GPS_Brian

I use a Camelbak Rim Runner. At about $70 it isn't the cheapest on the market, but I've found it worth every penny. It has 100 oz bladder and great support for a small day pack. Seems very well constructed and thus far has taken quite a bit of abuse with not a single problem. I also have a Camelback Scout for my 8 yr. old son who joins me on many day hikes. It's cheaper at about $35 but it too is a very nice, well constructed little pack. -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

I used a Baby Bjorn with my youngsters ... it will hold a baby with head towards you when their heads are still not real strong (but still not until they can hold it well on thier own) ... then you can turn them around when they are a little bigger. My only concern with these when geocaching is the accidential fall. I personally wouldn't take a child geocaching that is still in one of these types of carriers. But when your kid is getting a little bigger ... maybe 6 or 8 months, a good backpack carrier will do you both good. I still use one of these with my 2 year old and we have hiked and geocached together with no problems. I have seen others take nasty spills in them but the big advantage is that being on your back you are more likely to go forward keeping the little one largely protected from your fall, whereas the infant carriers (like the Bjorn) are on your front side where you could possibly come down on them and do some serious harm. And ... congratulations on the birth of your daughter! Parenthood is an incredible journey. -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

I have a Kelty Ridgeline which I really like a lot. I use it for my 2 year old son ... he is a small 2 year old but still approaching 30 lbs. The pack itself is 7lbs 11oz. I find this pack very comfortable but reducing weight would be advantageous. I also tried the Summit, which has a slightly larger cargo pack and more padded hib belt. I didn't find either necessary for the additional $100 and extra pound. The cover to go over their head is a nice addition especially if you are going off-trail in the woods ... as is quite likely when geocaching. It will keep branches of trees from whacking the little one. You might also want to look at the REI carriers. I have tried one since the purchase of my Kelty and found it quite nice ... and several pounds lighter! And I personally like the kick stand of the REI better. The Kelty kickstand is tied to the shoulder straps. When you put tighten down your shoulder straps the kickstand folds in automatically. This is really nice. However, it means that when you are ready to set the carrier down you have to remove the shoulder straps before the kickstand will come out ... this makes solo removal a little tricky as you can't stabalize the pack easily (like on the edge of a picnic table/tailgate/rock) before safely removing your arms. It can be done ... just takes a some acrobatics and practice. -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

We just got back from our trip to Pipestem. We had a blast. As I had said previously, in the 30 some odd years I've been going to Pipestem I had never been on any of the trails. Thank you to all of the cache placers for getting us out there to see these other areas of the park ... it is absolutely beautiful! The trails are in really bad shape right now from all of the rain ... a lot of mud further worsened by churning from the horses. So we only did the PipestemTombCache and QuickCache with the whole family (wife, 8 yr old son, 5 yr old daughter, 2 yr old son). I did By the Bluestone alone and the rest with my 8 year old son ... who was fine for all of them (though I did pick him up at one point to carry him across some particularly bad mud and then I promptly slipped and we both ended up in it ). We actualy hiked to Heritage Point on our first day just for the heck of it; before we had solved the Crypto Cache. On the morning of our last day we completed the first two parts, got the coordinates for the final but had run out of time to go back down for it! Now that one is going to be hanging over our heads for another year. Ugh! Anyway, thanks again to all of the Pipestem cache placers! We really enjoyed each of them. Brian -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

Would look at it, wouldn't take. I don't take anything from a cache that is intended for any orifice. -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

Many good recommendations though I prefer setting the compass to magnetic orientation. You've paid extra for that feature, use it! There are quite a few benefits of using that electronic compass, not the least of which is the ability to use it while standing perfectly still or turning in circles. And I've not seen any occurance where an error in compass heading played a part in location error. In fact, I'm not sure that most caches are hidden with any consideration for calculation of bearings at all, just coordinates. -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

quote:I may as well toss the paperwork for all my stock options into a cache. I work for WorldCom ... got a bunch of options awarded at $45.00 per share. Wanna trade -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-= [This message was edited by GPS_Brian on August 07, 2003 at 11:04 PM.]

Several years ago I bought my first bike since college. I think about the best thing I did was to go to a *real* bike shop and talk to a professional. So many people have already said it but it is worth repeat yet again ... if you do nothing else go to a good local bike shop and spend plenty of time riding each option. The pros will size you up correctly, make reasoned suggestions based upon how you ride, and will be there to service your bike and keep it tuned when it is needed. I ended up going with a hybrid, a Trek 7300. I use it primarily for weekend end riding with the kids, mostly on pavement, occasionally off pavement. I have been very pleased with it. -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

No, if based upon your thread title the goal in doing so is to prevent over-saturating an area with caches. I'd prefer to see that in the hands of the approvers who can regard it on a case by case basis rather than have it dictated by an arbitrary rule. -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

Do some searches on Hypertufa. I've been thinking about using this as a basis for a cache but haven't had the time to try it yet. In a nutshell, there are several ways to mix it but it basically is comprised of portland cement, water, and a filler such as peat moss. It can be easily worked and formed, depending on mix, has a reasonable rock appearance, and is MUCH lighter than concrete (cement/gravel). It can be done (with a few tricks) light enough that you could easily form a rock substantial enough to conceal an ammo box. And if you use peat moss it will also quite readily develop a moss covering adding to its naturalized appearance. quote:Originally posted by Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears:I want to build a cache container that looks like a rock. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can do this? - Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

A cache doesn't get archived if a pocketknife appears in the log long after it was originally placed so why scrutinize the contents at placement? Unless of course it a theme cache where you are actively encouraging folks to place inappropriate items. I'd apply the same thing here. While the contents sound largely like junk, I don't see the benefit of strutinizing it as a matter of placement when the contents will quickly turn over anyway. quote:Originally posted by TEAM 360:From a just-approved cache: This cache is so easy I don't need to tell you what to look for. You'll know it when you see it. contains: log book and pencil Braclet a weird paper clip lighter red guy who used to be the other half of a clip green game peice girl never used disposable leg razor I had a cache turned down for a pocketknife once, but here's a razor and a lighter that got by. Hmmmm. Don't wanna be the "cache police" here, but it seems to me either one of these items could be harmful, let alone having them BOTH in the same cache. Guarantee you that's one razor that will be rusty by the time the first finder gets to it. -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

So I was thinking a little bit of tarp for breakfast, sleeping bag and pack for lunch, trekking pole with a side of sleeping bag for dinner, topped off with some stove fuel. Eastern Active Technologies -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

quote:Maybe the system should have provisions for "General Notes" where you report a visit but don't get credit for it as a find. It already does. When you log a visit you have the option of selecting what type of log, a find, no find, etc. One of those options is a simple note. -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

I don't want this to turn into another dreadful debate on American politics. The lyric (which Janis was merely one of many who have sang it, she did not write it), was provided toungue in cheek, hence the "seriously" comment that followed. My only point was that the assertion that we should all be allowed to do something simply becuase of our rights and freedoms is not enough of an argument to convince the powers that be. I don't necessarily disagree with you sentiments ... I just don't think such sentiments ever carry an argument of this nature. The NPS lands may be public but as much as you may wish or feel that you should be able to have free use of those lands, the reality is that you do not. There are many things that you cannot legally or morally do on those public lands, just as there are many things that you cannot legally or morally do on my private land. The logic to this is quite clear because they are not merely unclaimed land but land that has been acquired and established for use by the collective and in so doing a representative adminstration must be established to ensure that the lands are enjoyable by all. This is done through the placement of restrictions and regulations, a point which you have noted ... and which rather abates the notion that "freedom" gives you the rights to enter the land and do what you will. Underlying your argument I beleive is the inference not so much that the freedom necessarily gives you the right to do what you will, but rather it places the burden upon the NPS to first establish that what you are doing is in conflict with the common good and that until that is established you should be able to do it. On the surface this seems reasonable. However, you can undoubtedly imagine activities which may appear to some to be quite obviously contradictory to the goals of the park land. Certain things we probably wouldn't want to wait until they were done before restricting. It would appear that geocaching may fall into one of these categories for the NPS, out of fear from the disturbance of historical or archeologically significant areas to the creation of ecologically devestating trails. Mind you, I'm not arguing that these are necessarily even valid concerns, but they may be real concerns and even misguided concerns but they nonetheless would result in the creation of restrictions to protect the common good. The approach to working to adjust the types of perceptions that has led to our undesired protection then is not to simply cry foul for having our freedoms abridged but by rather educating the NPS as to why geocaching is a positive activity for the common good and how we can work together to mitigate any real concerns that they do have. quote:My remark was in response to the question: _"Why is it so important to allow geocaching in National Parks?” _The suggestion that the right to use public lands is a privilege, for which one must first provide justification before being “allowed” just bothered me, and seemed somewhat strange to be made (and apparently supported) on an American based forum. The right to use public lands should not be a privilege for which one needs to provide justification. A government that operates by granting privileges to its citizenry is the hallmark of a dictatorship - it is in fact one of the main tools that a dictatorship uses to maintain power. For me the starting point should be: All citizens are free to use public lands without having to provide any justification. Of course, as I previously stated, that freedom may be restricted by a democratically elected government that demonstrates such restrictions are reasonably required for the common good. (this was the context of my previous post, which context you conveniently left out of your quote) Your assertion that a citizen’s right to enter upon and use public lands is basically the same as the right to enter upon private lands, is completely erroneous, both legally, and morally. By the way, I have never really liked the old Janice Joplin expression, “Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.” Although it is perceived to be true by a number of cynics, I always found it to be demeaning to the fundamental tenant of western democracy. I have much preferred the other famous Joplin lyric, “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got til its gone” _I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me._ http://www.cslaw.ca/geol4.JPG -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

Has anyone had any luck using a waterproof match case? All of the ones I have seen have been smaller than a film cannister so it might be tough to squeeze a log book in there, but perhaps there is a larger version around? -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

quote:Originally posted by seneca:Hmmmm. Maybe the answer has something to do with "Freedom". Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose. Seriously, the freedom angle just doesn't work. You aren't free to walk into my backyard and plant a geocache 'cause it's my land, not yours. Similarly, you aren't free to walk into the NPS land and plant a cache becuase it too isn't your land. We may agree that it is our land, but that "our" part imparts a greater responsibility to ensure that the activities are not an imposition on freedoms of the other constituents of "our". On a similar note, I don't see it being favorable to argue that it should be allowed because there are other high impact activities taking place. The argument should stand on it's own. What are the benefits to the NPS and the public to allow geocaching on NPS lands? And, what are the possible consequences and how can they be mitigated? I can see geocaching working quite well in many NPS lands and there are many sound arguments that could support it, including the added awareness of the lands that it brings to participants, trail cleanup, etc. And I think most of the negative consequences raised can be mitigated through thoughtful restrictions. Worried about trails, limit a cache placement to two years. Worried about adminstrative costs, charge an application fee for the cache. etc. I think it is a good idea that Team360 had brought forward and I think the GC community could be very well served if a strong, common argument, is put to the NPS. -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-= P.S. I'm thinking of a first cache request to be placed somewhere around 39.64864N 77.46430W. Hmm... I wonder if I should wait for approval before attempting to place it?

I'll echo some of the sentiments already expressed ... if it's feasible to place a regular cache I don't see a whole lot of reason to place a micro. Go smaller isn't exactly the most creative way to conceal a cache, but I suppose it is the easiest. I usually cache with my kids ... micros aren't a whole lot of fun for a 5 year old. For them the goods make the hunt worthwhile. We generally skip the micros for this reason. -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

That black snake is very cool! I've only come across Eastern Garter Snakes so far. Twice now, here is a picture from the last occurance: -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

quote:I like writing and now I have an even better reason to get out and hit those geocaches that are a 3 hour hike in. It really is a cool program. I've done four hike reviews so far ... I'm finding having the excuse to write a review provides a good bit of motivation for me to get out there each weekend and do a good hike ... and my 8 yr. old son has really been getting into too, which is all the better. As I type this we are getting ready to head out the door to go hike a bit of the Appalachian Trail to Annapolis Rocks. I also enjoy writing and am rarely ever short on words, which is not a good thing for this program! You will find yourself spending more time condensing your report into the very minimal space provided than actually writing. That is probably a welcome relief for many though. The Topo! software is well worth the efforts. It is simply awesome software. It has a few drawbacks, for instance the options for working with your tracks aren't great, but the maps features are definately very nice. Good luck ... have fun! Brian -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

Yep, that's cool. I understand all of your points. Like I said, wasn't trying to bust on your idea or anything ... just trying to make sure I understood it. I think I do. Take it easy. Brian -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

quote:it's jack like you I Don't care for Moun10goat, Really, I didn't mean to offend you. At first I really thought I was just missing something. I just didn't quite get why one wouldn't just order direct ... so I asked, and explained to a fellow geocacher how the affiliate program worked. I thought you might actually come back with some good reasoning but you haven't and it seems I've only perturbed you by this. Oh well ... sorry about that. Good luck anyway. Take care, Brian -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

Actually, you don't have to sell to anyone other than yourself and you don't have to setup a web page. Fill out the form, then call and place an order and give them your affiliate ID or place the order online and just modify the URL to include "&Affiliate=youraffiliateID". That's all. Pretty straight forward. -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

Yes, part of my point was that the prices were identical ... becuase of course you are actually just odering direct from lazerdesigns anyway. Therefore, since you aren't getting anything special by going through geocachingsupplies.com you can simply go to www.lazerdesigns.com and sign up as an affiliate ... just a simple web form to do so. You can then place your order using your new affiliate name and you will get a check for at least 15% of your total. -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

No offense, truly, but why not just go to www.lazerdesigns.com and order there? It looks like you are just set up with a click through affiliation type of thing. Not that I don't like helping out the fellow cacher and all but I'm just wondering ... if I were to place a large order why not just fill out your own form, become your own affiliate, and essentially get a 15% discount on the order? I don't get it. quote:Originally posted by Moun10goat:yes I actualy created the site after finding the compamy and they worked with me on ceating it. By the way If you order more the price will go down at defferent quanities. click on the picture and you will see the price breaks. -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=

I have also used the mini playdough canisters. They work quite well and seal pretty well, would also make a decent micro container that is just a bit larger than the 35mm film cannister. -=-=-=-=-=- GPS_Brian =-=-=-=-=-=