Inside each container is a logbook, and if the container is big enough there are trinkets that you can see and swap (See Resources below for details about the different kinds of geocaches). Geocaches can vary greatly in size and appearance. Geocachers use location coordinates and a GPS device such as a smartphone to find a hidden container. Geocaching ( geo= Earth, caching= hiding/storing) is a great hide-and-seek activity that started in 2000 with the rise of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. What if I told you that you could find unique knick-knacks, rubberstamps and secret messages in parks near you? This spring I challenge you to explore participating New York State Parks and Historic Sites and try out these fun treasure-hunting activities! When you find a letterbox, stamp the rubber stamp found in the letterbox into your personal logbook, and sign and use your signature stamp in the logbook in the letterbox.No need to chase down the end of a rainbow to find a hidden treasure. Most clues will not give directions for returning to the trailhead. Pay attention to where you’re going so you can retrace your steps back if you have to. Don’t walk off a cliff because you had your nose stuck in a clue. You should not have to dig around or trample vegetation to retrieve a letterbox. Use Leave No Trace principles while looking for a letterbox. Consider where you’ll be traveling, your skill level, and pack appropriately. Depending on the season, insect repellent might be considered one of the ‘10 essentials.’ These types of items are important, but none of them are directly related to letterboxing. Maps of the area can certainly be your friend. For longer hikes, you’ll likely want a few snacks and water. A cell phone for emergencies or to ‘phone a friend’ if you have a question about a clue, for instance. If you ask around, you’ll find plenty of other suggested items to take with you. Clues-you can’t find a letterbox without them! Check out our Simple Search for a variety of search options to find letterboxes near you, or an Advanced Search for more complex queries.Generally, anything larger than 2"x2" will start causing you problems. Keep your stamp as small as possible-not all logbooks you find will have a lot of room for a stamp image. It’s easier than you might think, and you’ll end up with a unique, one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Most letterboxers usually start with a store-bought stamp, but when you get a chance, try carving your own rubber stamp. You’ll want to select something that compliments your trailname. A signature stamp to stamp into the letterboxes you find.While not all letterboxes require the use of a compass, sometimes it’s easy to lose track of your direction and a command such as ‘turn north at the junction’ might be difficult without one! If you’re not sure what to look for in a compass or how to use one, check out our Compassing 101 tutorial. A pen or other writing implement to sign logbooks or take notes.Our Art of Stamping tutorial may give you ideas of what to use and how to get the best results. Bright colors such as yellow tend to fade over time when used with stamps that have had darker colors applied earlier. Most letterboxers carry a variety of colors of small ink pads or markers, but if you choose to carry only one color, make it a dark one such as black. Ideally, the ink pad should have a raised surface so you can easily ink up stamps that are larger than the ink pad. A spiral-bound logbook is nice because the pages lay flat, but they’re also more likely to bend and get caught up with other stuff in your pack. Most people prefer logbooks at least 5½"x8½" but no larger than 8½"x11½". Use a logbook containing white, unruled, acid-free paper for best, long-lasting results. Something sturdy that can handle the rigors of being knocked around inside your pack is necessary. To start finding your first letterboxes, you’ll want to carry the following items: You don’t need much to start a rewarding hobby in letterboxing.
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