A – Attributes – know what to expect before you look for a cache. Full list of attributes on geocaching.com.

B – Bison Tube – the ubiquitous little pill holder used in many micro hides. The log should be rolled up and placed in the cap, not in the bottom.

C – Cache-in-Trash-Out (CITO) – this follows the geocacher’s creed of leaving a place cleaner than when you found it. Join an official CITO event for group clean ups. You can find this special kind of event on your geocaching map or by checking out the local listings on NoVAGO.org

D – DNF – this means ‘Did Not Find.’ It is appropriate to log a DNF after you’ve made a good effort to find a cache. It might feel like a defeat, but it can be helpful to other geocachers and the owner to know that it might be missing. It is also possible that the cache was hidden too well and you’ll just have to come back and try again another time.

E – Event Cache – the best way to meet other geocachers. Events are often opportunities to learn from experienced geocachers. You can find this special cache type on your geocaching map or by checking out the local listings on NoVAGO.org

F – First-to-Find – this means you were the first one to find and sign the log of a newly published geocache. You can set up your premium account to send you notifications when new caches publish near you. For some advice on how to up your FTF game, check out this post from geocaching.com

G – Ground Zero (GZ) – your phone or GPS unit will get you to the GZ. Sometimes it will get you really close to the cache. Other times it will seem to bounce around the area. When you get to the GZ, the best thing to do is to put away the technology and use your senses to locate the cache.

H – Handheld GPS Unit – the original way to find geocaches is still the best way when you are outside of cellphone service areas. These units connect to satellites to give you more precise coordinates. Consider borrowing one to try before hiking deep into the woods for a geocache.

I – In Case of Emergency – it is always a good idea to let someone know where you’ll be when you are geocaching alone – especially in more isolated areas or while looking for more dangerous caches.

I – Ignore List – Put those annoying caches on your ignore list so you don’t have to see them again. In the web browser on geocaching.com, open your dashboard and select ‘Lists.’ You can create all kinds of lists here, but the ignore list is special. It will remove caches from your search results and viewing map. You’ll find ‘Ignored Caches’ at the top of the page.

J – Jasmer Challenge – find at least one cache hidden on every month since the first cache was hidden in May 2000. Don’t miss an opportunity to find some of the oldest geocaches. There are fewer every year as some get archived. Project-GC’s Map Hidden Month can help you search for the ones you are missing. Who at NoVAGO has finished this challenge?

K – Kindness – Practice kindness to your fellow geocachers by following the Geocacher’s Creed

L – Logs – it is nice to leave a story about your experience finding the cache (or not). You should thank the cache owner (CO) if you enjoyed it. But please don’t give away spoilers.

M – Muggles – what we call non-geocachers. Usually use stealth around muggles so they don’t notice where the cache is. Sometimes it is necessary to explain what you are doing. That’s okay, too.

N – Nano – also called a micro, the smallest of the geocache containers. And, yes size does matter. You’ll want to know what to look for. Will you need tweezers to extract the log paper? Or can you finally drop off that huge trackable you’ve been carrying around?

O – Outdoors – geocaching is an outdoor activity, so be prepared for all the elements of nature. Even indoor geocaches should at least some portion to complete outdoors.

P – Pen or Pencil – you should ALWAYS bring along your own writing tool to sign the log paper. Pay attention to cache pages that say BYOP (bring your own pen). This cache owner is telling you there isn’t room in the container for a pen but they are still expecting you to sign the log.

Q – Questions – it is okay to have questions when you are new to geocaching. If a cache you are trying to find has you stumped, try reaching out to the owner for a little extra help.

R – Reviewers – these are volunteers with special knowledge of cache hide rules and requirements. They review all new caches before publication. If you are placing a cache, please do your best to familiarize yourself with hiding guidelines beforehand and give your reviewer as much detail about your hide as you can. You can find regional guidelines for Virginia here.

S – SWAG – stuff we all get – this is the fun stuff you find inside geocaches. Two important rules about SWAG. #1 – trade equal or better. #2 – don’t put in anything that will attract animals or become a mess if water gets in.

T – TOTT – tools of the trade – you might need more than a pen. A good geocacher has a TOTT bag ready to take with them. Tweezers are a helpful tool to bring. What other tools do you think would be helpful while out geocaching?

U – Understanding Your Limits –

a majority of the dangers related to geocaching are avoidable, making geocaching a relatively safe activity. However, it is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times while trying to make the find. No need to be close to a busy road or stick your hand blindly into the hidey hole of a sleeping copperhead snake. You should also geocache within the limits of your own physical abilities. Cliff and tree climbs aren’t for everyone. Cave caches are best done with an experienced spelunker. Long hikes without water are a terrible idea. Even some simple hides near parking lot lights and electrical meter boxes come with some risk.

Most people who have been geocaching for a number of years have at least one story to tell about a time when they over estimated their abilities and injured themselves.

V – Virtual Cache – this special type of cache is awarded by Groundspeak (geocaching.com) to highlight locations in which physical caches may not be permitted. Special actions might be required to prove you “found” the virtual cache. Be sure to read the cache page for logging requirements.

W – Water – make sure to stay hydrated when caching. Most caches don’t do well with water though, so please make sure to take steps to keep them sealed tight against the elements.

X – Xenoliths – a rock within a rock. Learn more geological terms by completing Earthcaches. This special kind of geocache is supported by The Geological Society of America

Y – Your Own Cache – Are you ready to hide your first geocache? So, you’ve found a bunch of geocaches (HQ recommends finding at least 20) and now you want to put a new one on the map for others to find and enjoy. We are so glad that you are making the game better for all of us. There are some things you need to consider before you place that cache, and this is why we think you should have some experience before you start placing caches. Take a read through the Geocaching Hiding Guidelines at geocaching.com. Follow the guidelines, hide the cache, then send your cache page to the reviewers. When it gets published you’ll be so excited to see who finds it and how they liked it. Experienced cachers: remember that ‘More Later’ isn’t an exciting log for the cache owner to read. Once you have an established cache on the map, make sure you are maintaining it. Welcome to cache ownership!

Z – FiZZy Grid – 81 combinations of D/T (difficulty and terrain) ratings. It takes most geocachers a while to complete this grid, but it is never too early to start feeling proud of how yours is filling up. Check out your personal stats on your geocaching profile page.

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