@biometrics When you are geocaching, how do you navigate when you are on the go? I'm assuming you use a phone app and I see there are a few out there, so what would be your procedure if you were planning a hike to a specific cache? i.e. do you have to study at home before you leave, when you arrive at the car par, on the trial etc?
Truth be told I haven’t done it in years. Used to be very active between 2000 and 2010. I have a dedicated GPS but a phone works as well of course. You can buy the official app or try the free c:geo app.
Once you’ve decided on a cache you need to plan it online. You need to at least get to the trail head without assistance. Use the Geocaching mapping system and Google. Read the cache details, read the logs. You can decode the clue now or keep it as a backup.
You should be able to get an idea of the trail from the maps. On the trail the GPS is only going to help with the general direction, as paths twist it will point in various directions. The GPS is most helpful at the location of the cache but only to five meter accuracy. This is where you need to think like a geocacher, where would you hide it? Careful not to just shove your hand into holes, there may be something alive in there. If you can’t find it then decode the clue (you should have printed the cache details).
Btw, the Geocaching mapping system has a flaw, when you pan around you need to click the refresh button or it won't update. There are plenty of caches here. I prefer the classic caches (hiking in mountains) but you get virtual caches (boring) and drive by caches (good for practise).
As with any hike assume the worst, so no matter how hot it is, you have to have a kway type jacket at the bottom of your backpack in case getting stuck and weather change. That plus lots of water, some food, fully charged phone. You must tell someone where you are going. Wear boots not sneakers. Must have a hat.