Bob&TheGang

Another alternative to UV paint is to use the newest type of glow in the dark paint. Go to: www.hobbyglow.com/ This paint is little expensive (to paint an area of just 96 square inches will cost $12), but it glows for about 8 hours by being exposed to virtually any light sourse for just a few minutes (such as the sun). It does not need anytype of U/V light. You could paint a GeoRock for a pretty cool night time cache.

I would like the deadline for design ideas to be Sept. 30th. Like I said in my other post, I am working on a design that will incorporate the best of other designs. Why is my design taking so long, you ask? Well, it is being designed in such a way that it will be virtually mint ready (which will cut down on the production cost). A few people in is thread have said "Keep it simple". I do agree with that, but at the same time I want this coin be very very unique (i.e., look very different from other state geocoins such as Rhode Island & Texas). The Oregon Geocoin is simple, but also a very unique design with a flag of the very first cache site. Not trying to start a state or country war here, but the Rhode Island, Texas & Canadian goecoins are rather plain. This geocoin needs to be more then just an outline of the state. I do like the term "Eureka", but I have lived in California for 13 years, it was only about a year ago that I learned the significant of Eureka, so I am not sure if we want that term to be a major cornerstone of the design. Remember, this coin is likely to travel out of state. **Though the design I cam working on does still keep "Eureka" on it. **The final design will have tracking numbers. Is anyone willing to set up a web page to do that (I have 0 knowledge in that area)? A while back, I had heard that someone from the SoCal. Geocaching was willing to put it on their page, but I have not heard anything more about it. As for choosing the final design, here are my thoughts about that. The key is to pick a design that people will want to have. I am inclined to give more weight to the people who have actively participated in this thread from near the beginning and even more weight to those people who actually submitted a design. Also, whoever lays out the initial $ to get this coin minted (which could be about $1000) and/or offered to help in getting this coin distributed should have a significant say in choosing the final design (I have already ready received two offers from people who are willing to do that). [This message was edited by Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears on September 24, 2003 at 06:45 PM.]

I am are not sure what to think of this www.PirateCaching.com thing. It certainly can be a new twist to the game, but it also seems that it can encourage people to sabotage this whole Geocaching.com game. Unless you know about this www.PirateCaching.com site, you would never know they might have some of your items (they won't log what they did on geocaching.com). [This message was edited by Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears on September 24, 2003 at 06:49 AM.]

Whatever design that is decided on, the Geographical Center coordinates of California with definitely be on the geocoin. Does anyone know how to change/convert the coordinate that are posted on Center of California Monument (see the link below) to the type of coordinates used in Geocaching.com? www.north-fork-chamber.com/historical.html#CENTER

I would like to thank the all the people who have contributed their 2 cents (particularly Modesto and the Dillon Gang) to this design project. Let's try to get a few more design posts, so we have a little more of variety to choose from. The deadline for designs will be Sept. 30th. Here is a link to the Five Finalists for the California State Quarter Design - it may give us some ideas: http://134.186.46.107/ I pushed the deadline back a few days because I am having someone help me with my design idea - that really incorporates the best of Modesto's & the Dillon Gang's designs). My design will hopefully will be in a ready to mint JPEG format - that will cut down on some of the tooling cost of getting the coin made. In response to Kealia concern about the coin being to crowed with graphics, we have to be concerned with that. However, look at the state quarter designs, these quarters will be only 1 inch in diameter and they have a lot of detail. The CA. Geocoin will be 1 - 1/2 inches in diameter. If we have have certain graphics frosted & raised on the coin, all the detail should come through. I am not sure how we can actually choose the final design - Everyone will never agree on a design. I have pretty much decided on using the company www.pressedmetal.net to mint the coin (they minted the USA & Oregon Geocoins). The cost per coin will depend on how many coins we order. If we order 250 coins (which is the required minimum) each coin will be $1.57 plus with an approximate tooling/minting cost of $300 plus the cost of shipping the coin order to one person and then that person sending the coins to individual people, the total cost per coin will be approximately $3 to $4 each - the more coins we order the less the cost. NOTE: The cost of the coin will be only be what is costs to get in made, Groundspeak or myself will NOT be making any profit from this coin. We will need a person to take the forefront with the coin order. (Like Nurse Dave did with the Oregon Geocoin), one person will need to foot the cost of getting the coins made, people who want the coin will send that person money, once the order is received, that person will send the coins out to the individual people. I am not so sure if I want to take on that role, however for now I will do it. We need to start getting an email list of people who will want this coin (I know that is a little hard until their is a final design). If want want to order a coin, email me, DON'T reply to this thread, at BobKat92@AOL.Com. Just include the following in the email: Subject: Ordering CA. Geocoin Full Name Full Address: How Many Geocoins wanted:

Hey Woodsters, what is the web address for that site? - Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears "To me, Geocaching is the thrill of the hunt and going to neat places (you might not go otherwise); it's NOT what you actually find in a cache."

I am liking all these design posting. Let's keep them coming until the Sept. 25th deadline. I have been in contact with Ground Speak about permission to use their logo. The Logo side of the coin must be exactly as is (including the words - see the Oregon & USA coins - their logo side is exactly the same). This madnated logo rule is relatively new (that is why older coins such a Texas & Canada Geocaching have unquie symbols). So what we want on the coin will have to appear on just one side (the other side cannot not be altered in anyway). I am working on relatively simple idea design that will incorporate past posting ideas, but will also include a graphic that will set make this coin look different from other coins made. I hope to have this posted in by Tuesday, Sept 23rd. Hey Dillon Gang, have we heard from the person who owns the cache near the center of the state?

I agree that just having the coordinates without any explanation (about it being the center of the state) would be a little odd, but I want this CA. Geocoin to set apart from any other geocoin made. Somehow we have brainstorm to make those coordinates meaningful. Whatever design we finally decide on, I would really want the Center of the State coordinates to stay. I was also thinking that a graphic of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hollywood sign would be nice for the coin (those two symbols certainly represent the state, but the we don't want the coin too crowded with graphics. Can someone make jpeg version with the Golden Gate Bridge and The Hollywood sign along with the other graphics with best of Modesto's & the Dillon Gang's version? I would also like to see a version of a person, family, or waypoin flag near the center of the state. Then we can decide if the coin is getting too over loaded. **THANK YOU to all of you who have posted designs! I have zero skills in art design. It is a good point about seeing if we can tinker with the design of the Geocaching logo (have the California Bear would be nice). It is very possible we might not. The last two big coins made, the Oregon & USA geocoins have the the same exact Geocaching logo on the back. I have an email contact person from Ground speak, I will contact him about that. I am really not sure if we should have these coins numbered. Having numbers (and a tracking site) would encourage these coins to keep circulating. Though people might just hold on to them away (because they look so nice). If we do have them numbered, I am not so sure if the coins should be tracked on the SoCal Geocaching site. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against SoCal Geocaching (I am from San Diego), but some people, particularly from the northern half of the state, might perceive that this coin is just a Southern CA. coin, which it is not. Keep in mind, that with all these suggestions, we will never all agree with every aspect of the coin design. I really think a combination of Modesto's & the Dillon Gang's version, with some refinement, is the way to go. So this thread does not drag on, how about setting a deadline of Sept. 25th for the final design? - Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears "To me, Geocaching is the thrill of the hunt and going to neat places (you might not go otherwise); it's NOT what you actually find in a cache."

We are coming so close to a final coin design. I definately like the Dillons Gang's Geocaching.com logo with the Calfornia Bear. I still like Modesto's version for the other side. Though the Dillon Gang's design has some merit. Maybe combining the best of the two. I like where the Dillon Gang put the words for "Eureka" on one side and "The Golden State" and "California" on the other side. I still like Modesto's graphics of the trees, cactus, water and mountains. Still think we need a design that has a some type of waypoint flag or person/family near a cache (when with the coordinates near that graphic).

I think we have the shape of a coin being made: - ErnieModesto's latest version looks pretty good. - Hey Modesto, can you make a version with a person/family holding a cache or near some type of flag? Also, not being picky, but can you make the trees look like the Giant Redwoods? Finally, should we put "California" and/or "The Golden State" on the coin? - Here is a link to a page that has a pictures of virtually all the geocoins made (State, Country and personal). We might get some good ideas. www.geocities.com/team_fisur/geocoins/index.html - Having the coordinates on the coin I think is a really cool idea. It would definitely set this coin apart from any other geocoin made. I think we can lobby to get the center of the state for some type of cache site (possibly some type of virtual cache, but a real cache would be nice). Do we want to just put the whole coordinates on one coin or have partial coordinates on 2, 3, or 4 versions of the coin? - I am going to email the SoCalAdmin and Hemlock to get their input on this coin and see what they think about the Center of the State idea. - Lastly, do we want to put some type of tracking number on the coin (like a travel bug)? If yes, someone would have to make some type of tracking coin web page (like they did for the Oregon Geocoin - www.cogeo.org/). - Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears "To me, Geocaching is the thrill of the hunt and going to neat places (you might not go otherwise); it's NOT what you actually find in a cache."

We are definately game for some type of Geocaching campout. I vote for the weekend of Oct. 25-26. I could be flexible with other weekends except for the weekend of Nov. 8-9. I don't know much about the area, but Blair Valley seems fine to me. Do you have to have a 4x4 to get there? To get a lot of people to sign up, we should pick a place that doe not require a 4x4 to get there. - Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears "To me, Geocaching is the thrill of the hunt and going to neat places (you might not go otherwise); it's NOT what you actually find in a cache."

There appears to be a traditional catch already placed at the Center of California (actually 150 feet away from the actual center). The name is called "El Centro" at www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=9a891a81-ed82-44a6-9a9e-1ab2b52d22fe]www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=9a891a81-ed82-44a6-9a9e-1ab2b52d22fe]www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=9a891a81-ed82-44a6-9a9e-1ab2b52d22fe The fact that there is already a cache there might complicate things. Unless we can convince the cache owner to sign on to our coin idea. - Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears "To me, Geocaching is the thrill of the hunt and going to neat places (you might not go otherwise); it's NOT what you actually find in a cache." [This message was edited by Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears on September 12, 2003 at 01:59 PM.]

We are now are on the right track. ErnieModesto's design is the best one submitted so far. Let's get a few more designs submitted then we can start a forum on-line poll. Way to go ErnieModesto! The Dillon Gang's idea of 2 to 4 versions of a coin with some coordinates on it that would lead to a cache site definitely has some merit. That would set the CA. Geocoin apart from other states that have coins. Though how would we choose the cache site? Does anyone know where the first cache in CA. was placed? Is it still there? That might be a good place. Or maybe someone can figure out where is the geological N/S E/W dead center of the state is and place a cache there (assuming its not in someone's backyard or the middle of a freeway - which is probably likely). - Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears "To me, Geocaching is the thrill of the hunt and going to neat places (you might not go otherwise); it's NOT what you actually find in a cache."

Someone please tell me what is the fundamental difference between a National Park, a National Forest and a National Monument? I know you can not hide real caches in National Parks, but can you hind them in National Forest? What about hiding a cache at a National Monument? - Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears "To me, Geocaching is the thrill of the hunt and going to neat places (you might not go otherwise); it's NOT what you actually find in a cache."

Someone please tell me what is the fundamental difference between a National Park, a National Forest and a National Monument? I know you can not hide real caches in National Parks, but can you hind them in National Forest? What about hiding a cache at a National Monument?

Has anyone found a cache that was a real natural rock (not some kind of fake rock) that was hollowed out for a small Tupperware cache container? I not talking about 35mm container. I talking about something bigger (like a square 5 inch X 5 inch X 3 inch deep container). I already have the rock. Now I just need a way to hallow it out. The only plan I can think of is to get a 3/4 masonry bit and drill a whole bunch of holes into the rock to fit the Tupperware container. My only concern is the rock will crack in half when I start drilling into it. Any suggestions on the best way to get this done would be greatly appreciated. - Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears "To me, Geocaching is the thrill of the hunt and going to neat places (you might not go otherwise); it's NOT what you actually find in a cache."

Does anyone know if there is a cache hidden on the actual peak of Cowles Mountain? It look like there are a few near by, but not on the actual peak, but I am not sure. I was wondering if I could fit in cache that at least has 1/10 of mile distance (the required minimum distance). - Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears "To me, Geocaching is the thrill of the hunt and going to neat places (you might not go otherwise); it's NOT what you actually find in a cache."

I think Bill is on the right track with the design idea. I definitely like the CA. state motto "The Golden State" idea. I also think the design should have a map silhouette of California in the background. Now all we need is some design details to put over the silhouette of the map. Like my first post, maybe it can have details of the ocean, mountains, and the desert with a geocacher (or a family of geocachers) walking towards some way point flag. Who out there has the ability to create a rough draft sketch of my idea and put it into a JPEG format? I certain don't.

I already have been in contact with Nurse Dave. He told me about him moving to Calfornia soon. He has already giving me some information and I definately plan to use him as as resourse in the future. What we need is more design ideas. Two people have already posted a design, but we need a lot more. So let post the JPEG designs. Also, I finally heard back from www.pressedmetal.net (the company that minted Oregon and U.S.A. Geocoins). When I figure out how to post the JPEG file they sent me (which has the pricing and design details), it will give you an idea of the cost. - Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears "To me, Geocaching is the thrill of the hunt and going to neat places (you might not go otherwise); it's NOT what you actually find in a cache."[/i] [This message was edited by Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears on August 29, 2003 at 08:34 PM.]

No, the cache is real basic. What is Hemlock's email addrss? - Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears "To me, Geocaching is the thrill of the hunt and going to neat places (you might not go otherwise); it's NOT what you actually find in a cache."

What happened to the the SoCalAdmin (i.e., the person who approves cache requests for Southern California)? I have put in a cache request last Saturday (8/23/03) and as of 8/27/03 (at 6:15 am - Pacific time) it has yet been approved. I also emailed the SoCalAdmin about over a week ago about an issue with another cache. I have yet to heard back yet. So, is the SoCalAdmin M.I.A.? If this person is on vaction, that is find, but there should be some type of post saying there will be a longer then usual delay to approve cache post and to respond to emails. - Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears "To me, Geocaching is the thrill of the hunt and going to neat places (you might not go otherwise); it's NOT what you actually find in a cache." [This message was edited by Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears on August 27, 2003 at 06:41 AM.]

Thanks for the image post. We have have entry number 1 in the great California Geocoin design contest. The way Green Archer uploaded the image it exactly how it needs to be done. Let's get some more proposed designs posted here. - Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears "To me, Geocaching is the thrill of the hunt and going to neat places (you might not go otherwise); it's NOT what you actually find in a cache."

Let's go with an ENTIRE California geocoin theme . I updated my original post (and dropped the Southern California theme mention). California is such a diverse state, so coming up with a design theme that captures the theme of the whole state will be a challenge. As for the design, I suggest that people put it in a JPEG format and upload it to this thread. When I visited the mint company web page, they would want some type of digital picture to go on. I am totally clueless when it comes to URL and digit art type stuff. I will really need other's help for this part. - Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears "To me, Geocaching is the thrill of the hunt and going to neat places (you might not go otherwise); it's NOT what you actually find in a cache."

Hi, I have a cache theme idea I was thinking about, but I want to get some feedback before I go ahead with it. Here is it: I was thinking of creating a “Haunted Canyon” Cache around Halloween. On Oct. 30, 31 & Nov. 1st, I would set the cache up with scary graveyard type props. The rest of year, I would turn it into some type of more traditional cache (still with a spooky theme) and if goes well, jazz that cache up again come next Oct. 31. "The Haunted Canyon" cache would be hunted for ideally at night. I would give a start GPS coordinates. Then any geocacher would have to follow some type of reflectors to the actual cache site (maybe I can find reflector eyes). On the cache web page, I would give the beginning of a very scary fictional story of what was once down in the canyon. At the actual cache site I would have scary stuff set up (e.g., a grave stones, cob webs, possibly a strobe light that is triggered by a motion sensor). I would have a take only cache container with candy in it (I know food is not a good cache item, but its only for three days). I would also have the rest of the scary story for cachers to read in the dark canyon. The rest of the year, I would just have the cache container and put scary or glow in the dark type stuff (no more candy). I live in San Diego, CA. I know of a nearby public land canyon that is infrequently traveled. I am pretty sure I could set something up there without it being disturbed for a few days. This is NOT a temporary cache. Though the type of cache experience would change. I already emailed this cache description to the SoCaAdmin to see if it would get approved. What you people think? Please post any of your ideas on how I can make this a really cool & scary cache site (but not too expensive). - Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears "To me, Geocaching is the thrill of the hunt and going to neat places (you might not go otherwise); it's NOT what you actually find in a cache." [This message was edited by Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears on August 24, 2003 at 01:28 PM.]

Would anyone be interested in helping me design a California Geocoin? I see that Oregon, Texas, & Canada (along with the USA) have geocoins. Since California is the most populated state, I think we should have a geocoin too. I really don't know what the the start up cost would be. I sent www.pressedmetal.net requesting pricing information. They apparently minted the Oregon and USA geocoins. I have yet to hear back from them. One side of the coin would be the already approved Geocaching.com logo. The design for the other side of the coin needs to be made. That is where I need people's help for a design idea. My idea would be to a have a silhouette map of California in the back ground. The foreground would have the beach/ocean, mountains, & desserts with a geocacher (or possibly a couple or family) figure(s) walking towards some type of way point. I have NO experience making such a type of picture (that would be need to submit to the minting company). Can someone help me out by making my idea into a picture and then post it here? Also, if you have other design ideas, please post them here also. Maybe we can make a contest out of it. [This message was edited by Bobkat92 & the 3 Bears on August 24, 2003 at 10:13 AM.]