Scruffster

I understand that non premium caches are open to any teen with a smartphone. And I've been apprehensive about that. But I find that my premium caches go missing more often. We may have invested in 2004 but I found my first 20 geocaches without a GPS just wandering the parks and town squares with nothing more than a hint. But back then micros were the exception, not the norm and caches were a bit easier to find.

I'm sorry you think so. I'm old, very old. And an old geocacher from the days when it was just a few geeks wandering the woods. We welcomed everyone into the fold back then. Some easy to maintain caches were suggested to welcome newbies. I have a few hard caches too like this series ala MYST https://coord.info/GC50H72

I still have several caches available to non premium members. Since the covid 19 restrictions have taken place I have noticed a major influx in newbies not yet premium members. I am working on the assumption that people who wouldn't normally geocache due to school or work restraints are trying new things, like geocaching, with their added spare time. Those of us who have cached for a long time know well that geocaching is an amazing antidote for cabin fever. If you have a few caches that you can easily maintain, please think about changing their status to allow newbies to find them. The covid outbreak just might bring some new blood to the fold. The Covid Geopocolypse has arrived! Welcome them.

I completed two challenges and they are no longer online. I'm guessing that the local challenges submitted by members can only have an FTF. Once someone claims the challenge, they are archived. This is only a theory but it seems to be what is happening in my area.

If you only have time for a few caches after work, Stanley park is a good place to start. It's close to downtown and there are quite a few beautiful spots. Great photo ops. If you want to travel a few km and get a LOT of caches in one stop, there is a power trail at Burnaby Lake. A cache every 160 meters. About 70 caches in total around the lake. Stop at piper spit with a load of bird seed. It's a designated wild bird feeding area (and an earth cache there too). Also a place to see beavers. The trails along the north shore mountains are definitely the most beautiful. Lynn Canyon suspension bridge is free and there are a few caches in the area. If you have time to travel out of the city a bit, GC127ZF Leviathan Lurking is perhaps the most unique cache on the planet. However, looking at the cache page the mechanism to lure the beast out of its lair is currently not working. If maintenance has been performed on the cache before you arrive I highly recommend it.

The coin takes First Nation's legend and combines it with geocaching. Yes, the trickster is definitely a paramount geocaching theme. When we hide our caches we are always trying to transform our treasure through cammoflauge in order to trick people into a DNF. Very cool idea.

I think I may be a bit daft here. I'm not sure if my geocache series falls into an ALR. One series (GCQR2F) is designed to be done in order. To unlock the next chapter in the story (the next cache) the geocachers must find a password in the logbook in the cache previous. In that way they complete the series one cache/puzzle at a time. They do not have to send me the password. Rather they just type it in on the cache page and a new puzzle on a public page is discovered. Another series GC14V8D is designed so all geocaches stand on their own. But there are clues and items in some geocaches that will help cachers along if they do the caches in order. For instance, there is a multicache at Chapter 3. If the geocachers were at Chapter 2 they can see that if they picked up a pearl with a piece of paper on it, they could sign the paper and drop it in the pearl jar. If they did not visit Chapter 2 and do not have a pearl, they have to go to the logbook an additional half a mile down the trail. So there is a hard way and an easy way to the logbook. I simply did this to encourage people to visit the caches in a certain order so the mystery in the storyline can evolve like a book for those who want to do it that way. I've never had problems handing out passwords in CGQR2F for anyone that wanted to do the series in an afternoon. In fact, I encourage it for people who live out of town or have to travel long distances. I'm actually quite proud of these series of caches. They've won an astonishing amount of praise and have won local geocaching awards. Although I will always comply with the Groundspeak guidelines, it would be a shame to archive them as people really do seem to get involved with the storyline in a MYST kinda way. If these caches do not follow the rules please let me know and I'll either alter them to adhere to the rules or archive them instantly. Thanks -- Scruffster.

Thanks for the kind words, The Blue Quasar. The current BCGA administration may be reaping the rewards but the status of geocaching in BC today is due in a large part to the hard work of people before us. To set the record straight we should give credit where credit is due. Mr. Gigabyte got the ball rolling in 2004, taking BC Parks staff geocaching. Doc Magoo and Chillibusher continued communications. For the last two years, Landsharkz has been the liason and can be credited with GeoRush. If I've forgotten anyone, please forgive me. We really have to give a lot of credit to BC Parks. At a time when Parks Canada and Ontario Parks banned geocaching, they could have taken the easy road and followed suit. Instead, BC Parks staff truly went above and beyond the call of duty, educating themselves on everything there is to know about geocaching. They examined existing geocaches in their parks and saw geocaching for what it really is. By the time BC Parks met with the current BCGA administration, they knew pretty much everything we knew. The resulting BC Parks policy is definitely something other park boards should study. It's my hope that this will open the door for other provinces. If we just have to get rid of the misconceptions that come out of ignorance, we will all be better off. All geocaching societies are working for the same cause. So if what happened in BC gets Ontario Parks to take notice, all the better. One thing I do know. As the BCGA director chiefly in charge of communication, I've received numerous emails from as far away as Australia and Europe asking about "Geocaching Friendly British Columbia." Geocaching based tourism may be in its infacy but Ontario could loose out on this market if it gets a reputation of a geocaching unfriendly place. We hard core geocachers know that we book hotels or campgrounds near geocaching hotspots. As more and more people get involved in Geocaching it can only benefit tourism starved areas to promote geocaching instead of banning it.

On July 24th, Minister of Environment Berry Penner officially kicked off Georush 2008 -- a BCGA / BC Parks project consisting of 100 geocaches hidden in 100 provincial parks. This is part of British Columbia's 150th Birthday celebrations. During his speech, Minister Penner welcomed geocaching in British Columbia's provincial parks. BC Parks sponsors this event by providing the containers, prizes and swag. Inside each geocache there is BC related swag and commemorative coins for the first, third and fifth finders. The BCGA's contribution includes a carabiner and a card worth a 1 in 10 chance to win a BCGA 2008 trackable geocoin. All coins will rare collectors items. The announcement took place in Gowlland Tod provincial park at a "secret" event cache. Curious geocachers from near and far attended the event unknowing exactly what was to take place. BCGA executives and Park Rangers were there to take part. Representatives from BC Parks handed out frisbees, buttons, hats and pins. BCGA members were selected to hide GeoRush geocaches yet keep these hides a secret. The BCGA volunteers own the caches and were given a commemorative coin for their efforts. Groundspeak published the first 50 geocaches on the 24th. All GeoRush caches should be published within the week. Media coverage has been extensive. A Channel, CHEK TV, News 11.30 Radio (Vancouver), Global TV and BCTV have all picked up the story. News of hidden commemorative coins have reached blogs and forums across British Columbia. The BCGA website's traffic doubled within 24 hours and 45 new people registered a handle with the BCGA website between July 24th and July 26th. Eager muggles wanting to learn more about the "hidden coins" caused the phone lines to crash at BC Parks headquarters after the news was released. This project is a result of four years of talks between the BCGA and BC Parks. Over that time, the BCGA and BC Parks have developed a strong relationship. Communication has always been open and positive. While other park boards across the country felt the need to restrict or ban geocaching, BC parks staff have been actively researching the sport. It was with full knowledge of geocaching that BC Parks developed the first positive geocaching policy in Canada. The BCGA is thankful that we were able to meet with a progressive administration willing to listen to the geocaching community's concerns. There was relief and joy when BC Parks released their geocaching policy but it was a pleasant surprise to learn BC Parks were very willing to sponsor geocaches in their parks. This is another first for Canada. But it is only the tip of the iceberg. The BCGA is excited to learn that there may be more partnership projects and look forward to working with BC Parks in the future.

It's been two weeks so most people should have their geocoins by now. For anyone interested, I saw the first gold coin go for 31 dollars on eBay. The second one went for 51 dollars. So, if you purchaced gold coins you made a very wise decission. So what is the BCGA going to do to top this next year? Hmmmmm.

Great. I'm glad to see everyone is starting to get their coins. International orders will take a bit longer but everyone should receive their coins very soon. It's good to see the positive feedback. I'm sure everyone will agree the coins were worth the wait.

The BCGA executive will be getting together on Sunday to package the coins for shipping. Thank you to everyone who purchaced a coin and a special thanks for being patient throughout the presale process. We realize that coin shipments take much longer when presales are involved. However, we did want all coin collectors to have a chance to acquire one of these very special coins. I have seen the coins first hand and I have to say I'm quite impressed. I have no doubt they'll be a favourite in your collections. We will keep everyone updated on our progress but you can be assured that your coins will arrive shortly.

For those that would still like a coin it is almost noon in British Columbia which means you only have 12 hours to think about it. The countdown clock has been set. It's later than you think!

Wow, time went fast. Only four days to go. I think I'm going to order an extra gold too.

If someone sends keewee a gold coin maybe he'll give me an update on "Shortland Street" I haven't seen an episode since I was in Christchurch in 1999. **teehee** It was getting good. I wonder if that guy is still in a coma. It's only been 9 years. Seriously, I sympathize with the people out of province who would really like a gold coin. I'm sure there will be a few enterprising members that will be willing to trade. There are a lot of amazing coins out there to trade for. As it stands, the gold coins will be very rare. Not a lot of sales at this point in time. The people that buy one will literally have gold in their hands.

I noticed several members buying extra gold coins. Hmmmmm. I wonder why?

I wish I could do a few goodwill sales but the BCGA members would tar and feather me in the town square. I'm sure most ships have internet communications these days. Isn't there any way to contact your cousin?

There was a discussion whether we should allow the public to buy both coins. But the BCGA executive decided that membership was very important to us and our members should be rewarded, even in this small way, for all they have done for the BCGA. For that reason the gold coin is only available to BCGA members. The gold coin will be very rare and most likely increase in value moreso than the silver. Just for reference, the 2007 BCGA geocoin sold on an online auction for approximately 6 times its original price only a few months after minting. And that was a rather plain coin in comparrison to the 2008 issue.

Thank you to everyone. Your responses have been very helpful. All the information gathered here will hopefully make the approval process as painless as possible for the newbie and revewer alike.

I'm currently planning an event directed towards teaching newer cachers the basics of Geocaching. I'm working on a list of things to do and things not to do if the cache is not approved within 72 hours. Is there any documentation on this topic? If so, please instruct me where to find it. Also, I was curious about the queue. Does the cache submitted for approval move to the back of the queue every time we edit the cache page before review? As for things to do when a cache isn't approved within the 72 hour time period, I welcome any advice on the topic. Here's a preliminary draft. It is by no means complete nor is anything on the list written in stone. What to do: Be patient -- there are many reasons your cache may not be approved instantly. It doesn't necessarily mean you did anything wrong. Check the listing for revewer notes -- if there is a problem, the reviewer will most likely contact you this way. Make sure all appropriate boxes are checked -- the reviewer will not see the cache listing if the (CACHE IS ACTIVE) box is not checked. email an experienced cacher -- the geocaching community is friendly and experienced cachers are often willing to help answer questions and concerns. Check out the Groundspeak forums -- there have been others in the same situation and many of your questions may be answered without posting a new thread. You may post your question online but it may be best to do so as a last resort. What not to do: send a barrage of emails to the reviewer -- it will not get the cache published faster. complain online -- ranting, flaming will not further your cause. If anyone can add to this list or suggest anything be taken out, I would like any help. Thanks.

At this point in time the BCGA is only accepting membership applications from people living within British Columbia. The coins are intended to be very exclusive. As part of a membership drive, they will not be available to non-members. We didn't think there would be a huge demand outside the province. I apologize to the geocoin collectors out there.

There is a 2007 BCGA geocoin that will be released to members. You can see it in the news article at: http://www.bcgeocaching.com/ Signed, The Skunk.

Tony's enthusiasm for geocaching was legendary and his generous spirit was well known across the country. This is tragic for the Canadian geocaching community and I can speak for many people in British Columbia when I say we share in your greif. Our condolences to Tony's family and hopes for Sue's complete recovery. Our hearts are with you. Stu (Scruffster).

Hi again, This is in regards to the cache discussed above that was archived. I emailed the reviewer, edited the cache page to make sure everyone knows that the cache is on parkland and that the train "stations" are merely part of a theme and do not exist in reality. I also made sure the page was enabled. It's been a week and I haven't heard back from the reviewer. Should I assume that the explaination was not accepted or should I just wait it out. Over the past week I've seen two rather large blocks of new caches come up in the area so it's not out of the realm of possibility the reviewer is really busy. If that's the case the last thing I want to do is waste the reviewer's time with unecessary emails. On the other hand, It would be nice to get some kind of feedback. Thanks -- Scruffster.

Ahhhh. Now I know that I don't have to do anything else on my end. On the good side, I managed to find a much nicer spot for one of the five caches and used the down time to enhance the overall experience for the cachers. Thanks for your help. Scruffster.