Lemon Fresh Dog

That's an interesting question! I think that caches can exist as long as they are maintained. Even if the locals have visited, the cache is still nice for new folks to discouver. I suppose if the cache density ever reached the point of being so high that my cache was "blocking" a new cache, then I'd consider removing it. One reason I like older caches in place is because I can always visit them for a quick Travel Bug drop-off. With some of my caches, the visits have definately dropped off after the initial rush by locals, but I still get visits and people seem to enjoy the locations. One thing I am trying to think about is how to "revitalize" an existing cache to encourage repeat visits. One of my caches -- the Coffee Cache, is one that I will occasionally throw a gift certificate into for coffee.

I want one too! Sadly I would be torn if I ever did find one -- I would send it along it's merry way (of course), but MAN would I want to "collect" it. Hopefully, when I create my Lemon Fresh Dog coins this summer I can do a legit trade for "keeps" with someone on one of these.

I'm heading south this saturday and posted on our local forum (www.calgarycachers.ca). Thus far, I have three TB's in my possession, 1 in a cache, and 3 enroute to me. In my case, I gave the local cachers four caches they could place the TB's into if they wanted them to travel. I have had good response -- so this may be an option for you if you have a local forum (or even a regional I guess)

Starbucks cards. Coffee Shop gift certs. This way, an adult gets a coffee and if child is there they can get a Hot Chocolate (I ussually charge them up to $5) I would like to create a signature item and trade for others -- that seems pretty cool. It would be neat to have an "Artifact" page here at Groundspeak where signature items, GEOCoins and the like from all over the world could be shown. Sort of a catalog of creativity!

Hello there, On March 5th I am planning a trip to San Diego. If anyone in the area is interested in trading some geocoins for Canadian geocoins, please let me know. I think I have about 6 or 7 to trade and am interested in any other coins (except Oregon which I have already traded for) Thanks! (please PM me if interested)

Hello there! I'm on my way to San Diego from Calgary, Alberta in the next few days (March 5th). I plan on gathering as many Travel Bugs as I can to bring south and was hoping I could get some assistance? I'm looking for traditional caches (large enough for travel bugs) that are somewhat close to the Conference center downtown and in a relatively safe area (last time I was down in San Diego I think I must have crossed into a *rougher* area of town) As a special *thank you* I will drop one or two Canadian geocoins into the cache I select to visit for the owner\referral person (plus travel bugs and some travel intended coins too!). Thanks for any assistance you can provide (please PM me, as I normally do not visit regional forums and will likely get lost amongst the regular conversation...) Thanks again! I really love San Diego -- just a wonderful place that I wish I could visit more often.

It seems very short-sighted to ban geocaching in parks. To me, it seems like a matter of awareness and education on the part of Land Managers. Maybe an intelligently written, downloadable brochure on how geocaching expands low-impact, environment friendly recreational use of land is in order? Some emphasis on the cache in/trash out activities as well as drawing some comparisions between geocachers and hikers/outdoors people. Most Land Managers reject the new out-of-hand -- Mountain Biking, Snowboarding, and Rock Climbing have all faced similar challenges. As this activity matures, the methods involved in participation will also need to mature. Sure, the sub-culture aspect will fade as things get more "mainstream", but an intelligent approach makes the most sense. I'm looking to Groundspeak to provide some direction and tools that I can use with Land Managers in my area. Consistency will be key and a unified direction would probably work best. If anyone wants a copy of my "Please let me place a cache on your property" letter -- just let me know.

Wow... if the park is paid for from public funds, you should be able to enjoy it. It sounds like they have a little "business" going on for themselves. It might be fun to threaten them with a lawsuit.

If I find a cache and my entry is deleted -- that is the right of the owner -- they have that ability. If, however, they are trying to make a "statement" with their cache I have no time for them and even less respect. To me, having a no-members cache is the same as having a cache with religious material, political material, or other "opinionated" material. What is the point of the cache? To "show" us something we don't know? To "reveal" some anti-wisdom of supporting Groundspeak? To highlight some ficticious "issue"? All that is accomplished is that one element of the experience is removed. No big deal -- getting a happy face is not the most important element anyways. My opinion is that the cache is no place to express opinions-- forums are. That said, I'm a member so I likely wouldn't bother with this cache unless it was in an area that I felt like searching. I don't care about numbers and wouldn't log my visit. Maybe I'd make a "statement" and trade-in geocaching logo'd patches, stickers, travel bugs. I think it speaks volumes for Groundspeak's professionalism to allow this cache to be placed on their site. It amounts to biting the hand that feeds you and Groundspeak is patiently allowing it. MOC -- a way to reward those that support the site anti-MOC - a way to reward those that DON'T support the site See which one makes for a healthier hobby......

Will they be permitted to wear cache uniforms, carry guns, and execute any non-conforming caches and their respective owners? If so -- sounds good. I think if folks like to play the game that way then go ahead. oh.... please don't do anything to my caches beyond the existing rules. You can seek them, sign the logbook, trade items, and log your visit online. A little baggie, a new pencil -- that's okay too.

www.gpscentral.ca is a good online source for GPS units here in Canada. It seems all the "cool kids" in Calgary are using the Garmin 60C (I think that's the one). I'm using a CF card GPS in a PocketPC -- I love that it can show me positions on custom maps from my computer, but am actually unhappy that I must use an atenna with it at all times.

I think it's because the only way to avoid control systems. If you start trying to concern yourself with other folks activities, you need to introduce strict controls and checks to maintain integrity. Most people don't want to be controlled or waste time controlling others. It just doesn't pay dividends. How would we begin to create a "certified" statistics system? Would it be worth the administrative overhead? Community controls tend not to work in what is esentially a faceless sport. Unless we attend local events, we often never see other players in the game. Net result? You do your thing, I'll do mine. I think that is why most folks adopt this attitude.

While I appreciate that the "cheaters" are frustrating, I quite honestly use the stats as a personal measurement of caches I have found. As a result, other folks numbers don't really mean all that much to me. As an example, who is a "better" cacher: someone with a bunch of 5/5's or someone with only 1/1's? It's a moot point, because the best cacher is the one that has fun! My stats are low -- I have a 3 year old and an infant en route - I place more than I can hunt because it is something I can plan, enjoy, and sneak into a very busy life. Although I do not wish to be trite, my response is simply to say that if you worry about others behaviour you will never be short of worries. Enjoy your own personal journey to the triple and quadriple digit stats.

My take is you place the cache, then look for approval. If, for some reason the cache is not approved, find out why and go remove the cache or move it. Maybe you are slightly too close to another cahce -- you can just visit the cache and move it a little. We have some serious FTF folks here -- I would not wish to disapoint them. Might get a bad reputation!

I think someone telling you that you are cheap is very rude. Keep trading and have fun. Don't let the fools bring you down!

Well, seeing as I live in Calgary - you better sign me up for 20 of the little guys.

The two areas I see opportunities for are: Leadership courses for company retreats. Eco-Tourism -- hiking w/purpose. I'm far too busy with my computers, but think that this is something that would be interesting to folks that are a little more obsessed than I. I'm thinking that it would be somewhat similar to paintball. The biggest challenge is that there is no no real "consumable" in the hobby. Paintball has paintballs, etc.

I have placed 10 caches so far -- I always assume they are a temporary game piece that will either go missing or that I will have to remove. If the site is nice, I'll replace. AS for LTF - I would never, ever blame them or accuse them of being malicious. So all LTF's on my caches can rest easy -- no guilt from me!

I agree. I think the discriminating factor is primarily economic and then cultural. (some cultures just probably frown upon "breaking the system" by hiding stuff in the park.

Just curious - does anyone here make their primary income from caching? Selling supplies, Team-Building, etc? If not, does anyone derive a significant portion of their income from the hobby? The reason I ask is that it seems like a rather large community that is only getting larger. It would be interested to see if and how it evolves into a business for some.

I agree. I promise we will never discuss the topic again (haha) I didn't think you were referring to myself specifically, but I like to think that I can relate to what you are saying in your post. You've been here awhile, you have a lot of finds -- caching seems to be a really big part of your life. If I was you and someone (anyone) came along and started saying "hey there, you MUST now do what I say..." -- I'd find it pretty hard to be gracious in my reponse!

Quick question (please link me if it's been done). I would be interested in finding some method of filtering caches to provide a list of those that lead to nice views or parks or areas that might be slightly off the beaten path? The idea being that when someone visits an area they would be able to quickly get to some nice areas without having to visit every cache? My thought is that I could download the waypoints, import them into GSAK, export them into MapPoint and then look for those that are in city parks, near rivers, etc. How do you do it? Of course, if it was just for me, I could hit the regional boards and ask, but I am thinking of a universal method. It would be cool if some clever cacher set-up caching tours.

I thought we weren't being specific. I agree -- we shouldn't drag up the past. Mostly because I think I'll come out looking like a fool in many cases! Being an old-timer doesn't give you any status in my opinion. Being intelligent, helpful, funny and respectful -- that's the stuff I like! In fact, there is a fine line between experienced and knowledgable and being dead wood. If we use stats as a measure of quality, we risk the ability to learn from new folks. We also then open a can of worms - is a 200 cache 1/1 person more experienced to comment than a 20 cache 5/5 person that has been climbing/hiking/skiing/biking for 20 years? I, for one, won't go there. So, how can new people get respect? I have two rules: (Seems to be a theme lately) First: I assume you are intelligent, respectful, concerned and have honourable motivation for being here. Two: As you post and comment, you will either prove me right or wrong, so your first 20 or so posts are "free" in my opinion and if you make a statement that I think is not too smart, I will assume it is part of your learning process and that you are intelligent, concerned and have honourable intent.

Hmmm.. the words "MUST" and "SHOULD" get me a little worked-up because, as anyone reading my posts knows, very opposed to controlling others. (yes, I *know* you and I have exchanged *words* on a certain issue CR, but I still swear to God I wasn't proposing any controls over others) I think the best course of action is to simply state: "I disagree with your comments. The topic has been discussed <HERE> previously. Welcome to the game - enjoy playing!" There is probably a pretty minimal risk that some new suggestion will be adopted to ruin the game. Especially suggestions that are asking for greater control or game modification. I'm a big fan of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" for the game. New people are just excited. They see the potential and want to start working towards their utopian view of the game. Old timers can learn from them, but also educate them on the fact the the game is pretty good "as is". The challenge is to do so in a respectful way when inside you're going "oh lord, not again ... they want to tell me I have to buy one of THESE containers, hide it in one of THESE locations, and put 6 of THESE items in it"

I'm curious, how should such a situation be handled? If you feel the need to comment, post a link to the discussion in order to assist the person. I know I appreciate it. If you feel they haven't played the game long enough, keep it to yourself. Although you may feel that more experience would be benficial to them, it does not really help them in any way to indicate that their stats aren't "good enough". You have no idea what other activities they participate in relating to orienteering or the outdoors. (my opinion only needless to say)