MtnGoat50
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Posts posted by MtnGoat50
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On 3/20/2020 at 4:09 PM, Mn-treker said:
Also the city of St Paul has closed the parks there. These closings are the actual grounds not just any buildings.
Looks like these have reopened too. (or were never closed
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Here's a link...and a quote:
QuoteParks and Trails
Saint Paul parks and trails remain open. Saint Paul Parks and Recreation urges all park users to follow these guidelines:
On 3/20/2020 at 4:09 PM, Mn-treker said:So that means that neither the hider nor the reviewer checked.
Or you didn't. Wouldn't it have been better to get your facts straight before coming here and criticizing your reviewer and Geocaching.com?
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On 3/20/2020 at 4:09 PM, Mn-treker said:
I just found that the city of Spring Lake Park, MN has closed all parks to visitors. Any body caught in the park will be arrested as per the police.
Link?
It's been a couple of weeks so maybe the parks have reopened. When I looked just now I don't see an mention of them being closed. They have canceled in person events but that's it. Here's my link.
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It was mostly luck. I guessed that it might be on a trackable. I knew the date so I checked the gallery on a few and spotted it.
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21 minutes ago, jbushee said:
I found an image I'd uploaded that is no longer associated with a log entry.
Updated the others to include the GC####, but just curious.
Searched for what I assume was the cache title (photo caption), but there are a couple of them and all from later than my upload.
It's from a trackable log. Here is the link: https://coord.info/TLRJF83
Not sure why it doesn't show a link to the log. Seems like it should...
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On 3/2/2020 at 5:09 PM, Chipper3 said:
I bumped into the facebook trackables page and am confused. Why do people publish their trackable WITH the log code?
Whatever the motivation, it doesn't seem to be working well for them.
I got a log on one of my long missing TBs this morning. When I looked at the players profile he was showing over 1300 TBs logged. A little later when I went to delete the log it was already gone and when I checked the profile it was showing 0 TBs and the account was "locked". (there is some justice in the world
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13 hours ago, Zekester & Simon said:
Anyone has any idea of how that is happening, I'd like to hear about it.
Sounds like a good question to ask FB. Geocaching.com is doing what they can to mitigate the problem but as long as FB allows it, it's going to continue.
The other option, I suppose, would be to remove the ability to log trackables via the API. That would stop this in it's tracks but it would also mean you could no long log TBs using an app (even the official one). I'm old school and log everything directly from the site but I suspect a lot of newer cachers that only use the app, and may not even understand the site exists, might be unhappy.
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Bump.
Nothing has changed and I was just reminded that this is still a big problem.
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3 hours ago, Korichnovui said:
The nastygram cache is not in my profile, the cache is GC7T5WG. Yes, I made a difficult puzzle. But to some people it’s dead easy because they’re already familiar with the concept and there are clues enough to be able to solve it quickly.
Thanks for the GC#. Like arisoft I looked and couldn't find.
Are you sure it's really solvable with the info you've provided?
Looking at the logs the FTF team says this, "Last night we got a hint from the CO at the geocaching event on the “blue question mark “ Then he gave us a nudge and then finally a big push."
The next cacher to find it says, "After getting a few nudges from the CO,..."
The next, finder is you.
And the last, most recent, and only other finder says, "I got a big hint from the cache owner and everything became simple."
After the FTF the information is out there. Maybe some of the other solvers shown in the checker solved it without help or maybe not. You'll never know for sure.
As far as the nastygram, I've seen far worse. I think he's expressing the same frustration I would be feeling if I cached here. It's discouraging to look at an apparently difficult puzzle and see that every finder solved it with the help of a private hint.
My rule of thumb is to never give private hints before the FTF. It's the only way to really know if the puzzle can be solved with the information I've provided. If an additional hint appears to be necessary it goes on the cache page for everyone. After the FTF I give any help or hints necessary. I want people to find my caches.
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On 10/18/2019 at 7:18 AM, J Grouchy said:
I guess my point in posting this is to find out if this is a general trend in caching all over or just a local 'lull' in interest.
I don't have any hard data to back it up but my sense is that the same thing is happening in my local area. What's interesting is if you'd posted this 7 years ago I would have agreed then too (it's just worse now).
I've always enjoyed puzzles and I enjoy solving puzzle caches although I generally skip the "guess what I'm thinking this morning" variety that seem to be the most popular these days. The few puzzle caches I've placed have all been based on puzzle ideas that I enjoyed and thought others would enjoy solving. My most recent puzzle cache simply requires understanding the different coordinate formats (DD.ddddd, DD MM.mmm, DD MM SS.ss) and converting between them. It's located in a city park, on level ground and I explain exactly what needs to be done, and how to do it. The first and only find was over a month ago, since then crickets... [:(]
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14 minutes ago, TwistedCube said:
I am intending on making this a mystery with a field puzzle attribute,
That's probably a good choice but it appears that, when trying to get the nut off, tapping on a hard surface (such as glass) will work better than tapping on plastic (even heavy duty plastic).
16 minutes ago, TwistedCube said:I don't really want to show cachers how to take it apart, but rather, show them how to put it back.
Why not? Showing the video up front accomplishes a couple of things. Seekers know what to expect and are far (far) less likely to cause damage. Seekers also know to bring a tool to reset the cache. I have several caches that require a log removal tool. For a while I tried providing one but it always vanished after a find or two. I think the same thing will happen here making it impossible to reset. Not showing the video upfront doesn't really accomplish anything, IMHO. Again, maybe it's just me but if I came across this puzzle the first thing I'd do is go online and look for a solution. If I had cell coverage I'd do it on site, otherwise I'd go home maybe even build or buy one to practice on before coming back. I think everyone that does the cache will get some online help, whether you provide it or not.
I like my caches to be fun, interesting and a little challenging, rather than frustrating and tedious, so I usually give a bit more help than average. So far people seem to appreciate this.
33 minutes ago, TwistedCube said:I am intending on making this a mystery with a field puzzle attribute
Good! I think that will greatly reduce the problems others have experienced such as hal-an-tow's example where the CO's patience wore out. As Keystone points out you'll still need bogus coords so if you don't want to do the video you can do the coordinates in "white text". The goto puzzle for a lot of geoarts
. Regardless I think "mystery" is the best cache type for these.
Rust is another issue. You might consider using stainless steel fasteners and I'd lubricate them with dry graphite. Any sort of liquid oil or grease will gum things up and cause a problem.
In any case let us know how it works out. Part of me wants to build one locally but another part of me thinks it's a little too complicated to make a good field puzzle (especially the resetting part).
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On 1/24/2019 at 8:17 AM, TwistedCube said:
My initial question is how am I going to provide cachers with the knowledge and tools of putting the puzzle back together in the correct orientation? One way I have considered is to somehow provide the link of the video in the container where they cannot reach it until they have completed the puzzle. I am prepared to make weekly maintenance runs just in case, but to minimize the hassle of going completely out of my way, I am going to place the cache in a park about half a mile from my house.
If I was considering something like this I'd make it a mystery cache. I'd create a short video showing how to retrieve and replace the container and at the end provide the coordinates to the cache location, along with a personal plea not to break things. That way you're guaranteed seekers know exactly what they're getting into, how much time they need to allow and what tool to bring. Of course everyone will use the tool needed to set the puzzle also to open it but so what...
I'm probably the only one that feels this way but I think cache owners make a huge mistake by listing these as trads (with the field puzzle attribute). Sooner or later someone who's, short of time, angry, already having a bad day, maybe trying to keep their streak going (and this is their only chance) will show up expecting to be able to open the container and sign the log in a minute or two. Even if they try to be responsible, anger and frustration, make accidents more likely.
I'm also concerned about the glass container. Most of the one's I've found are already broken and the ones that aren't, usually soon are. I'd definitely have a backup or two already made and ready to go.
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11 hours ago, lee737 said:
I suspect dirt/stick and ziplock baggies fouling the seal are the root cause in a lot of these problems....
I agree.
Why people think a gallon sized baggie is a good idea in a pint sized container always surprises me. Part of the baggie always ends up caught in the seal and lets water in. Even worse are containers placed inside a baggie. My experience at least has been that baggies do a poor job of keeping water out but a great job of keeping it in. Once a container inside a baggie gets wet it will stay wet forever.
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Thanks everyone that took the time to respond to my question!
I've been getting the plastic ammo cans from Harbor Freight. They appear to be identical to the "Plano" ones I've seen other places, but I haven't looked closely. The normal sale price is $3.99 but last fall they were $2.99 (normal price $6.99). They have a gasket but looking closely it doesn't look like it's being compressed when closed. Not a good thing. The one I submerged in a sink of water leaked badly.
5 hours ago, Joe_L said:the ones I bought were on sale at a sporting goods store for about $15.
Yikes, around here you can get the real deal, metal ones for that. I always assume when I hide a cache that I'll be replacing the container sooner or later. It will get stolen, damaged, or just fail, so I try to keep the cost down and have lots of spares in reserve. At $2.99 the plastic ammo cans seemed ideal but now I'm not so sure. I still think they'll work okay as long as the spot isn't too wet and they're hidden upright. Time will tell.
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Quote
Log Type: Owner Maintenance
Date: 01/04/2019
Type: Traditional Cache
Log:
This cache is under snow!! Once I can get to it I'll check on it.QuoteLog Type: Owner Maintenance
Date: 01/12/2019
Type: Traditional Cache
Log:
Found a replacement!! Hope to get there this week and replace it. Thanks for your patience!QuoteLog Type: Owner Maintenance
Date: 01/06/2019
Type: Traditional Cache
Log:
Had alot come but will repair soonQuoteLog Type: Owner Maintenance
Date: 01/02/2019
Type: Traditional Cache
Log:
I will get on this one soon. I had forgotten about it.QuoteLog Type: Owner Maintenance
Date: 12/25/2018
Type: Traditional Cache
Log:
As of 25 December, there is still construction happening very close to the cache location. Since they have a lot of stuff going on and security posted to watch the site, it is not possible to check this one or allow others to find it. I will take appropriate action when it is possible.There you go, I can probably find more...
The thing is if you are using the, "new logging experience" the default log type is, "Owner Maintenance". It's easy for experienced cachers to forget to change it and new cachers assume (quite reasonably) that any log they post on one of their own caches should be OM.
I think the default should either be "Write Note" or (like the old logging experience) no default. As long as it stays the way it is I find it hard to be very upset with people making this mistake.
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On 1/15/2019 at 8:20 PM, fizzymagic said:
As mentioned by myself and others, even "authentic" Lock-n-lock containers do not last well. It's a design flaw that the tabs' hinges are created from thin sections of the lid plastic. And this kind of plastic (polypropylene), even in the "special" Lock-n-lock formula, is notoriously susceptible to UV radiation and temperature variations.
Sadly, as someone who's put a lot of these in the field over the years (and have quite a few ready to go), I have to agree. I don't even think it's limited to UV exposure, just flexing the hinge over time wears it out. I wouldn't call them totally unacceptable but you'd better plan on replacing them regularly.
On 1/15/2019 at 8:20 PM, fizzymagic said:I recommend waterproof log sheets for all cache containers.
^^I just thought the above was worth repeating.^^
On 1/16/2019 at 5:47 AM, coachstahly said:Bison tubes and their o-rings (as mentioned) are the main issue and will need either an o-ring replacement or a full container replacement once the o-ring deteriorates.
I've been using EDPM sulfur cured o-rings and so far they seem to hold up MUCH better than what comes with the typical Bison. Search online, I got several hundred in different sizes for only a few dollars.
On 1/15/2019 at 8:20 PM, fizzymagic said:Pill bottles are entirely unacceptable as geocache containers. Period.
LOL, I don't use them but they're one of the most popular containers where I live. Some cachers take a lot of pills... (and yes, I agree, a very poor container)
Has anyone had experience with plastic "ammo" cans? The one's I've found seem to hold up well and they're very cheap at that well know discount tool place (as low as $2.99) but my overnight leak test in a tub of water was disappointing.
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9 minutes ago, JL_HSTRE said:
This is my 9th year geocaching, with over 5000 lifetime finds. I still sometimes forget a pen. Sometimes when I remember a pen I loose it along the way.
This used to happen to me all the time so I got one of these. It's brutally expensive but there are cheaper alternatives. It's with my car keys and I don't leave home without it.
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Seems reasonable to me that "Update Coordinates" should be part of the Admin Tools menu and not hidden in the Log Geocache drop down menu. I've seen a few cases where CO's have been using the "Corrected Coordinates" (hidden from others) feature to update their cache coordinates, believeing everyone can see what they're seeing. This can cause a lot of confusion.
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27 minutes ago, Red90 said:
Try this:
Thank you!!!!
I remember trying this last time when I was on the phone with the (very helpful, and knowledgeable) Garmin rep but it didn't work that time. This time success!!! Looks like I'm back in business
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FWIW, I've owned more than a dozen Garmins going back to the 45 (circa 1992) and the Oregon 750 has been the most troublesome. While this may, "happen on all Garmin units and is usually caused by some bad HTML in a GPX file", I've only seen it on the 750. I loaded the same GPX using the same computer and program (GSAK) into my Oregon 650 with no issues.
Again thanks for the help!
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11 minutes ago, Red90 said:
This happens on all Garmin units and is usually caused by some bad HTML in a GPX file. Connect it to a computer and boot up in mass storage mode. Delete all GPX files and restart. It is always safest to put the files on a microSD card as it is easier to recover.
Unfortunately it won't boot in mass storage mode, just stops at the splash screen. I loaded the exact same file (to the same directory) in my Oregon 650 and it's working fine.
Edited to add that a Garmin rep once told me to always load geocaches to the main memory and not the the card. I'm now wondering if that was good advice...
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I've had this problem twice now and I'm curious if anyone else is seeing it.
After loading geocaching into my Oregon 750 it locks up on the splash screen and won't start. None of the "hard" resets work and when this happened last summer the unit had to be replaced (under warranty). I'm now having the problem again with the replacement unit (now our of warranty since Oct 5
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The only thing I can think of that might have happened is that the batteries died during startup and somehow corrupted the memory, but that's only a guess.
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I noticed that the background wallpaper images seem to be missing from the 700 series. I kind of liked those. Am I missing something obvious or is there a workaround?
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Looking up or opening a disabled geocache causes the app to report Invalid GC code. The code is perfectly valid as can be seen on the web site or the old app. Both warn in red text that cache is inactive. Being able to see a disabled cache is important to understand why and in some cases get a sense of when it might be re-enabled. The same issue exists for archived caches. In some cases, you may have found the a cache but not yet logged it before it got archived. Both disabled and archived GC codes should be allowed..
^^I agree with the above.^^
I headed out today to do maintenance on one of my caches that I'd disabled. I don't normally have my owned caches loaded in the GPS so I was planning on using the app... Bad plan.
I've been trying to use, and get used to, the free app since apparently that's our choice going forward but so far the experience has been tedious and frustrating, especially when compared to the excellent, but no longer supported, paid app.
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I carry a modified REI Daypack First Aid Kit. Unmodified it's about the size and weight of the NOLS 1.0. I bought it mainly because I liked the way the pouch unzips completely so I don't have to dig around for what I'm looking for. I added things like a CPR barrier, Triangular bandage, a roll of 2" gause, 3x4 molskin sheets (I've never liked the pre-cut/shaped ones), 4x4 gauze dressings and removed non essentials like 2x2 gauze dressings (a 4x4 dressing can replace a 2x2 but the not the other way around). My modified kit weights 9.5 oz and is small enough that it stays in my daypack but complete enough for a multi day trip. The only thing I'd do prior to a long trip is replenish anything that might be running low. Right now I'm almost out of moleskin. I haven't used any in years but there always seems to be someone in the group that needs it.
As far as training, I've taken a total of 5 first aid classes through the years. The first was in junior high school and the others were either sponsored by the local mountaineering club or the National Ski Patrol and were outdoor oriented. Unfortunately, in spite of good intentions, I never kept up with the refresher classes so my card is, once again, out of date.
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Also I have not been able to locate the "how to post pictures here".
Now that you already figured out, don't forget to place your images on a photo sharing page first, so you can create an URL.
That's it.
Thanks for the quick reply. So how do I do that? Is there a page or tutorial for the less than technically inclined?
I just upload them to my geocaching logs. Looking at your profile I see you have several images in your gallery so you already know how (but may not have realized it).
Try this:
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- Go to your public profile (here is a link).
- Across the top are a series of tabs. Select "Gallery".
- Click on the image you want to post and it will open in a window.
- Right click anywhere on the image and copy the URL. (In Chrome select "Copy image URL", in Firefox select "Copy image location")
- Finally in the forum select the, "Insert Image" button and paste the image URL into to box and click "insert image".
It seems like a lot of steps but it goes quickly once you get the hang of it.
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. Regardless I think "mystery" is the best cache type for these.
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Covid19 causing some parks to close
in General geocaching topics
Posted
I assume you're talking about the cache in Triangle park.
I don't see how the reviewer could have known the park was closed. If (and it's a big if) they made a mistake it was an honest one. I think the same is true of the cache owner.
On the other hand it was the FTF that brought it to your attention. The impression I get is they knew the park was closed but ignored it and found the cache anyway.
That's not cool and neither are the 7 other found it logs during the time the park was, apparently, closed.