scorpio_dark
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Posts posted by scorpio_dark
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As mentioned there is the encrypt option. I encrypt parts of my log if I think they might even slightly give the location away moreso than the cache name or description already will. And I would delete a log and ask the finder to repost with encryption if they screwed up my hide creativity that much. Now if the hider doesn't fix things in the logs, then you can assume they fine with the extra clues. So leave the issue alone if it's not yours and yay; it's all good!
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So what I want to know is now that you have rechecked coordinates with a GPS how accurate were your original computer based coordinates?
Ditto.
I actually found google to be right on with many listings around here . . . (Colorado Springs)
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Edited to add: Those who put in items with an expiration date, I feel sorry for. We recently found two baseball tickets in one, but they were expired by months. We wouldn't have taken them anyway, as it's not our choice sport, but I feel bad for the person who left it. Seems like a waste of their money. Maybe items that expire aren't the best choice.
Good point. Unless of course they had no takers due to conflicting plans and offered them up to cachers on last resort. Who really knows right
? . . . Unless they noted something specific in the log . . . -
I don't know.. I think a Barbie leg would be an interesting find
It's true that one man's junk is another man's treasure, and because so many types of people might be looking, a variety is nice. Small toys make a nice addition if the finder has a kid with them, but a unique momento would appeal more to an older finder. Personally I would prefer to find a unique item because it's more memorable.I would say this about being cheap however - I went to a dollar store this weekend and spent $12 for a variety of items that I think would be good finds. Personally I like leaving swag that anyone would want to put on a shelf as a reminder of the search.
Totally agree! A few nights ago I found a cache that had 'B' key from a computer keyboard. I thought it was funny and unique so traded for that item
. Someone else would likely have complained rather heavily about it being junk . . . On my first cache ever I traded for a couple of plastic firemen because it reminded me of playing with my brother years ago. And I know I've heard/read of a crack plastic army commando travelbug unit that had specific missions to complete. Others have complained about dollar store plastic figures, I LOVE them!
. . .to each his own, I guess . . .
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I think it's creative! Paint a note on it saying "it will not bite"
PROPS to that idea!
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. . . . ..i thought it would be a good way to share my lights with eveyone if i hid a cache along my fence or somewhere at my house during the christmas season so people could come enjoy my lights and get a cache at the same time but the thing is i dont want the cache there for the hole year i want to be able to just do it around the christmas season . . . .
I think that is an awesome idea.
I would definately go for that cache if I was in the area.Here is another idea if that one does turn out to be a no-no. Maybe make it a caching event with hot chocolate at one coordinate,marshmallows at another, selected carols somewhere else. . . you know . . . the WORKS!
Have Fun!
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Regarding the kids, BAD idea. A more better-er way would be to weld it to a ammo box as if it was caught by the trap. Just thinking about the kids. Personally I find the cache to be funny, but not something I would bring my kids to. We usually don't view cache pages unless we can not find said cache.
Get thee to the closest halloween closeout aisle, and grab some of those fake plastic severed fingers!!!
I agree it would be awesome (and better) to have a 'tripped' trap. Whether on an ammo can or a fake hand or a combination. ROCK ON! Perfect timing for halloween sell-off as noted!
Don't like it. Kids see that, stick their hand in it. Next time, could be a real trap and they would not know the difference. I know, parents should watch their kids, blah blah, but kids do play in the woods, etc... not always with parent around.
I could see what you are saying if this was a fake electrical box or something like that but it is not. I would be safe in saying I have been in the woods more than 95% of the people geoching, I have logged and cut firewood and hunted most of my life and I have never saw a steel trap like this set in the woods. I know they are out there but I am just saying I have never saw one and I am 64 years old.
It is very very unlikely a kid will come upon one of these traps. If kids are old enough to be playing in the woods unsupervised they should be smart enough to not go around sticking their fingers in something like this.
People will argue about the fake electrical boxes too, oh and also about putting out a fake sharps container as a cache
whatever.Your thread topic was "cache idea good or bad". You asked for opinions on what we thought. Mine was that it was a bad idea for the reasons that I stated - I am sure not everyone feels the same way and that is cool. If you disagree, why ask? Just go ahead and put it out there then.
It's BAAAAAAAAAAAACCCKKKK!!!!!
The point of asking is to discuss: Discussion Board . . . . yeah I love the hybrid of hiding behind "you're off topic" mixed with bringing in specific topics from other threads (were you hoping I'd bite?) - - oh that wasn;t you who brought it up . . you just discussed it!. Spent alot of time off-topic to defend against what your calling off-topic . . . So it's okay for you to not like the idea, but not okay for someone else to question your support of your dislike . It that case, why give your thought support . After all as you said, the 'thread topic was "cache idea good or bad"' . . . NOT why There won't generally be a trap like this off in the woods next to an urban or suburban enivironment where they are likely to go into unsupervised. I would expect kids to be supervised in areas traps would be in. IMO if they ever saw one, kids would be even more inclined to mess with it, having never encountered it before.
Strictly on topic - - Overall. Love the idea with that reservation thay maybe it should already be 'tripped'.
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I don't believe they are premium members. I'll see what I get back from the email I sent to the username. I almost deleted the multiple log entries until I noticed there were several names under each log that were different.
If you get a reply, I would suggest to the teacher/advisor (assuming it may be him/her) to have the kids open their own team or individual accounts. Or, as has been suggested, ask them to log one group find if they are indeed all going together. I would find it annoying to come across those most recent 5 logs on the page to see the same ID saying nothing constructive about the cache. But more power to them for enjoying the cache!
And boy do I wish they had that class/club when I was in school!
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how did you find out about geocaching?
my dad told me about it.
Saw a mention of it on some weekend magazine show on Discovery Channel. It stuck in the back of my mind.
Right after we bought our Jeep, I was looking up 4WD trails on google and stumbled across a listing on geocaches!
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Kit Fox, discussions change . . . point taken on the pissing match thing
. . . but the topic is Dangerous Objects and this is a DISCUSSION Board . . . Take a look at these previous threads.
Geocaching Electrical Safety (3 pages)
Electrical Boxes as containers
Thanks for the info . . . .
Dang - now THAT is hilarious! We can use the word "pi**ing"? I got slapped from a moderator for less than that Point taken, I'm guilty too - - - sorry about that repeat . . .will edit
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Most utility pole owners have a blanket rule against anything going on the poles that they don't authorise. That include garage sale signs. Everone ignores it. But the answer will virtually always be no if you ask. That said, a pole on private property for the sole purpose of service to that property is often actually owned by the property owner and not the utility. YMMV.
I talked to a Power Systems Engineer today (layman's terms: a power line design guy). He noted first off that most likely no utility (such as his) will allow someone to put ANYTHING on their poles --- so this may break the rules in any case and will likely be knocked off by the Utility next time they chance by the area . . . The ONE exception is if it is in a rural location and the meter box (where the Utility-employed readers find the customer usage readings) is on the edge of a property and on one of the wooden distribution poles (aka erroneously as 'telephone' poles). Then the property owner may attach other things to the pole on the other side of the meter box such as junction boxes that redirect power to a barn, a house, a chicken coop, etc.
Yeah, -I know -boring . . . . 'NUFF SAID THERE . . .
Really like the mural idea . . .
Kit Fox, discussions change . . . point taken on the pi**ing match thing
. . . but the topic is Dangerous Objects and this is a DISCUSSION Board . . . (EDIT for language)
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I guess if you called the power company or phone company who are the owners and asked them if they are ok with someone screwing a box which looks electrical with a wire coming out of the bottom and sunk into the ground as ok on their pole marked DANGER, they would probably be more than happy to grant permission? I doubt it.
I'm guessing you'd be right - - - again unless on the other side of a meter as previously noted. All this considering that consumer attached devices, signs, and other such objects are not allowed under the NESC (National Electric Safety Code).
Sorry don't have the website. Most utilities have a copy for anyone who wants to research if they're bored . . .
EDIT for source Cite
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Actually not. The guidelines are quite clear. The reviewer I am sure does not know that this cache is attached to a utility pole with screws and staples - I don't think the cache hider probably put that on his cache submission form, otherwise it would not have been approved.
"If a shovel, trowel or other “pointy” object is used to dig, whether in order to hide or to find the cache, then it is not appropriate. "
Key words here, TO HIDE, the hider used something to bury the electrical wire into the ground, it did not just stick itself there on its own and the screws and staples he used to attach it to the pole can be construed in my opinion as defacing of public property. You may differ on your opinion of that, I am sure you will. You will see some inappropriate hides along your routes and travels in this game, after you have found more than 17 caches, you will know what I mean.
OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Pull out the number of finds card!!!! Was wondering how long it would take you!It really didn't stick itself to the pole??? And I thought that these things were automated now
. Excuse me! IMO,IMO,IMO,IMO,IMO . . . . I could give a hoot. Sorry --I was assuming you noted as a needs archived if it is so blatantly against the rules . . .If that was the case then the reviewer would have taken these things into account and made a decision. But you know what they say about assume and I guess I'm guilty in this case. OOOPPPS!
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News radio anchor/reporter/producer. Also an indpendent audio and film producer. So yes, definately geocache for the "spy" feeeling. LOL
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Totally agree on the excersizing thing for sure! And I love to plan a day with the wife to drive in the beautiful mountains of Colorado and picnic somewhere amazing!
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Right in the guidelines for cache placement -
"Caches that deface public or private property, whether a natural or man-made object, in order to provide a hiding place, a clue or a logging method. "
"Caches that are buried. If a shovel, trowel or other “pointy” object is used to dig, whether in order to hide or to find the cache, then it is not appropriate. "
As I stated before, the cache I visted had the "electrical line" buried in the ground underneath the box.
The guidelines are here if you care to review them:
http://www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx
Yes the cache with the ammo box is not the one I am referencing
You're stretching on both counts . . . Can maybe make an argument on the digging rule. Although that deals mostly with hiding the actually integral part of the cache and having to dig to make the find. And obviously the reviewer didn't interpret it the way you're trying to . . .
C'mon
I know where the guidlines are -- was only asking for the specifics you were trying to use . . . -
Many people who replied to this also forget that it is against geocaching.com guidelines to even put a hide up like that. Using screws and staples to anchor it to a utility pole is strictly a no no!
What screws or staples? It looks like the ammo can is just sitting on the open box.
Ummm . . . . Please cite the specific guideline and also code against nails and staples you are referencing there. .
And crawil . . .that pic is not the cache in discussion . . . .
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Oh Puuulse! I am not asking anyone to assume responsibility for my kids. What I was suggesting is that there are alot of other creative ways to make caches fun for ALL to enjoy without having to question if you are going to get a shock or stick your hand in a contaminated needle holder. And I still stand by my original post, you make it look like an actual electrical appliance, stuck to a high tension electrical line with a cord going into the ground so it looks real - yep, that is STUPID, it is just asking for somebody to stick their fingers in the wrong place next time - whether it is an adult or a child. I have seen plenty of creative caches where the wire is cut, say 2 inches from the ground or there is a geocaching symbol on the thing somewhere so you know it is ok.
My issue with your suggestion is that this is a hobby where adults (many not being parents . . . . yet
) play and don't want to be hindered by the POV of a child at all times. Maybe it would be cool if the hider would note if it is an appropriate cache for a younguns' or not? (Smarty-Pants note: Electrical appliances are things from baking mixers to vacuums to circular saws, not conduits or meter junction boxes.
) Nice suggestions I admit hadn't considered about how to fix up the cache a bit better though.
I hope no one notices that many of our best containers used to carry bullets.
That said, the unaltered sharps idea doesn't appeal to me. If it was in a location where you normally wouldn't find such a thing, the joke is pretty much lost; if it's in a location where you would find them, then someone might use it and you'd get some unwanted swag in there.
Agreed on that point.
I completely agree, parents are responsible for kids, that is a no brainer. What I am saying is that kids follow by example and see you do certain things and follow your example, that IS why you are the parent. My concern not only lies for kids, but also adults. When I did find this cache, I was lucky to have a person with me experienced in electrical stuff. A few kids out on a geocaching run may not be and could potentially put their hand where it should not be.
Okay so please excuse those of us that don't have them then. Now, I behave a bit differently when around my nephews. And I do not let them drive my SeaDoo or ATV, just as I would not let their hands do the walking in geocaching. I know their curiosity will lead them to do things in the milli-second our backs are turned . . . . so back to the original suggestion from me; let's bug geocaching.com to get a family/kid friendly question on the set-up or go make a site like handicaching.com but for kids and let that be it . . . .
I will give a very good example of this. We found another cache in this very same area. The hide was an electrical box cover with magnets on it UNDER the rim of the electrical box. There was a REAL electrical box where the cover plate was broken and I did open it. It was a small substation and I am sure had a bit of electricity running through it. I discretely put the cover back on as best as I could, but I think you can agree that could have been a dangerous situation. I was by myself and I don't know squat about electronics either
-And sure some caches can be stupid . . . . but now you've peaked my interest; what are you calling "high-tension" electrical line? I thought it was nailed to a pole (and was it wood?). Was this on a cacher's private property? (not asking all this to question your facts, just curious now.)
I talked to a Power Systems Engineer today (layman's terms: a power line design guy). He noted first off that most likely no utility (such as his) will allow someone to put ANYTHING on their poles --- so this may break the rules in any case and will likely be knocked off by the Utility next time they chance by the area . . . The ONE exception is if it is in a rural location and the meter box (where the Utility-employed readers find the customer usage readings) is on the edge of a property and on one of the wooden distribution poles (aka erroneously as 'telephone' poles). Then the property owner may attach other things to the pole on the other side of the meter box such as junction boxes that redirect power to a barn, a house, a chicken coop, etc.
Yeah, -I know -boring . . . . Finally to the point: They can do this on private property only and if it is something after the meter box, it really should only give you a small shock. (but I will note that you can die from even 1 volt on the VERY slim chance it hits you in just the right place at just the right time . . .)And if there is a cache in or on or even near a sub-station, report it to the NESC. NOW!!!! That is a federal issue. (Of course you may want to be friendly and point that out the the hider first . . . .)
Look the only concern is that we all stay safe doing this. I am sure there are plenty of ways to hide things creatively, otherwise we would not have guidelines and people could throw whatever they wanted into the caches, needles, booze, dope, where do you draw the line? Working in EMS, I guess I just see too much stuff where kids have gotten hurt because their parents turn their backs for a second and boom, it happens quicker than you think and parents of course don't want their kids hurt. So, I guess we agree to disagree about what is safe and what isn't.
I will agree about most things and their overall safety, but not about the responsibility of others to consider kids specifically in rugged hobby (yeah, yeah I know you upped it to adults too back there.) I know that makes me sound a bit harsh - - - but there we be . . . . . .
And RK-- give me a freaking break with that cat litter feast
. . . . Not even close to the same as a hobby outdoors . . . . In your situation I invite the kids and parents in . . . (yeah you can argue that hiding a cache is inviting them) Dang, back to that suggestion again . . . maybe . . . call it kidcaching.com? -Or would that be caching for hidden kids? OOOps!! -
Soooo imagine if you took your child to an airport after this caching expedition and they decided that sticking their hands into a sharps container there is a good idea cause they saw you do it once already, okay with that? 
No, I don't think that is cute or creative. This weekend we went to a cache which looked like and electrical box, had a Nomex (?spelling) wire coming out the bottom and INTO the ground, nailed to an electrical pole. STUPID. I was afraid to touch it, eventually my husband got it, but if you have kids along - how do you tell them that one piece of electrical equipment is okay to be messing with and another is not. We also came across a TB with a very sharp hunting knife attached that's goal was to go to hunting ground areas, my kid cut herself on it not knowing what it was (it was circular in shape and did not look like a knife until opened - too late). So YES there are bad and unsafe ideas out there and much better and creative ways to hide stuff than things we are trying to teach our kids are dangerous.Isn't it great that most of those who choose to have children decide that everyone else must assume responsibility for those offspring as well?
*NEWSFLASH: That code/obligation died when we ceased to be tribal in nature. At that level, others felt responsibility for your kin so as to ensure the survival of the tribe.(Since in most scenario's they were at remotely related anyway).To the point: Teach your own freakin' kids. Don't expect everyone to care for them. And stop calling ingenious (sp?) ideas "STUPID" because you are trying to make a point (one of the rules of debate, BTW).
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Thanks for the fun ideas! Now I'm gonna have to bother my wife and family to hide siome caches for me on my birthday!
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Usually listening to trance and house electronica music or Hard and Industrial Rock . . .
Also prefer no noise contamination while out of vehicle
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To My Fellow Geocahers:
I am newbie to the Geocaching scene and have noticed a lot of acronymous signatures throughout many of the Geocaches I have reviewed. Would someone mind clarifying what the following mean:
TFTH
TNLNSL
and Muggle (not an acronym)
Thanks
MAtt
TFTH ~ Thanks for the hunt/
TNLNSL ~ Took Nothing, Left Nothing, Signed Log.
Muggle ~ is a non-geocacher (like from Harry Potter; a non-magic user)
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I think I have fewer DNFs when caching after dark. Maybe it's because I have to trust the GPS rather than instinct. I ALWAYS take along a flashlight.
I haven't had a DNF at night yet. About 1/3 of my finds are night runs. I agree with wesleykey's theory and also for some reason the cache stands out a little bit a dusk for me usually . . .
mmmmmm, just stop and listen. What was that noise, is it getting closer? The mind wanders in the darkness, evil lurks around every tree waiting to jump out and..........
Someone on these boards once said something like... "Fear not strange noises in the dark, for the creatures that intend to hurt you will stalk you silently."
Good words to keep in mind when you are in the woods, alone, and in the dark.
What's really freaky is when a creature doesn't intend to stalk you and you both scare the hell out of each other!
I remember once turning the backlight on the palm all the way up in an attempt to make one more find for the evening... Now we always keep a flashlight in the truck.
Keeping the flashlight in the truck won't help you if you don't have it with you
I recently made that mistake and got stuck out on an unfamiliar trail with my flashlight in the car.
When I found my way back, there was a Sheriff's deputy by may car. I sooo thought that I was busted for after hours (but turns out it was still open). He was just making sure the owner of the vehicle was safe. SIDE: This deputy was leaving his business card in the wiper and a note to call his unit to confirm I made it back out safe after dark. Also a good way to make sure people out of there after hours without necessarily having to come back
.So he asked what I was up to. I straight out said geocaching He raised an eyebrow and said, "Did ya find it?" turns out his brother is a geocacher and he is thinking of joining in too.
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Been lurking here since July. I can't read for too long though or I find myself becoming disgusted. I don't post because I would be too negative/mean
I watch other forums for my other hobbies as well and it is the same effect in all of them.On multiple threads -especially recently- I see a general consensus to break the law (i.e. take dogs on human-only trails, stray off of the paths where strictly prohibited, even take motor vehicles into prohibited areas, etc.) Then on the other side I see Mother Nature's warriors trying their best to ensure I go hug a tree daily. "Have you had your splinter today?"
j/kI see people ignored because they are "negative or mean".
In some cases I understand that. If a member shows a continuing habit to only interject criticism and flaming comments that are not constructive, he/she is probably worth ignoring. But alot of people hide behind the excuse to close their ears. Many, many, many forum users are the most passive aggresive SOBs in the world but have convinced themselves that they are rooted and sainted in their "kindness".I don't post because every forum I go to generally has the same two schools of social thought; You must either think that Mean People Suck, contention is always non-constructive negativity (unless you're the contender), and maybe that "mean" people are out to destroy your way of life or you must think that everyone else is stupid and you are the only one that matters therefore when you weigh in they might as well declare the thread ready to archive. Otherwise your thread does not attract those with these schools and your thread will likely not draw that many helpful people either due to being buried, so can many times be futile in consideration your topic.
Sorry for the super wordy response, but there's my general explanation for being a lurker. Sad isn't it . . .
? . . . Unless they noted something specific in the log . . .
whatever.
. . . but the topic is Dangerous Objects and this is a DISCUSSION Board . . . 
Soooo imagine if you took your child to an airport after this caching expedition and they decided that sticking their hands into a sharps container there is a good idea cause they saw you do it once already, okay with that? 
No, I don't think that is cute or creative. This weekend we went to a cache which looked like and electrical box, had a Nomex (?spelling) wire coming out the bottom and INTO the ground, nailed to an electrical pole. STUPID. I was afraid to touch it, eventually my husband got it, but if you have kids along - how do you tell them that one piece of electrical equipment is okay to be messing with and another is not. We also came across a TB with a very sharp hunting knife attached that's goal was to go to hunting ground areas, my kid cut herself on it not knowing what it was (it was circular in shape and did not look like a knife until opened - too late). So YES there are bad and unsafe ideas out there and much better and creative ways to hide stuff than things we are trying to teach our kids are dangerous.
Brain Freeze - Help! What are they called...
in General geocaching topics
Posted · Edited by scorpio_dark
That blanket statement won't quite fly. Yes a shock from a transformer that has the ability to distribute 4160 volts through a person definately has the ability to kill one. It won't always happen that way. Just like lighting won't always kill. Yes that amount of voltage that ALL hits one's heart should stop it dead, but many 'freak' incidents occur. Of course I am not suggesting that someone would come out of a shock 'just fine' either.
The article linked below is fairly competent but could use additional sources . .. I'll cite some if I want to be a nerd later.
WikiPedia Article
Now I'll wait for more of the "This COULD happen, That COULD happen" theories from some of the other regulars. . . .
