Tribe.net. Local Connections $item.owner.firstName http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#0f22011d-cea8-4b37-a53b-4cf83d28b21b 2007-03-21T18:15:07Z 2007-03-21T18:15:07Z

I would think for an adult it should be about the quest and being outside, and anything that gets kids interested in the outdoors is a good thing.

$item.owner.firstName 2007-03-21T18:15:07Z Vashti http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#e0e48096-59bb-49d8-9d85-37e1973b1841 2007-03-21T01:04:04Z 2007-03-21T01:04:04Z

I have to respectfully disagree. I have two children 11 & 14. My 14 yo doesn't like the swag as much as my lil girl, but they both have fun with the hunt and exchanging goodies. We bring along all kinds of things to trade, like artwork, little toys they've grown out of, foreign coins and a lot more. I'm thankful that there are plenty of caches out there with things inside that appeal to my kids. Some of their favorite items are plastic jewelry pieces, keychains, bouncy balls, etc. I've found some great things for adults as well. We have a cacher in our area called the milkman. He puts original aluminum milk carton lids printed with his family's business on them. I thought that was awesome. Of course, we all just love the bugs (we actually have four, one for each family member that we're getting ready to launch). We've also seen some with mini scrapbooking kits, ATCs (artist trading cards), hand sanitizer, batteries and even water bottles. Those things are always nice. Personally I would be tickled to find a cache with nothing but child's crayon drawings inside. Just because you have a gps unit does not mean that you have to put special trinkets inside your cache. Besides, the unit could have been a gift...mine was! If you are an adult, and go caching alone, why don't you just go find the more interesting caches, or ones that are specific to your hobby (like coin caches). Any real cache is better BY FAR than a micro or virtual anyway. We're getting ready to create our own first cache. Guess what I'm putting in it? Lots of toys, art supplies and plenty of stuff for kids. I'm also putting in chache-specific stickers for journals and cache-specific magnets that I'm making myself. They'll have our geocaching.com name and the name of the cache on them.

Vashti 2007-03-21T01:04:04Z Kay http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#0842daf6-bb08-4ae2-971b-6fd4722da0bd 2006-12-21T14:00:52Z 2006-12-21T14:00:52Z

Good thinking, Kids are out there too. I think that a little creativity is a good thing, but it is good to keep the next generation involved.

Kay 2006-12-21T14:00:52Z Kay http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#d033db5f-1fdd-48af-a210-eab3fd58cee8 2006-12-21T13:57:18Z 2006-12-21T13:57:18Z

it is called letterboxing

Kay 2006-12-21T13:57:18Z Binky http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#8e35a3e2-5df8-48fd-9a69-ecae43a54c2c 2006-12-04T18:37:36Z 2006-12-04T18:37:36Z

I'm thinking it's the guilt of not having any toys with...who cares, just TNLNSL. Like you said, it's a waste of weight and space. If anyone has a good rationale, please do post it.

Binky 2006-12-04T18:37:36Z James http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#16ffeae0-d11c-448c-bc74-1a024d39212d 2006-09-06T01:52:13Z 2006-09-06T01:52:13Z

Gonna disagree with you again, Steve. I don't mind toys. They give me something wierd to put on my desk that people will ask questions about, and maybe get some new people into geocaching. But that's not why I'm posting. I'm posting to ask WHAT'S WITH THE COINS? Not the foreign coins. I'm not into foreign coins, but some people are, so I get that. I'm talking about small denomination US coins in US caches. Why bother? Does ANYone ever pick these up? I've never seen a log that said "Took a nickel, left a _____" before. Why even add the weight to the cache?

James 2006-09-06T01:52:13Z flaneuse http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#428db827-6c85-4457-8062-3ff4c9d47809 2006-05-02T14:35:34Z 2006-05-02T14:35:34Z

Couldn't one just create a cache with a "no toys" theme? I'm working on creating my first, and will make a request of "no plastic". For some reason I hadn't anticipated all the participation by kids and families. It makes sense--"treasure hunt" and all--but somehow I thought of it more as an adult activity before becoming involved. Kids are probably more interested in the destination/swag, and adults in the process of discovery.

flaneuse 2006-05-02T14:35:34Z DeAnna http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#6e6b00e9-cbce-4a19-9102-ac7190af1131 2006-04-16T03:11:08Z 2006-04-16T03:11:08Z

I think the main is just keeping it creative. I try to have a couple of things with me and to pick something that will complement the rest of the cache. Two of my favorite finds have been kinda unpredictable and both toys. A toy matchbox speedboat (my brother collects toy speedboats) and a tiny figurine of a mobster that I later figured out came from a gumball machine. I also think it is cool that people put useful things out...hand warmers, sanitizers, batteries. I have only had one occassion to take something like this, but I guess you will never know when you need it!! Definitely no on crappy hairclips or anything that is paper not covered in plastic...I have been to so many that may be waterproof, but when folks are looking through them in the rain, everything gets soppy. Ugh.

DeAnna 2006-04-16T03:11:08Z $item.owner.firstName http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#e98ad7f6-831c-4d56-85b0-fd9de4cb3098 2006-04-15T02:59:26Z 2006-04-15T02:59:26Z

Try finding a container with crayon colored pictures some kid has drawn. I totally agree with what you have said, and yes it is about getting out there and having fun and the kids should also be involved, but seriously...leave the pictures out of it. Why should I have to buy something interesting because I believe it should be that way, to find a crayon, or pictures drawn by some child or toys from McDonalds?? I work hard at keeping an open mind and keeping my heart open even wider....but If people can afford to buy a GPS unit then they can afford to get some interesting trinkets!! But then that is just my opinion!!

$item.owner.firstName 2006-04-15T02:59:26Z Kevin http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#44cb93c7-51f8-4867-981c-a72a280bc0cd 2006-01-16T15:28:03Z 2006-01-16T15:28:03Z

As a newbie, I'm learning what is cool to find. I will also be searching with my son most of the time. So I should NOT place a big order with Archie McPhee's to get a bag of the cool, odd little things that are there? I really like my Easter Island head pencil topper, or my fez monkey, on my desk. I will steer towards more useful, or unusual items. Zipper thermometers, or bacon or hot lips or pirate band-aids. (I really needed a few yesterday) I can get stamped Masonry coins by the oodles. Good item, or steer clear? What kind of interest would there be in special stamped metal coins? Ex-pennies. Hit me if you'd like me to find the details. Haywired_Texan Aka Kevin

Kevin 2006-01-16T15:28:03Z Norman http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#f5cce624-6611-4e26-a2b1-4bd2c35fbfc5 2005-05-18T19:20:03Z 2005-05-18T19:20:03Z

I’ve noticed this problem with my Caches. I generally just let them go with whatever folks put in them. It doesn’t bother me when I find other peoples Caches. I’m mainly interested in the hunt. What does bother me is when I search and search only to discover later that it’s missing, people knew it and took a loooogn time correcting GeoCaching.com. normanb

Norman 2005-05-18T19:20:03Z $item.owner.firstName http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#487b5600-600f-4b71-95a7-ff0cf8075b77 2005-03-29T23:18:56Z 2005-03-29T23:18:56Z

I like the calling cards and reading the logs. I have also found some cool beaded people that look like key chains. I too get sick of the toys, but it does keep the kids going! I found this cool one in traverse city, mi. It was a story that everyone who founf it added a chapter. now that one was cool!

$item.owner.firstName 2005-03-29T23:18:56Z Kristine http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#2bbdf179-d211-4b24-be5e-123e98f2acb6 2005-03-10T00:20:13Z 2005-03-10T00:20:13Z

I happen to cache with three kids ... youngest are 3 and 6. They absolutely LOVE to find things like McDonald's toys, bouncing balls, matchbox cars, etc. I draw the line at letting them take whistles :) I love to put good things in caches, and try to carry some inexpensive items that are cool, but I also happen to cater to the kids who may come next as that is who we are. When I cache by myself, I rarely take anything except travel bugs or unusual coins or wheresgeorge.com dollars -- I started collecting cool things but just don't need them. Sometimes I will pick up swaps that will be good in the next one!! So I'm starting a thread on cool things you can find. Kristine, kreebelle on Geocaching.com

Kristine 2005-03-10T00:20:13Z Richard http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#9eef6ae1-9388-4134-9f77-69e90b054763 2005-03-09T23:34:41Z 2005-03-09T23:34:41Z

We just placed a cache in Arizona called "Batmans Retreat" that answers that subject. So we put a lot of really good stuff inside like an autographed baseball from the World Series. Personally, I prefer to find coins.

Richard 2005-03-09T23:34:41Z Earl http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#4087067b-ddaf-4031-afef-407ec88ebdc9 2005-03-08T23:29:01Z 2005-03-08T23:29:01Z

I agree. I've been geocaching for about a year or so, 187 finds, and can't get over the junk you find in a lot of caches. I realize that geocaching is supposed to be an inexpensive sport but it doesn't cost much to put a bit of thought into what you are leaving. I appreciate caches more when I find something original in there, maybe somthing hand made. I am into wood turning so I like to leave a turned wood wine bottle stopper in caches. It costs me nearly nothing to make but is attractive and useful to most folks. I also carry a small toy in my bag for the cache that might not have one in it, you never know when a child will be along.

Earl 2005-03-08T23:29:01Z BJ http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#4b9dfab6-67ed-4713-811c-ca1aa508c280 2005-03-01T19:12:39Z 2005-03-01T19:12:39Z

I've just learned that this is called 'letterboxing' .. i don't know where the name comes from.. but it's looking similar..

BJ 2005-03-01T19:12:39Z Jamaican Steve http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#558b7db5-30a2-470f-96cc-1c111cae5600 2005-03-01T05:56:14Z 2005-03-01T05:56:14Z

nice idea!

Jamaican Steve 2005-03-01T05:56:14Z BJ http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#b93aa51d-3b1e-4bc0-8088-45a0b335fa83 2005-03-01T05:50:30Z 2005-03-01T05:50:30Z

what if you brought a little 'geocaching passport' or something, and in the box would be a little stamp and a stamp kit unique to that box.. then it would be a good marker for achievement.. ? probably already being done, with a cool name or whatever.. but seems like it'd be fun, with no 'toy' or 'micro' factor. thoughts?

BJ 2005-03-01T05:50:30Z Richard http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#38ea0d0f-6c8e-4a1c-a072-cfcf9056f7cd 2004-10-14T14:55:33Z 2004-10-14T14:55:33Z

Sometimes toys are nice but I prefer foreign coins or tokins like subway tokens or such. My personal geocache kit contains a pen, stickers with my names etc, a compass and a box of ribbons I earned With the Air Force while overseas. So I usually leave a ribbon with a note like "This is the ribbon I earned during Desert Storm" or "I earned this ribbon building a school on an Indian Reservation in Panama" It's not much but with such small caches, there isn't much room until I can make 'geocache coins' with my name on them.

Richard 2004-10-14T14:55:33Z $item.owner.firstName http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#4e147f64-b401-41a0-adc7-b430dc522320 2004-06-26T15:31:49Z 2004-06-26T15:31:49Z

How about seashells?

$item.owner.firstName 2004-06-26T15:31:49Z Joseph http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#0d0647c1-bb1a-41b1-870e-f710f1cc2592 2004-06-22T23:51:17Z 2004-06-22T23:51:17Z

even if there is nothing you want to take, isn't that still more interesting than micros? i say, enough with the micros, i have seen so many micros where there was plenty of room for a full sized anyways, i have the most fun reading the logs, (micrologs are boring) seeing who beat me there, and who found it on accident. seeing how long certain items have been there, etc. i almost never take anything anyway (and you'll say, that's because it is mostly crapola)

Joseph 2004-06-22T23:51:17Z James http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#2b971152-4205-4706-bb53-0333a60f2293 2004-06-20T22:20:47Z 2004-06-20T22:20:47Z

keep in mind laser pointers generally don't survive heat. here in az, i've killed many a laser pointer by leaving it in my car during the day. :-( fl isn't much different...

James 2004-06-20T22:20:47Z Jamaican Steve http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#6d18c510-6bb6-4d7d-bb27-568fa3dc6069 2004-03-18T16:15:56Z

Many of you might not agree...some may...but I think it is about time to KILL ALL THE TOY CACHES! Nothing is worse than spending the afternoon looking for a cache and then finding one full off crapy toys! Not that I don't like toys...or don't understand that families are invovled in Geocaching...but come on already, enough witht the fast food trinkets! I've always made a point of putting quality items, toys or otherwise, in a cache. I just wish others would do the same. Now I know some of you are just sitting there getting ready to say "It's not just about the cache, it's about getting off your butt and getting outdoors!" I know, but it wouldn't be GeoCACHING without the cache. Anyway, I'm an ass or I'm not, just my opinion...KILL ALL THE TOYS! Comments?

Jamaican Steve 2004-03-18T16:15:56Z blank http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#bfcfa0a2-79f4-461d-a3c5-96083b9c85bd 2004-03-19T02:23:39Z

I kinda agree, and I am fairly new to caching. BUt, honestly, the fast food toys beat crappy stickers or a used hair pin...or something that looks like the dog got to it first. :)

blank 2004-03-19T02:23:39Z blank http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#96cfe4af-17d4-436a-9680-ef906ba4eca5 2004-03-19T02:23:58Z

OOps, Signed: Educacher

blank 2004-03-19T02:23:58Z Patti http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#026163db-e0d0-4183-9ce7-f83804819942 2004-03-19T06:03:54Z

I've taken to leaving a cut gemstone in every cache I visit. Most of the time I take nothing, because really, who needs a plastic spider ring? My other stash goodies are poker chips and foreign coins.

Patti 2004-03-19T06:03:54Z Dulcinea http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#15d5e24c-0f2c-4678-8db3-caf1ea7975b5 2004-04-13T02:29:44Z

I'm a glass artist, and I am just getting into Geocaching. But I have a whole box of not quite perfect (to the trained eye anyway) of marbles and stuff that are set aside that would be just perfect for this purpose. Once in a while, I plan on leaving a higher end one, signed even. Should be great fun!! I will try to put up a pic of one of my marbles here in a few days.

Dulcinea 2004-04-13T02:29:44Z Gantry http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#d3e1086f-f3d0-4883-9168-0709b8001133 2004-04-22T19:01:32Z

I kinda know what you mean! It does get old sometimes walking through a swamp, or walking forever to find a kid's meal toy! But on the other hand I have a 7yr girl and sometimes thats what keeps her going, for the next "big" find. I have to laugh too becouse just to day I placed a new cache with nothing but TOOLS (wrenches, screw drivers, carp. pencil, clamps, "D" rings, a file, wire brush and I even put in a laser pointer)!

Gantry 2004-04-22T19:01:32Z Jamaican Steve http://geocaching.tribe.net/thread/6546682c-43b6-48db-9370-c3f8df9715a0#b235ba18-9f82-4fca-a1f8-b2306ceb2bd0 2004-04-29T00:39:47Z

Rad! Now that is what I'm talking about...toys are great and all but it seems to be everyones, and here I go again, "NON-CREATIVE" fallback... Consoul out-

Jamaican Steve 2004-04-29T00:39:47Z