GroundClutter

I'm pretty sure we are saying is that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Just to recap, the officer has a duty to follow up on a complaint/report. It's their job. They aren't mind readers. If he asks you what you are doing, and you tell him, since no laws are being broken, that will be the end of it. Generally, people who have something to hide are the ones who refuse to cooperate. So yes, if you have an attitude of avoidance, of course the officer is going to dig further. Also, if you give someone a hostile/flippant response, it is human nature to become hostile in return. I imagine you can talk your way into trouble a lot better than talking your way out. But then again, the long gun could come in handy. I guess we will just have to agree to disagree. Seriously, why is "Hi, I'm just geocaching." such a problem for you? "You are cleared for geocaching."

I'm not quite sure how he did it. He found one that he thought was it, and sent me the NGS data sheet. I went to the benchmark site and entered in the PID. It was close by, but not the one I found. I clicked on the "nearest benchmark" button and read through the different descriptions until I came upon the right one. (I originally tried entering the coords for the one I found, but they are in a different format that I am not familiar with, so that didn't work.) "You are cleared for geocaching."

Thanks Zuuk. I did mention that I read the benchmarking site, but was still a bit confused. That's why I was asking for help. Someone else kindly offered assistance, and I have been able to log this mark. Looks like I was the first too! "You are cleared for geocaching."

I've had a few days to think this issue over. At first, I was pretty ticked off that someone would steal my cache. (taking without permission is stealing, no matter how you look at it) Further, I thought it was just rude to tamper with something that someone has placed with purpose and care. In other words, don't mess with that which is not yours. However, after listening to comments from both sides, seeing an explanation of what it is actually about, I think I have changed my mind. It seems like fun, and the cacher gets something extra for the extra work. Sure, there are issues that are outstanding...the stealing, the possibility that the contents won't get replaced, the chance that the pirate's second location will get plundered, and the owner will lose their contents... but all in all, it seems like fun. I would like to be the cacher who finds one of these. That being said...we simply have to respect that this is a change in the way the game is played. Some people didn't sign up for this aspect and it should not be forced upon them. The idea of a symbol is a good one, however I do not feel that it should be a "no pirate" zone, but it should instead be a "Pirate Frienly zone" As there is a modification in the game, the onus should be on those wishing the change. The people who like the pirate activity should be the ones to go to the trouble to give permission, and thus place a permission symbol on their sites. The people who don't want it should not be inconvenienced. Above all, let's all respect the feelings of the other cachers, and make sure that the game is still friendly and fun. ok? "You are cleared for geocaching."

Found this on our driving trip through Oregon. I'm just wondering if this is what a benchmark is. If so, how do I go about logging it. I've read the benchmarking info on the site, but have to admit I am confused. How do I figure out what benchmark this is? "You are cleared for geocaching."

quote:Originally posted by SuperAlpha: quote:Originally posted by GroundClutter:Maybe YOU know you aren't breaking any laws, but for crying out loud, the guy who has to investigate a report doesn't know that. You see that is the problem with most of you geocachers. "It is okay to give up your rights for the better good BS." I don't know about where you are from, but here in the USA we are (supposed to be) a FREE society. If there was no witness of law-breaking, no report of a law broken, or the officer did not witness (if he does some recon) law-breaking, then they have no reason to approach and detain the citizen. (Now, about the soccer mom thing...when some people see a gun, they *think* a law was broken just because there is a gun present. It is totally legal to have a long gun in Texas - no restrictions. So if soccer mom actually saw a threatening manner or some other real crime then there is cause for action to be taken by the cops. Otherwise, the citizen is freely exercising his RIGHTS under Texas law and 2nd Amendment.) Well, I guess that explains it. I'm not from the USA. My posts indicate I am from Brentwood Bay BC. (That's British Columbia) Here in Canada, we don't consider it giving up our rights to be polite. We are thankful that people watch out for eachother and report suspicious activity as opposed to waiting for a crime to actually happen and have it be too late. You also seem to feel that a police officer asking a simple question is being detained. If I were asked what I was doing (by an officer, or a regular Joe out walking his dog) I would tell him. I'd consider it an opportunity to explain geocaching to him, and hopefully get him interested. I'd also consider it mannerly and friendly. But here, we are kind of known for that. So "that is the problem with most of you geocachers" might be your opinion, which is certainly your RIGHT (As you are so concerned with). I however, choose to look at it as friendly curiosity. I don't fear, nor feel intimidated by being asked a question. If I am in an area which causes concern to local residents, or which may look suspicious, it's all part of the game. I don't feel it necessary to quote chapter and verse of our Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We also don't walk around with long guns. I suppose we could cry out that it is our right, but frankly, we simply just don't feel the need to walk around with long guns. Yet we consider ourselves a free society too. As well as polite and civilized. We are thankful that people watch out for eachother, and are thankful knowing that the police are out there protecting us. Quite frankly, (and please, this is not directed at you personally!) I am quite tired of people spouting off about "It's my right". It seems militant, hostile and just plain chest thumping. I feel very happy to live where I live, to not see gun toting people walking down the streets, and to know that if someone is out there acting suspicious, that people will be keeping an eye out. I fear that an innocent topic is turning quite off topic and is degenerating into a discussion more about rights and freedoms, than geocaching. My last thought on the matter is this... To each his own. But I would much rather deal with someone who is respectful, honest and friendly than someone who spouts off at me with "I know my rights." and "It's none of your business." I welcome you to come cache in BC. You will be treated with warmth, hospitality and respect. If you're asked what you're doing. Answer honestly and you'll probably find yourself with a new friend. No chest-thumping required, and please leave your gun behind. "You are cleared for geocaching."

For the night cachers out there... "Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light." Dylan Thomas "You are cleared for geocaching."

Well, where I come from, if someone calls the police with a complaint, they have a duty to follow it up. It's their job. I don't have any problem whatsoever with an officer approaching me and asking what I am doing. I don't have any idea what may have happened prior to me being in that area, or if there is some other reason why he needs to check my activities. For goodness sake people, we aren't talking about people barging into your living room and shouting "Papers!" We are talking about being out in strange places, sometimes at odd hours, with small devices in our hands. Thank God people are watching out for others and report suspicious activity. And look how people react on these forums, when someone makes a smart *ss comment. They get jumped all over. Now imagine if you were an LEO, who had a report of a suspicious person. You are simply following up, as required, and instead of having a conversation with someone who explains what geocaching is about (thus you will be in the know for the next time you encounter a cacher) you are greeted by an obnoxious, "I know my rights" in your face attitude and flippant answers. Your automatic response would be to be a bit more difficult with the "suspect". Things escalate and get out of hand. Guess what kind of a name you have just given geocaching. Maybe YOU know you aren't breaking any laws, but for crying out loud, the guy who has to investigate a report doesn't know that. Frankly, if that is the way you (you in general, not anyone specific) respond to a simple check, then don't ever come caching with me. "You are cleared for geocaching."

Re suggestion from Navigatorz - that route is very similar to what hubby and I just got back from. We were on a driving tour down the Pacific Coast highway. I of course, forced him into some geocaching along the way. I only picked 1/1 caches because of the time constraint (hubby gave me 5-10 minutes total each cache) but I managed to hit about 30 of them. It was a gorgeous drive too. Route included Ocean Shores, Tillamook, Coos Bay, Crater Lk, Oakridge and Troutdale. I attempted, but missed the Original Cache. ( see that thread for my great adventure) Anywho...yes, there are many caches along the coastal drive. It would be a good trip that could extend into a few days. "You are cleared for geocaching."

Hearty congratulations to you evergreenhiker! Here's wishing you 1000 more finds. (such a long long way to get there for me! ) But I am even more inspired now. MarcusArelius, that was a terrific gesture. Yep, there sure are some awesome people in the geocaching world. "You are cleared for geocaching."

I've got 2! I don't normally use them, but take them along just in case. They came in very handy during the Victoria Cache Machine, so I would suggest them for any group caching event. "You are cleared for geocaching."

Oh my God. I was RIGHT THERE!! I downloaded the coords right from Easy GPS, so I'm sure they are right. I can't believe it. dadgum! This trip was pretty much a disaster. We really didn't get to do anything we had set out to do. Crater Lake was totally fogged in when we got there, so that was a bust too. Ok, yes, I did manage to get almost 30 other caches on the trip, but without my Mecca, it's just not as happy as it could have been. Hubby was unconvincingly willing to drive back to the cache tomorrow (we are leaving for home tomorrow) but I don't think we will. We are tired, disappointed, and miss the cat. Another day I guess. Arrghhhh!!! Some days I just hate geocaching. "You are cleared for geocaching."

No I didn't find the plaque! My GPS was pointing about 80m into the bush. We parked at 2 different gravel areas. The first one (first gravel area as we came up the road) led up a muddy cliff. (that was the bushwacking route) I got within 25m before the bush was too dense to go any further. The second gravel area lead to the paths. I got within 80m there but didn't see any passable areas. I then attempted the Unoriginal cache. Was about 110m away on my third attempt and got a low battery signal. So I retreated to the car, where my very frustrated and totally out of patience husband was waiting. So...I don't know where any of it is hiding, but I am sure that there must have been an easier route in if the guys lugged a brass plaque and cement. Why was my GPS pointing so far away if the plaque was so close to the road?!?! "You are cleared for geocaching."

ARRRGGHHH! I came all the way down here, and got within about 30m of the stash. I couldn't find it!! I tried 2 different routes, one along a walking path, and one bushwacking. Nope. No joy. There must be a better way! I was about to blaze a brand new path through the shrubs, but Murphy had a better idea and decided to give me a low battery signal. Too late now though. We are in the Troutdale Best Western tonight and are heading home tomorrow. It's just too much driving to get back there. You can't imagine my disappointment! I can't believe I came all this way and didn't get to log it. I'm going to cry now, so please look away. I had a travel bug to put in it too!!! I invented a whole pile of new bad words too. I feel sick. really! "You are cleared for geocaching."

Thanks peetz! That would be great! I'm literally out the door for our driving trip to cachers Mecca. (we are doing the Pacific Coast highway, and hitting Original Cache on our way home. Gotta run!... "You are cleared for geocaching."

Someone say airport?! Ahh...I'm in for that! A- finally something close to me! (not that I have anything against Esquimalt or downtown, but it'd be nice to have a short drive this time) B- I love the smell of jet fuel C- I actually know this location! D- Anyone who flies a fling wing is a friend of mine! Cleared for take off! (as long as it's after next Thursday. I'm on a field trip to the geocaching Mecca) can we go? Huh? Huh? Please? "You are cleared for geocaching."

Matt: Yes, I will certainly follow my GPSr, but we all know how it sometimes can be a bit misleading. As this will literally be a fly-by, I just wanted to make sure I was able to be in the general area before reverting to the GPS. And I have your cache on the list as well! pdxmarathonman, Pobre Rico et al, thank you very much for your help. The route suggested certainly looks a lot easier/quicker than the one I was planning. I'm very happy I asked for help. I'm really hoping to meet a few cachers along the road trip. I didn't get my Canadian geocoins in time, but I do have a few TB to release. Thanks again everyone! "You are cleared for geocaching."

Thanks for the directions to the cache guys! I just want to check though, re: pdxmarathonman... should that be a LEFT turn from 213 onto S Redland rd? I'm looking at our Oregon map, and can't seem to make a right turn work. I'm Canadian though. "You are cleared for geocaching."

I'm sorry everyone, I should have been more clear. I am actually going UP (north) the I-5. We are coming from Oakridge. We'll be doing Hwy 58 to I-5 and then heading north. Directions from there please... and then from the cache to Troutdale. Thanks!! "You are cleared for geocaching."

I'm leaving for Oregon tomorrow (Saturday) on a marathon driving trip with hubby (who hates geocaching) I have told him that I don't care if he hates it, I AM going to the Original cache site. Would someone please be kind enough to help me out with directions? We will be coming up I-5. I am assuming I make a turn onto 211. From there, I need help please. After the cache we will be headed for Troutdale. So, directions to get us back on track would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! "You are cleared for geocaching."

Woo Hoo! I've been waiting for the next one. But can we make it anytime after the 18th of Sept? Hubby and I are on an Oregon driving trip (with some very quick geocaching) til then. Looking forward to seeing everyone again! "You are cleared for geocaching."

Thanks for your help Olar! And thanks for taking the time to look up where the coords are. Very kind of you!! "You are cleared for geocaching."

I second what ertyu said. I bought a Garmin Legend and mailed off the $50 US rebate coupon. My hubby is a rebate veteran, and said to make a copy of everything. I did. I mailed it in May and to this day, have still not seen my rebate. I did however, e-mail Garmin. I told them that I did everything right, that 3 fellow geocachers have theirs already, that I would hate to see me say anything bad about Garmin to the geocaching community, and oh yeah, I have a photocpoy of everything to prove it. They replied that my rebate was already in the mail. I'm looking forward to seeing the postmark! E-mail Magellan. You have nothing to lose. Good luck! "You are cleared for geocaching."

Ok, I think I would like to try this cache http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=gc3153 My name comes out to 47 34.32 Now this is probably a really stupid question, but, how do I find out where that is? "You are cleared for geocaching."

Wonder what the hand rolled, oops, I mean hand made object is? "You are cleared for geocaching."