The Under Cover Series by Horn229
Yes, this really is a geocache site. And, yes, the hiding place is visible in this picture. This is one of the 6 sites that make up:
The Under Cover Series
by Horn229
Photo by drrichardh
This Geocache has been archived.
It is NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
We are leaving this review on line as a reminder of it and as a possible inspiration to other geocachers to consider using it as a model for a future reincarnation of this style of geocache.
For those just starting out with geocaching it seems like there are an overwhelming number of skills to master. While the use of a GPS appears to be a key to the successful find, becoming good at using one takes some practice. Horn229 has created a set of six cache sites that can provide this kind of opportunity.
Horn229's Under Cover Series features six cache sites all very near a major road or highway. As you search these sites you will not have to go into a forest, wade through a stream, or climb over logs. (It has been noted that in at least one of these sites there is a hornet nest during the summer, so seeking these in the winter is a good idea.)
Each of these sites has the cache container hidden in a similar way. Once you have successfully located the first one you will have a good idea of what to look for when you find the next site. In this way the beginning geocacher can focus on learning to use the GPS to get to the site and, once there, to hone in on the hiding place.
It doesn't matter which of the six you start with. This is not a multi-cache. Each is a separate site. You can choose to do as many or as few as you wish. Horn229 has placed them, though, close enough together that you could make a looping drive and get to all six easily in one day. One word of caution, though.
All of the cache containers are hidden in open view. That does NOT mean that they are sitting in plain view. Instead it means that YOU will be easily observed by others as you search for the cache container. You will need to keep a sharp eye out for other people in the area who may be very curious about what it is you are doing. So, in a way, Horn229 has provided another kind of practice with these sites - learning to be aware of your surroundings.
Here's a recommended way to go about seeking these sites.
1. Go to www.geocaching.com and look up the description of the site using the waypoint or the name of the cache.
2. Read Horn229s description of the site and look at the map to get a general idea of the location of the site. It may also be helpful to read some of the log comments from geocachers who have previously found this site. Sometimes there are extra clues and hints to be discovered there.
3. Enter the waypoint data for the six sites into your GPS. Since there are only six of them you could do this manually. Check your GPS manual if you need to learn this skill.
4. If you are unsure how to drive to the area of a cache site, use the routing function of your GPS to guide you to the general area.
5. When you arrive at the general area, use your GPS in either the map function or the compass function to hone in on the hiding place.
6. When you think you have located it, check to see that you are not being observed. If the coast is clear - go for it.
7. When you find the container it might be best to take it back to your vehicle and open it there. Be sure to sign the log book before returning the container to its hiding place.
The first find will probably be the hardest. Your GPS should get you to the general area but since you don't know anything about the hiding place, you will have to rely on your GPS to guide you to it. This may take several attempts as you practice interpreting the information on your GPS screen(s). But remember Horn229 has placed all of these so that they are not too far from the road. You shouldn't have to cover a wide area. Once you've found the first hiding place, you'll have a good idea of what to look for at the next site. Using this knowledge and the experience you've gained using your GPS for this first search you should have an easier time finding the second. By the time you've found number six you should be getting quite adept at using your GPS - and you'll have six finds you can post to your www.geocaching.com account.
Note that sites 1, 4, 5, and 6 are nano caches. These are very tiny objects. Sites 2, and 3 are micro caches. These may be a little easier to find.
As one last set of hints, here are the waypoint identifiers, coordinates, and the name of the nearby road for each of the sites.
Under Cover (GCQEY2) N39. 44 122, W75. 37. 931 - Route 41
Under Cover 2 (GCQFGV) N39. 40. 820, W75. 35. 488 - DuPont Highway
Under Cover 3 (GCQFHP) N39. 44. 073, W75. 37. 952 - Centerville Road
Under Cover 4 (GCQG6T) N39. 42. 920, W75. 37. 902 - W. Newport Pike
Under Cover 5 (GCQG72) N39. 43. 748, W75. 39. 126 - Near Kirkwood Highway
Under Cover 6 (GCQG77) N39. 43. 383, W75. 39. 390 - Limestone Road
We are sorry to report that Under Cover 6 has been taken down.
While Part 6 is no longer available the remaining 5 parts are waiting to be found.
Horn229 created these six sites over a three day span in September of 2005. Our thanks to him for creating them. While he may not have planned them as a training course, they serve well for this purpose. They are an easily accessible set of sites for beginners to sharpen their skills. Additionally they serve well as demonstration sites for experienced geocachers to introduce this sport to others especially during the winter months.