inperfected

One thing that I regularly do is go to caches that just are not good hides and aren't in nice areas... I'd much prefer to go to good ones - particularly when away from home! Also quite a few people ask about good caches in "this or that" area. One possibility to make it easier for this is to have cache ratings when someone lists it as found. I'd expect a 1-5 star rating would work, and it means that the good hides would get recognition. Anyone interested?

I think the option I'd use is a microsoft office word document (or similar) I'd pretty much do it like this: GC**** TFTC - cool spot etc etc GC*** Cache missing etc etc GC**** Great cache idea and so on This way you'll have them all in order and you can just type in the GC code when you get home and cut and paste the logs but they'll all be unique. You could do this on the palm you are using too using the memo field (or similar), then when you get back, transfer to your computer and slowly start logging one by one. It's an idea at least - and I KNOW you'd get it in the right order then. I know how big a deal 1000 will be I just reached 100 and 1000 is just around the corner

I will try to post a photo of my "gear" tomorrow, but to be honest, I don't yet have a bag. Could be because I haven't done 100's of caches (though I've just hit 100!), and could be the caches I've done are relatively easy ones really. My gear generally stays in the car if we aren't going far, but will join me in either a light jackets front pouch pocket (that act's as a bag tied round my waist if needed!), a backpack, a hydration bag (for a literal caching run), or a pocket/lanyard. My gear list in a general order of importance (note this is an allergy friendly kit as i need it!): GPS - Garmin GPSmap 76cx (my new toy only a week in my hands old (second hand)) Ipod - 8gb nano in a case. I use GSAK to put the caches on it. Lanyard that the ipod and gps carabinas onto. Pencil - To write on those pen missing/wet paper caches Hayfever/Allergy pills/sprays/drops (had itchy bites, and very severe (eyes swell shut anyone?) hayfever whilst caching) Asthma inhaler (had a asthma attack on the hunt!) Itchy bite cream (Being allergic to grass does NOT work with caching!) Geocoins that I've picked up recently and I'm needing to move on Any trade items that I want with me - just in case Zip lock bag (it's small) to pickup junk out of caches that doesn't deserve to be there. CITO bags (at times) Generally it's a mix of what I think would be good at the time. If I'm hiking/tramping it's less trades and more of tents, foods etc. If I'm just going 10 metres, it's often only the GPS, if that even!

My question is, should we clean out caches we visit of the messy trash in them aka junky trinklets. I mean things like a toy soldier (that shoudl have gone in the bin months/years ago), overdue vouchers, supermarket receipts, and things that honestly I can't even think of the use for (a chair leg end maybe???). I am being quite serious that I've found these. My thought is to take that junk and throw it away leaving room for quality trades... Any one else agree with me, and would you be annoyed if I did this to your cache? I realise we are supposed to up or equal the trades, but sometimes, you have nothing worthwhile, and everything in it is rubbish.

My intention is to set up a CITO event (even if not official) for approximately the 19th April - at this point could be up to 4 weeks later (due to people being already booked for that date). The aim is to have a full CITO day where you have teams of 2 people who have to pay $10US (approx) per team. Each team will have to complete at least 1 cache on the day and there will be monetary prizes (from the entry fee's) for most rubbish, most interesting piece of rubbish, most weight of rubbish etc (feel free to offer more ideas) I plan on getting sponsorship for rubbish removal (trailers and free dumping) and loans of BBQ's for a potluck/bbq afterwards etc. The intention is to have this as a precursor event to give me any idea of problems I'll encounter and things I can work on for a larger CITO event of the same kind (aiming for 100 people) that is planned for sept/oct Any ideas, thoughts or advice?