Perfect Tommy

Congratulations! I see that you are now testing the waters in Westchester. Come in, the water's fine! ___________________________________ I used to be disgusted, now I try to be amused.

To add to Harrald's list, the Ramble in Central Park is also notorious. All the more reason to tip one's hat to the recent nighttime caching expedition of Dboggny, Mopar and mtn man to CP. Then again, they showed some foresight in bringing a policeman with them when caching in CP after dark. (with apologies to the Glimmer Twins) I've been walking Central Park Caching after dark People think I'm crazy I've been stumbling on my feet Shuffling through the street People ask me, "What's the matter with you boy?" (Miss You)

quote: Likewise, if it was a really clever puzzle cache (and why DON'T we have any of these like the left coasters?) quote: Because people around here don't bother with them. My one puzzle cache, and it isn't a hard one, is one of my least visited caches. For the most part, the only visitors have been the local hardcores. I feel your pain. Actually, I'm hoping Mopar will give us some links to some of these puzzle caches from the Left Coast - might give us some ideas.

There are a lot of good points made above and, in particular, I agree with BrianSnat. I guess it all depends on what information one considers to be a "spoiler." If a log gives away the hiding place or the "twist" or challenge to the cache then that's bad form and the cache owner should encrypt it or contact the finder and have them amend their log. After all, isn't that what the clue's for? If a finder provides coordinates for parking or the trailhead in their log, I don't consider it a spoiler. If it cuts down on my time driving around and increases my time hiking around, I appreciate the help (I need it ). I understand many believe that finding the appropriate parking is part of the adventure of geocaching and that's fine. Whatever floats your boat. In that case, you have the option to just print the cache page without the logs.

Thanks for the tip, Floopy. I emailed them and will post if I hear anything. As for the physical caches, in addition to the ones Poppa Duck has adopted, I think some of them can be adopted but, in some cases, the TH caches, if abandoned, should be archived in order to allow other cachers the opportunity to place new caches in those areas. This is all assuming of course that the TH have indeed "retired" - which would be a regrettable development for Westchester geocaching.

Attempted to contact TH last week through the anon email of Mrs. TH (aka Mizz Lizz) on Where's George? but no answer so far. As noted by others, TH did step away from the game last year until they reappeared in September but during that sabbatical they at least had a valid email addy. If they have in fact "retired", the Westchester caching contingent should discuss archiving or adopting (until or if they reappear) the physical caches. I have some ideas on what to do with some of these but I would be interested in hearing from Westchester's most prolific stasher first. Jonboy? As for the virtuals, I tend to agree with the admins although I think this one may be a keeper provided there's a better verification mechanism. I'm a history junkie so I'm biased on that one. Just my opinion and, as often pointed out to me, I've been known to be wrong. Thanks to Poppa Duck for addressing this and even adopting some of the orphaned caches.

quote: "I have brought peace in our time" - Neville Chamberlin Ahhh, Britian's great pre-war joke.

I can't be certain, but I seem to recall a notice (on one of TH's cache pages) stating to the effect that the owner's email address was invalid (or something to that effect) and therefore the cache was being archived. When I saw that notice I wonder whether TPTB periodically send emails to cache owners to see if the addresses are still active (and thus presumably the cache owner). Anyone know the skinny?

Next week I'll be in Arlington on business and would like some recommendations from local cachers on any good physical caches that are within walking distance of a stop on the Metro in the NoVa and DC area. In making your recommendations, please keep in mind that I'll be on the Blue/Yellow line at Crystal City and I'll probably have to hunt at night. Thanks in advance for your help.

Snow is no deterrent to jonboy. Congratulations on breaking 200 on this cache - and still not a virtual, webcam or locationless among his finds! (We'll forgive you for those drive and dumps in Florida ) Truly hard core. Thanks also for placing some great caches. Cache on!

The New Jersey Geocachers Chat Room is sometimes euphemistically called the NorthEast Forum.

quote: I had one of my TB's held hostage for NINE months (Thanks Pookee!! ) After repeated promises to release it, it was obvious that he (a) Lost it ( fed it to the dog (3) Traded it for a All-Day Lollipop or (d) Used it as a doorstop. Pookee has been holding onto 'Nook the Husky since he picked him up over a year ago at the Buttermilk Cache (see his 11/4/01 log). It's unfortunate, but that's a bug's life...

quote:I'd like a piece without too much spam in it please. Wife (shrieks): I don't like spam! Man: Sshh, dear, don't cause a fuss. I'll have your spam. I love it. I'm having spam spam spam spam spam spam spam baked beans spam spam spam and spam! Vikings (singing): Spam spam spam spam. Lovely spam! Wonderful spam! Waitress: Shut up!! Baked beans are off. Man: Well could I have her spam instead of the baked beans then? Waitress: You mean spam spam spam spam spam spam... (but it is too late and the Vikings drown out her words) Vikings (singing): Spam spam spam spam. Lovely spam! Wonderful spam! Spam spa-a-a-a-a-am spam spa-a-a-a-a-am spam. Lovely spam! Lovely spam! Lovely spam! Lovely spam! Lovely spam! Spam spam spam spam! (Couldn't resist)

Congratulations on reaching the century mark, Lucien. For selfish reasons, I hope you top the 100 Caches Placed Club soon as well. Your caches never disappoint. Hope to see you on the trails!

Between you and 'Floopy, we're running out of superlatives. Congratulations.

Thought the following excerpt from an article appearing in yesterday's Metro Section of the New York Times profiling the three candidates for governor might be of some interest to area 'cachers: "The governor's greatest passions, besides politics, are hiking and bird watching. He can often be found on the weekends in Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, leaving the trail and stomping off into the woods with binoculars, looking for an unusual bird." (emphasis added) The governor hiking off trail?!? Stomping through the woods!?! Call the rangers! Tteppee may want to consider redirecting her efforts up the ladder - in view of the governor's "passions", he may have a more sympathetic ear than the local land manager. Apparently there might even be an opportunity to lobby the governor on the trails.

This picture was from our practice run last week before a German E-Boat interrupted the exercise.

At this rate, we are going to need a Higgins boat. I'll check the local army/navy surplus stores...

Better get cracking on inventing those coconut two way radios... Anybody else up for joining the Voyage of the Damned?

The only cache in Riverdale proper was apparently plundered earlier this year. However, if you want to stay local, Van Cortlandt Park borders Riverdale. You can find the AJ caChE and Vanny Cache in that huge park. Failing that, there's over a thousand other caches within a hundred miles of the Bronx. Search by zip code using 10471.

This is not directed at any one person but hopefully will give us all an idea of who is in fact interested in this party cruise. 1) Who's in? 2) If so, do you have any experience in handling an open motorboat (probably a 20 ft aluminum)? 3)If so, can you pilot such a boat through the treacherous cross currents of the Sound and East River with a boatload of backseat drivers all armed with GPSrs kibbitzing on how best to approach the cache? Time's up. Put your pens down. Depending on the responses, we can guesstimate the number of boat(s) needed and whether anyone can pilot them. Then we can get quotes for rentals from a Bronx marina in City Island. I think City Island would be a better (and safer) place to park, meet and disembark from - the flounder and Sound View caches are nearby as added incentive and the participants can have a nice dinner at the Lobster Box. Then we have to set a date and time convenient for all participants. But first thing's first, can we have a head count?

This is not directed at any one person but hopefully will give us all an idea of who is in fact interested in this party cruise. 1) Who's in? 2) If so, do you have any experience in handling an open motorboat (probably a 20 ft aluminum)? 3)If so, can you pilot such a boat through the treacherous cross currents of the Sound and East River with a boatload of backseat drivers all armed with GPSrs kibbitzing on how best to approach the cache? Time's up. Put your pens down. Depending on the responses, we can guesstimate the number of boat(s) needed and whether anyone can pilot them. Then we can get quotes for rentals from a Bronx marina in City Island. I think City Island would be a better (and safer) place to park, meet and disembark from - the flounder and Sound View caches are nearby as added incentive and the participants can have a nice dinner at the Lobster Box. Then we have to set a date and time convenient for all participants. But first thing's first, can we have a head count?

switch·back Pronunciation Key (swchbk) n. A road, trail, or railroad track that follows a zigzag course on a steep incline. A sharp bend in a road or trail on a steep incline. Chiefly British. A roller coaster. intr.v. switch·backed, switch·back·ing, switch·backs To proceed in sharp turns in alternating directions on a steep incline: the trail switchbacked up the mountain; the hikers switchbacked up the hill. Better yet, drop the wife off at the Palisades (the mall not the park) and try this nearby cache for a demonstrative example.

switch·back Pronunciation Key (swchbk) n. A road, trail, or railroad track that follows a zigzag course on a steep incline. A sharp bend in a road or trail on a steep incline. Chiefly British. A roller coaster. intr.v. switch·backed, switch·back·ing, switch·backs To proceed in sharp turns in alternating directions on a steep incline: the trail switchbacked up the mountain; the hikers switchbacked up the hill. Better yet, drop the wife off at the Palisades (the mall not the park) and try this nearby cache for a demonstrative example.

Ttepee and the Tribe topped the 100 finds mark today in style with two lucien caches. Congratulations!