HeadHardHat's Award Winning Geocaching Blog is a geocache treasure trove of geocaching information. Years of searchable geocaching insights await you here. HeadHardHat's GeoSnippits Geocaching Videos series can be seen on You Tube. You can also find him on his new GeoSnippits Reboot Podcast series and the Geocaching Podcast. Geocaching the outdoor treasure-hunting game which the participants use a GPS receiver to hide and seek containers called "geocaches" or "caches" anywhere in the world
Put Your Geocaching Search Here
Monday, February 28, 2011
Tools of the Geocaching Trade - The Inspection Mirror
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Meet Friend and Fellow Geodude TheHumanRevealer.
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Thursday, February 24, 2011
Reminder Number One of the Upcoming Geocaching 12 of 12
For those of you that don't know the Geocaching 12 of 12 is where you go out on a designated day. In this case it is March 12, 2011 and November 12, 2011 (both Saturdays) and take a ton of photographs of anything pertaining to your life (hopefully some geocaching shots for the most part). Then you pick out 12 of your favorite shots and upload them to your favorite online website like Flickr or Picasa for example. Geocachers all around the world participate in these events and it is a whole lot of fun to share and see all the entries.
| That 12 of 12 day we attended a CITO Event |
Here is a link to the actual Geocaching 12 of 12 link and you can get all the juicy tidbits on how to prepare for your day. It is a lot of fun and I look forward to the upcoming March 12th to do some really creative shots.
http://www.geocaching12of12.com/
| Geoness found some geocaches that day as well |
Have fun out there!
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011
GeoSnippits Geocaching Videos: Interview with Geocacher Ranger Fox
To lead off I have chosen an interview I had late last year with one of the most elusive and highly ranked geocachers on the planet - Ranger Fox. In fact I am proud to say that I am the only person who has successfully interviewed Ranger Fox and now you get to meet up with him as well. My initial intent was to go over the Whereigo geocaches which is his specialty and in my opinion he is the leading authority on the subject. After spending an entire afternoon filming I realized that doing just an episode on Whereigo would not be enough. Ranger Fox is one of the leading ranked geocachers in the world and is an amazing personality in his own right. So I used some of the recordings we did to make this interview. This episode will also be aired on Michigan Magazine TV (RFDTV) so keep an eye out as well.
Without further delay, I give you an interview with geocacher Ranger Fox.
If this player is not accessable you can see the entire video by clicking the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAwbD418RUs
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Sunday, February 20, 2011
Shooting The Breeze On Cachers Of The Round Table Podcast
There is no doubt about it, I love talking on podcasts. Even though I don't have a geocaching podcast I do love attending them. For one they are a perfect break from doing GeoSnippits videos which is developed and produced in a completely different way from podcasts. Secondly they are a fantastic opportunity to meet up and talk with other people and talents within the geocaching community. For example, I frequently haunt the live recording of the Geocaching Podcast with Darrylw4 and XpunkX. They record their weekly show live on Talkshoe which allows listeners to be able to not only participate in the show itself but can do live chat as well. We kind of think of it as the "peanut gallery" and part time cheering section. It is a fun interaction that you really don't get to do all that often while an actual show is being taped. The second podcast that I love to be a part of is Darrylw4's Cachers of the Round Table. This is a monthly podcast that is a real treat. Here a bunch of hosts from geocaching based shows (podcasts and video) get together and talk about geocaching stuff. Last night I had the pleasure of meeting up with two fellow geocachers that I have never really had a chance to talk directly with. They were Sonny from Podcacher Podcast and Icenrye from the TrackFiles videozine.
Just to show you how spread out we were there was Darrylw4 who lives in the metro Detroit area of Michigan, Sonny is in "Sunny San Diego", CA, Icenrye is in Prince George, BC and I am in Raleigh, NC. The topic for this session was photography and geocaching. All of us are huge photo bugs so it was one of those really fun times where everybody has their take and expertise to share. For me it was extra fun because I was finally able to jab with Sonny and Icenrye. I think that is what makes Cachers of the Round Table such a fun podcast to listen to. It's geocachers doing what geocachers do best - talking about geocaching. There is always a ton of fun examples, interesting tid-bits and good sound examples of experience that is coming from people who are passionate about geocaching.I look forward to many more sessions with them and all the rest of the amazing geocaching folks out there. Oh and if you have not had a chance to listen to a geocaching based podcast before I highly recommend that you do. Below are the links to all the shows from everyone we talked about today. Enjoy!
Cachers of the Round Table hosted by Darrylw4
Podcacher Podcast hosted by Sonny and Sandy
Trackfiles Videozine hosted by Icenrye
GeoSnippits Geocaching Videos hosted by HeadHardHat

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
http://www.geosnippits.com
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Check Out Hintdecoder For Geocaching
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| A helpful hint from the HeadHardHat |
Have an Android style phone and enjoy geocaching? There is a handy free app that you might want to keep near to quickly decipher those ROT13 and other types of encryption. It's an app called Hintdecoder For Geocaching and I have found it rather useful while geocaching, especially when trying to figure out some puzzle geocaches out in the field.
It is a really simple cut and past kind of application. Simply put in the text within the top text field and the results are shown in the bottom. The really nice thing is it does all sorts of other codes as well so when you do get that puzzle cache in the field you will be ready for it..
Be sure and try it out for yourself, it's a free app.
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/communication/hintdecoder-for-geocaching_fehd.html
Another helpful hint from the HeadHardHat to you.
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Thursday, February 17, 2011
Birthday Geocaching. This was a walk in the briars.
It is an amazing day out for geocaching and to top it off I just had to get a geocache or two before the cake and ice cream. Absolutely fantastic and thanks to everyone around the planet for all the birthday wishes. It really made me feel like a million bucks!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Another Adaptation of the HHH's Evil Ant Hill Geocache
Dear HHH,
I recently created a variation on your anthill cache. So far it has eluded the best of cachers in the area!..lol So far (even though it is still rather young) it has proved rather difficult for a lot of people. No one has been able to find this cache w/o PAF.
The only variance is the container & the camo. The cache is placed on a small beach in a local park. So of course the camo is sand. The container is a magnetic key holder. I thank you for the tip for this evil cache. I’ve attached an image of the cache & the cache page if you ever wish to look for it in the future. Good luck! & Happy caching!
Sincerely,
Huntindaddy78
Below is a test shot showing how well this geocache blends into it's environment. Now imagine it placed just right to make it such a challenge.. W00t!
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| There is a geocache right in front of you. |
What a really great and evil geocache to be sure. I love planting the seed and watching all the different variances and clever changes geocachers bring to the game, sport and obsession of geocaching.
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Twitter me at
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Monday, February 14, 2011
Hiding A Geocache Just As Much Fun As Finding?
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| What Makes A Great Geocache Hide? |
I was just recently going through my blog archives of past posts.
(You can search years of geocaching goodness by using the Google search field at the top of our blog. It searches our entire site -HHH.)
While looking around I came upon an earlier post/discussion about how many geocachers enjoy hiding a geocache as much as they do finding a geocache. For me personally hiding a geocache comes in a very close second but not by much. I love finding geocaches and enjoy the amazing creativity that geocachers have. Sure there are tons of LPH's (Lamp Post Hides) and other same-old same-olds but when you find that one out of 50 find that just makes you go "oh cool" it gets my heart racing.
Then again the adventure you can go on hiding a geocache can bring a whole host of emotions, trials and tribulations as well. Finding that perfect hiding spot takes time. There is no other way around it. Oh sure you may get lucky and stumble across a great spot but for most you have to do your research. First you have to figure out what type of geocache you want to hide. There are a bunch of types besides the standard traditionals. Is it a multi or maybe a puzzle geocache? What type of container(s) are you going to use? How are you going to have them blend into the surroundings so they don't get muggled? Many times you won't know many of these answers until you actually find the hiding spot. Then the real fun begins and you have to actually go out and find the hiding spots themselves. How do you do that?
I am always amazed of the really good hiding areas where when you get to them you can't help but say to yourself, "how the heck did they even know this was here?". I can remember not too long ago bushwhacking in a wooded area for about a quarter of a mile and came upon a large tree that had partially fallen and was perfect for scampering up and hiding a bison tube. There is absolutely nothing around but woods and yet this geocacher found it and made use. How did they even know it was there? For me I usually use Google maps in satellite mode. With it showing all the nearby geocaches right there. Sometimes I get lucky, sometimes I find it has no trespassing signs posted, Eh, it is how it goes. Whether you research and find a great spot or stumble across an area it is always best to get permission from the land owner to place the geocache. Calling the county clerk with the coordinates or if you have the contact information is the smart way to go. I get some yeses and I get some nos. It is always good to check.
Any way you slice it, hiding a geocache can be just as rewarding or frustrating as finding one. You have to do your homework, use some good common sense and then follow through with making it a hide to remember. That's my take on this fun subject. What are your geocaching thoughts?-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Thursday, February 10, 2011
How Many Geocaching Miles Do You Have?
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| HHH waiting for some new tires. |
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
This Week On Michigan Magazine: Show 1606 Sherni's Candy Factory Near Whittimore and Geocaching Paths
If the viewer is not available you can see the entire Michigan Magazine TV Show by clicking the link here:
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/12566587
Michigan Magazine is seen twice each week on the RFDTV Network.
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Thursday, February 3, 2011
Let Me Tell You A Story About A Geocacher Named Whitemithrandir
My good buddy CarolinaTrombone and I were out a while back working on a brand new series of geocaches. For me it is one of the most fun that I have ever been on. While we were out looking for one of the 22 some odd components of the series we stumbled upon another geocacher looking for the same one. His geocaching name is Whitemithrandir. We all saw each other about the same time, smiled and knew what we were all up to. After shaking hands and introductions we started looking around for the elusive geocache. While we were scraping at bases of trees I of course started asking general questions, hey it's what I do. Whitemithrandir has one of those instant like personalities. He has a friendly smile and is the type you can just kick back with and shoot the breeze. After a little while we found the geocache and traded the information needed for the series amongst ourselves. We asked if he wanted to follow along but unfortunately he had to move on but invited to go with us on some other day. Later that day I received an email from Whitemithrandir giving me his phone number of which CarolinaTrombone and I immediately asked him if he wanted to go out the next day to finish the series. The rest is how they say - history.
This series was amazing and had us climbing trees, scouring woodlands and crawling in water drainage pipes.
While we went from cache to cache we got to talk a lot and I found that even though Whitemithrandir has not been caching for a long time he has geocached with a ton of other local geocachers. He just has that magnetic personality and a genuine "go gett'm" geocaching attitude that makes this activity so much fun.
Some of the highlights for that day was a couple of geocaches up in trees. Whitemithrandir was kind enough to go first on these and then set it up for us to sign the logs.
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| Whitemithrandir Geocaching |
The one here took him almost an hour to get up this very slick angled tree.
We had a ball that day going from one geocache to the next. There were Traditionals, Multies and Puzzle caches to solve. Each with a clue to the final geocache.
One of our favorite parts was going into a four foot cement water drainage pipe to find the geocache. This was my first of that kind and quite frankly I can't wait to try some more. Below is a shot I took of Whitemithrandir as he was coming out. Man that was fun. Note the skateboard that helped save us from completely becoming soaked.
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| Whitemithrandir rolling from a geocache |
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Golden Retrevo Awards Two Years in a Row 2010 and 2011 - HeadHardHat's GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
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| This would not be possible if it were not for YOU OUR VIEWERS - Thank You |
Once again we have been designated as one of the best in the category of GPS.
We are truly thankful to Retrevo and all of our viewers and fans who helped make this possible.
Here is the press release which has a quote from us and explains what the Golden Retrevo Awards are.
http://goo.gl/okcOC
Here is the link to see all the other categories and their winners as well.
http://www.goldenretrevoawards.com/
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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This Week On Michigan Magazine TV:Show 1605 The Cooperative Elevator Company of Pigeon & Geocaching Michigan
If the player above is not available please click the link below to see the entire episode of Michigan Magazine TV.
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/12407309
You can see GeoSnippits Videos and Michigan Magazine TV twice each week on the RFDTV Network.
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Thursday, January 27, 2011
Become A Sponsor For GeoSnippits : GeoSurvivalGear.com Success Story
You can listen to them off of the TalkShoe website by going here: http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=91519&cmd=tc
Anyways if you click on EPISODE 15- Interview: GeoSurvivalGear.com you can listen to the guys talking with the owner of GeoSurvivalGear.com Robert Harwell (Caching Name: Harwell5).What I found interesting about the interview was 1) How Gianster98 found out about GeoSurvivalGear.com through GeoSnippits and my Blog (Geocache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?).
then 2) How they discussed our sponsorship program with them and how well it was going and finally 3) How 25 - 30 percent of their traffic comes directly from our sites!!!
So my whole point is this. GeoSurvivalGear.com is getting a huge amount of traffic by being a web sponsor on our sites. Imagine also being able to promote not only on our web sites but IN our GeoSnippits Videos which are seen around the world on YouTube and in all 50 states on Michigan Magazine TV (RFDTV Network). Then top it all off by being an official sponsor of GeoSnippits on Michigan Magazine TV itself. That's three different ways of getting your product or company seen in front of thousands of viewers each and every week.
If you are interested in becoming a Sponsor of GeoSnippits in any of the ways described above please send an email to headhardhat@gmail.com and we will send you a media package presentation right back to you.
Become a sponsor to GeoSnippits and show what you are made of to thousands of viewers weekly!
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Wednesday, January 26, 2011
GeoSurvialGear.com Contest Number Three - Who's Who GeoSnippits Crew
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| Really Cool Full Sized Lanyard |
This para-cord lanyard is perfect for attending geocaching events and holding your name tag or while geocaching holding your favorite pen. It is full length and especially useful for emergency situations when you have to have cord right here and now.
So you have to have it right? Want to win this amazing prize?
Here's how you can qualify for it:
First: You have to correctly answer the following question.
Currently there are over 50 GeoSnippits geocaching videos on You Tube seen all around the world. There are also an additional 52 GeoSnippits segments seen on Michigan Magazine TV on the RFDTV Network (shown in all 50 states!). The usual filming crew consists of HeadHardHat and Geoness. On several episodes of GeoSnippits there was another film crew member not mentioned here. To qualify to win this amazing lanyard email us WHO IS THE UNMENTIONED FILM CREW MEMBER?
Of course all laws and restrictions from where you live applies. One email answer per person please.
Next: Email the correct answer to hhhcontest@gmail.com with the subject of GeoSurvivalGear.com Contest Number Three
Finally: Include in your email your name and email address so we can contact you if you are selected as the winner.
All entries must be in by Saturday February 5th, 2011. The winner will be chosen by random from all the correctly answered entries. Odds of winning is based off of the number of correctly answered entries at the time of the drawing.HINT: You can see all of our GeoSnippits Geocaching Videos for You Tube at www.geosnippits.com.
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Show #1604 Fritz's Family Restaurant & Geocaching in Frankenmuth
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| Michigan Magazine is the home of GeoSnippits |
If you cannot see the viewer above please use this link here to see the entire Michigan Magazine episode:
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/12256631
You can see GeoSnippits each and every week on Michigan Magazine (RFDTV Network). Seen in all 50 states.
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Twitter me at
@headhardhat
Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
http://www.geosnippits.com
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
This Week On Michigan Magazine - Show 1603 Movie Making in Michigan & Geocaching Types w/HHH
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| Michigan Magazine TV |
This week on Michigan Magazine (RFDTV Network).
Recorded on 1/19/2011 Our guest is Rocky Larson of the Northern Michigan Film Group. We discuss Hollywood coming to Michigan and what types of jobs are available in the growing business in Michigan. Then Andy Smith (HHH) discuss the many different types of Geocaches in this week's Geosnippits.
If the viewer is not displayed above, you can see the entire episode by clicking the link below.
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/12110413
You can see GeoSnippits Geocaching Videos each and every week on Michigan Magazine TV (RFDTV Network). Seen in all 50 states!
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Twitter me at
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Tuesday, January 18, 2011
And The Winner of the GeoSurvivalGear.com Contest Number Two Is...

This really was a great contest and it looks like a whole lot of people wanted that GeoSurvivalGear.com wristband. We received hundreds of correct answers to the contest question which was "Who is the host of Michigan Magazine TV?". Our geocaching segment GeoSnippits is seen each and every week on Michigan Magazine so I thought it was a fitting question to ask. Boy did you know the answer :)
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| Barry Stutesman host of Michigan Magazine |
Monday, January 17, 2011
Out Geocaching in a Four Foot Concrete Tube
This is so sweet the geocache is half way into a tube that is under a busy highway. Now this is some fun geocaching. You will see all my recent adventures on GeoSnippits and Michigan Magazine Tv.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
You Can't Win'em All
We searched for over an hour for the coordinates to a multi geocache. You are looking underneath a bridge where we were exploring. Unfortunately we couldn't find the coords and had to move on to another geocache.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Read HeadHardHat's Geocaching Blog On Your Smart Phone
| Our Obsessed Blog Now Formatted For Smart Phones |
All you have to do is set your smart phone browser to our standard URL.
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
That's all there is to it. We know we have many viewers who already read our blog but now it's just that much better.
Enjoy.
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Twitter me at
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Geocaching and Photography
Geocachers love to take photos. Either of themselves at the geocache site, points of interest around the geocache, etc. You would be amazed at all the fun, weird and exciting things you run into. Being in the age of digital everything it is so easy to capture our adventures. Remember the good Ole days when we had 24 shots of film and that was it? There was no "delete" and redo. You took your shots and hoped for the best. Those rolls of film were expensive too. Now with SD cards you can take literally thousands of photos and not even break a sweat. Remember when we had to turn in our film and wait over a week to get them developed? How things have changed.
The casual geocacher usually has a phone with a camera built in. This is extremely convenient to have with you at all times. Many of the smart phones have high end mega-pixel cameras that can rival standard digital cameras. I have found I personally use my phone camera much more now just because it is right there with me. Even beyond that the video camera on a smart phone gives you that option as well.
Digital cameras still have their place but I would hazard a guess that you will see them change in ways to make them more competitive with the smart phones. I still use my digital camera because it can easily be placed on a tripod or on one of those cool bendable tripods so you can put your camera on a tree branch or hiking pole. Let's face it, you can only extend your arm so far for a shot and being able to put a camera on a platform with a timer does give you more options. They are still very handy and can fit in a pocket or pouch while geocaching. A definite plus to have with you.
SLR cameras rock but you really need to be a photographer who wants to put some investment into the hobby. The rewards though are quite simply breathtaking. The main difference is the interchangeable lens. There is just something more crisp and clear with a glass lens as opposed to one you would have with a digital camera or smart phone. You also have complete control of what goes into a picture, light, speed, focus. It does really make all the difference in the world and it usually takes experience to make a photo pop. The nice thing again is you are able to save your shots digitally and can take loads of them. If there is one thing about taking photos no matter what camera you use is to take A LOT of photos. It costs you nothing and the difference between photo number one and number two can be huge. Take tons of shots! As you go through your photos you will see what worked and what didn't, that is how you become a more effective photographer.So there you go. Geocaching and photography go together like peanut butter and jelly. If you haven't tried taking pix while you are looking for that micro or ammo box, give it a try. You will be amazed how many places you experience or things you will see and when you say to yourself, "Wish I brought the camera". It will be right there in your pocket. Have Fun.
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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