elpese

I don't think I like their definition No, I very much didn't like it either...especially after finding out about it after being told that the day was going to be flat, very flat. But, that said, I did live.

The Nepali definition of flat is if you start and stop your hike at the same elevation. So, if you started your day at 11,500 feet and ended your day at 11,500 feet, you were hiking flat (this is a one-way trip idea, not a round trip idea). It doesn't matter if you hiked down 3,000 feet and then back up 3,000 feet, your day was still flat. I have experienced this first hand and was most disappointed when I learned about this definition (imagine, looking acroos a canyon directly at where you started that day six hours prior knowing that if you had just taken a bridge straight across it would've taken you...oh....a half an hour or so). That said, all elevation gain info that I usually see is just the difference betwen bottom and top. I think that I just know that there is going to be some up and down along the way

I have been to boards at a different site that have an interesting system of moderation. There are areas, topics, with different levels of moderation. Some are moderated like the forums here. Others are "lightly moderated" for when people are having a war (such as the one that has been occurring here) - this forum has an "enter at your own risk" warning. When people start getting into a hot debate they are told to take it to this area. Then there is the heavily moderated section, where moderators must approve all posts before they appear, this is for topics that come up repeatedly people just feel passionately about them. Granted, this board has far fewer users, and I can imagine that it would be a pain for moderators. But it does seem to be a good system. I kind of like knowing what to expect from each area and it makes things more clear about what should/can be discussed and where. That said, good luck all!

I have read that the poison oak plant releases more oil when it is "damaged" or disturbed, and it is very easy to make it feel damaged (don't ask me how). It might make sense that the plants around caches would be more hazardous because they have been damaged. Whether or not this theory is true (although I did a fair amount of research when I got my first major rash - it took TWO trips to the doctor to take care of) it does hold that I ALWAYS seem to get "the oak" when I do front country hikes on well used trails (still being very careful of the plant, of course) and never seem to get it when I am hiking in the back country, with even more poison oak around only far, far fewer people to disturb it. Beware the Oak, it is very evil...although not evil enough to keep me away from it. I can tolerate being a little miserable in exchange for being outdoors in places that are beautiful. I have heard that only 15% of the population is truly "immune" to it, but you can never tell if you truly are until you die and have never had an outbreak. I have also heard a statistic that the number of Native Americans who are immune to PO is believed to be much higher than this. Survival of the fittest, I suppose

While backpacking out in the waaay back country these "carins" or "ducks," as they're also known practically saved our lives...or at least saved us a huge headache of getting lost and needing to do a lot of bushwacking The trail had been long washed out and was no longer where our topo said it was. Some kind soul had forged a new "trail" and set up these rocks to help guide the way. There is some debate among pure outdoorists about whether or not these should be set up at all (interfering with the landscape), but I love them. Now setting them up just to make one wonder...well I don't know about that, just as long as you aren't trying to intentionally make people lost (but hikers shouldn't depend on them anyway). I know that Native Americans used to set up markers like this to help guide them through the woods. Happy hiking!

...I been Ayn Randed nearly branded a communist 'cause I'm left handed that's the hand I use well never mind -Paul Simon (also a lefty)

I am mostly a lurker. I guess I never really have much that I feel is interesting to add. I emjoy reading the forums a lot and have been known to put down a thing or two when I feel in the mood. I love Geocaching...although my friends think it is really dorky so I don't mention it to them often. I go out caching a lot by myself, but have to be careful since I am a chick

Only take a very hot shower after you are sure that you have gotten all of the oil off of you. When you are first exposed you should take a COLD shower and use soap (or Tecnu!). A lot of people get really bad cases the first time they react because of the hot shower or taking a bath. The warm water actually helps to spread the oil around your body. You should also be careful with any gear that you have that may have been exposed. The oil (called urishiol oil) from the leaves of the plants can stay active for a year or more and it doesn't come off easily. Just a note from someone who has poison oak a lot!!! I have it even now...not sure where from. Watch out for The Oak!

California some of the time. Confusion most of the time. Oblivious the rest of the time...

I like Jandd packs. I have a backpack from them that lasted through Nepal and Thailand and hardly looks worse for the wear. Depending on length of trip I use the water bottle holder on the side or a camelback type insert in the internal sleeve designed for that purpose. I love backpacks - this one is by far the favorite (sorry I don't know it's name). I think the company's name is Jandd mountaineering. They are a small company and they are awesome!

I live in Santa Barbara - I don't go out caching nearly as much as I should/would like to, but love it every time I do. I have only found caches in SB but spend a lot of time all over CA and really should work on expanding my horizons! All of my friends think that I am a total dork for enjoying this activity so I usually keep pretty quiet about it - I always loved hide and seek as a kid and me and my friend would make elaborate treasure maps. For me geaocaching is an adult continuation of the fun in these activities. All right I have blabbed enough!

Santa Barbara is very close to Port Hueneme - there are some fun caches around - "Stearn's Pier Tribute" is one that will take you to the heart of the touristy area as well as others around the city that will take you off the beaten path and to spots where you get some spectacular views. Santa Barbara is a great place to come hang out for a day or weekend and has great beach access, not like the super crowded beaches of the LA area. I hope you enjoy your Cali. stay!

quote:Originally posted by fishin'fool:I live in the very northwest corner of california(klamath)and the price is $1.95 gal. as of today and rising.I was just curious as to the price of gas elsewhere? Here in Santa Barbara, CA the gas prices are a little higher, the lowest grade gas is now hovering at just over $2.00 although there are still some places that have been stuck on $1.99 for awhile. As for me, I would rather drive long distances to do anything since my car strangly gets 150 miles per tank better on highway versus city driving (which is HUGE) thanks to some mystery problem....and it being 14 years old now. As long as it is still running I can't complain!

In California and in other states (WA and OR I think) one already needs to pay for "walking in the woods" in the form of an Adventure Pass....which is actually a pilot program and not something that people actually have to pay for (yet) - but the Forest Service won't let you know that and makes it seem as though the fee is mandatory. Since this second form of taxation is actually working for them I am not surprised that other government entities are exploring ways to do it some more.