Azaruk

We used to post a list of things we either placed or took from a cache, but no longer do it. Why? I have no idea! We also don't list the items we have placed in a new cache - more interesting that way for the cachers when they find it - not knowing what may be there. We endeavour to always put quality stuff in caches and would rather it be a cool surprise for the finder.

We always cache together. We both work during the week, weekends being our only quality time together. So we have a single account. I prefer hiding to finding, Susan is the BEST finder I have ever come across - she sees things I don't, she truly has "the force". So we make an excellent team and wouldn't have it any other way. We have fun caching, we do it together, 'nuff said.

We cache as a couple. Wouldn't have it any other way. We enjoy getting out and about, going to places we didn't know existed. I enjoy hiding the caches, whereas Susan is the BEST at finding deviously hidden caches. That's why we are a team. If, though, for various reasons one of us doesn't have the time, then we don't go. Simple.

I've had two approvers/reviewers checking my caches for approval. Always courteous, helpful and willing to share their knowledge with me. I certainly have no complaints. As far as I am concerned, the approvers/reviewers are the unsung heroes of geocaching.

Then there's no problem. And good for you! Better swag = better cache. Up to you whether you post a note or not ......

I see nothing wrong with trying to raise the level of swag in a cache. Only for your friends? Or for other players as well?

That's the way I feel about it. Paying for the pocket query feature when there are so few caches in this country (province) is a waste as far as I am concerned. I'll happily contribute through other products on which I am sure the host site makes a profit!

I assume you are talking about Beeline GPS? I was also impressed with the fact that I had made a few suggestions to improve the product. These were all accepted as valid, appeared almost immediately on the "to-do" section of their web site and some of them have already been implemented. I agree with the other comment from "Erwast" that Beeline has the potential to be one of the best around. I am certainly not sorry that I purchased the product.

I use Beeline GPS on my Pocket PC. When evaluating the product I had a few queries and problems, which Monty from visualgps answered promptly and solved all my problems. I didn't look any further as I reckon product support is as important as the product itself. Beeline GPS has worked well for me. It is still an "infant" but the authors have some great ideas which will be implemented soon. A low cost, coupled with free upgrades also contributed to my decision. Once I got used to the program's interface, the functionality is great. My Pocket PC is a very early model, so I experience problems with downloading etc, but with the low number of caches here in South Africa, that is NOT an issue with me. The software is easy to use, has informative screens regarding sats, error calculations and so on, has a good tracking function, has geocaching icons (a LOT of them), and is well worth the registration fee. Note: I am not allied in any way to visualgps or Beeline GPS!

South Africa: I drive a diesel LandRover. Cost per litre is around $1.00 depending on whether it bought inland or at the coast (refineries are at the coast = cheaper)

Can you, from the www.geocaching.com site only tell me what the cache placement policy is for Msinsi Holdings here in KZN? Without a phone call, or going to any other site, I doubt you can answer the question. The local site will do just that. It has been stated over and over again in this topic that the site is for information. It is not and never will be a regulatory body, a club, a subscription site, a rule-book or anything else you guys are trying to read into this. INFORMATION Pure and simple. And, as I have suggested before, if you don't see the need for the site, don't go there. There was absolutely no need for geocacher_coza to even inform you of his intentions. He was looking for input. Instead, all he has received, apart from a couple of posts, is negativity. Stick to geocaching.com if you so desire. The game is about choice - exercise your rights - don't visit the local site!

Me too. If I enjoyed the site, enjoyed a well-hidden cache in pleasant suroundings, cool! Getting there is all the fun I need. And if the cache is well hidden, that's a bonus.

That is exactly why a South African info site is being suggested. This forum thread is not about seeking approval from fellow cachers. The site will be built. The site will be for information, not rules, not committees, not trying to change the way the game is played. The final choice is yours - if you feel you want to know something specific or unique about the South African caching scene, go to the local page. If you have no need for that sort of information - go to geocaching.com. The fact that there is an information site pertaining to South Africa will not affect your game play in the slightest.

Giving a talk to a school group is a great idea. We have a high school just down the road from us, I'll try and get something organised. In the mean time .... I have been giving a lot of thought to the whole competition thing .... I know there's only a few of us here, but ... define a good or great cache. I look forward to seeing the answers, and am sure there will be vastly different views ........

We use a natural product based on Citronella Oil. It is produced in a stick form and has proved really effective here for mosquitoes and ticks. We also have a product which is added to rinse water when laundering cache clothes. I can't remember the name of the stuff but will find it and post. It permeates the clothing, is hypoallergenic and effective for up to three months. Also works real well.

It's always the simple ideas that work! Why didn't I think of that!

I sometimes surprise myself with my own brilliance! Am phoning East Coast Radio to try and get onto either the morning or late afternoon show. Will advise of result ........

I agree with the statement about log or email comments. I have has some very gratifying comments regarding both the cache and the cache location. Makes me feel good! I certainly have no objections to you posting a rating system. A generous offer and a web-page that should generate a great deal of interest - not to mention comments!!!!! The last statement is the kicker. The Sunday Tribune article was well written, got the excitement of caching across well and was very complimentary to the sport. Out of an estimated readership of over 600 000, I had 4 responses!!!! So ..... HOW do we attract more players? Get on the local radio station? Try and get onto Carte Blanche? Put leaflets under the windsreeen wipers of 4WD vehicles (they at least should be outdoors people!) Buy a mailing list? Stand on top of a tall building and shout a lot? Open to suggestions ........

Getting better all the time! Way to go!!!!!

If you're going to go to a breeder and intend taking a pup from a litter, take my advice (which has always worked for me). Introduce yourself to the litter, walk away and sit down a short distance away. The pup that actively seeks you out is the pup you should take. Let the dog choose you, not the other way round, and you'll have a loyal friend for life!

Man Oh Man - this is seriously good marketing!!!! The numbers of people who will be waiting in eager anticipation to see the next issue of the magazine must have increased dramatically!!! Well done!

OK in principle, but a great cache to one person could be an absolute bummer to another! Quantifying the quality of a cache will be a difficult thing to do. But I agree that improving the quality of caches is a noble task.

Because land managers think differently to cachers! This is why I suggested that guidelines be published on a provincial basis. We are fortunate here in KZN (so far) that we are looked upon as mostly harmless eccentrics, but with a social and ecological conscience. But, that said - some land managers here are beginning to tighten up, and want to know more about the game, its 'rules' and whether the placement of a cache is going to cause problems, not because of the cache as such, but by hordes of heavy-footed people trampling through their ecologically sensitive bush areas. It is essential that we, as the 'core' of South African cachers, modify the original guidelines to make them South Africa specific, with pertinent information regarding permissions on a province by province basis. This will amount to nothing more than a page or two of web-based information containing contact names, addresses and information given to us by the relevant land managers. In addition, links would be provided to local cachers who have volunteered to assist newbies, to liaise with land managers and to show the authorities that we are serious about the game, do not destroy their reserve areas, and are responsible people with a resposible attitude. There will (hopefully) come a time when we have many, many more cachers playing the game in South Africa. In that case, we will need to show the authorities that there ae guidelines to playing the game, there is a code of ethics and that we intend no harm to the environment.

We have a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. They are great companions, incredibly loyal, very playful, great with kids and exceptionally easily trained. Intelligent and whole lot of fun! Problems? They never grow up! And "Sapper" has yet to find a cache on his own. He loves chewing the container to destruction, though! He came from an animal shelter as a youngster. It was the best thing I ever did!

If that's the case - I apologise. Try one of these next time