OK - we started caching in the end of June - it was warm - it was nice - we got hooked

We have started to notice a bit of a difference with the snow flying all around.

1. Pretty easy to follow a geo-trail in the snow right to the cache
2. Some containers are better than other in the cold
3. The amount of caching seems to slow down
4. It's cold!!

So I think I can figure out the winter finding part of the game pretty easy - if all else fails- it's buried in the snow

What I would like to know from you experienced cachers is some good hints for hiding winter-friendly caches. What are good containers? Is off the ground a better plan? What should I know before I hide a winter-friendly cache??

Share the wisdom!

A winter-friendly cache pretty much has to be off the ground. Think lots of snow: if it gets buried, it's not winter-friendly. Even off-the-ground caches can end up getting frozen in place. I think one of the best ideas is a lock-n-lock container (the flatter kind) with a coat wire hook camo taped into the back, and hang it in a large lush evergreen.

Does a twist-on top of something like a peanut butter jar tend to work ok in the winter? - I have seen a number of those hanging in trees.

I started caching in the winter. Its cold but not hard to work up a sweat. Reception is better and no bugs

Also fun getting the shorter cachers to lose themselves in deep snow!

Could work, as long as the lid doesn't end up getting frozen shut. But then, almost any container could get frozen shut. The real problem with peanut butter jars is that you have to wash them thoroughly about 48 times to get rid of any trace of peanut butter smell. Leave just a few peanut molecules behind, and furry little mammals will chew their way into the container, get pissed off there's nothing in there to eat, then pee all over the log book in retaliation.

Yep, it's easier to control your body heat when you are surrounded by natural air conditioning! I also like the no bugs part.

I almost always wear modern-style snowshoes (not wood-and-gut). Much easier to move around quickly in those. My other trick is I filter out caches that others have found since the last large snowfall.

Anything that is a metre or so above the ground should be winter friendly in most parts. I think you will find that most of DrMOO's caches are winter friendly. I have found many caches that are tucked in the crook of a tree, hanging from branches. You want to see a hilarious winter friendly cache? Go find "Not a FIRcone" by DrMOO in the Barrie area. fantastic!

It's not hard to be creative when you are seeking out a place to hide a winter friendly cache. I have come across many that are in hollow trees, or *Ghasp* hanging from an evergreen tree or Cedar hedge!!!

Always take a good survey of your surroundings. Good rule of thumb is that anything on the ground or under 3 feet from the ground is in danger of being snowed in.

Another thing to remember about winter caching is that geocachers do not "Dig". Digging gets us into trouble! therefore, indicating that you were "Digging" around in the snow for the cache is probably not the best plan "Pushing around" the snow or "Displacing" the snow is probably a better choice of wording. hehe.

Swifteroo

- Keep it off the ground, or in a spot easily recognizable in the winter (such as a hollow stump)

- If you must put it on the ground (which is never a good idea) think up a hint that would make it obvious to someone hunting in the dead of winter. Such as "At the base of the large maple" <- Really narrows down the amount of "displacing" the snow that a winter cacher will have to do.

- If there is a long walk involved it may be helpful to put waypoints along the trail in case it disappears.

- Cheap plastic will often degrade during the winter, and may have cracks and buckles by the time spring rolls around - turning any unprotected logbooks and metal trinkets into rusty mush!

I get the furry mammals in the house (note my avatar) to make sure the molecules are all gone...then they get washed, usually twice. Then, if our mammals show no interest, I would have to think the smell is pretty much gone. Now...some of it might be transferred to ears, under chins, furniture, flooring, or whatever, but it's out of the container.