I started geocaching in May of 2010. Since that time, I’ve logged finds in five countries on four continents and in 32 of the 50 states. As you geocache, you start to look for common themes between containers (bison tubes, 35mm film canisters, magnetic key holders) and hiding spots (inside the top of fence posts, hanging from branches, and under lamp post skirts).
Perhaps my favorite new twist to the game has been the ability to filter my search by “favorite point,” meaning I actively seek out the most popular geocache containers as determined by members of the geocaching community. Searching by favorite points has really allowed me to key in to the “best” hiding spots, containers, or significant/notable historical or geological attribute.
At some point, I created a file on my computer called “Cool Geocaching Containers” as a place to store photographs of geocaches I felt went above and beyond the standard “lock and lock” hidden in in a tree stump. In no particular order, here are a few of my favorites.
1. Here we have the PVC pipe to nowhere. Believe it or not, we walked by this one about 47 times before realizing we could pull the entire contraption off the side of the wall.
2. Next up is the cache inside the log. This one stood out in that it was obviously “out of place,” but this one can throw you for a loop if hidden inside a larger stack of firewood.
3. Number three was mounted inside this deactivated fire alarm. Accessing the log book required the strength of a NFL football player, but I channeled my inner Clay Matthews and got the job done.
4. Accessing this cache involved winding the “bucket” up from small lawn ornament wishing well. The container was surprisingly deep—as a PSA, remember to call before you dig!
5. Camo phone anyone? I know I always like to take mine out deer hunting in the fall. 
6. This woodpecker was cleverly pecking on a fence outside a Wild Bird’s Unlimited store. We pulled the pill bottle slightly out of the cavity to demonstrate how/where the log can be stored (no woodpeckers were endangered in the making of this geocache).
7. On the subject of birds, how about this container aptly named “Angry Birds”? This is a great solution for urban caching, but you obviously want to deter nature from getting in the way of this outdoor activity.
8. Thinking about watering your lawn? Think again! This clever hide had us nearly covered in poison ivy. Three cheers for hints and spoiler photos like this one:
9. I’m not entirely sure what “material” someone used to craft this mossy hide, but this one gets an A for effort!
Difficulty + terrain!
10. And, last but not least, reflectors of evilness! Now you see it:
Now you don’t!
Do you have a favorite geocache container? Leave a comment below.
Happy trails! ~ CalORie
