zenone

FYI: For those looking for a FTF in the Santa Cruz area...my wife and I have two new caches that should hopefully be approved soon that will be awaiting the FTF and those to follow . "Black Box", a mystery cache, was submitted today and is awaiting approval. "The Fairy Harp", a regular cache, will be submitted online later this afternoon after work and will also need to go through the approval process. Happy Caching, Steve

I understand your concern...however...herein exists a great opportunity -- why not educate the public about geocaching? One can cast the sport in a favorable light so as to increase the public's exposure as well as improve perception. For example, NEXT on CNN will have a segment on the sport of geocaching this weekend. Using a different medium, I wrote an article that was recently published in "Adventure Sports Magazine" about geocaching. My purpose for writing the article included the reasons made above (i.e., increase exposure and improve perception). Did the article do any good? I haven't a clue yet...but I believe that it was the correct proactive step for me to take. Lastly, as an Adventure Racer and active member of my county's Search and Rescue team, I *always* ensure that I have matches within my day & 24-hour pack. Yes, we can't control what people will do if they find matches in a cache -- I suppose that a real nut case could intentionally swing an ammo can and knock someone out. Unfortunately, even people that we rely upon within our society have violated our trust -- Volunteer Fireman Arrested for Arson, as just one of many examples. --steve

Hello, FYI: I was watching NEXT on CNN last weekend and the preview for the upcoming weekend's broadcast had a segment on the sport of Geocaching. Keep an eye out for it if interested... --steve

If anyone is looking for some caches in the Santa Cruz area with out of the ordinary storylines, you might be interested in the following (my wife and I recently hid the following): - Houdini's Hideaway Magic Exchange (GCKE7Y) - Bigfoot Sighting (GCKHZX) - Blair Witch'ing (GCKJBE) - just approved Since we seem to be coming up with some unusual-cache-storylines we figured that we might as well start a small series of caches called "Tour de Unexplained" At this time I think we'll be adding 2-3 more caches to this series over the next month or so. Plus, while you're in the area, there are plenty of other great caches ito find! Regards, Steve

If you don't mind driving out an hour there are some really enjoyable hikes/caches in the Southern section of the Santa Cruz mountains (i.e., closer to Felton, Boulder Creek). --steve

I think the "Friends" method would be great. I, too, have family and friends that would like to stay up-to-date on eachother's finds. --steve

Hello, Just a quick question? Who is the approver for the Santa Cruz, CA, area? I've submitted two caches last weekend and am interested in finding out when they might be approved. Secondly, is is best just to submit a new cache and sit back. Else, is there a mailing list that I should also send an announcement to of the new cache awaiting approval? Thanks in advance! Regards, Steve