TNLNSLShorthand for, "Took Nothing Left Nothing Signed Log."? TFTCShorthand for "Thanks for the Cache"??
It’s been amazing to watch geocaching evolve over the years. In the early days it wasn’t uncommon to find full-sized notebooks inside a cache and see logs that took up whole sheets. Geocachers would make notes about their day, the hike, even write poems and sketch drawings in the logbook. Somewhere along the way though, the push for more cachers, more micros, and more numbers has made detailed logs a rarity. Somehow in the wake of that change online logs have shrunk too. We’ve even developed our own little shorthand that does little more than say “Kilroy was here.” Online logs like “TNLNSLShorthand for, "Took Nothing Left Nothing Signed Log.",” “TFTCShorthand for "Thanks for the Cache",” and even “DPM” do little more than simply record that you were there and managed to find your way back home to your computer. There’s so much more that your online log has to offer.
 The reality is online logs do more than just rack up another smileyThe “Smileyface” icon one receives when a logging a geocache. “It’s all about the smilies.” on your stats page. If that were all they did, then only you would see them. Your online logs are there for the benefit of the community. Specifically, they record your experience and enable you to share it with others. They exist to benefit other cachers in their search. Whether you include actual spoilers or not, your logs can provide tips that help future seekers know what to look for and what to avoid. You might mention certain hazards or problems that you had and save the next cacher a lot of hassle.
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Geocaching Shorthand
Over the years some very geocaching-specific terms have come into our vocabulary. Most of these terms are simple shorthand designed to make cache logging a little quicker. Very often, though, they seem to confuse new cachers and the uninitiated. Some of these terms are:
- TNLNSLShorthand for, "Took Nothing Left Nothing Signed Log." – Took nothing, left nothing, signed log
- TFTCShorthand for "Thanks for the Cache" – Thanks for the cache
- FTFAbbreviation for “First To Find.” The first person to log a particular geocache as found is the “FTF”. Sometime there are “FTF prizes” left in the cache by the owner for this person. These are special items and do not require equal trade. – First to find
For a handy reference to these and many other geocaching terms, check out The Lexicon of Geocaching, provided by Prime Suspect.
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Your log also benefits the cache owner. The owner has placed that cache there in the hopes that you’ll enjoy the experience, or at least come away with something new. Your log can tell the owner how you felt about the visit and give details about whether or not he needs to make a maintenance trip, what the area surrounding the cache is currently like, and any obstacles or hazards he might not know about.
And of course, your log also provides benefits to you. As you continue in your geocaching experience, from time-to-time you’ll go back and re-read those older logs. They can provide you with a lot of great memories as you relive those caching experiences. They express the growth and change that you experience as you become more familiar with the game. Personally I find it especially satisfying during those long winter months to go back and re-read my logs from summer caches. It takes me back to those thoughts of warmer weather and longer days. Sometimes it even makes me miss the bugs and weeds!
The 4 T’s
The key to effective writing is organizing your thoughts. In longer essays and stories this is absolutely essential and is the difference between coherence and cohesiveness and absolute gobbildygook. In many ways your cache logs are very short stories, snapshots of your search, insight into a small portion of your day spent doing something you absolutely love to do. Even the worst experiences can make the best stories, as many of my own DNFAbbreviation for, “Did Not Find.” On Geocaching.com this is done by choosing the “Didn’t Find it” log type.
Logging a DNF will result in a blue "frowny face" being seen on the cache page’s prove out. Understanding how to organize your thoughts will take you a long way towards getting your experiences across.
With this in mind, here’s a handy outline to help you organize your thoughts in your online logs. This is not intended to encourage you to take a “cookie cutter” approach to your logs with every one of them looking the same. Rather it’s a simple exercise to keep your thoughts on track and make sure you get the details across as simply as possible. As you become more comfortable writing, your own style will shine through and flesh out your logs for you. Just stick with it and have some fun.
TRIP?Getting There Is Half the Fun
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Of course, the journey to a single cache probably contains more than a thousand steps. You’ll probably want to share a few of those with other cachers.
Geocaching is a unique experience in that while we go to the same waypointAny location marked with a GPS. The waypoint might be a geocache or it could be parking coordinates or some other point of interest. as other cachers, we do so with weeks, months or even years between us. We may approach from completely different directions and see the cache in ways that even the owner didn’t anticipate.
The “waypoints” feature on cache pages has been a wonderful new addition. It allows cache owners to post waypoints for parking or trailheads or other features on their cache pages. Being a new feature, most caches don’t have these extra waypoints added and at times knowing where to begin can be one of the most challenging parts of the cache hunt. Your log can provide some valuable advice for future searchers as well as record your own frustrations over that road that you shouldn’t have taken or the path that led to nowhere.
It’s also possible for you to post additional coordinates in your log and include coordinates for trailheads or roads you took. You can also use this feature to post alternate coordinates (if you felt the cache coordinates were a bit off) or post coordinates to various features that caught your attention. Be aware, though, that even the most helpful advice will fall off the cache page after five logs and won’t be seen by those who are using pocket queries while out in the field.
You may also want to tell the story of what brought you to the area to cache in the first place. Remember, your log is uniquely yours. Share a bit of your day with the readers and let them know where you’re coming from.
TRAPS?Danger: Bridge Out
If proper attention is paid to them, the terrain and difficulty ratings and cache attributes should alert most geocachers to exactly what kind of physical and mental challenges the cache will present them with. However, many things can happen after the cache has been placed that change the ratings or present cachers with new challenges and dangers. Also, if the path you chose in isn’t the same as the one the owner used, you might encounter dangers they never anticipated.
Carefully spell out any dangers you encounter. They might be dangerous animals or poisonous plants, closed roads or angry landowners. Your log could mean the difference between the next cacher having a good experience or something they will regret.
At times it may be necessary to post either a “Needs MaintenanceSometimes abbreviated as "NM." Use this log type if the cache is in need of attention from the owner (ie. It has become damaged, wet, or in need of a new logbook). Use of this log type places a "Needs Maintenance" attributeAttributes are a series of icons added to a geocache page that spell out any hazards, conditions, facilities or other concerns about the cache. For example, if there is a chance poison ivy will be found at the cache, the owner can use the "poison plants" attribute. If the owner wants to emphasize that the cache is a good one to bring children along on, he can choose the "recommended for kids" attribute.
Attributes enable geocachers to be better prepared for their hunt. They can also be used to refine pocket query searches to either include or exclude certain attributes. on the cache page which remains until the owner posts an "Owner Maintenance" log.” or “Should Be Archived” (SBA"Should Be Archived." It's one of the log types available on Geocaching.com. The actual log type is "Needs Archived," but SBA has become a common abbreviation.
Use this log if the cache cannot or should not be replaced due to outside forces (new construction, land management, or dangers). When a SBA log is posted the local cache reviewer receives notification of it and may take action to archiveAn archived cache is one that has been removed from the listings of Geocaching.com. The cache page is still available for review, but will not show up when searching for caches in an area.
Caches are generally archived when they are missing, destroyed or removed by the owner. Caches that simply need attention or repair are "temporarily disabled" rather than archived. the cache. Use this log type sparingly and only in situations where you are certain of the problem at the cache site.) log. “Needs MaintenanceSometimes abbreviated as "NM." Use this log type if the cache is in need of attention from the owner (ie. It has become damaged, wet, or in need of a new logbook). Use of this log type places a "Needs Maintenance" attributeAttributes are a series of icons added to a geocache page that spell out any hazards, conditions, facilities or other concerns about the cache. For example, if there is a chance poison ivy will be found at the cache, the owner can use the "poison plants" attribute. If the owner wants to emphasize that the cache is a good one to bring children along on, he can choose the "recommended for kids" attribute.
Attributes enable geocachers to be better prepared for their hunt. They can also be used to refine pocket query searches to either include or exclude certain attributes. on the cache page which remains until the owner posts an "Owner Maintenance" log.” should be fairly self-explanatory: the cache’s condition has changed and it now requires some attention from the owner. This could be due to a full logbook, a soaked logbook, destroyed container, change in environment, or even a muggledDerived from GeoMuggle (or simply MuggleAlso, "GeoMuggle."
Derived from “non-magic folk” in the Harry Potter series, a muggle is a non-cacher.
See also, “muggled.”), it's slang for a cache that has been stolen/removed by a non-cacher.
i.e. " I searched for this cache but couldn't find it. I'm afraid it's been muggled." cache. The “Needs MaintenanceSometimes abbreviated as "NM." Use this log type if the cache is in need of attention from the owner (ie. It has become damaged, wet, or in need of a new logbook). Use of this log type places a "Needs Maintenance" attributeAttributes are a series of icons added to a geocache page that spell out any hazards, conditions, facilities or other concerns about the cache. For example, if there is a chance poison ivy will be found at the cache, the owner can use the "poison plants" attribute. If the owner wants to emphasize that the cache is a good one to bring children along on, he can choose the "recommended for kids" attribute.
Attributes enable geocachers to be better prepared for their hunt. They can also be used to refine pocket query searches to either include or exclude certain attributes. on the cache page which remains until the owner posts an "Owner Maintenance" log.” log places an icon on the cache page that remains until the owner has posted a “Performed Maintenance” log.
Posting a “Should Be Archived” log not only sends a notification to the owner (and anyone on the cache watch list) but also sends a notification to the local cache reviewerA reviewer is a volunteer who works for GroundspeakThe parent company of Geocaching.com, Waymarking.com and Wherigo.com.
Groundspeak is a privately-owned corporation headquartered in Seattle, Washington. by reviewing caches for publication on Geocaching.com. The reviewer works with a set of tools (maps, etc.), the GroundspeakThe parent company of Geocaching.com, Waymarking.com and Wherigo.com.
Groundspeak is a privately-owned corporation headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Geocaching Placement GuidelinesThe Geocache Listing Requirements found at www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx. It's often pointed out that these are guidelines rather than hard and fast rules that most be followed to the letter. The reviewers use the guidelines along with their own experience and common sense to determine whether or not a geocache is publishable on the website.
There is a check box at the bottom of every cache submission page that says, "Yes. I have read and understand the guidelines for listing a cache." Hopefully people actually do read them. and his or her own knowledge of the game to determine whether or not a geocache is able to be published on the website.
Reviewers are also sometimes called "Approvers," but this title doesn't adequately describe the service they provide. to alert them that there’s a problem. These should be used sparingly and in situations where the cache either cannot or should not be replaced or where the owner has abandoned the cache due to his or her own lack of attention. |
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Geocaching.com
Log Types
There are five log types available when logging a traditional cacheThe most basic form of geocache: a box hidden at a set of given coordinates. Sizes range from nanoA nano cache is an extremely small micro cache. They're usually either small metal containers (like bison tubes) or small magnetic containers (also sometimes called "blinkies").
Nano cache is not recognized as a size designation by Geocaching.com. They are simply considered micro caches. – micro – small – regular – large.. While their uses are sometimes topic for hot debate, here they are with standard definitions for each:
 Found It. Used when the cache has been found and the log signed. Logging a cache in this manner increases your find count by one.
 Didn’t Find It (DNFAbbreviation for, “Did Not Find.” On Geocaching.com this is done by choosing the “Didn’t Find it” log type.
Logging a DNF will result in a blue "frowny face" being seen on the cache page). Used when a search has been made but the cache could not be located.
 Write NoteThis note type is often used on return visits to the cache, perhaps to pick up a travel bugAlso called “Travelbug,” “TB” or “hitchhikerAn item placed in a cache with the intention of being moved from cache to cache. Travel bugs and GeoCoins are types of hitchhikers..” A travel bug is an item placed in a cache with the goal of moving from cache to cache to rack up miles. Travel bugs are distinguished with a “travel bug tag” or “dog tag” that contains a tracking number for that particular item.
Travel bugs are not generally considered “trade items” or “swagAlso called "Trade items" or "geo-treasure" or simply "treasure." These are items placed in a geocache for trading.,” meaning you do not have to leave a travel bug (or anything else) to take one. or simply check on it. At times this note is used instead of a DNFAbbreviation for, “Did Not Find.” On Geocaching.com this is done by choosing the “Didn’t Find it” log type.
Logging a DNF will result in a blue "frowny face" being seen on the cache page if the cache hunt is interrupted and you don't want to give others the impression that the cache is missing.. This note type is often used on return visits to the cache, perhaps to pick up a travel bugAlso called “Travelbug,” “TB” or “hitchhikerAn item placed in a cache with the intention of being moved from cache to cache. Travel bugs and GeoCoins are types of hitchhikers..” A travel bug is an item placed in a cache with the goal of moving from cache to cache to rack up miles. Travel bugs are distinguished with a “travel bug tag” or “dog tag” that contains a tracking number for that particular item.
Travel bugs are not generally considered “trade items” or “swagAlso called "Trade items" or "geo-treasure" or simply "treasure." These are items placed in a geocache for trading.,” meaning you do not have to leave a travel bug (or anything else) to take one. or simply check on it. At times this note is used instead of a DNFAbbreviation for, “Did Not Find.” On Geocaching.com this is done by choosing the “Didn’t Find it” log type.
Logging a DNF will result in a blue "frowny face" being seen on the cache page if the cache hunt is interrupted and you don’t want to give others the impression that the cache is missing.
 Needs MaintenanceSometimes abbreviated as "NM." Use this log type if the cache is in need of attention from the owner (ie. It has become damaged, wet, or in need of a new logbook). Use of this log type places a "Needs Maintenance" attributeAttributes are a series of icons added to a geocache page that spell out any hazards, conditions, facilities or other concerns about the cache. For example, if there is a chance poison ivy will be found at the cache, the owner can use the "poison plants" attribute. If the owner wants to emphasize that the cache is a good one to bring children along on, he can choose the "recommended for kids" attribute.
Attributes enable geocachers to be better prepared for their hunt. They can also be used to refine pocket query searches to either include or exclude certain attributes. on the cache page which remains until the owner posts an "Owner Maintenance" log. (NM). Use this log type if the cache is in need of attention from the owner (ie. It has become damaged, wet, or in need of a new logbook). Use of this log type places a “Needs MaintenanceSometimes abbreviated as "NM." Use this log type if the cache is in need of attention from the owner (ie. It has become damaged, wet, or in need of a new logbook). Use of this log type places a "Needs Maintenance" attributeAttributes are a series of icons added to a geocache page that spell out any hazards, conditions, facilities or other concerns about the cache. For example, if there is a chance poison ivy will be found at the cache, the owner can use the "poison plants" attribute. If the owner wants to emphasize that the cache is a good one to bring children along on, he can choose the "recommended for kids" attribute.
Attributes enable geocachers to be better prepared for their hunt. They can also be used to refine pocket query searches to either include or exclude certain attributes. on the cache page which remains until the owner posts an "Owner Maintenance" log.” attributeAttributes are a series of icons added to a geocache page that spell out any hazards, conditions, facilities or other concerns about the cache. For example, if there is a chance poison ivy will be found at the cache, the owner can use the "poison plants" attribute. If the owner wants to emphasize that the cache is a good one to bring children along on, he can choose the "recommended for kids" attribute.
Attributes enable geocachers to be better prepared for their hunt. They can also be used to refine pocket query searches to either include or exclude certain attributes. on the cache page which remains until the owner posts an “Owner Maintenance” log.
 Should Be Archived (SBA"Should Be Archived." It's one of the log types available on Geocaching.com. The actual log type is "Needs Archived," but SBA has become a common abbreviation.
Use this log if the cache cannot or should not be replaced due to outside forces (new construction, land management, or dangers). When a SBA log is posted the local cache reviewer receives notification of it and may take action to archiveAn archived cache is one that has been removed from the listings of Geocaching.com. The cache page is still available for review, but will not show up when searching for caches in an area.
Caches are generally archived when they are missing, destroyed or removed by the owner. Caches that simply need attention or repair are "temporarily disabled" rather than archived. the cache. Use this log type sparingly and only in situations where you are certain of the problem at the cache site.). Use this log if the cache cannot or should not be replaced due to outside forces (new construction, land management, or dangers). When a SBA"Should Be Archived." It's one of the log types available on Geocaching.com. The actual log type is "Needs Archived," but SBA has become a common abbreviation.
Use this log if the cache cannot or should not be replaced due to outside forces (new construction, land management, or dangers). When a SBA log is posted the local cache reviewer receives notification of it and may take action to archiveAn archived cache is one that has been removed from the listings of Geocaching.com. The cache page is still available for review, but will not show up when searching for caches in an area.
Caches are generally archived when they are missing, destroyed or removed by the owner. Caches that simply need attention or repair are "temporarily disabled" rather than archived. the cache. Use this log type sparingly and only in situations where you are certain of the problem at the cache site. log is posted the local cache reviewerA reviewer is a volunteer who works for GroundspeakThe parent company of Geocaching.com, Waymarking.com and Wherigo.com.
Groundspeak is a privately-owned corporation headquartered in Seattle, Washington. by reviewing caches for publication on Geocaching.com. The reviewer works with a set of tools (maps, etc.), the GroundspeakThe parent company of Geocaching.com, Waymarking.com and Wherigo.com.
Groundspeak is a privately-owned corporation headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Geocaching Placement GuidelinesThe Geocache Listing Requirements found at www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx. It's often pointed out that these are guidelines rather than hard and fast rules that most be followed to the letter. The reviewers use the guidelines along with their own experience and common sense to determine whether or not a geocache is publishable on the website.
There is a check box at the bottom of every cache submission page that says, "Yes. I have read and understand the guidelines for listing a cache." Hopefully people actually do read them. and his or her own knowledge of the game to determine whether or not a geocache is able to be published on the website.
Reviewers are also sometimes called "Approvers," but this title doesn't adequately describe the service they provide. receives notification of it and may take action to archiveAn archived cache is one that has been removed from the listings of Geocaching.com. The cache page is still available for review, but will not show up when searching for caches in an area.
Caches are generally archived when they are missing, destroyed or removed by the owner. Caches that simply need attention or repair are "temporarily disabled" rather than archived. the cache. Use this log type sparingly and only in situations where you are certain of the problem at the cache site.
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Human nature being what it is, we’re often concerned about offending a cache owner by logging either a “Needs MaintenanceSometimes abbreviated as "NM." Use this log type if the cache is in need of attention from the owner (ie. It has become damaged, wet, or in need of a new logbook). Use of this log type places a "Needs Maintenance" attributeAttributes are a series of icons added to a geocache page that spell out any hazards, conditions, facilities or other concerns about the cache. For example, if there is a chance poison ivy will be found at the cache, the owner can use the "poison plants" attribute. If the owner wants to emphasize that the cache is a good one to bring children along on, he can choose the "recommended for kids" attribute.
Attributes enable geocachers to be better prepared for their hunt. They can also be used to refine pocket query searches to either include or exclude certain attributes. on the cache page which remains until the owner posts an "Owner Maintenance" log.” or an “SBA"Should Be Archived." It's one of the log types available on Geocaching.com. The actual log type is "Needs Archived," but SBA has become a common abbreviation.
Use this log if the cache cannot or should not be replaced due to outside forces (new construction, land management, or dangers). When a SBA log is posted the local cache reviewer receives notification of it and may take action to archiveAn archived cache is one that has been removed from the listings of Geocaching.com. The cache page is still available for review, but will not show up when searching for caches in an area.
Caches are generally archived when they are missing, destroyed or removed by the owner. Caches that simply need attention or repair are "temporarily disabled" rather than archived. the cache. Use this log type sparingly and only in situations where you are certain of the problem at the cache site.” log, and the reality is at times they are offended. Approach both of these logs carefully. Write them out of your concern for the game rather than your frustration with either the cache or the owner.
TRADES?What You Took/What You Left
Trading items was at the heart of geocaching in the beginning. Many cachers no longer trade or simply trade signature items. Others however continue this practice and take and leave items as either mementos of the trip or evidence of their own presence (and state of mind). I have a shelf in my office filled with items I’ve found in caches. Just looking at them reminds me of some of those great experiences.
Whether you make a habit of trading or just occasionally swap out an interesting item, be sure you record what you took and what you left in your online log. Other cachers very often go back and re-read cache pages to see who took the items they left and who left the items they took.
Obviously when it comes to travel bugs and coins it’s very important to log them in and out of the cache, but it’s also helpful to report any bugs that are in the cache inventory but missing from the physical cache. This can often be helpful in tracking down exactly when a travel bugAlso called “Travelbug,” “TB” or “hitchhikerAn item placed in a cache with the intention of being moved from cache to cache. Travel bugs and GeoCoins are types of hitchhikers..” A travel bug is an item placed in a cache with the goal of moving from cache to cache to rack up miles. Travel bugs are distinguished with a “travel bug tag” or “dog tag” that contains a tracking number for that particular item.
Travel bugs are not generally considered “trade items” or “swagAlso called "Trade items" or "geo-treasure" or simply "treasure." These are items placed in a geocache for trading.,” meaning you do not have to leave a travel bug (or anything else) to take one. went missing and what might have happened to it.
THANKS?Just Like Your Mama Taught You
In the hurried attempt to log as many caches as possible, sometimes we forget that each individual cache was placed by someone who wanted to bring us to that spot. It might be that the spot was just a convenient location for a quick park-n-grab, or it might be that it was chosen because of some importance to the hider. Either way, this person has just contributed to your conquest of another smileyThe “Smileyface” icon one receives when a logging a geocache. “It’s all about the smilies.” and deserves a little recognition.
It’s easy to fall back on the familiar “Thanks for the cache” or even “TFTCShorthand for "Thanks for the Cache"” but there will be times when you will want to write more. Take some time to compliment the cache owner on the hide, the location chosen, the view, or even just the time they took to place the cache.
If you play the game long enough you’ll probably receive your share of “thank you” logs from cachers who felt the need to express their appreciation for your cache hide. Those are the gifts you will end up treasuring more than any smileyThe “Smileyface” icon one receives when a logging a geocache. “It’s all about the smilies.” or trade items you’ve found. Don’t forget that you have the opportunity to give the same gift to another cacher through the log you leave on their cache. |
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Got Some Good Examples?
I would love to fill this article with great examples of well-written cache logs. If you’ve written some good ones or have read some that others have written please use the form below to submit them. I will try to include them in future revisions of this article.
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