I am primarily a geocacher because there are few letterboxes in close
proximity to me. I've not found a hybrid cache/box yet but look
forward to doing so in the future. I also have plans to make one
myself. As some have mentioned in the caching forums, those who
choose to do a hybrid may consider gluing the stamp to the lid of the
container. Apparently some have had success with this and it does
sound feasible if you do it right.

Regarding caches vs. letterboxes, I defy any boxer to say that he/she
hasn't once, not one time, been disappointed by a letterbox, its
stamp, or the route to get to it. Both hobbies have their
shortcomings and their share of sucky boxes but that doesn't negate
the overall "good time fun" of both sports. Both also have awesome
challenging searches with payoff of real "treasures" at the end of
the hunt. And most geocachers seem to consider the hunt the most
important part, not the box-o-crud at the end of the rainbow. Many
don't trade, just sign the log.

I stamp my letterboxing stamp into geocache logs. Some cachers may
understand what it is, some may not. Some cachers use crafting paper
punches to notch designs in the logpage they sign. Others print out
sticker labels on their computers with their team logo and stick
these into the logs. One team in our area is the Penguins, and each
cache container they've visited has many little penguin stickers
adorning it and the logbook. These containers have just as much
personality and interest as some letterboxes (if not more) in my
opinion.

Regarding the hunt itself, I think most cachers don't bushwhack any
more than necessary. I certainly don't go off a trail unless I think
I need to - I don't need excess ticks, beggar's lice, or brambles.
And I have nothing but respect and love for the environment - that's
why I'm out there in the first place!!

For those who still pooh-pooh geocaching, I offer up the challenge of
benchmark hunting:

http://www.geocaching.com/mark/

This can be done without a GPS (and most people find they do better
turning off the GPS for these anyway). Surveyors disks are placed
all over, you probably have a bunch in your area and drive past some
everyday. Go find some, take photos, make a charcoal rubbing of the
disk as a memento - its like a stamp, does that help?

Most importantly, have fun and be open-minded. In all honesty I've
been more irritated reading this forum, but I enjoy boxing so I keep
it on Ignore most of the time.

Cheers,
MountainMudbug