JohnX

I rarely wear safety glasses while geocaching but have a pair or two in my car just in case I might need them. I have gone on a couple of search and rescue missions and wore safety glasses at all times because you are going to have to do some serious bushwhacking to maintain the search line. When using a chainsaw it is always safety glasses and a helmet with ear protection and a face shield.

OK, OK, I have to admit hippos are dangerous. The carrot suggestion was a joke. I spent 3 days canoeing down the Zambeze and was well warned to keep away from them. It would probably be safer just to bring peanuts for the elephants. Also, Victoria Falls are utterly impressive and not to be missed. If you can manage it, high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel is well worth attending.

I hear Hippos like carrots and will eat them out of your hand so make sure you bring some if you go.

Curiously enough, the on fire guy is not me and was the first and only avatar I have ever had. It's just a gif I found on the internet about 8 years ago. Also, I can't imagine why you think I changed my user name. I logged my first cache in 2/2002, I made my first post in 11/2003 and I can find my user name posted in a log for an event I co-hosted back in 8/2005.

I just ran across this article. Plan accordingly. http://www.slashgear.com/sun-unleashes-solar-flare-and-earth-bound-coronal-mass-ejection-disrupts-radios-12277575/

If you are considering a RF based cache and can program in C, which is basically the same as programming the Arduino, do an internet search for "wixel". It is a C programmable device that has a built in RF transceiver and sells for less than $20 in the US. No waiting for Chinese clones from Ebay. It beats an Arduino and external radio module in cost, size, ease of use and ease of ordering. I have a couple and think they are brilliant. Perhaps the learning curve is a little higher but in my opinion the benefits far exceed the cost of the learning curve.

As to canoe or kayak, this is my experience. I know of no 2 person kayak that can be handled by a single paddler. If you need a one/two person boat get a canoe. Also, canoes are way easier to get in or out of. A trailer is a really nice thing to have to move and store a boat, especially if you have any back damage. Also, wear a PFD, or Personal Flotation Device also known as a life jacket. My only credibility resides in that I own six boats. Just a photo for your amusement:

Sorry, I have to call BS on this post. I have lived in Amsterdam and Fargo, ND (Drug centers of the world) where I have removed dozens of needles from the streets. You would have to hold the used needle in one hand and jab it in the other in order to get stabbed. I admit needles are bad but don't spin people up with false fears. Call me a doubting Thomas or a negative Nellie. I just don't believe it happened.

Just a quote from a previous post. " Have you ever tried caching with your beloved geodog? I have two, Ruby and Monty who love sniffing out big caches. I usually bring them when I'm going on a big walk in a national park or a nature reserve to get a few caches, why not?" I now ask this simple question. Do you follow the leash laws that most parks have? There are only two answers. Yes or No. What is is your answer? Yes or No. This is not a false dichotomy question. Do you follow the rules of the park where you take your animals? Answer YES or NO. Be honest. I bet you won't.

I thought that Geocachers and Roald Dahl fans might like this link: http://www.networkworld.com/community/blog/marketing-gone-wild-candy-bars-stalk-you

If what you found was was clearly the remains of a burnt cache I would simply wait a day or so to see if someone posts about it and then log it as a find. Who is to say cache was burnt when you found it? The log book you signed clearly burnt up with the cache.

Scout related. I ran across this somewhat randomly on the web. I think some people might find it interesting. http://www.scoutstuff.org/bsa/promos/geomate-promotion.html?ET_CID=WB_geomate_06012012

I get mine from here: http://www.mcmaster.com/#resealable-bags/=hrdsy2 The 4 mil bags are the only ones that last. Cheap craft store bags just fail.

Just for reference, there was a character played by a dwarf on a professional wrestling show a few years back. He was called "Hornswaggle" and danced around in a hokey leprechaun outfit and generally caused "trouble" between matches. You are probably dealing with someone whose vocabulary derives from "professional" wrestling.

You might be able to catch this attraction: http://frankfurtsbest.com/things-to-do/frankfurt-flea-market/ I got a bunch of cool stuff there.

I found this picture on another site. I don't think I will be trying to log that cache: http://imgur.com/AIlhW

The battery on this device will be dead in a day or two. If you have your cache plugged into a electrical outlet I guess you are OK.

I have purchased bags from Ebay and Graingers. Links to follow. Get the 4 mil bags as they are thicker and stand up very well. Better than anything I have seen in a craft store or Walmart. Anyone can go to Ebay and search on 4 mil zip lock. Here is a link to a place called Graingers where they sell all sorts of industrial stuff: http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/reclosable-bags/packaging-and-shipping-products/material-handling/ecatalog/N-9udZ1z0mkd8?Ndr=basedimid10071&sst=subset 4 mil bags rule!

I always try to remember tissue packets like this: http://www.thewholesalesupply.com/pocket-tissue-packets-p105.html. You can get them anywhere. Nature will call. A rescue whistle like this one: http://www.svendsensmarine.com/Rescue_Whistle_with_Lanyard_p/acr-2228.htm A mylar rescue blanket: http://www.amazon.com/Primacare-1700038-Foil-Rescue-Blanket/dp/B000TEN9SC Also, common sense. Let people know where you are going. A spare charged cell phone. You can buy them at most places for $19.00 and you can dial 911 with no minutes on them.

I apologize in advance. Hey Postmanpete, Going a little postal on your second post with your caps lock on? If by chance you sent me an email written in the tone of your post I might just ignore it and try to avoid any communication with you in the future. Just sayin...

Swag that was evenly traded for.

Arrrgh! The "A kid might find a knife in a cache and get hurt." argument just makes me crazy with it's vacuous stupidity. Any kid just barely old enough to go out and find a cache is certainly old enough to walk into a kitchen and grab any number of knives from the counter or drawers. Yet every parent I know of removes any child proof latches from the kitchen just as soon as they possibly can. Stop it!

It's OK. I fixed the typo.

I am assuming this is just a poorly worded post as sometimes happens on the internet rather than some staggeringly ignorant and provincial view of a country foreign to the poster. If you read the comments in the thread the consensus is that the gun owner was wrong and if found guilty, should be jailed.

And this is a surprise post rapture?