eagletrek

Hey, buddy. I think you dropped this: (Am I the only one amused by an Iowan being all 'street'? I mean no offense, but I'm really quite amused by it.) Am i missing something here? It sounds like NVG checked on his own caches to see whether or not someone else actually found them or not. He found physical cache logs that were NOT signed and then deleted the bogus online logs. Isn't this the proper thing to do? Dsn't the GC.com guidelines for placing and maintaining geocaches mention this very thing? What gets me is that some of you advocate lying. That's exactly what's happening when someone doesn't physically find a cache but logs it online. Granted, those bogus cache finds up in Iowa or whereever don't directly affect me, but lying is lying and it doesn't sit well with me at all. It's hard to believe that there are some of you on here that don't see this as being wrong and in fact, go out of your way to defend it! We haven't had trouble with bogus logging in our area but i'm sure glad that we are a close bunch that would hollar at each other if something like this was ever suspected. Down here, we call it doing what's right and helping fellow cachers out, not the "geocaching police"... Well I know Texas is a big state but I can tell you from first hand knowledge that lying, cheating and all other forms of dubious activities are alive and well within the Texas Geocaching community. In fact, what makes it worse is that it exists among some of the state's top cachers. I believe it's alive and well across the entire globe!!!! It seems that finding a large group of honest cachers may be a tougher feat than scoring a 5/5 cache!!!!!

Mandrake. Women uh... women sense my power and they seek the life essence. I, uh... I do not avoid women, Mandrake. But I... I do deny them my essence"

It would be nice if there was a recognized branch of geocaching where everyone plays the same game, by the same rules. Consistency would be much appreciated by those of us that prefer "black & white," versus the "rainbow" of "play game the way you want."I couldn't agree more!!!!! If geocaching continues the way it has, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if a separate branch of geocaching develops for those folks who like consistency and appreciate a game that has rules to be followed and not blown off. While I've logged quite a few finds, I only consider a handfull to be really rewarding. In the future, I look forward to only seeking out "worthwhile" caches.PuritanCaching.com. (Stolen from Mr. T.) LOL!!!!!! But I think you got it wrong. The Puritans were kinda a splinter group themselves. A more proper caching site might be JesuitCaching.com!!!!!

I've learned that when I need a laugh, all I have to do is enter the forums!!!!!

Ed, as one of the Deep Dixie region's original Numbers Ho's (since reformed!), I never thought I'd say this to you re your above-quoted post, but: I AGREE! Get rid of the stats and you not only solve the bogus logging problem, but you also solve Micro Spew - after all, what other incentive would cachers have to both hide and find so much UTTER CRAP (not ALL micros, just the Spew )? And you also stop the practice of deifying high-number cachers, and treat everyone equally, as regards "how people are perceived at events"...maybe folks would still get recognized for their longevity or for their reputations as great hiders or creative log-writers, but not just for their stats. Ya know I'd never thought I'd agree with a concept like this but I actually do. If you get rid of the numbers you get rid of alot of issues. In fact, I think it will help to cull the herd.

My thoughts exactly! DCC for President of Geocachers with Integrity! Amen to that my brother!!!!!!! He's got my vote!!!!!!

It would be nice if there was a recognized branch of geocaching where everyone plays the same game, by the same rules. Consistency would be much appreciated by those of us that prefer "black & white," versus the "rainbow" of "play game the way you want." I couldn't agree more!!!!! If geocaching continues the way it has, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if a separate branch of geocaching develops for those folks who like consistency and appreciate a game that has rules to be followed and not blown off. While I've logged quite a few finds, I only consider a handfull to be really rewarding. In the future, I look forward to only seeking out "worthwhile" caches.

I agree that everyone should play by the guidelines and play fair (trade even/trade up, sign the log), but has this game really become THAT serious? Why yes it has!!!!!! Apparently you didn't get the memo.

Actually, I didn't delete your note. "MissJenn" did that. While I'm here, I think I should be afforded the opportunity to address this issue and straighten some things out. Apparently, someone or a group of people are misinformed as to the location of this cache. This particular cache has NEVER ONCE been removed by anyone. In fact, that is the reason I placed it on campus -- the City of College Station parks people kept "acquiring" my caches placed in city parks. Because that happened several times, I decided to not place them within the city proper and instead placed this one ON CAMPUS -- WHICH DOES NOT BELONG TO THE CITY. This cache has never been stolen or otherwise removed by anyone, yet "MissJenn" is under the mistaken impression that this is the one that was repeatedly stolen and says that's why it was (wrongfully) archived. And the ones that told you this was placed as a traditional cache instead of a multi because of its age are also correct. It was posted years ago, before the current guidelines. No geocachers came to the event cache because I didn't really care if they did or not...I didn't make any effort to promote it by contacting geocachers. I just posted in case they wanted to see what a fox hunt was since we had one scheduled for that date. There were plenty of hams there, just no geocachers. So, you (casedelrut) should try to be better informed before you come here complaining about me or my caches. Since they obviously trouble you, yes -- I asked that you not bother finding any of them in the future. What good could come from it? JM Just another reason to avoid TAM.

Oh no!!!!!!!! Not more lines to worry about!!!! I keep on tripping over those dang contour lines. Now I got to worry about all them isogonic lines, also?????

Oh hell, it's time to send out the hit squads!!!!!! I seem to remember in the not so distant past that some of those European folks were real good at following orders/instructions!!!!

Really, what's the difference between this and geo-herding????? In my opinion, none. I believe you have advocated in the past that folks should be able to play the game as they see fit. Do you really believe folks aren't going to cheat????

Actually, each tree will have it's own thermal properties because not all trees are the same size or shape. You can get a fair visual of what is in front of you. Even cold water pipes side by side were visible in demos I saw because again the thermal properties were just enough different. It's almost like seeing daytime in a negative. Absolutely!!!!!! As long as there is a slight differnce in temperature everything is visible. Now if you're on a cache that's using firetacks or reflectors, using NVGs with an IR illuminator is the way to go. But for finding a plain ole' cache at night without having to use any light, thermals are the way to go.

Ahhhh!!!! Another escape from the "natural selection" monster!!!!!!

Plain ole' Parker with a Fischer Space Pen refill. It will sign on most anything to include soaked logs.

I've tried a variation which usually throws most folks for a loop. I sneak up on them while they're fixated on their GPSr and shout "Hey , what are you doin'?" It kinda' freaks them out. I'm always amazed at how un-situationally aware most folks are while searching for a cache.

Yes, it is good that they're safe and sound. Target, Cease Fire!!!!

It's not the price of the unit, it's always the additional fees: One of the most important things you need to know is that these are all subscription based services. Current price is $99 per year for standard service and an extra $49 per year for the SPOTcasting tracking service. After you purchase the SPOT Satellite Messenger, you then have to go online and purchase the subscription, registering the device with SPOT. It's two separate transactions. That said, I think I'll buy an ACR PLB before this item.

Just watched an interview with the 2 guys. They didn't take a locator device because "We didn't think we'd need it"... Same old story. They should charge these guys for the costs of sending 20 people up there looking for them. Hiking unprepared on Mt. Hood in the middle of January? STUPID Now there's a comment by the uninformed. Climbing a mountain is much different then "hiking unprepared on Mt. Hood". They were prepared - they were experienced climbers attempting winter climb of a mountain they've climbed before and were able to make a snow cave and spend the night, that shows a lot of preparedness. Their only error was not renting the locator units (something unique to Mt Hood), this is something that's not required, but is wise to do. As to "charging them" that opens another whole can of worms. Most rescue groups are volunteer. If they start charging, then they are "pro" and a different set of rules/laws come into play. And then you have the arguement about when is rescue really needed - if I'm overdue but walk out on my own, should I be charged for something I didn't need or want? This has been a long and interesting discussion among mountain climbing groups. The only stupid thing I see here is opinions expressed by people who have no idea what they are talking about. You are the only one uninformed Sir (I use that lightly). I watched an interview they had with the guy after he got off the mountain.. HE SAID THEY WERE UNPREPARED. Which part of that are you having difficulty understanding? Where you are calling them STUPID. Have you done any mountain climbing? I have. I teach climbing with The Mountaineer's. I've been in a full whiteout. I've raced a storm off a peak when weather closed in fast. Are familiar with that mountain/route? Again, I am. In whiteout, it's one of the easiest to get off route - even slightly will make you miss Timberline Lodge. They were doing what they needed to, heading for Hwy 26. They were almost there when SAR called them on the cell phone (which hadn't worked earlier). You comments about "hiking" and "charging them for rescue" tell me all I need to know about your knowledge. Edit to add: I watched the interview again. They never said "they were unprepared" - what they said is "they could have been better prepared", a much different meaning. The one went on to say "if we'd had a GPS we could have gotten to where we needed to be." So, by not bringing one item, they are unprepared? Not hardly. Totally Unprepared!!!!!! If navigation is critical to your survial especially where you can have white-out conditions, then not bringing a GPS is being totally unprepared , if not plain ignorant!!!! OBTW, make sure you have sufficient batteries to handle the length of your stay. Screw the I've taught mountaineering nonsense. How about using a little Eagle Scout common sense!!!!!!! I bet these outdoorsman never learned the basics in the Boy Scouts. Thanks for the laugh! Eagle Scout common sense. That's a good one. How is that any different than other common sense? Have you taken any Mountaineering training? Navigation is a big part of that. They did exactly what any scout would have done in the same situation. By missing a target point (Timberline Lodge) - which over the distance traveled is easy to do for ANYONE (scout or not) - they then headed for a known line (Hwy 26) which would then lead them back to base. This is standard, basic navigation. They did good. By claiming that they were "totally unprepared" for not carrying one device is ridiculous. Why pick just the GPSr? There are some many items that they could have carried: MLU, sat phone, ham handheld, PELB. The list could go on. Remember, a GPSr is only one navigation tool available - and a fairly fragile one at that. Any device that requires batteries is problematic - cold can do very strange things (hence, why they didn't use their cell phone earlier). I've seen brand new batteries die in seconds in the cold. I could return the insult to you about "scouting nonsense", but that wouldn't be any more true then you comment/insult. But I know that while scouting is good, it isn't the only place to learn navigation skills. I was just pointing out that I do have the knowledge to base my comments on. Yeah, I think I have a little expertise in the outdoors and navigating, 12 years of scouting as a youth, 20 years in the military, and 6 years of scouting as an adult. Add to that some extensive experience in backpacking and navigation through various areas of the globe to include the Western Saudi Desert and I'd say I got some experience. BTW, have you ever encountered a brown-out and I'm not talikng about the electrical type. That said, I consider myself fairly competent with a map, compass, and GPSr. I'm glad the folks in question were able to work there way out of their fix but it still doesn't negate the fact that they should have taken a GPSr and the requisite batteries. BTW, I never said a GPSr was the only navigation device they should have had. When I leave the house to go into the outdoors, I take a map, compass, and GPSr. I'm really considering adding a PLB when all else fails. See if I now go out without a PLB and get screwed up or die, you can all get on the forum and say how unprepared I was and you would be right. Honey, I'm buying that PLB. As far as a GPSr and batteries being fragile, I'd have to disagree. While anything electronic can fail, my Garmin GPSMAP 60CS hasn't let me down once in over 3 and 1/2 years worth of use. I've abused it fairly well and it keeps on ticking. Yes, batteries and electronics can be a problem in cold weather but if you know how and where to carry them, they'll work pretty much as advertised. See they teach you things like that in the military!!!!! I'm sorry you took my post as an insult but then again most folks do find the truth to be offensive. OBTW, "Be Prepared" it's a Scouting Thang!!!!!

NVGs are Ole' School!!!! Try the new line of hand-held thermal viewers. Way pricey but extremely effective, especially close in at most caches. Because of the difference in the ability of materials to gain or shed heat, the temperature of a cache will either be cooler or hotter than the background they're hidden in making them stand out like a sore thumb. Trust me, thermals are the way to go when seeing 24 hours a day. We used our thermal sights 24 hours a day as our primary weapons sight. Now if the cache is under four feet of snow or 20 feet of water, that's a whole other story.

Someone slipped me a note from the next stall in the men's room!!!!!!

GPSrs normally work well all over the planet as long as their signal is not blocked. Most problems occur when satellite coverage is poor due to the number of satellites available within LOS, canopy cover, and even disruption from heavy atmospherics. But like anything, just wait awhile and it will improve. As far as the whiteout is concerned, they should have sheltered up once they couldn't sufficiently navigate and waited out the storm. It would have been a good time for a brew-up!!!!! As with everything, folks need to learn that common sense and patience are the corner stones to getting out of a tight fix.

Night vision googles???? How Ole' School!!!!!!!! Why not a hand-held thermal viewer?????? Much better!!!!!

Just watched an interview with the 2 guys. They didn't take a locator device because "We didn't think we'd need it"... Same old story. They should charge these guys for the costs of sending 20 people up there looking for them. Hiking unprepared on Mt. Hood in the middle of January? STUPID Now there's a comment by the uninformed. Climbing a mountain is much different then "hiking unprepared on Mt. Hood". They were prepared - they were experienced climbers attempting winter climb of a mountain they've climbed before and were able to make a snow cave and spend the night, that shows a lot of preparedness. Their only error was not renting the locator units (something unique to Mt Hood), this is something that's not required, but is wise to do. As to "charging them" that opens another whole can of worms. Most rescue groups are volunteer. If they start charging, then they are "pro" and a different set of rules/laws come into play. And then you have the arguement about when is rescue really needed - if I'm overdue but walk out on my own, should I be charged for something I didn't need or want? This has been a long and interesting discussion among mountain climbing groups. The only stupid thing I see here is opinions expressed by people who have no idea what they are talking about. You are the only one uninformed Sir (I use that lightly). I watched an interview they had with the guy after he got off the mountain.. HE SAID THEY WERE UNPREPARED. Which part of that are you having difficulty understanding? Where you are calling them STUPID. Have you done any mountain climbing? I have. I teach climbing with The Mountaineer's. I've been in a full whiteout. I've raced a storm off a peak when weather closed in fast. Are familiar with that mountain/route? Again, I am. In whiteout, it's one of the easiest to get off route - even slightly will make you miss Timberline Lodge. They were doing what they needed to, heading for Hwy 26. They were almost there when SAR called them on the cell phone (which hadn't worked earlier). You comments about "hiking" and "charging them for rescue" tell me all I need to know about your knowledge. Edit to add: I watched the interview again. They never said "they were unprepared" - what they said is "they could have been better prepared", a much different meaning. The one went on to say "if we'd had a GPS we could have gotten to where we neededd to be." So, by not bringing one item, they are unprepared? Not hardly. Totally Unprepared!!!!!! If navigation is critical to your survial especially where you can have white-out conditions, then not bringing a GPS is being totally unprepared , if not plain ignorant!!!! OBTW, make sure you have sufficient batteries to handle the length of your stay. Screw the I've taught mountaineering nonsense. How about using a little Eagle Scout common sense!!!!!!! I bet these outdoorsman never learned the basics in the Boy Scouts.

Most people will have lost interest in geocaching and will have moved on to something else and the government will establish a super-fund to take care of all the Geo-trash left in the wild. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!!!!!