place to hide a letterbox. The reason I'm planting as a hybrid is so that it can fulfill a requirement for an adult leader award in scouts.

So, I've read through a ton of the tutorials at geocaching.com but still have a couple of questions if anyone is willing to answer them for me -(or to AQ mail me and offer to walk me through this) :)

- the distance thing: THere's a cache at the parking lot of a 1.5 mile trail. So, I'm safe in hiding halfway through the hike, correct? It sure looks like the distances are not being maintained - there are so many on top of each other at our area parks. Do I have it wrong?

- I was planning to use an average size lock-n-lock - is that acceptable?

- Do I offer any clues to find it or just give the coordinates? I was planning include the AQ listing address so that they could see the letterboxing way of arriving there also if they were so inclinded.

other suggestions?

light travelers
Re: cache/letterbox hybrid
Board: Geocaching and Other Stashing Games
Reply to: #525716 by Light Travelers
Jun 30, 2010 5:41pm
Thread (disabled) Board
- the distance thing: THere's a cache at the parking lot of a 1.5 mile trail. So, I'm safe in hiding halfway through the hike, correct? It sure looks like the distances are not being maintained - there are so many on top of each other at our area parks. Do I have it wrong?

If I remember correctly, caches need to be at least 0.1 mile from each other. There could be several caches on a trail that is 1.5 miles long.

- I was planning to use an average size lock-n-lock - is that acceptable?

Any size is acceptable, and I do mean any size.

- Do I offer any clues to find it or just give the coordinates? I was planning include the AQ listing address so that they could see the letterboxing way of arriving there also if they were so inclinded.

Most cachers include an additional 'hint' in their listing. There is a separate section for this when you list the cache. The coordinates only get you to the general location, so I think it's a good idea to let people know if it's in a log or under a rock or whatever so they aren't ripping apart the ecosystem looking for the cache. Most cachers are not going to use the letterboxing clues of course, but it's not a bad idea to have a link to the clues so they can see what they look like. If you do that, I would try to make the clues on the cryptic side so they can see how the game can work (I think some cachers just assume letterboxing is an unsophisticated person's version of geocaching).
Re: cache/letterbox hybrid
Board: Geocaching and Other Stashing Games
Reply to: #525716 by Light Travelers
Jun 30, 2010 8:45pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Have a look at my letterbox:
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=af4f2424-fb34-402f-a550-e0bbc5d5b7fe

  • It uses directions.
  • But I've also added an additional waypoint for those who prefer using coordinates to get to the box - note, you can't see the additional waypoint unless you are logged into the site
  • Note that I tell people that it's an off-set, in bold red letters. Why, because some people assume that the coordinates take them right to the box when in fact the posted coordinates take them to a parking lot. Some finders get irritated when they waste their time looking at the posted coordinates, not realizing that they must follow directions.
  • If you don't want to use an additional waypoint you don't have to but you do have to include the coordinates to the box location so the Reviewer can check that it is no closer then .1 miles (528 feet) from another geocache. The final coordinates will not be posted publicly if you don't want them posted.
  • You must use a dedicated gps unit to get your coordinates, especially if you post the coordinates to the box rather then a starting point. You can't use Google Maps or Google Earth - poor coordinates are frowned upon.
Re: cache/letterbox hybrid
Board: Geocaching and Other Stashing Games
Reply to: #525787 by Lone R
Jul 1, 2010 5:29am
Thread (disabled) Board
I think it depends on who you have as a reviewer. Another geocacher tried to post a similar cache in my area and was refused by the reviewer until he modified the offset to a bearing and distance that could be calculated using the gps receiver.
Re: cache/letterbox hybrid
Board: Geocaching and Other Stashing Games
Reply to: #525716 by Light Travelers
Jul 1, 2010 7:16am
Thread (disabled) Board
Hi Light Travelers, I am also thinking of a hybrid box for our area! I'll probably plant later this year, too many others things on the LB to do list. A lock-n-lock is totally acceptable, I've seen ammo cans, spice jars, older tupperware, disposable tupperware type, film canisters...all kinds of containers. Do you have a GPS unit? There is atleast one other boxer that geocaches besides me, in this neck of the woods. I'd be more than happy to help and I'm sure she would too.
I'll AQ mail you. :)
roly-polies
Re: cache/letterbox hybrid
Board: Geocaching and Other Stashing Games
Reply to: #525841 by Trailhead Tessie
Jul 6, 2010 4:11pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I agree with Trailhead Tessie. Depends on who the reviewer is. I'd go ahead and check with them first. Post back here if you don't know how to find who the local reviewer is. I'm not just saying this because I'm on AtlasQuest, I'd drop this in the Geocaching.com forums in a second: their volunteer reviewer system is very susceptible to blatant inconsistencies from region to region, State to State, etc...
Re: cache/letterbox hybrid
Board: Geocaching and Other Stashing Games
Reply to: #526956 by Signal Core
Jul 7, 2010 10:17am
Thread (disabled) Board
Depends on who the reviewer is. I'd go ahead and check with them first....their volunteer reviewer system is very susceptible to blatant inconsistencies from region to region, State to State, etc...

Yes, unfortunately it's true.

My reviewers are wonderful when it comes to posting letterbox hybrids and will even let me post starting coordinates at a parking lot (some won't - you have to use a landmark, or a point along the trail). And some insist you add an additional waypoint that takes people right to the box (which I find blatantly against the guidelines because it's not required for puzzles or multis). I'm truly fortunate to have local reviewers that understand that generally letterboxes are offsets (coordinates take you to a starting point, then directions take you to the box). I agree with TT and SC, check with your reviewer before you get started so you know what to expect.