Prairie Jeepin

Very important factor to prevent muggles from discovering our things, and not to make it too easy for the next person in the event there is no snow cover for awhile after you have been there.

It's not just you. I ignore them also as I too get tired of seeing the same bunch of pinned threads all bunched up at the top of the new posts list. I also get tired of seeing all the congratulatory threads clogging up the forums and lists. In my mind they are a waste of space and bandwidth. I find them very unneccesary. Of course that is just MHO since I'm not a numbers guy. PJ - the meanie

As a Jeeper I have to agree with those who recommend a "low profile and no mention of geocaching" with regard to doing it in the Gatineaus. Or any other Gov't controlled Park for that matter. Sometimes it is best to protect your sport/activity by NOT bringing attention to it. Yes it is almost a contradiction to do this, but some sports tend to be singled out and destroyed when they become known. Jeepers and 4-wheelers in general constantly fight land restrictions and closures to their sport because of the knowledge of it in an area. It doesent matter how "responsible" or "careful" we are. It is not about the land in reality -- it is about one group controlling the activities of another (or others) under the guise of ecological protection. If geocaching wants to survive in scenic public areas it MUST remain in the shadows and retreat from those who would try to remove it. Public lands are meant for everyone, and multiple use. However -- this is not the fact of the matter. Daily we hear of closures, restrictions, bans, &c all aimed at specific activities or groups. Why push it and risk the use of a nice area? All it would take is some goodey goodey eco freak to convince whomever has the power over these areas that geocaching is "organised littering". That it defaces the countryside by having untold numbers of packages with "stuff" in them all over the place...and guess what? WE LOSE! We become one more group prevented from enjoying what was meant for everyone -- not just animals and hikers. My questions to these folks is: When do the hikers get banned for leaving footprints and who gets to use the land when eveyone is prohibited from it? What is the point of protecting something that no one can enjoy? Ok good we have millions of acres of protected wilderness -- but it just sits there doing nothing in particular and no one is allowed to go into it. We do however prevent fires from occuring in it and other events that should be taking place to revitalise it (which is un-natural). I'm sorry if I got off topic, but these people worry me, I don't understand the mentality to "lock up the world". The rights of the many mean nothing apparently to the few. The unfortunate thing is, they have fooled the Gov'ts into believeing this too. And politicol correctness just helps fan this fire with no one willing to hurt anyone's feelings or step on anyone's toes -- except those who actually get some enjoyment from the things that all these people would prevent us from doing. I hope you see my point here. If you want to protect geocaching in certain areas, it may be best to just "hush hush". Sometimes it is best to remain quiet and un-noticed. Let the chips fall as they may under their own power and don't force the hand is my advice. There is always time to "step up" when there is an actual battle to fight. Sorry for going on about this, it just struck a nerve here is all. PJ

Some folks just like to beat around the bush (yes that was a pun) I guess, instead of speak straight and clear. Beats me why, since it is far easier to just answer a question properly (even if there is no answer) then play silly games. Whatever floats your boat! I too would like to hear something of this situation. PJ

YES!!!!! indeed TDC This might be my calling eh? lolol

GCJXZQ <-- I don't get that far west. Tis why I have summoned Manitobans in particular But thanks for the cache info, it may come in handy enroute next time I vacation in AB. The TB has come from the West (Regina and farther) so really he needs to go South (USA?) or East (ON, PQ, &c). I'll figure something out. I have learned a lesson to NOT take a TB unless you know where it needs to go. He was just too cute though. If worst comes to worst. I'll make a cache that can be easily accessed for N-S/E-W travellers. Or just return him to where I got him next time I'm heading that way. In the meantime he is packing on the miles riding with me

Point taken NJJ Personally if I have to bushwhack I do it as unobtrusively as possible. Just pushing or moving things out of the way if need be. If something breaks, too bad so sad! It happens naturally anyway.

Well said C37&H. My sentiments exactly. I should have been a bit more detailed. This would be the biggest problem in settling on a location for a TB Hotel along a highway route. Rest stops were my first thought on this, though not all are conducive to this type of activity -- truck access AND a good hide spot that won't be accidently found. A challenge in itself. I guess if people could just keep this in the back of their minds when thinking of placing new caches, it may eventually have some benefit for the TBs. I have actually thought of placing a TB Hotel in my front yard (safe and protected), but this won't solve the truck problem either. Thanks Dino Hunters for the location, unfortunately, I am on a series of regional runs that take me "to and fro" from the same locations - MB and SK. I may end up replacing the TB from whence I found him in order to guarantee movement. That is, when I get that run again. I was hoping this would be a lot easier a task than it has turned out to be. Cheers - PJ

The tearm bushwhacking has nothing to do with cutting, or machetes. This term means that when a trail ends, or a cache is off the beaten path, often a cacher must decide to make a bee-line through the "bush" often "whacking" their shins, head, face and other body areas off of limbs, stumps, rocks and so on. The practice of "bush-whacking" should only be used when all other avenues to reach a cache has been exhausted. After all most caches are placed just a few meters (yards) of the beaten path. Not to be a smart a** or anything, but according to the Holy Oxford Dictionary, you are mistaken in your idea of what Bushwhacking is. On a whim I decided to check it out. It actually is "clearing a way" through brush &c.

And that, folks, is what Political Correctness has gotten us. I, for one, have no use for PC. It has caused more bad than good IMO.

I was just thinking today as I was cruising along in the truck, that there is a severe lack of caches for a truck (highway tractor-trailor unit/semi) to access in order to drop a TB. I picked up a TB last week along Hwy 1 / Trans Canada with the intention of getting him somewhere further along in his travels. But it has since become quite apparent that this may be a futile task as long as I am driving the semi. It is very difficult to get a truck into most places. Unfortunately I am stuck in this truck for the next couple weeks and won't be able to do any regular caching. I would like to propose or rather ask Canadian cachers - MANITOBANS in particular (myself included) - to think about placing some TB Motels, Depots, Hotels, &c along some of the major highways for everyone INCLUDING trucks to utilise in TB travelling. We don't need these things popping up all over the place. But, some strategically located ones would be very useful indeed. Not just for truckers. Major East - West and North - South Highways would be the best locations. Major transport routes so to speak that move people long distances. I live on a major North - South route with a border crossing and am planning a TB B & B around here somewhere to allow US/Canada tranfer of TBs From MB & ND. I may have to hold onto this TB until I place this site, but that could be awhile and I don't want him hanging out here any longer than he needs to. Not that I mind -- but his owner might. Sorry I had this going through my mind all day today frustrating me a wee bit and had to get it off my chest. Any additional ideas on this would be appreciated. Thanks, Drive safe, PJ

I like all three of these ideas too. Might just have to "borrow" one of them for my own bug

I have nothing good to say about fake "finds", so I won't say anything to add to the fire... I'll just sit here and shake my head.

Yup I would go with a Mini Mag also. Have had one for years. Excellent little flashlights.

Magpies are black and white and a sort of shiney dark blue/green, the size of a bluejay or large robin. they are scavengers and will eat most anything not nailed down. EDIT: to add pic

But they want you to dig a cat hole for your deposits. And don't forget to pack out the paper when you are done. Actually they want you to pack it all out thse days. Yep THAT too . If they had their way -- no one would be allowed in there anymore in the first place needing to pack anything out. Oops sorry that was off topic....umm, yeah, pointy objects. I have nothing against a spike retaining a cache, however don't sharpen that log pencil, it could be used as a weapon

Likewise, I don't think I'd be calling anyone for caching help, it would be just too weird. Nor would I list my info here out of security issues, however; Olar makes some very good and valid points in his post w/ regard to emergency services. PJ

Arrrr Cap'n, me thinks PNW is onta somethin thar wi that thar earring idea I like the idea of items fitting into the theme or name of a cache also. I am working on my first one too and am looking for items that play off the name of the location. It should be more fun for the finders this way. As for a FTF I get stumped on this thought also. I think Brian made a good point though, indirectly, that it doesent have to be overly fancy as it may scare off potential deserved winners. Cheers, and have fun with it, PJ

Just a quick note on Magpies.... They were brought over to North America from England (if memory serves) at least a century ago if not more, as a control measure for some other pests that were crop destroying critters. They have since, like all imported things, gotten out of control themselves and have run rampant o'er the lands. They are now considered a nusiance bird, pest, or otherwise unwanted creature themselves. They are a relative to the Bluejay. Just thought I'd throw out that info for those that may have an interest. PJ

Yes, thank you both. I see the relevance to the travel miles and saying "I was here" -- like Kilroy. Love the idea of a photo showing its visit too I just had trouble understanding why to log it "in" when it physically can't be "in" or left. It seemed like a waste of time or effort to me. I got it now, cheers! PJ

Isn't that just the understatement of life's recreations? PJ

Absolutely. I'm not sure I understand the point to this. What does it accomplish? Can someone explain this to me? It puzzles me.

Good on ya Thot!! Nice informative page.

I don't think you should log your own caches, but then again, I dont think you should log ANY cache more than once -- except under certain guidelines that allow it (some of which have been mentioned here), or under extreme special circumstances. It contradicts the whole idea of the game IMO. "It's only a game" and "Play by your own rules" are excuses in attempt to legitimise cheating. "Playing by your own rules" is not meant as it seems to be taken by some. There are IMO, still unwritten common sense honourable rules that "should" be adhered to. Imagine for a moment -- "IF" this sport were an "official" sport, or to go to an extreme, an international olympic type competition; would this sort of personal score padding be allowed? Not in the slightest. Yes, I know it's not official or olympic, I was only asking that one use their gift of rational thought for a moment to see what may be termed as an obscure point. Redundant to some, and even still irrelevant to others. I have stirred this pot once before in "Logging smilies when you should post a note." I truly believe it is an arguement that has no end or resolution. There will always be two sides and they will never agree. So, in the end, do as you please until there are real rules that prevent cheating. PJ - poop-disturber extraordinaire!!! "Logged my 112th "find" on GCbogus since I once again drove past it on my way to town."

Thanks Pyewacket. I have saved the graphic I like, but the ttf file wont let me dl it. It just opens a veiwer box with no option to save. EDIT: Sorry, posted that too early. I got it dl'd now, but it won't work in Photoshop. Maybe I need a restart. I'll look into it tomorrow.