Winter Geocaching in the Seattle Area

This is our first year in the Seattle area, so Cindy asked for advice from geocachers on the geocachingwa e-list. Their suggestions are listed below.

(November, 2002)

 

WINTER GEOCACHING CAN BE WONDERFUL!

 

 

The leaves have fallen (so they don't obstruct satellite signals).

Fewer people around; the parks are empty.

Cooler weather, so you don't get hot.

Caches are easier to find without all the vegetation.

Less ground cover makes for easier movement along trails.

The water of the Sound & Straits can be unbelievably attractive during a winter storm.

 

TIPS FOR GEOCACHING IN THE WINTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check this link for Avalanche Information

 

Keeping dry and warm is key, and proper clothing can be the best way to do this.

Wear GoreTex or other rain-repellent clothing (even a rubberized raincoat).

Use truly waterproof shoes/boots to keep your feet dry.

Wear a light jacket and hat.

Fleece is good for insulation, when needed. Think layers!

Don't wear light-colored pants if you're geocaching over your lunchbreak.

Bring along a lightweight packable rain suit (something you can keep in your pack).

Carry dry clothes in your car.

Try fingertip-open gloves, especially those with some water resistance.

Put your non-waterproof GPS units in clear ziploc bags. This keeps them dry, and you can still see the display.

The rule-of-thumb is 3 degrees F. temperature drop for every thousand feet of elevation.

Be alert to changing conditions!

If you get tired of warm and wet, cold and dry on the other side of the Cascades can be a nice break if you are properly equipped.

Keep snacks in tote.

Safety in Numbers -- pair up with another geocacher.

There are some risky areas in the mountains that are avalanche prone, such as Granite Mountain (see link on left).

 

SPECIFIC CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS

 

"There is no bad weather, only bad clothing" (EraSeek)

 

GoreTex Rain Gear, GoreTex permeable membrane boots

Nylon, tearproof, water resistant, like the one found at: http://www.sportop.com/resorts/AllResortProducts/pages/NorthEnd88002_jpg.htm

Gilligan-style hat keeps the rain from dripping down your neck.

Polartec Windbloc gloves with the fingertips lobbed off.

Good polypropylene or silk long johns (avoid anything cotton).

Leather boots with as few stitches as possible, waterproofed religiously with snoseal or nikwax.

 

Many thanks to those who provided these great suggestions!

 

Contributors from the geocachingwa@yahoogroups.com e-list include: David Lilly (BigDave), Camera Thyme, TravisL, Paul Butzi, Coral Williams, Era Seek, Erik (Uplink)

If you'd like to add to this list, please e-mail cindy@wambeam.net

 

Page Updated: 11/7/02

If you are a Geocacher in the state of Washington, please join the Washington State Geocaching Association. This is a great way to get the most out of Geocaching in our region. Simply go to geocachingwa.org for details!