NorthWest Arkansas Cachers

You have searched an area thoroughly and suspect that the cache has been relocated improperly or stolen? Granted it may also be my ineptitude that has caused me NOT to find it, but after 5 attempts you would think I would be close to finding it, yes?

Are you logging your DNFs? A DNF is usually the cache owners only indication there might be a problem with his cache. No DNFs, no problems.

The next thing you should do is contact the cache owner for an additional hint. If he doesn't respond for some reason or another, next contact a previous finder. He may or may not offer you a hint. (It's considered by some to be bad form to give hints on other's caches)

The important thing is that you have fun! Dont let did not finds DNFs get you discouraged. Try finding that ones that are difficulty 1 or 2 first. Then after several finds you will hone your caching senses and begin to understand where to look.

Also pay attention to the area you are searching. If the cache has been there a while you should be able to tell where everyone has walked. Of course if its a new one you wont have that clue.

Anyway hope some of that helps!

All good suggestions. I am having a good time looking for them in any case.

I have been stumped 6 times now by THIS ONE. Dang thing just eludes me for some reason. And there are always muggles around too. GRRR

Hmmm, We found this one a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, I can't seem to recall anything about it.

I did notice there's a picture from last May of it in its hiding spot.

A word of caution. I think you may be trusting your GPS too much, as you say its zeroing out within 1-3 feet. You should remember that even with multiple satellites, including WAAS and a clear signal, the VERY BEST accuracy you can expect is 1 - 10 meters. Eureka SPrings is all hills and canyons, so you can't expect accuracy that good. Then, remember that with the GPS units available a few years ago -- when this one was hidden, the accuracy wasn't that good. It's not unusual to find a cache hidden back then 30-40 feet from the zero coords.

Even with today's more sensitive units, you can expect to find some caches 30-40 feeet from the coords. Yesterday, we found 2 newer ones, both hidden by the same people. One was in the clear and was found within a few feet of zero, the other was in some cover and was found 45 feet away.

This is when you have to use your unit to get you in the ballpark and start asking yourself "Where would I hide something of this size" and start checkng those spots.

Above all, as Gruizzer said, remember that this is FUN. The feeling you're going to get when you do finally found this one is going to be awesome.

Perhaps being within 1-3' is an anomaly and/or I've been very lucky but the first six caches I have found with my PN40 brought me almost dead onto the spots indicated.

In fact, when I found the "One Way or Not" yesterday I was taken to the exact piece of foliage it was supposed to be in. I found myself above the cache and had to make my way to it but spotted it immediately.

As for the the "Olde Train Station Cache" that one has me baffled. And thanks I did see that picture but nothing jumps at me at the scene. But, I will find the bugger.

Today I have to go back and sign One Way or Not as I forgot a writing instrument yesterday.