Pyewacket

Personally, I'll try caches with a higher difficulty/terrain rating of 1/1. So far, there's only one I haven't been able to get, because a huge fallen tree blocks my path; most anyone who isn't a wheelchair pilot could get under or over said tree. My fave cache is hidden less than a foot off a paved trail, underneath the base of a footbridge that fords a small stream. It's under the bridge, so to speak, but just where the bridge begins, so there's no downhill racing or swimming to get to it. A non-geocacher would never know it's there; it's not at all visible unless you know exactly where to look. It's a perfect example of an accessible cache; no special "out-of-place" devices were used to hide it. Other good places for accessible caches are going to be subjective, as noted, depending on the cacher's ability to reach and/or wheel off an "improved" path or trail. A few suggestions: Caches hidden behind existing architectural elements, such as loose bricks or boards, at a level between 12-40 inches. Well-concealed caches hidden in thick brush within reach from an established path or trail that can be transversed easily in a wheelchair. Micros hidden in the forks of low trees or bushes. Caches disuised as, or in the form of, an existing item that most people wouldn't look at twice, because it seems to "belong" in its location, such as the above-mentioned birdhouses. Magnetized containers hidden beneath mailboxes, park benches, and other receptacles. An exception would be a dumpster; these are picked up by trash trucks and banged about, possibly dislodging a magnetic cache. Micros hidden between fences and fence posts (wedged tightly enough between the two, yet removed easily enough by hand). Containers sandwiched between two-sided signs. Small boxes stashed in the open end of a metal pipe railing, or a rail with an easily-removed end cap. A cap that can be removed from the top of an upright post can also be a good hiding spot. I hope some of these ideas spark some inspiration. But, remember, not all wheelchair pilots will stay "on the beaten path", depending on on our abilities, and the capability of our equipment. I appreciate so much the effort put forth to make this activity fun for everyone.

I wouldn't need any music; all I'd need is a single deck of cards. As soon as I started playing solitaire, someone would come up behind me and tell me which card to play next. I'd just catch a ride home from him or her.

I'm sure this has been addressed before, but I'm doing a survey, of sorts, to find out what interesting sig items you leave in a cache...items that have "you" written all over them. If it's unusual, personalized, unique, or just plain fun, please post it here. Thanks!

Another cacher of the female persuasion here. An online friend told me about caching, and I was interested as soon as I looked at the web site. I cache alone, but hope to bring my husband along as soon his all-too-busy schedule allows. I've been thinking about bringing my dog, Pippin, (also a female), but if she catches scent of a squirrel, I'll be traveling much faster than my normal 15 mph pace. Hair? Chestnut brown, soft curls, down to my waist. Edited to add hair info, though I'm not sure why.

Just let me say that, even though there weren't any caches that would have been accessible for me, I would have LOVED to have been there just the same. Sounds like you guys had the MOST mondo time!

I'd be really upset if I had done two stages of a multi, only to find that I had to use stairs to get to the next stage or try to get a cache out of a tree. It's one thing to underestimate a traditional, single-stage cache; speaking for myself, I can *usually* gauge a cache's level of difficulty by looking at it beforehand. However comma...to get halfway through a multi, and have to quit...well, it would be frustrating, to say the least.

Congrats on your find, and welcome to Geocaching! I'm new myself, but am so enthusiastic that, in my 21 days of caching, I have: Found 8 traditional caches Found one VERY fun multi-cache Met an alligator face to face (or too close for comfort, anyway) Visited two virtual caches Logged a locationless cache Learned a lot of history about the surrounding locale Helped to make my corner of the world a cleaner place (CITO) Logged one DNF, but will soon revisit the site of my misadventure Chatted with some wonderful people who have quickly become friends Discovered new areas of the town in which I live Realized that getting out of the house is a better remedy for lupus than staying home and throwing a pity party It's wonderful to have an activity in which to be enthusiastic again; it helps to fill the longing for the hiking I used to do years ago. As others have told you already, you're gonna get hooked...if you're not already.

1981 Criminal and MountainMan looked like the guys I dated, too. I've always had a thing for geeks?

The recipient of the email may possibly have a filter set through his or her server, which will only allow through emails he has approved, and might not have gc.com allowed. There are also anti-spam programs that actually change the email protocol, where email is, essentially, bounced to the recipient only after being verified by the program. There are several variables in the above situations, and if email from gc.com hasn't been recognized as safe, or spam-free, you, as the sender, may get a bounce-back. Slim are the chances that anyone's email address is being disclosed in such a way that it can be gleaned for other spammers.

It seems that I may have inadvertently opened a can of worms. I had NO idea my original post would bring about such fervor; it was an innocent post from someone who has [yet] to start geocaching. As a newbie, I asked if most cache descriptions are listed accurately enough so that I can make a judgement call on whether or not I think I can make my way to a cache in my wheelchair. I sent a message to rldill, thanking him for his efforts before I saw his post saying that he would no longer be posting. I didn't see him "spamming" the forums, though I would never consider what he was doing spam to begin with. To me, spam is advertising a site in an inappropriate environment that will bring some kind of personal gain to the one doing the spamming. It seems to me that rldill was simply informing people across the board of his intentions...people who may not read one particular thread because of their interest in another and/or new people who may not read older threads. However, this whole site is dedicated to geocaching, so how could informing members of the intention to list wheelchair accessible geocaches be considered spamming, especially when he had nothing to gain from a financial viewpoint? Granted, I'm very new here, and respect the moderators' rights to their opinions, but that doesn't mean that I think their actions will always be appropriate. Just one aspect of living in a democratic society. I'm at a loss for words, which is rare for me. I never thought my seemingly innocent question could have instigated this situation. I wish that rldill hadn't apologized for "offending the group"; I don't think he has. It's not as if he was reminding handicapped individuals of their limitations...trust me; we know all about those. I sincerely hope that he will reconsider leaving this venue. I've been here such a short time, but I feel that he's done an admirable job in spreading his enthusiasm for a hobby that is accessible, within reason, to everyone, and even more importantly, his only desire was to share that enthusiasm with others who may not have believed it was something of which they are capable. For the record, I neither asked for anyone to hide their caches in wheelchair friendly locations nor do I expect them to do so. I merely wanted to know if I can tell from the descriptions if I'll be able to get to them. My question was answered more than adequately, and I was given further suggestions to ensure my success. I don't expect the world to pave a path to every locale I'd like to visit...like everyone else, I have limitations, and I accepted those long ago. Please reconsider your decision about leaving, rldill. You have so much to contribute. Tee (aka Pyewacket)

Thanks to all of you for the advice, suggestions, links, kind words, emails, and signing the guest book on my web page. I appreciate your compliments on my Rockoons and the GimpMobile. Alas, the GimpMobile decided she'd seen enough miles right after I finished refurbishing the inside...her "get-up-and-go" got up and went. I do have another van, but it will never replace the GimpMobile; she was one of a kind and will forever live in my heart...Rust in peace, old gal. </sappy-sentimentality> I ordered a brand new, factory-sealed basic Garmin eTrex for $35.00 less than retail...you see, I really *am* an accomplished treasure hunter. I'll use the eTrex as is without a PC cable or other accessories at first, and determine what else I might need later. It should arrive by next weekend, and if the weather is nice, I plan to seek my first cache. There seem to be plenty in my local area, and a few are virtual caches; they may be easier for me both accessibility-wise and for learning the ropes. Thanks again, peeps...I look forwarding to both reading more of your posts and writing about my finds in the near future.

I believe WebScouter is referring to my "Rockoons"; raccoons painted on rocks. A picture is available on my web page (http://www.geocities.com/tee_king/teebio.htm). "Pyewacket" is the name of a familiar (a witch's companion; in this case, a cat) from the Jimmy Stewart/Kim Novak movie, "Bell, Book and Candle". Eek! My age is showing!

I just learned about geocaching today, and have been reading about it all evening. As you can see from my avatar, I'm in a wheelchair. I'm a born treasure hunter, and love the idea of "the thrill of the hunt". My main concern is that, because of my chair, I may not be able to make my way to many cache locations. Are most site locations described well enough to know whether or not they will be accessible to me? My husband will most likely be with me most of the time, as the idea of geocaching appeals to him, too, schedule permitting. There may be times, though, that I venture out on my own...I try my very best to be as independent as possible (*too* independent, at times). However, the last thing I need is to be stuck in the mud (or worse, in a ditch) with a weak cell phone signal. I don't leave my home very often; I have a weakened immune system (I have lupus) and am all too susceptible to colds, viruses, and other germs found in places with lots of people (stores, libraries, etc.). However, I love being outdoors, and geocaching may be the perfect solution to get me out of the house, weather permitting. I can't tell you how excited I am to start hunting for treasure! I would greatly appreciate suggestions on a GPS unit (and other equipment) that will allow me to find these hidden treasures, as well as any advice you can offer an excited newbie to geocaching. Thanks in advance. http://www.geocities.com/tee_king