Traditional cache
"Golden Gallery Virtual Cache"
"TechnOLOGY"
"Palace of Westminster"
Prior to when I started geocaching, there was a type of cache called the "virtual". This consisted of a landmark (usually with a small information-gathering task to prove that you had visited the site) rather than a physical cache with a logbook. Around the end of 2005, Groundspeak (who organise geocaching) decided not to accept new virtual caches (but allowed existing virtuals to remain). This decision remains a topic of some discussion, as this thread on the Groundspeak forums demonstrates.
This virtual cache was particularly interesting to me. In my previous life, I visited Lavernock Point ear Penarth, where Marconi sent wireless signals across the Bristol Channel, to Flatholm. In 2007, I visited Flat Holm and saw the Marconi monument on the island. So it was interesting seeing another Marconi monument in the middle of London, and making the links between the different locations. Only possible because of a virtual cache.
Here endeth the lesson of St. Paul's.
"Last Delivery"
Virtual caches
"Golden Gallery Virtual Cache"
"TechnOLOGY" 
"Palace of Westminster"Prior to when I started geocaching, there was a type of cache called the "virtual". This consisted of a landmark (usually with a small information-gathering task to prove that you had visited the site) rather than a physical cache with a logbook. Around the end of 2005, Groundspeak (who organise geocaching) decided not to accept new virtual caches (but allowed existing virtuals to remain). This decision remains a topic of some discussion, as this thread on the Groundspeak forums demonstrates.
Pic 1: "Golden Gallery" virtual, which required proof of a visit to the top of St Paul's Cathedral.
On my recent visits to London, I have bagged 4 virtual caches. Each of these caches has been fun and even educational. It is my opinion that Virtual caches should be reinstated in major metropolitan areas. In recent months, many geocaches in London have been removed on the pretext of security threat. So long as virtuals are strictly regulated, the ability to "place" virtual caches at prominent tourist locations , would allow permanent caches at popular tourist destinations, without cachers having to take liberties with the authorities etc. I don't think the return of virtuals - as long as it is limited - would devalue the sport. The Golden Gallery cache at St. Paul's is a classic case in point.
Pic 2: "TechnOLOGY" virtual
This virtual cache was particularly interesting to me. In my previous life, I visited Lavernock Point ear Penarth, where Marconi sent wireless signals across the Bristol Channel, to Flatholm. In 2007, I visited Flat Holm and saw the Marconi monument on the island. So it was interesting seeing another Marconi monument in the middle of London, and making the links between the different locations. Only possible because of a virtual cache.
