Bluespreacher

quote:Originally posted by BrianSnat: quote:LNT is not about some radical agenda, it's a practicle program for back country use that minimizes the imapct of recreational users. The point is, when the next visitor comes to an area, they should not be confronted with your waste, trash, fire-rings, etc. It is really a very balanced and reasonable approach, in my opinion. I think we and searching-ut are on the same page. I'm not a member of any group or advocating membership. I know that the LNT people have a dim view of geocaching. I do like the basic principles, though. I have seen many caches that have spawned social trails and lots of trampled ground. One especially was bad because the coords were way off (300 ft). Most of it heals, though, especially after the initial interest wears off. I do think we need to show some concern for the impact caching can have. Pack out human waste? No, I'm not going to do that. I'll not travel to places where that's required. I've heard of others being insenced when a hiker threw an apple core into the woods. Of course, that might be a problem in some high-use areas, but mostly I don't get it! Keep on caching, Bluespreacher LNT looks like a great idea on the surface, but many LNT'ers are quite radical. Among the things they espouse are the packing out of human waste (I bury it, but I ain't carrying it around in my pack!). I've butted heads with these folk in many newsgroups and they are absolutely intolerant of anybody who doesn't toe their line. I had an extensive debate with one fellow who wanted to ban trekking poles because they scratched rocks and he wasn't alone. _"Au pays des aveugles, les borgnes sont rois"_ "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by Searching_ut:I hate the term “Leave No Trace”. It’s something I associate with those political activist so called environmentalists who’s short sighted, misguided As for “leave no trace”, it’s not possible . You might be interested in LNT's web site. http://www.lnt.org/ LNT is not about some radical agenda, it's a practicle program for back country use that minimizes the imapct of recreational users. The point is, when the next visitor comes to an area, they should not be confronted with your waste, trash, fire-rings, etc. It is really a very balanced and reasonable approach, in my opinion. Geocaching can fit quite well with LNT philosophy, I think. Check it out, there may be some things you'd find useful. Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by Bilder:http://www.adn.com/alaska/story/3280484p-3310005c.html Finally the state legislature and the governor do something right! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I have never been lost. Been awful confused for a few days, but never lost! OK. I know I'm going to be flamed to smithereens. I just don't get it. All you guys are so afraid when you go caching that you have to pack a gun? I don't care if you do, it doesn't matter to me. I figure, you're cachin', we're buddies. But I don't understand your fear. Of what? Out in the woods you are 'away' from the crazies. Population density is near zero. All the stalkers are in town looking for old ladies to rob, but you feel afraid? I just don't get it. There's nobody out there but you and me ( I will not hurt you). Besides, if 'they' are out there to get you, you won't hear them coming! Think about it, when was the last time some creep got a mile from his pick-up? I know someone will have an example. So what? Relax a bit. If carrying a big, heavy toy makes you feel more secure, fine. I live just fine with out it, maybe you could, too. Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by BrianSnat:Well not exactly, since you are only "borrowing it", but here's the deal. Become a hike reporter for the http://www.localhikes.com website. It's a website dedicated to listing hiking trails throughout the country. If you are accepted as a reporter, you are given a copy of Topo! for your state and you get to keep it as long as you submit ocassional hike reports. Of course, they want the software back if you end your association with the website, or fail to live up to your part of the agreement, which is simply to periodically document nice hikes in your region. Not a bad deal. I just got my Northeastern USA Topo! software today. _"Au pays des aveugles, les borgnes sont rois"_ Well I quickly filled out my app. It sounds like a great thing. Thanks for posting this in the forums. Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

Your 5-year-old will love it! She will have a different take on it than you. To her it will be a treasure hunt and finding cool stuff. Make sure that the difficulty isn't too hard, though. She may not be up to long, hot hikes. Just like any hike, though, be sure you take water, snacks, bug dope, and sunscreen. If you move at her speed, you'll see she does just fine. You probably want to consider finding a few on your own first. That will familiarize you with the hardware and the process. Then when you take the little one, she won't get discouraged by too many 'no-finds'. One last point. To you the whole thing is about the find, to her it will be the loot. Be sure to take good trade items so she can learn to 'trade up'. This will help keep the quality up in your area, plus, it's just more fun to leave better than you take! Get out there and have some fun! Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by GeneralBracket:Maybe I'm dense. Subtract from what? I'm with you on this. It seems to me that several times the seeker is asked to subtract a value found in the movie from an unknown number. Are we missing something? Other than that, I think the rating is about right, just don't expect a bunch of folks beating the bushes on this one! Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by Team Madapple:there is a new drink coming it will be the only sugar free, calorie free sports drink on the market. It is just a small company starting in Florida,,,stock symbol is CPLY,,,and it was at .08 cents a couple weeks ago and went up to .54 and is now about .40....just if anyone wants to look at it for an investment. It is called Champion Lyte and will be in different flavors with all the minerals and electrolytes but without the calories of other sports drinks. Will be marketed in Florida first and then move across the country as they sign regional bottling contracts. I think it will be a big winner. Exploring the world,,,one Cache at a time !!!!! Umm ... the forums are not for blatant commercial posts. Just not the place. Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by Jeremy (Admin):. Jeremy Irish Groundspeak - The Language of Location Like you, I'm puzzled how we got here from the NPR story, but I share your opinion about our 'right' to plunder archeological sites. After all, what have old pots done for US lately? "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by Tikiroy:I heard about the geocache site on NPR for the first time ever today. I was on my way to work and once there immediately signed on. I read all the rules I could find posted, browsed a while and then joined up. I was surprised at how many finds there were in my own backyard,so to speak.I was also surprised at what an enthusiastic and friendly bunch of people were here.I do believe that things are set up in such a way as to attract the people who would take this type of activity seriously while having a great time. I know I surely will...Thanks to all responsible for this great new hobby of mine, and I can't wait to go out and find my first cache. Thanks again!!! Welcome aboard! I hope you get as much fun out of it as I have and many others, too. Hope to hear from you on the forums. Keep on caching, Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by Jeremy (Admin): quote:Originally posted by Team Shibby:I know Jeremy and most people feel that any advertising is good advertising, especially when it is free but I find I dont tell people about it quite as much as I use to. Here's the way that I look at it. I am by no means a press jockey - to put it bluntly I'd rather be behind the curtain than in front of it. However, I'd rather respond to press inquiries and be the "talking head" instead of say, Burtroid the Monkey Boy who enjoys burying caches in archeological digs with his ATV. The growth of the sport is astonishing, and certainly this is all growing faster than we anticipated, so I'm pretty indifferent about press at this point. I'll try and respond to inquiries as best I can, and hopefully find a local to go out on a cache hunt with a reporter. Jeremy Irish Groundspeak - The Language of Location We listen to NPR every morning, but I was 'otherwise occupied' when the story came on. My wife cranked it up! So glad to hear you do so well on NPR. Sorry about the golf balls and the digging, buy you came off sounding good. And I think you made Geocaching sound good,too. In fact, even the golf ball trader sounded pretty cool. Thanks for all your work to keep this going in a good direction! Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by bgunner01:While I agree that there are many things out there that definitely should not be placed in caches, I have some reservation about how much responsibility/right I have to make the decision as to what is right or wrong to be in the cache. IMHO the cache owner should be doing periodic maintenance on his/her own cache and they can add/remove anything they darn well want to. Just yesterday I was reading a geocaching thread talking about the large quantities of caches that various people had placed. I agree it's admirable that people have the time and resources to plant that many, but the first thought that came to my mind is - I wonder if they also maintain their 40 or 50 caches? Too many caches are being initiated and then mostly or totally ignored by their owners. This is one of the main reasons for junky, trash-laden caches. My motto has been Don't plant it if you ain't gonna maintain it. What do you think? There....now I feel much better Some things are generally seen as inapropriate. The hider cannot always be there in a real timely fashion. So I will do what I can to improve the cache. I try to trade up. I'll remove obvious junk. I've even brought new cache containers to replace ones that I know have been damaged. It's not that hard to help the caching community out by doing some light-urgent maintainance while you're there. Just my .02 Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by Team GPSaxophone: quote:Originally posted by Bluespreacher:<snip>...but us non-smokers should cut them as much slack as we can, they're addicted! Show some compassion, OK? Drug addicts are addicted too, should we cut them some slack? (Oh yeah, nicotine is a drug, too) No one physically forced them to put a cigarette (or other drug) in their mouth (nose, or bloodstream) - it was their own choice. Tobacco companies may have made it look appealing to smoke, but that's part of advertising. Just because you see an ad for (any product), it doesn't mean you are forced to use it - you make a choice to use it or not. http://mywebpages.comcast.net/ihazeltine/bandbass.gif Of course starting to smoke is a personal choice. The thing is, most smokers made their chioce in their teens and now wish they could quit. By the time they are in their 30's most smokers would love to quit (and many do). As far as cutting addicts some slack, sure, why not? It's a pitiful thing to be addicted to a harmful substance. Yes, there is a great weight of personal responsibility too, but I think there's always some room for compassion for the afflicted among us. Just my .02, Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by Verboten:I guess this thread has surpassed my intentions. In the worst way possible. Hate the player, not the game! That is all, -Vb Was it my post in the 'grocery cart' thread that started this? If so, I'm sorry and confused. I thought the grocery thread was a joke, and I just wanted to add to the humor. This is not the first time my sense of humor has been mistaken. This thread has been really fascinating, though. It's just about as far off-topic as can be imagined, yet everybody has to chime in. The truth is, smoking is widely considered to be anti-social behavior and anti-social people are looked down on. Do I hate smokers? No, I don't. They are truly addicted and have not kicked yet. Many never will (or be able to). Yes, they smell things up. And yes, many could be more considerate, but us non-smokers should cut them as much slack as we can, they're addicted! Show some compassion, OK? I really have to try to stay away from these forums from now on (joke). Keep on caching, Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by Cloak_N_Dagger:Fun? I personally don't see this as something that would help promote geocaching. Doing something to inconvenience someone else isn't what geocaching is about. Think of the single mom that's working two jobs to support a family. Maybe she just has enough time to grab some groceries before she picks up her kids, or heads to her next job. Then the "Fun" begins. She steps around the corner to get something .. and "poof"... her groceries are misssing. Now she doesn't have time to go all the way back through the store and fill the cart again. Suppose the shopper is handicapped or elderly. Sometimes it's a big job just to make it through the store ... one time. I fail to see the "fun", sorry. It just appears to be an inconsiderate thing to do. I hope it's not something that this site would encourage. Just my .02 -------------- Changing some folks mind, is like trying to herd cats. http://img.Groundspeak.com/cache/55883_200.gif Would it be better if you picked out somebody that seemed like a jerk? A smoker, or someone that yelled at his kids or tried to run you over in the parking lot? Would that be more funny? Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by brin:I am in Binghamton, NY. New to this eye taxing hobby. My wife bought my garmin etrex legend as a surprise gift (without any input from me, of course). Aren't women funny that way? I believe I would have gotten something with a bigger screen.. but anyway, I now have to put it to use. where in Minnisota do you reside? Or is it New Hampshire? Thank your wife. You're gonna love the Legend. Mine came with a big book and a litte book. The little on was just the getting started part. It's about all I ever needed. Get out and use it, get a little frustratd, it'e gonna be OK! Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by tirediron:The Walmart Housebrand is an excellent bet for quality, inexpensive 'AA' bats. I buy four packs of "EverActive" batteries, and get a good solid 14+ hours in my eTrex Legend. These are actually made by Energizer, and are the same battery, just wrapped in a different label. At 4/$2.29 (In Canada; probably cheaper in the US, and even cheaper when you buy the larger packages) it's hard to justify the expense and annoyance of rechargables in my opinion. I actually had a finder log that he left 4 Dead AAA's! That was real nice! I hiked my butt down there and got them out of there -- cache maintainance. Otherwise, I put AA's in caches. Forgive me, but I buy cheapee Walgreens alkalines. I figure there OK in an emergency! Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by njunderground:Today also was my 1st day at this. I was 1-2. The first place I tried kept giving me false readings. I got within 50' and the GPS told me to go 180 degrees back where I came. I kept going back & forth but couldn't get readings closer than 80-90' now. I tried restarting the unit figuring a better satalite fix would help but it got worse. I gave up after 45mins and went to another cache closer to home and found that one but with similar problems but not as bad. Before I went out today I had been praticing at home and had always been able to get back to the waypoint within 5' so I knew how to use it. Whats going on?? It's called the Drunken Bee Dance. GPSr'sare dependant on many things. One is motion. If you are not moving, the unit will give you funny info on the direction you must go. Another is refresh interval. The reciever only 'refreshes' from time-to-time. It might be every second or it might be a *lot* longer if you are in Battery Saver Mode or have WAAS enabled. So the reciever directs you based on where you just *were*. You turn, and it directs you based on where you just *were* again. Soon, you're walking in circles and the GPSr is perfectly happy. Solution? Walk in straight lines, sight ahead and stick to that course. When you get close, slow down. Back off and approach again, and see what the pointer does. Last, when you're really close, turn the thing off and use the 'Force'. You will get the hang of it, for sure, just keep at it and get some finds under your belt. Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by TEAM 360:Went to get a benchmark today, and it was supposed to be near an intersection out in the country. I parked on the side of the road and was walking back and forth across the lane, trying to get a good fix, when this guy and his girl (Biff and Muffy, you know the type) pull up to me in a fancy new Beemer, roll down the window, and ask "Is this road open, or are you guys working on it?". I had my GPS and camera bag along with some printouts and pen in my hand, so I guess he thought I was part of a survey crew. Ha! Revenge time on the Yuppies! "Closed off", I told them, waving my hand, "You have to go around". He rolled up the window and drove off. "Around" meant a 4 mile detour. HA HA! Oh, that is just so sick! I would never have been able to think that fast. It gives me ideas of things whole geocaching 'crews' could do! Keep up the good work! Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by headmj:<FLAME ON> Yep, that’s right I hate “Earth Day”. I “cache in – trash out” all the time and my Boy Scouts and I have picked up a lot more garbage than most so called environmentalists, but I still hate “Earth Day” This is one of those events that makes me angry. It was invented in the 60s while I was in college by a bunch of leftist-socialist (dare I say communist) kooks who used it as just one more way of assaulting a capitalist free society. If you read the drivel that is published you would assume that humanity was a scourge from outer space and that we should all just go out and kill ourselves to “preserve the planet”. They will be pleased to tell you that an owl or a fish should have greater rights than you do. Follow the money here. What’s really at work here is a bunch of liberal leftist elite who believe that they are smarter, better educated, and know much better than you do how you should live your life AND they should control ALL the resources so they are properly used. (If you think this sounds Marxist, go to the head of the class) Take a good close look at how they have already limited personal rights and are constantly attacking personal property rights via unconstitutional environmental laws. I will work with anybody who really has the best interest of PEOPLE at heart. These earth day kooks don’t qualify and I will do whatever I can to expose their real game plan and hypocrisy. My birthday is April 22nd. I will be 55 and I am going to proudly proclaim that I had 3 kids (not two, Oh My GOD how selfish!) and that I am here using and modify my environment. <FLAME OFF> April Fools day was Tuesday. Your post was a little late. Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally by OlyHippy:I'm thinking of stocking my caches with some high-power handguns just in case a cache hunter wants to brush up on his/her marksmanships skills. Do you think this is a good idea? This will be the death of our sport! Just wait till the land managers find out about this plan, then we'll never be able to hide caches anywhere. Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by BeDoggy:Well, Peanuthead, I do have a very fulfilling life. What I'm trying to say is that elitists are always trying to make you feel that you are not justified in feeling that way. As for geocaching being a sport where you are in it alone, that is true. Until of course you try to discuss it on the geocaching forum. Then the elitists come into play. But it's no big deal really. I'll enjoy geocaching anyway, just like I enjoy golf, computers, playing the violin, fishing, reading and several other hobbies I do. I just shouldn't have to be putting up with being flamed by these people and put down. So I vented a bit and now It's over. I'm heading out the door to hide a new cache, find a new cache, then take my kids fishing. Looking forward to a fun day, to coming home muddy and cold and making hot chocolate for everyone, and having a nice sunday dinner. I have a very fulfilling life, you bet. I find this confusing. Where are all the elitists? I, too, have hobbies and activities that I enjoy, but I've never met an elitist -- especially an elitist geocacher. You run into elitists when you golf, cache, fish, and read? Maybe you are attracting them somehow, I don't know. As far as Geocaching goes, I figure the guy who has the most fun wins. Don't let percieved elitists ruin it for you. Just seek the caches that interest you, and when you're ready, hide some you think others might like. Keep on Caching, Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by cachew nut:Yep, Markwell seems to understand my question. And his logs are some of the ones I like to read, since each log links to the next found cache. Others do this as well, not just Markwell. I believe the Paterquest logs were like this. I was thinking of doing this myself, but I usually only get one day out of the week to go hunting, so I plan ahead to maximize the number of caches I could visit. My question was more about giving away the route rather than giving spoilers in the logs. I don't mind if others do it, it's unlikely that I would try to duplicate Markwell's logs because I either already found some of the ones in his logs, or there are still some closer on my nearest list. Plus, I think I might be able to do better if I do my own work. I asked the question simply because I was thinking of providing these links myself, and would like some feedback before I decide. I'm not a great writer, so my logs are kinda on the short side. There are some local cachers that are writers, though. I really get a kick out of reading their longer logs. It's fun to read their report of the approach, mishaps, Force, etc. I didn't even mind too much when one finder reccomended that I be locked up in the ammo box as punishment for choosing difficult terrain! The stories are a big part of the fun. Keep it up! Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by Cache Canucks: quote:Originally posted by keck314: Nope, they move. And they're not geostationary either. ...nor are they geosynchronous. http://canflag.ptbcanadian.com/images/animated/provii/ontario1.gif But they *are* redundant! Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

quote:Originally posted by BrianSnat:I'm asking for actual experiences people have had. We all know the potential problems and pitfalls. The purpose of this post is to see if anybody has actually run into them, or if the cache has been a success. _A government that is big enough to give you all you want is big enough to take it all away._ -Barry Goldwater I've done two that were on private property (owned by the hider). One (Eagle Landing) was in a quite remote area. There are woods, hills, and fields. The cache page said it was private property and it was OK. It was a very nice and fun cache, even if the drive took longer than the find! Another one was on a cacher's property. His rural drive crossed a bridge. The cache was hidden under it. We got to meet the hider and had a good time chatting. I'm sure that the concerns about law suits are realistic. I do think that a hider would do well to consider the element of risk to the seeker, just for the hider's protection. Oh! I remember a third. It was in heavy woods at the top of a steep valley, I had trouble finding access and parking. I ended up parked in an iffy spot and walked back across who-knows-whoes land. The cache was just OK. So I might suggest good parking coords and pretty good clues about permitted access. Any way, I think that hiding on one's own private property is a good idea if done right and you can accept the risk of litigation. Keep on caching, Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

What a great post! I commend you for reading through the posts before hiding a cache. Now you have an overview of the community's concerns and opinions. Borrow or steal a yellow etrex and get going! You might consider some 1-2's to start, just to get a feel for the hardware and stuff. It's tons of fun. See you 'out there', Bluespreacher "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer