BBWolf+3Pigs

We're familiar with the workaround. But it would be nice to list the hike (or rafting trip, or cycling trip, or whatever) as the event cache, since it is the real purpose of the gathering. And although it doesn't always work this way, I have been on hikes and cycling trips where we left within a few minutes of the announced time. Some participants arrived just before the announced time. Some arrived much earlier. Some of the early arrivals stayed in their cars until just before the announced time. Some started mingling soon after they arrived. But the hike or the cycling trip didn't start until the announced time. (Rafting and canoe trips haven't worked that way just because the drivers took at least half an hour to shuttle vehicles to the take-out point. But once the drivers got back, everyone else was ready to go and we were on the water shortly after the drivers had their PFDs on.) My paddle events (http://coord.info/GC40TX5 for an example) usually depart pretty close to the listed launch time.

None of the hiking events in which I took part and a hardly anyone in my country has been set up on a trail with lots of caches to be found. Many of the hiking events took place for special events (like e.g. full moon, sun set at winter solstice etc Typically the target audience for such events is much less interested into visiting a lot of caches during one hike than the typical audience of meet and greet events. OK...so what's the problem. The above is not a problem, but the reply to NYPaddleCacher that the hiking event I'm familiar with involve less caching (most no caching at all) when many stationary events I'm familiar with. I already explained that I'm aware of this approach but it does not change the fact that in this manner the official event will last only for 30 minutes which is quite lame and indeed a lie as it is much longer. Still don't see the problem. Look at my listing for last year's event paddle: Get Lei'ed With The Armada It meets the guidelines for event caches. But it clearly spells out the "cezanne style" event timeline, and clearly shows this is basically a whole day affair. [edit: clarify point]

None of the hiking events in which I took part and a hardly anyone in my country has been set up on a trail with lots of caches to be found. Many of the hiking events took place for special events (like e.g. full moon, sun set at winter solstice etc Typically the target audience for such events is much less interested into visiting a lot of caches during one hike than the typical audience of meet and greet events. OK...so what's the problem. Host an event at the top of Mt Geocache at 21:00-21:30 to view the full moon. Make it at 19:30-20:00 at a scenic spot overlooking Lake First-to-find to see the glorious sunset. On these event cache listings, state you plan on leaving the trailhead at some time - people can join you (most will) or come in when theyare good and ready. You keep ignoring good solid ideas for some reason. [edit: typos]

That would be my approach. To me, a half-hour break for lunch (or whatever) along the trail seems closer to the original intent than a half-hour meet-up in the parking lot. It does require some planning to make sure you're there at the posted coordinates during the designated half hour. And it's still a hack to work around the current interpretation of the event guidelines. That's how I work my paddle/hike events. We meet for lunch from 1200-1400 - people either walk in or paddle down the river. We get 30+ people a year to the event.

I've yet to see it but I'd think it would be pretty funny. I see it all the time. I just can't imagine why anyone would notice, let alone be bothered by, other people leaving a geocaching event to go geocaching. I used to list new caches during the event (in various ways). I stopped doing it.

Unbeknownst? I take it then, that you never read the guidelines?

+1

I am still not sure what your issue is. You state you don't care who logs your event cache - whether they would just show up at the trailhead/parking, or join you for the five hour hike. So, list the event for the set up at the trail head, and then walk your five miles. Those that want to join you will. Those that don't, won't. Period. You want to get together with a bunch of people for a hike. Great. I do to. If the hike with some great people socializing along the way is the goal, list it on your local caching Facebook group (or other regional forum) - then you can do whatever you want. You just won't get a smiley (which I gather you're not overly concerned with).

Wow, just did the search, and Providence has 1020 - more than the above cities and almost as many as NYC!

To me, the answer would factor in not only cache density (which is of minor importance to me, since I don't cache for numbers), but scenic locations, quality of caches, and even more importantly local dining and drinking establishments. When our little group does cache runs to other states, our working rule is "at least one cache per state, and as much great local food and drink as possible". We all stay pretty happy that way.

I agree that this is another workaround (that leads to a publishable event) and some hiking events are using it. The disadvantage is that one is less flexible with regard to the timing and need to plan the break in advance. It's typically much easier to estimate the driving time to the starting point than the walking time in particular in the season when the ground can be slippery and/or there is snow. For me it would probably then mean either being late or having to take into account to be an hour early and I would not want to stay 2 hours at the summit and in particular not when it is windy. Somehow it all boils down to having to work with workarounds to make something work which in my opinion is a proper and good set up for a geocache event. I regard going for a walk as closer to geocaching than eating pizza. 1) Don't make it a 2 hour event then. Stay longer if the weather is better and conducive to sitting around on a mountain top. 2) If you are the host, you are basically controlling the walk up to the event with the "I'll be leaving the trailhead at 0930" statement. I would hope you are familiar with the route you would be taking, so would have a pretty good idea of the time to get to the top. If people leave before you and get to the top within the event window (but you aren't there as the host), so what? They can claim it. I just don't see the issue.

Yes, I'm sure (and I do not think that this could depend on the reviewer) but that way the hike is not part of the event and the event is just the phase for getting read, something I do not appreciate at all. It's ok if some only come to this phase and log an attended log (they also could come 1 minute to a 6 hours event and log attended), but I do not appreciate if the event organizer is forced to declare the 30 minutes period at a parking lot as the event. Here's an idea: Event: 11:00-12:00 at the top of Mount Geocache for a picnic lunch; Please bring your own lunch and beverage of choice, as there is not hut or water available at the peak. This is 1.5 hour hike each way. For those that want to join the larger group for the hike up (and enjoy lively discussion on all things caching), we will depart the trailhead coordinates at 0930. I've listed my paddle events that way. The actual event can be hiked to, but it attended by more kayakers than hikers. I list the launch and take-out locations, and when we meet at the launch, so we paddle together pretty much as a group to the event location.

I use the old time package with the two toothpaste type tubes....mix an equal amount & apply. I've attached all sorts of magnets to all sorts of containers. Isn't JB Weld just another epoxy? I suppose there are all sorts of trade-offs that can be made in the manufacture of epoxy (for instance, the quick set formulas are not as strong). Personally, I try to never use any adhesive as the primary method of attachment, just as a furniture maker would never rely purely on glue for a wood joint. A mechanical connection is your ace in the hole. The adhesive is just for backup and to hold that mechanical connection together if necessary. An example would be to attach the magnet to the preform with, say, nylon zip ties, then cover that with epoxy so that the zip ties don't slip out of place. Yes, it is another epoxy - but a dadgum good one. I have not had a single epoxied magnet failure, and I am here in weather fluctuating New England.

A new icon that is not exclusive to Seattle? I recall a few people were upset that they couldn't travel there for the icon. Making a new icon that appears everywhere to pacify them is a little silly. Will it be everywhere, or more like the Adventure Maze exhibit?

I use the old time package with the two toothpaste type tubes....mix an equal amount & apply. I've attached all sorts of magnets to all sorts of containers. What he said. http://www.jbweld.com/product/j-b-weld/ or http://www.jbweld.com/product/j-b-kwikweld-3/ I don't think the clear epoxy is as good/strong.

There *are* other reasons to visit the Pacific NW.

Isn't this getting to be spam?

Do some kayak caching! We did: http://coord.info/GC5KBKX

The listed start and end times have been a requirement for some time.

My method of choice. Have yet to lose magnets when using the JB Weld (no matter what I attach them to!).

You may want to shoot over to eh Geohana FB group with this request: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hawaiigeohana/ The locals are a friendly lot (have cached with them on many occasions) - I am sure you can find someone to help you out!

With some simple tools (tin snips and a pop riveter) and a sheet of aluminum you can make your own custom fit skirt. Some caching friends did just that to create a lamp skirt for a tree out in the middle of the woods.

I did one in the Syracuse area with that much snow...a nice .5 mile schlepp each way. Fortunately cache was at the end of a huge fallen tree (root end) so I knew where I had to dig!

There have been multiple threads on this. The consensus is it is not a great idea. Besides geocaches need a physical log to sign.

The problem I have is now you have to find all the various regional, sub-regional, etc. etc. etc. groups on FB or wherever to find local information. When I traveled to other states, I would come to these forums, and post "What are the best caches in xxx area" in the appropriate forum. Now I have to scour the web to find the right group to post those questions. Here in New England, there are several FB groups that cover the area (where there was only one here at GC). There's huge overlap, with multiple groups covering any given area, and you have sometimes have to post in multiple groups to get everyone that could be affected. It's a major headache.