Hiding a cache can be more difficult than finding one! There are several considerations that need to be made when planning a cache placement. Some of these include deciding the type of cache, type of container, finding a location, getting permission for the location, and a few others as well. The first aspect that we will look at is finding a hiding place. As in real-estate hiding a good cache is all about location, location, location.
Many caches are placed for the purpose of bringing attention to an object that you might not have known about or paid attention to otherwise. This might include a hiking trail, interesting urban location, historical area, recreational area, etc. People often enjoy finding such places of interest just as much as they do the cache itself.
Caches hidden in natural areas like hiking trails should be placed so as to have minimum impact upon the area around the cache. Remember that hundreds of people may eventually look for the cache and there are some caches that look like a stampede has been through the area. A responsible geocacher should check on their caches periodically to make sure there is no negative impact on the area, if so consideration should be made to moving the cache to a another area, or if necessary disabling or archiving the cache.
Other cache locations are sometimes more about the hunt for the cache itself than about the location. These often include what are known as micro caches, a small container often having no more than a logbook. Typically a micro cache is used when there are not suitable hiding places for a regular geocache; this is often the case in urban settings. There are a variety of hiding techniques that focus on the hunt, but we won't discuss them here so that we don't spoil the hunt when you come across one of these :)
One of the most important things to remember about location is that the cache can be found and re-hidden without the unintentional notice of geomuggles (non-players). Caches in urban settings are the most difficult, but there are some that have been in their hiding place for years without being found by geomuggles. Probably the best way to learn how to hide a cache is to visit at least a dozen or two before planning a hide. You will see techniques others use, and how some people aren't so considerate when re-hiding the cache. Both will help you plan your hide.
After you have picked out a location to hide your cache you will need to decide if permission is necessary before placing the cache. Private property is normally off limits unless express consent has been given by the property owner. There are a few locations that are always off limits. These include all National Park Service lands, National Fish and Wildlife lands, and a few other government owned lands.
In Tennessee, Army Corps of Engineer land is open for geocaches provided that they are not in sensitive areas like river dams, power plants, or similar places. Tennessee State Parks are also available for geocaches, but on a limited basis. Permission must first be obtained from the specific park manager and this permission relayed to the geocaching administrator. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) lands are also available for placing geocaches, but there are specific guidelines that must be followed. These guidelines can be read here.
City parks, county parks, hiking trails, camping areas, and other recreation areas are always good locations for caches. Park and recreation directors have most always been cooperative when it is explained to them what geocaching is about and what they can expect. It is often helpful to provide them with resource information like a link to this web page and the geocaching.com web page. Leaving contact information is also a good idea.
If there are any questions about cache location or permission you can always contact other GEOSET members to ask assistance or advice, of course final approval will come from the geocaching.com administrator.
There are a variety of containers that you can choose for your cache. One favorite is military style ammo cans. These are excellent because they hold up well and are watertight in severe conditions. They can be purchased at your local military surplus store or several places online. One online site is cheaperthandirt.com Often their price for the cans, including shipping, will be less expensive than you can find them locally. It is a good idea, but not necessary, to re-paint ammo cans. This will help prevent rust, but you can also help them blend in to whatever location you place them. The paint will also cover military markings that might bring concern to someone who is not in the game if they should find it incidentally.
Rubbermaid has a variety of containers that work well if people remember to seal them properly. One nice advantage of these is that they are often clear and people can see the contents before opening the cache. This is particularly helpful if the cache is in an area where people might be suspicious of a tightly closed military looking can.
Whatever container you choose it is important that it be watertight so that the cache contents stay dry. But it is also a good idea to take extra precaution with the log book, since it is inevitable that someone might not seal the container well. This can be done by placing the logbook in a zip lock bag. It is a good idea to keep at least one good writing utensil in the zip lock, along with a sheet describing the cache and the activity of geocaching. Information sheets have many times kept a cache from being taken by geomuggles. When they read the sheet and logbook the will often sign the logbook, and some even join the game.
The game of geocaching is always evolving and there are many types of caches; more are being created all the time. In addition to the traditional geocache there are multi-caches, virtual caches, mystery/puzzle caches, locationless/reverse caches, event caches, letterbox hybrids, and webcam caches. Descriptions of these in their basic forms can be found here.
There are many variations of these basic types, too many in fact to describe them here. A new online geocaching magazine called Today's Cacher has links and stories about some of these interesting caches, and you will find others as you start to get out and find the caches in your area. You may find that you even start planning trips and vacations around geocaching :)
Once your first cache is put together and hidden it is time to take the coordinate reading to submit with your listing so that people can find what you have invested time and money. Because many things can affect your GPSr reception while taking a reading you will want to take several readings and observe the coordinates during each one. Don't just take a casual reading and head out, because it could be several hundred feet off.
One practice that has worked well is to approach the cache from several different directions. Back off at least a hundred feet and walk in a straight line to the cache. Pause there and let the reading stabilize, then mark the spot. Back away from the cache and repeat this from several angles surrounding your cache. Average these readings to come up with the best set of coordinates. You might want to discard any readings that seem off more than the rest.
While taking your readings it is a good idea to check your signal strength and number of satellites that your GPSr is receiving signals from. The stronger the signals and more satellites that you are receiving the more accurate your readings will be. You will want to place priority on the readings that have the best signal strength when picking what coordinate numbers you will use.
When taking readings you will notice that by just turning your body satellite reception will change; notice what direction and angle you hold your GPSr to get the best results. Sometimes holding your GPSr over your head might improve the signal strength.
Good luck when planning and placing your first cache, GEOSET looks forward to getting out there and finding it!