brslk
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Posts posted by brslk
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I, and I think most of us understand that when we take something from a cache, we should leave something better than we have taken (almost typed "took").
This is what got me to thinking about this
personally I've seen more 1000 for a buck erasers in the caches. something happened to the trade equal or up. really, if that were the case I'd have found a ferrari in a cache by now.^unkle fester.
I couldn't agree more!
Most times I don't take or leave anything but when I do, I ALWAYS leave something of equal or better value.
Most times, I leave things for children. The stash isn't as important to me as the cache so, swag isn't my focus. so I leave things that the kids would like to find with the parents.
I have also left things for the adults in the group (no, not adult "things") but stuff like batteries in a frequently visited cache or a rain poncho... stuff that might come in handy when caching.
If indeed we all left better things than we have removed (avoiding took again) then shouldn't most of the caches we visit be full of magnificent things?
I like to think that as a group, us cachers are pretty good and honest people that would never steal good stuff and leave crap but... hmmm...
Anyway... just curious about others thoughts on why caches aren't filled with amazing stuff?
Bruce.
Highlighted portion<> Geocachers are people and as such each sets his/her own rules, limitations and sensibilities.
It is true that on a whole geocachers are good, honest people but, one cannot assume that they are really any different than the rest of humanity that occupy this Good Earth!
Before I ramble further -- I will simply remind you that cache degradation is inevitable. Hence you do not win the Ferrari.
Dammit! This was my only chance to ever own a Ferrari! Not even an Enzo?
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I, and I think most of us understand that when we take something from a cache, we should leave something better than we have taken (almost typed "took").
This is what got me to thinking about this
personally I've seen more 1000 for a buck erasers in the caches. something happened to the trade equal or up. really, if that were the case I'd have found a ferrari in a cache by now.^unkle fester.
I couldn't agree more!
Most times I don't take or leave anything but when I do, I ALWAYS leave something of equal or better value.
Most times, I leave things for children. The stash isn't as important to me as the cache so, swag isn't my focus. so I leave things that the kids would like to find with the parents.
I have also left things for the adults in the group (no, not adult "things") but stuff like batteries in a frequently visited cache or a rain poncho... stuff that might come in handy when caching.
If indeed we all left better things than we have removed (avoiding took again) then shouldn't most of the caches we visit be full of magnificent things?
I like to think that as a group, us cachers are pretty good and honest people that would never steal good stuff and leave crap but... hmmm...
Anyway... just curious about others thoughts on why caches aren't filled with amazing stuff?
Bruce.
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I once found an attractive, moderately inebriated woman near a cache. I wanted to take her home but figured it was probably better to leave her there.
My dream cache... however.. my wife does not agree... did she look like Faith Hill?
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Using the Clayjar rating system (and a few assumptions) I got a 4. It should probably be higher than 2 simply because you cannot roll a stroller or ride a bike up it.
What is this 'clayjar' rating?
I'm putting together a challenging hike multi, and want to know how to rate appropriately..
.. or just take a stab at it, and let the reviewer correct it?
..a
The Clayjar system is linked to on the cache submission page. You answer a series of questions and it spits out a suggested rating. It is been my experience that for terrain it is usually .5 - 1 star too high when you compare the results of using the automated program with the actual definitions for terrain ratings.
I tried that for one of my hides that required special tools but was flat enough for a bike, it rates it a 5/5
I ended up rating it a 5/1.
My issue with this topic is that I have extreme arthritis and my ankles and knees just don't bend like they should.
I have never had problems with a 1.5 except when one included climbing up and down about 150 steps.
I can climb steps and walk up hill pretty well.... but going down is the killer.
It isn't all about being in a wheel chair or pushing a stroller.
I don't think everything should be adjusted to fit my disability but, It should be an honest rating.
Trust me, I would love to just go hiking like I used to and not understand how fit looking people would complain.
Most times I do it anyway... it might hurt or be hard but meh... not gonna let it stop me at the age of 39.
Bruce.
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I have an Etrex Legend too, and no PDA, no iPhone... I do the same as you, downloading and writing everything on paper (not the coordinates though - just GCcode and relevant info). I mark all caches in a map of the area and decide on a route.
At the same time, my husband prepares our backpacks, TBs, check for pen/pencils, gets us some water, snacks, etc... We usually go around the city using our bikes or public transit, so that might be a little different from having everything ready on your trunk
Between deciding "let's do some geocaching today" and leaving home, it usually takes us one hour... a little work- but totally worthy
Sounds about the same way the wife and I do it.
Our old blue legend isnt all that high tech.
I am looking to buy something a little new though (but keep the legend also)
Bruce.
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Yes, this is pretty much a rant and would appreciate a kindly pat on the shoulder with an appropriate "there, there" because I don't think that there is a solution for this. The issue du jour is the inconsiderate cachers that I've run into lately who have caused caches to break or get muggled, and often in the name of being the FTF as they rush from cache to cache to try to grab them all.
Example...a cache I just swapped out....someone very clearly had a hard time with the log and rushed it, then tore off 2/3rds of it and rolled up the remainder and inserted it into the holder...but only part way, so that in closing the cache they then pushed the end out of it so that the magnet dropped off. And instead of even saying something about it, they then just stuck the thing back the wrong way in the general place (but not the right place) and in a way which then allowed the log to get wet and further damaged to the point where the container can no longer be used. Grrr....
Example...a cache was moved from one side of an "object" to the opposite side...which then left it in the view of muggles, although a muggle wouldn't see this and think twice. But then someone put the log back in place improperly, which allowed it to get wet...which then caused the cache container to stand out just enough....so that it was muggled.
*If the cache was muggled, how do you know this is why?
Example...have a cache where there is a lot of muggle activity but it is a great location for a variety of reasons and is a perfect fit for the container I've chosen to use. Cache description mentions this and the need for stealth. Despite that someone stood in full view of muggles knowing that they were being watched by muggles, and instead of waiting for a better time...went ahead and retrieved the cache, replaced it and went on their way after logging about all the muggles...and that afternoon the cache disappeared.
*ummm... same thing. If it was muggled, how do you know this is why? did the cachers confess?
Example...have a cache that is kind of tricky because of the camo used. But I left the cache in a particular spot where it is fairly easy to see if you know what to look for. It was a challenge because it was essentially in plain view...but you couldn't actually tell that it was a cache container. And for the fourth time now when I've gone by to check it I had to move it back to its original placement because cachers decide that they'd much rather stick it several inches up inside of something where you would not see it. It's a 1.5 star cache and I'm not intending for it to be harder than it was supposed to be.
Several caches that I've gone to recently (not mine) I found with the lids only half closed, or cross-threaded, or the log jammed back in place so that the lid didn't fit well. Or you could clearly tell that the cache was not in the same spot where it had been originally placed. And so on.
And then there is the whole issue of "phone a friend" where apparently it has become "okay" to simply pass along info about a cache and its location. You can tell that it's happening (even when they don't actually log that they got help from someone other than me, the CO) because for example, a tricky cache will remain unfound for a little while...several DNFs from folks with thousands of finds....and then someone finds it...and suddenly everyone else after that is logging it as a "quick find" or "easy find" or my favorite, "great PNG!" What the heck. Makes me think that I should just place a large sign by the road that says "Geocache HERE!" so that they can quickly PNG and move along to the next one.
And I won't even go into the issue of those who take everything from a cache and leave nothing in exchange, as I see that one has its own thread(s) here.
Okay....deep breath.
I know that there really aren't "solutions" for these kind of things...and so I guess that I have to take a deep breath, mumble some sort of feel better mantra and move on. I'm confident that this type of stuff must happen a lot. I can see that after only about six weeks of caching though that one challenge I'm going to have is to avoid becoming jaded or indifferent.
Do you have a good mantra to share? Or absent that, care to share some of the problems that you've had and I'll gladly pat you on your shoulder and say "there, there" and perhaps we'll both feel better?
If nothing else, thanks for letting me rant for a few moments!
I agree with most of what you said but the issues I commented on.
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I mean really, It isn't about common sense and who has it or doesn't. I could hide a catch in a field of grass and people could complain it stained the knees on their jeans...
Use YOUR head and teach YOUR CHILDREN.
I am not here to make the world safe for you and your offspring.
If you must take apart lamp posts and various other electrical things in YOUR pursuit of a cache, then YOU and YOUR children are not meant to be.
You could perhaps use some brain power and decide for yourself that "hey... that might be the cache but it looks dangerous so I wont use a saw to open it and I wont allow my brood to also"
I see plenty of "DNF" reports... why not decide to do that instead of trying to dumb down the caching world?
No one is forcing anyone to to find stuff...
Good grief....
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Sorry for your loss.
I was just wondering if anyone has put in dog toys when creating a cache?
I was going to put in a rawhide bone but then thought.. hmm.. that might attract unwanted animals.
Perhaps a rubber chew toy or something?
Being a dog fan and knowing that many chache with dogs.. I just thought it might be nice to have something in there for the pooches.
Bruce.
LAME cache swag
in General geocaching topics
Posted
I am about to place my first cache. So, If I leave a penny in there... will the n ext person leave a nickel? the next a dime etc... until eventually my cache is full of hundred dollar bills?
This is how it should be.
I also don't look for caches for the swag but it is to find nice stuff. I love to find home made things.
Myself... I tend to leave things more than take them. I like to leave stuff in its original packaging.
mostly for kids but I do try to leave things adults would like also.
I do however plan to be a very active cache owner and CITO out crap from my caches and place good stuff...
Bruce.