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Bluespreacher

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Posts posted by Bluespreacher

  1. quote:
    Originally posted by dysentry:

    Hello Guys,

     

    I have been following Geocaching for a long time, and I only just got hold of a GPS unit (thank you hire purchase!) icon_smile.gif Its a basic Garmin Etrex (yellow).

     

    Well the story goes, I have been on two geocaching trips, both attempting to find two local geocaches, however, I am getting a bit confused as to what my Etrex is doing!

     

    The first geocache I find, once I walk to the area (which is a feild next to a motorway) I get a good signal, but poor accuracy - 60ft. I take a step forward, then same good reception, the accuracy drops down to 20ft, next step - it jumps back up to 60ft! Every so often it would also point north, then swing and point south when I was walking straight ahead.

     

    I know that you need to be moving to get accurate compas direction on the gps, but is this the same for accuracy - like should I be running round like a headless chicken trying to decrease the accuracy? icon_smile.gif

     

    I eventually gave up, mainly due to the fact I had to constantly jump and run across a small (not busy) motorway trying to find out which side the cache was stashed on. But I have vowed I will return!

     

    If anyone could give me a few good tips on how I can use my Etrex to be slightly more accurate - in the sense it the pointer(compas) doesn't swing north&south or east&west seemingly randomly. It would be much appreciated icon_smile.gif

     

    Thank you guys, this hobby has got me out of my computer chair! icon_smile.gif


     

    First off, it's not your Etrex. It's just the way it is. icon_rolleyes.gif (kinda sounds like Zen, huh?) Often the satelites are not aligned in a real good way, then you are in and out of tree cover... It goes down hill from there.

     

    Thing is, GPSr's only give good directions when you are moving. As you circle around, following the arrow, the GPSr updates - slowly. Try to keep a steady motion for a time. Watch the distance reading -- are you getting closer? Sometimes you may have to do this more than once. Sometimes, you might just wait a half hour or so, maybe the sats will be in better positions. Try turning off the 'Battery Saver' option, too.

     

    Just keep on caching, you will soon get a good feel for what the Etrex is doing.

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  2. quote:
    Originally posted by armed to the teeth:

    I have a concealed carry permit, and depending on the situation, of where I'm going, I carry a hammerless 44 special revolver. A lot of anti-gun people might, out of ignorance, be offended by this, but two days ago I had a black bear walk within 25 feet of me. Yesturday, I walked into an area where I found fresh piles of bear scat, and tracks. I've also ran into some very unsavory characters out in the woods, etc.


     

    I hope you don't just make him mad! icon_eek.gif

     

    I think I'd opt for bear spray, myself.

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  3. quote:
    Originally posted by armed to the teeth:

    I have a concealed carry permit, and depending on the situation, of where I'm going, I carry a hammerless 44 special revolver. A lot of anti-gun people might, out of ignorance, be offended by this, but two days ago I had a black bear walk within 25 feet of me. Yesturday, I walked into an area where I found fresh piles of bear scat, and tracks. I've also ran into some very unsavory characters out in the woods, etc.


     

    I hope you don't just make him mad! icon_eek.gif

     

    I think I'd opt for bear spray, myself.

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  4. That sounds like something I'd do!

     

    The first time I heard a pack 'light up', we were camping near a creek that is popular with large groups of canoers. We thought it was a large group of college students cheering the beer canoe. Once the sun went down, though, all was still. We figured out later that it was coyotes.

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  5. That sounds like something I'd do!

     

    The first time I heard a pack 'light up', we were camping near a creek that is popular with large groups of canoers. We thought it was a large group of college students cheering the beer canoe. Once the sun went down, though, all was still. We figured out later that it was coyotes.

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  6. I've read through all the posts so far and I'm convinced that a new rating system is not an idea I would agree with.

     

    Many have remarked that these ratings would be too subjective, and that's right. Not only that, but a cache may deteriorate over time. Only the logs could tell you that.

     

    When I check out a cache page I notice many things. First, the hider. Who is she? Do I know what kind of caches she places? There are some hiders that always hide 'high quality' caches. Sadly, there are some hiders that I will avoid comepletly. Also, I like to read what others have said on their logs. There are finders in my area that I have grown to trust. They give a complete account of their search (with out 'spoiling' my hunt). By then I have an idea if the cache interests me.

     

    Some have said that they don't read the logs, they don't want their search spoiled. Of course, that's their choice, but that makes geocaching a whole diferent game from what I play, so I can't comment.

     

    Just my .02, and worth every bit! icon_wink.gif

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  7. I've read through all the posts so far and I'm convinced that a new rating system is not an idea I would agree with.

     

    Many have remarked that these ratings would be too subjective, and that's right. Not only that, but a cache may deteriorate over time. Only the logs could tell you that.

     

    When I check out a cache page I notice many things. First, the hider. Who is she? Do I know what kind of caches she places? There are some hiders that always hide 'high quality' caches. Sadly, there are some hiders that I will avoid comepletly. Also, I like to read what others have said on their logs. There are finders in my area that I have grown to trust. They give a complete account of their search (with out 'spoiling' my hunt). By then I have an idea if the cache interests me.

     

    Some have said that they don't read the logs, they don't want their search spoiled. Of course, that's their choice, but that makes geocaching a whole diferent game from what I play, so I can't comment.

     

    Just my .02, and worth every bit! icon_wink.gif

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  8. quote:
    Originally posted by KD9KC:

    It was probably some tree-hugger that needed to take a wiz, and didn't want to damage the environment.

     

    ??


     

    I am impressed that you were able to figure out that an enviro-whacko was responsible for the destruction of the cache. These folks are known to wander around in the woods peeing on everything! Is there nothing we right-thinking people can do to stop them? icon_rolleyes.gif

     

    Hang in there and keep caching,

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  9. quote:
    Originally posted by KD9KC:

    It was probably some tree-hugger that needed to take a wiz, and didn't want to damage the environment.

     

    ??


     

    I am impressed that you were able to figure out that an enviro-whacko was responsible for the destruction of the cache. These folks are known to wander around in the woods peeing on everything! Is there nothing we right-thinking people can do to stop them? icon_rolleyes.gif

     

    Hang in there and keep caching,

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  10. quote:
    Originally posted by Cheesehead Dave:

    You can read about them http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020819/sfm001_1.html.

     

    They are NiMH's, charge in an hour, and supposedly last about three times as long as regular ones.

     

    Anyone know anything more about these?

     

    Any what kind of batteries do you use?


     

    I use NiMH batts for everything. Couldn't help but note, though, that there was no real info about the 'new' batts on the link you included. Sounded more like marketing than a new battery.

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  11. quote:
    Originally posted by DesertTrekkers:

    If searching for an Avatar, is as fun as searching for a Cache?

    Then I'm going to love GeoCaching, when I finally get my GPS!

     

    icon_biggrin.gif WAHOO!!


     

    I saved up for months for an avatar. First, I bought a dictionary. Now I've got a 'starter' avatar. I hope I can keep up the payments! icon_biggrin.gif

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  12. quote:
    Originally posted by DesertTrekkers:

    If searching for an Avatar, is as fun as searching for a Cache?

    Then I'm going to love GeoCaching, when I finally get my GPS!

     

    icon_biggrin.gif WAHOO!!


     

    I saved up for months for an avatar. First, I bought a dictionary. Now I've got a 'starter' avatar. I hope I can keep up the payments! icon_biggrin.gif

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  13. quote:
    Originally posted by Ramness570:

    Just wondering what the longest your cache has sat between visits. I have one out in AL, been there for almost a year and has had a grand total of 9 visits, has currently sat for 57days. Some of my older ones go 2-3 months between visits as most cachers in the area have already found them but every now and then a newbie will go out and hunt them.

     

    One of my favorite caches that I found and added to my watch list has not been found yet this YEAR. Last find was December 2nd 2001! Don’t really understand why though, only been found 12 times and everyone who found it seems to enjoy it by their logs. It’s a 12 stage Multi with a 4-mile walk at the end.

     

    http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.asp?ID=5757

     

    I live in a very tame Midwestern state, but I like to hice my caches in places that require a nice, long hike. Many of my caches go un-sought for weeks and weeks. Three have not been found in 99, 84, and 50 days. That's no record, but these don't exactly require mountain climbing, either. I think if you hide a cache more than 0.5 miles from the parking spot, most folks will skip it. Pity!

     

    Funny thing is, when folks do seek my caches, they usually make encouraging comments about the hike and the cache! Makes it worth while.

     

    Keep on hiding cool caches,

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  14. quote:
    Originally posted by mrcpu:

    From the sounds of it, most people here seem to agree that once you are dead, your body isn't of much value to you anymore, so that leads me to the question;

     

    Are you an organ donar?

     

    Personally, I am and have been since I can remember. (I also try to get to be blood donar clinic when I can). I understand why someone might choose not to, and I respect their opinion but I also think that it shows a definate over valuing of their corps! icon_smile.gif

     

    Rob

    Mobile Cache Command


     

    In keeping with the spirit of this topic, could your donated organs be used as travel bugs? Imagine a funky-smelling geocacher walking up to sombody on the street and saying, "Tag! Your It!". Or something like that ... icon_wink.gif

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  15. quote:
    Originally posted by mrcpu:

    From the sounds of it, most people here seem to agree that once you are dead, your body isn't of much value to you anymore, so that leads me to the question;

     

    Are you an organ donar?

     

    Personally, I am and have been since I can remember. (I also try to get to be blood donar clinic when I can). I understand why someone might choose not to, and I respect their opinion but I also think that it shows a definate over valuing of their corps! icon_smile.gif

     

    Rob

    Mobile Cache Command


     

    In keeping with the spirit of this topic, could your donated organs be used as travel bugs? Imagine a funky-smelling geocacher walking up to sombody on the street and saying, "Tag! Your It!". Or something like that ... icon_wink.gif

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  16. quote:
    Originally posted by Toyguy:

    After finding a few, I've just hidden my first cache and am waiting for it to appear publicly.

     

    For you veteran hiders, how often do you visit your own caches to check on them? DO you base it on time, number of visits or some other metric?

     

    I know not to place food in the cache. How about things like a rawhide bone for Rover? Would that attract too much animal attention?

     

    Toyguy

     

    [This message was edited by Toyguy on August 07, 2002 at 09:33 PM.]


     

    Most of my caches are in fairly remote areas. They only get a few visits a month. One has not been visited for nearly three months. I seldom check on them. I *do* exchange email with finders to ask about the condition of the cache, etc. Of course, if a problem develops, I'm there as quickly as I can be. icon_eek.gif

     

    I think a combination of virtual and actual maintainance can keep your visits to a minimum.

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  17. quote:
    Originally posted by Toyguy:

    After finding a few, I've just hidden my first cache and am waiting for it to appear publicly.

     

    For you veteran hiders, how often do you visit your own caches to check on them? DO you base it on time, number of visits or some other metric?

     

    I know not to place food in the cache. How about things like a rawhide bone for Rover? Would that attract too much animal attention?

     

    Toyguy

     

    [This message was edited by Toyguy on August 07, 2002 at 09:33 PM.]


     

    Most of my caches are in fairly remote areas. They only get a few visits a month. One has not been visited for nearly three months. I seldom check on them. I *do* exchange email with finders to ask about the condition of the cache, etc. Of course, if a problem develops, I'm there as quickly as I can be. icon_eek.gif

     

    I think a combination of virtual and actual maintainance can keep your visits to a minimum.

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  18. quote:
    Originally posted by Rubbertoe:

    I know that in theory, all caches should only be placed when permission has been granted by the party responsible for the land it is placed on - BUT... in the real world, we realize that not everyone asks permission.

     

    This is just a casual poll to see who does what, and who isn't afraid of admitting it here. icon_wink.gif

     

    Do you ask permission when you hide a cache?

     

    --==< http://home.columbus.rr.com/rubbertoe >==--

     

    [This message was edited by Rubbertoe on August 11, 2002 at 05:57 PM.]


     

    I've been reading this thread and many others about asking permision when hiding caches. I think I may have hit on the thing that makes this such a hard thing to make rules for. We are trying to come up with a rule that fits all situations. Think of it. We have caches hidden in all 50 States. We use city parks, National forests, public places, private property. We use urban areas, remote ones. Not to mention over 100 other countrys? How can one rule fit for everywhere?

     

    That's why I think we need to be flexible and use good sense. As a group in each local we can find what works and what doesn't. If a certain type of cache causes problems (bureaucrtic or enviornmental), we need to avoid these, or ask permision. If need be, problem caches should be archived.

     

    Just my .02,

     

    Bluespreacher icon_cool.gif

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  19. quote:
    Originally posted by Rubbertoe:

    I know that in theory, all caches should only be placed when permission has been granted by the party responsible for the land it is placed on - BUT... in the real world, we realize that not everyone asks permission.

     

    This is just a casual poll to see who does what, and who isn't afraid of admitting it here. icon_wink.gif

     

    Do you ask permission when you hide a cache?

     

    --==< http://home.columbus.rr.com/rubbertoe >==--

     

    [This message was edited by Rubbertoe on August 11, 2002 at 05:57 PM.]


     

    I've been reading this thread and many others about asking permision when hiding caches. I think I may have hit on the thing that makes this such a hard thing to make rules for. We are trying to come up with a rule that fits all situations. Think of it. We have caches hidden in all 50 States. We use city parks, National forests, public places, private property. We use urban areas, remote ones. Not to mention over 100 other countrys? How can one rule fit for everywhere?

     

    That's why I think we need to be flexible and use good sense. As a group in each local we can find what works and what doesn't. If a certain type of cache causes problems (bureaucrtic or enviornmental), we need to avoid these, or ask permision. If need be, problem caches should be archived.

     

    Just my .02,

     

    Bluespreacher icon_cool.gif

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  20. quote:
    Originally posted by CYBret:

    I wonder if this was a midwest phenomenon or if it was just me. I was out this afternoon, taking some reading for a multi-cache I'm planning to place when I noticed that my eTrex Venture was giving me an accuracy reading of between 7 and 10 feet. This wasn't just for a minute or two, but all afternoon and into the evening. It was a great day to get some readings!

     

    Anyone else notice this? I've often wondered if we could track good/bad days on signal reception and see how different regions compare. Someone should do that. icon_wink.gif

     

    Bret

     

    __"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field.

    When a man found it, he hid it again."_

    Mt. 13:44_


     

    I don't know. I was out Sunday in Southern Indiana and my Legend was leading me all over the place. My wife thinks the $250 was way too much. icon_cool.gif

     

    I have never gotten 7-10 feet though. Sounds good.

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  21. quote:
    Originally posted by CYBret:

    I wonder if this was a midwest phenomenon or if it was just me. I was out this afternoon, taking some reading for a multi-cache I'm planning to place when I noticed that my eTrex Venture was giving me an accuracy reading of between 7 and 10 feet. This wasn't just for a minute or two, but all afternoon and into the evening. It was a great day to get some readings!

     

    Anyone else notice this? I've often wondered if we could track good/bad days on signal reception and see how different regions compare. Someone should do that. icon_wink.gif

     

    Bret

     

    __"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field.

    When a man found it, he hid it again."_

    Mt. 13:44_


     

    I don't know. I was out Sunday in Southern Indiana and my Legend was leading me all over the place. My wife thinks the $250 was way too much. icon_cool.gif

     

    I have never gotten 7-10 feet though. Sounds good.

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  22. quote:
    Originally posted by brdad:

    I use a product called http://www.cleancontrol.com/odoban.asp I got at Sam's Club on clothes with fish/lobster smell on them (right in the wash)

    .....

    No one has mentioned air freshners yet, and I for one am glad - I only have one allergy, and it is for those #$*%*&^#$ things! Especially those flat ones they sell to hang from your rear-view mirrior. I know they bother a lot of other people too.

    .....

    _Warning: Objects in GPS may be closer than they appear!_

     

    [This message was edited by brdad on August 09, 2002 at 05:21 PM.]


     

    Those air fresheners attract animals, too. I had a cache in a tupperware-type container (stupid choice). Someone left one in it and it was ravaged by a raccoon! icon_eek.gif

     

    Maybe Funky is better?

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  23. quote:
    Originally posted by brdad:

    I use a product called http://www.cleancontrol.com/odoban.asp I got at Sam's Club on clothes with fish/lobster smell on them (right in the wash)

    .....

    No one has mentioned air freshners yet, and I for one am glad - I only have one allergy, and it is for those #$*%*&^#$ things! Especially those flat ones they sell to hang from your rear-view mirrior. I know they bother a lot of other people too.

    .....

    _Warning: Objects in GPS may be closer than they appear!_

     

    [This message was edited by brdad on August 09, 2002 at 05:21 PM.]


     

    Those air fresheners attract animals, too. I had a cache in a tupperware-type container (stupid choice). Someone left one in it and it was ravaged by a raccoon! icon_eek.gif

     

    Maybe Funky is better?

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  24. quote:
    Originally posted by jonboy:

    I think it is rather naive to think that very many park and land managers are going to give permission to place caches.

     

    .... snip ....

    We need to be self policing, we can never expect to gain wide scale acceptance from the many bureaucrats whose guiding principle is that of risk avoidance.


     

    There is so much to agree with in your post. We cachers are the ones who must police ourselves. If a cache is causing problems or unwanted attention, we, as a group have to care for that. Most of the caches I see are not any problem to anyone. There is no need for any 'official' to be involved. There is no trail damage, no trash, no crowds trooping through. No problem. These are in city, county, and State parks. Many are in State or National forests. If we were to ask permision, we would enter the bureaucracy and would have to take what it has to give.

     

    So what to do? When you find a cache that is a problem (trashy, heavy social trails, likely to get the unwelcome attention of the local authorities) make use of the provisions we have for removing or changing such a cache. Email the owner, he should respond by letting you know how he will fix the problem. If not, let Jeremy know of your concerns. It is the responsibility of the hider to maintain his caches. If a cache is not maintained, it should be archived.

     

    We are a community and should act like it. As a group we have to keep our act clean so as not to attract official attention.

     

    Bluespreacher

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

  25. quote:
    Originally posted by BrianSnat:

    I've been Geocaching for almost a year. I have over 40 finds and over two dozen hides. I think I can offer great advice, so why is it that nobody takes me seriously in these forums?


     

    You don't understand! Everyone takes you very seriously. We hang on every word. We just keep it secret!

     

    Keep the good advice coming,

     

    Bluespreacher icon_biggrin.gif

     

    "We've got the hardware and the software, the plans and the maps ..." -- Citizen Wayne Kramer

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