Calypso62

This is what I send....... Hi XYZ, Welcome to the wonderful world of geocaching. I've noticed that when you log a find on a cache, it often consists of just a full stop (.). While you are perfectly able to write this as your log text, I just wanted to mention a couple of points for your consideration. A cache owner (CO) takes great pride in coming up with an idea for a cache, researching a suitable location, choosing an appropriate container, stocking that container, placing that container and maintaining that cache when there is a problem, as well as creating the cache page and going through the publishing process so that it appears on the geocaching website and app for you to be able to find. Every time one of my caches is logged online, I receive an email of that log. As a CO, reading the text of your log is a most enjoyable aspect of cache ownership and something I really look forward to doing. As such, COs like to hear about your adventure. Things like, what brought you to the area today? Did you like the location? Whether you had difficulty finding the cache or was it easy for you? Did you enjoy learning about the area you visited by reading the cache description. Overall, did you enjoy the geocaching experience? It doesn't have to be an essay, just a sentence or two to tell the cache owner and those that follow about your experience. Therefore, instead of simply writing a full stop as your log, may I ask you to consider taking a few minutes to write something we can all enjoy reading. I really hope you are enjoying all the many wonderful adventures this activity is taking you on. Cheers and happy geocaching. Calypso62

I sometimes get a Found log, particularly from new players, which consists of just a full stop (.). No text, just this punctuation mark. I don't delete the log as I believe they legitimately found the cache but I have a template message I post to them via the Message Centre asking politely if they might consider writing something of interest. I explain the background in how a cache gets created and the maintenance that's required to keep it in good order for them to find. I try to educate new players. 👍

FYI - From the NSW Reviewer Wiki page...... Pole "Fishing" caches GCHQ has advised that a fishing "pole" is not considered to be specialised equipment and, as the finder is standing on the ground beneath the cache, the terrain rating is that of the land traversed to get to the finders standing position. The difficulty is the challenge of locating, retrieving and then replacing the container

Strange. You're very welcome.

If you want that Japan map, go to BBBike website and click on "Status" on the bottom, left of screen. Scroll down until you see the Japan file and download it. It should be available for a little while.

I was able to download a map for all of Japan using Lite Latin1 format. The file size was 858.5MB, so quite large but OK to fit onto a SD card. I find the lite version works well.

Not sure what you mean by this. You can arrange boundaries for the map you want anywhere in the world. I've obtained maps for a number of overseas places using this website.

It's just an amazing GZ!!!!! I loved my visit there!! 👍

And that particular barefootjeff multi is just awesome!!!!!! 😀👍😀

I also have my eye on a Virtual, GC7BA16 NC500 (Virtual Reward) in Scotland. It's a 500 mile drive around the northern part. There are just 4 waypoints however one of them can only be travelled to by boat. The trip looks fantastic. I love multicaches, whatever their length.

I have a multicache where you need to travel over 1000km (620mi). You visit 12 waypoints before the final. It currently has 50 finds with a 98% Favourite Point rating. It's not for everyone but I guess those who complete it enjoy the geocaching experience.

I use this site for maps for my Garmin GPSMAP 64sx. They work well. https://garmin.bbbike.org/

It's definitely possible. I've created two AL's following trips to S.E. Asia. As The A-Team stated, just make sure there's internet connection available.

I don't think a lot of newbies actually know it's a requirement to sign the physical log inside a cache. There are a number of "experienced" cachers who also don't seem to know that. When I become aware a physical log hasn't been signed, and that's usually by the cacher themselves stating they didn't have a pen, I have a form message I send with gentle reminder of the requirement. I prefer to educate rather than wield a stick.

Another MC issue I've noticed. I wanted to send answers to the CO of an earthcache. In the app, I click Log Cache then Send Answers. I type my answers and click the tick in the top right corner (Android). It says "Sent". When I check the MC, my message has disappeared into the ether!!!! Frustrating! 🤪

If anyone wants a fantastic week (you only need a week) of geocaching fun in a stunning location with great history, visit Norfolk Island in the Pacific Ocean east of Australia. I hosted a group of 34 geocachers to Norfolk Island and we all had a fabulous time finding every cache on the island. You'll also receive a geocaching country souvenir. If you want to know more, please message me. You won't be disappointed if you decide to visit. 😃

Well guess I'm not going there in the foreseeable future. 🤪

I have my eye on the traditional at Port Lockroy, Antarctica.

Antarctica. It's my last continent to find a geocache in! 👍

Thank you. I really appreciate your post. I'm neither a lackey or geocaching social media influencer. Just an Aussie geocacher who thought is was a great idea to celebrate the great geo-friendships we make on May8. Perhaps you would consider hosting a GeoMay8 Day event next year GeoElmo6000? 😀

GeoMay8 Day has come and gone. There were 23 very successful events held globally. That's just fantastic. A big thank you to all our event hosts and attendees. Next year, my goal is 50+ events. Photo taken at GeoMay8 day at the 'Mogah in Sydney, Australia.

That's fantastic!!!! 👍😀👍

**✨🎉🎈 HAPPY GEOMAY8 DAY 🎈🎉✨** (Well, it is the 8th May here Down-Under in Australia!! ) Wishing everyone who attends a GeoMay8 Day event my very best wishes for the day. I hope you all enjoy catching up with great GeoMay8s you already know as well as making lots of new friendships To the event hosts, a very big thank you for taking onboard this crazy idea of mine to celebrate on this special day the wonderful friendships we make through this great activity we all enjoy. This year there are 23 GeoMay8 Day events being held around the world in Australia, New Zealand, USA, Germany, The Netherlands, Scotland, England and Portugal. Next year, I’m hoping the word will spread even wider and we get at least 50 events happening. Fingers crossed. 🤞 Thanks again to everyone for participating in GeoMay8 Day 2025. Cheers, Calypso62 Sydney, Australia

My issues with the Message Centre is on Android.

Same here. I wonder if the changes are intentional or a bug. Whichever it is, please return it to the way it was. This new system is awful!!