Team Van Dyk

What did you use to generate it?

Also: http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=255320

Yes, that's the general gist except that the Nano 1/1, Micro 2/2, Small, 3/3, and Regular 4/4 WERE each going to be traditionals with each containing a QR code which, when scanned, would reveal part of the coordinates for a Large 5/5 puzzle cache. After having read through the responses on this thread, though, it's apparent that in order for me to pull off a Large 5/5, it's going to have to be multi (unless a QR code scanner qualifies as "specialized equipment" which, frankly, I don't think it should) which complicates this for the OCD part of me. I like the idea of mixing in the different types too. Hmmmmm...gonna have to give this a little more thought. BTW, thanks for the input everybody -- even those involved in the "street fight" that broke out earlier. --Matt

There was some recent discussion of this here: http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=274692 I'm in the process of putting together a series (not a multi) in which 4 separate standard caches will each contain a QR code with part of the coordinates for a mystery cache (the 5th in the series). The site you link to above, though, have me re-thinking that....

This is a gross generalization. --A Newbie iPhone User Better send better logs then... or just go home and use a computer. My logs are fine and are just as, if not more, informative and thorough than those of many, if not most, "traditional"/non-iPhone cachers -- including yours. Maybe you should look before making an assumption based on a generalization.

I wonder what part of the following guideline the CO for that cache failed to understand: "No object or property may be altered to provide a hiding place, clue, or means of logging a find." Placing a sticker on the back of a street sign sounds to me like altering an object or property to provide a clue. Really? How is this any different than the coordinate plaques on trees commonly used in multi's? If anything, it seems a sticker on the back of a street sign would be less "invasive". I suppose it would depend on how the coordinate plaque was placed on the tree. If it involved nails or screws I agree that it would be more invasive. If geocachers are defacing/altering trees in your area it doesn't make it any less of a guideline violation for defacing a street sign (which is illegal in many jurisdictions as well). I've never done a multi where someone put a coordinate plaque on a tree. The closest that I've seen was coordinates painted on a very thin rock that was slipped behind a "No Hunting" sign that was already attached to the tree. Others have used already existing information on trees or other objects to derive coordinates. I suspect that the primary reason that you *do* see coordinate plaques or stickers on trees or other objects is that if a CO neglects to mention how the stage is hidden, a reviewer might not ever be aware of it unless someone else reports the defacement, then other geocachers (like you) will come along and see it as a viable means for creating a waypoint for a multi despite the fact that it *does* violate the guidelines. Huh. Thought it was par for the course. Good to know it's not.

This is true, but in all seriousness, the concept is potentially great if I can get this wrinkle worked out. I can rejigger it and make it so that the "Large" is a 4/4, but I'd prefer not to. Unfortunately, the PQ I just did returned only 11 results within 1000 miles of my house with Large caches of 4/4 or higher (1/2 of which are underwater; one's even on a shipwreck in Lake Michigan). So, you're right, I may need to re-evaluate this. --Matt

If I sink it in a river or a lake in such a way that you can't get to it from the land but may be able to retrieve it from the boat, that's pretty much an automatic 5/5 (or, at least, at 4/4), right?

Is this true?

I have a GREAT series idea that I'm about to implement, but unfortunately, it requires a 5/5 "Large" hide. On the plus side, I have 5 acres of woods I can stash it in. On the downside, I have no idea how to make a "Large" container a 5/5. So, two questions. First, what's the smallest container I can use and still legitimately get away with calling it "Large"? Second, where would I need to hide it to make it a 5/5? Thanks! --Matt

This is a gross generalization. --A Newbie iPhone User

Question for those of you who are bothered by blank logs (like me). Those of you who are not so bothered, please ignore. I have a friend (I know, hard to believe) who is a serial "blank logger". I do not know her well enough to call her to the mattresses on it. Suggestions for tactful approaches to addressing this? Ready....GO! --Matt

I wonder what part of the following guideline the CO for that cache failed to understand: "No object or property may be altered to provide a hiding place, clue, or means of logging a find." Placing a sticker on the back of a street sign sounds to me like altering an object or property to provide a clue. Really? How is this any different than the coordinate plaques on trees commonly used in multi's? If anything, it seems a sticker on the back of a street sign would be less "invasive".

Ha! Really?! How many finds has it gotten total? If I saw that, the first thing I'd do is scan it! --Matt

I'm definitely going to do a variation on this. 4 "traditional" geocaches (each different size/difficulty: 1/1 micro; 2/2 small; 3/3 regular; 4/4 large), and each containing a QR Code which, when scanned, reveals part of the coordinates to a 5th "mystery" cache (which will be a 5/5). Brilliant idea folks. Thanks! I'll be sure to give you proper attribution in the cache descriptions! --Matt

This is exactly what we ended up doing. Thanks!

There's nothing wrong with what the alternatives you're suggesting. Just didn't know if the feature existed. If it did, then I'd like to use it. If it doesn't, no big deal. I'm not asking or suggesting it be implemented.

So, you can "watch" a cache listing, and you can "watch" a trackable, but can you "watch" a cacher such that you're sent emails when their logs are uploaded to the site? This may seem like a strange question, but a friend and I both cache at oddball times when we have free moments in our days (which can occur without notice) and both of us log our finds (or DNFs, as the case may be) in realtime. So, instead of emailing each other to find out when the other is out, it would be easier if we just got automated emails informing each other of the other's logs (which, since we log them in realtime, would indicate the other is out and about). I could see how this could be "misused" (to put it gently), so I'm not sure I'd even suggest it be implemented as a "feature" if it's not already, but if it is available, I'd like to know how to turn it on. Thanks! --Matt

Good point. Will reverse the order. Thanks folks!

So, is this kosher? See my log entry here: http://coord.info/GC174X6 Not sure what else to do with it. It was, literally, in 4' of water in a non-waterproof ammo box. Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated. I don't want to irritate the CO or anyone else. Thanks! --Matt

I have a Camelbak Mule NV backpack containing the following: 1. trinkets/swag 2. pen 3. ziplock bags (small and large) 4. flashlight 5. trackables (travelbugs, geocoins, etc.) 6. logbooks (nano, micro, small, and medium) 7. binoculars 8. multi-tool 9. camera 10. bug spray & anti-itch 11. rain ponchos 12. first aid kit 13. compass 14. gloves 15. otterbox case for iPhone

yep...this is not facebook.... I would like to be able to to have a list of my geocaching friends in one spot where I could easily access and contact one if need be.... This is its only real purpose (at least, as near as I can tell), and frankly, I like it that way. Don't need to turn the site into a social networking site, but it is convenient to have quick jump access to the profile pages of my friends. The only thing that bothers me about it is that friend requests have to be "accepted"; given the purpose it serves (basically a shortcut to an already-semi-public profile page), this seems to be an unnecessary step. In any event, I like it just the way it is.

Strike that. Just discovered the awesome wonderousness that is Pocket Queries. That, by itself, is worth the Premium Membership fee.

I take it there is no way to do a keyword search within a fixed radius of specified coordinates? This sounds like a nuanced question, but when you think about it, the fact that the search function doesn't appear to permit this is, frankly, a glaring shortcoming (unless, of course, I'm missing something obvious here). Indeed, the fact that I have to change the "dist=" flag in the address in order to constrain the distance from coordinates is, itself, a little odd, but at least that works. As it is, there appears to be no way to search for caches within a 50 mile radius of my house that have the word "bug" in the title. Given the nature of the game, doesn't this seem a little nuts? --Matt

I went caching with my buddy and his son one time. Every cache he tried to take all the swag out, and since the stuff was "junk" (not my words) my buddy didn't really care. I explained he could take one item if we put something in. I'm guessing a lot of parents probably wouldn't go through that hassle. Every geocaching parent I know (including me) "goes through that hassle". The take one/leave one dynamic is actually a great parenting tool (especially for young children).