The Hornet

I'm getting the feeling that no one really cares... Reviewers used to have celebrity status, now they are just people doing a job that no one else wants to do.... Mark Oh come on, don't forget reviewers are NOT just doing a job, they are unpaid volunteers GIVING their time for the benefit of the rest of us. Mind you, it has occurred to me more than once recently that given the vast proliferation in geocaches being listed here that maybe Groundspeak's business model, which relies on volunteers, might be "creaking" a bit now. Maybe the time has come for them to actually employ full time, paid, reviewers, especially as the rules governing the activity become ever more complex. Anyway perhaps that's another discussion. For now kudos to the new person and all the team, particularly to Castagnari for admitting he made a mistake and apologising.

Anyone remember Mark "The Cat" Thompson? When he died at a way too early age in 2004 Alex "Slytherin" set up a TB race in his honour. My Mark 'The Cat' Charity Travel Bug Race #12 - 'The Hornet' was released in November 2004 and is still in existence. At present it is with me in an archived cache but I may well move it again some time. At present it has logged 45214 miles! Another of my TB's to make it home safely is Zamboni which has done 35254 miles.

When I was Lactodorum I had several disagreements with Alan, however maybe I have mellowed but I find myself in total agreement with this idea. After all if England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland can have separate football teams why not let us have similarly geographically convenient caching countries? Although interestingly the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland happily play as a single entity in Rugby Yes, I know that later on this year the Olympics will feature a single team representing the United Kingdom but let's face it, the Olympics is all about politics and has been so for years

Hi, I used to be Lactodorum when I was a reviewer. I can assure you that this question was not part of my decision to resign. While I had some fundamental concerns about how Groundspeak was driving Geocaching in the UK, the UK/GB/Norn Iron/Ireland issue was not one of them. You might be interested to know that I am acutely aware of the difference between Great Britain and the United Kingdom and am continually irritated at the inability of organisations to understand what they each mean. However despite that I accept there is much to be said in favour of considering the island of Ireland as a convenient geographical location for Geocaching. After all were I to be a geocacher hunting in Norther Ireland/Ulster near the political border I would probably be more inclined to hunt for a cache just over the border in the Republic of Ireland/Eire than one on the island of Great Britain, even though that would be in the same political country. It is much more convenient to walk or drive a mile or two than to catch a ferry. This game is about hunting tupperware/ammo boxes/film pots and based on physical location, not politics. Please consider the current "confusion" a mere geographical convenience rather than a political statement.

Thanks also for the other suggestions and comments. The website has changed a lot and there seem to be all sorts of new "bells and whistles" now. I don't know if I like or will use many of them but as has been suggested, if there's something I don't like I can ignore it. Having said that, I still don't like the idea of putting out lots of film pots in the wilds of the countryside when "proper" full sized caches could be deployed. Maybe that's me but I will be mentioning it in my logs if/when I come across them. After all I was the oroginal G.O.G It's nice to see many of my old caching acquaintances are still around, maybe I'll drop in here more often.

I have Memory Map (on PC and PDA). I'm about to inherit ladysolly's old iPhone, and I've been thinking that it might make a good caching PDA. It has built-in GPS (and I plan not to use it for telephony, so it won't get confused by phone mast info) which I would guess is likely to be as good/accurate as any other GPS (why wouldn't it be?). But I've read reviews of Memory Map on the iPhone which suggests that it's not good. And I do want to use Memory Map, because I have all the maps already (I'm hoping that I can use those same maps). Could you explain to me how exactly you're making use of the iPhone? Thanks. Surely, I'll try. First off it's the version that lets me use my existing extensive map library If you look in your App list in iTunes for MM you have the option to easily copy maps from your PC to your iPhone. No conversion is needed, it just works. Next I loaded a set of local caches into my PC version in the normal way. I could easily delete any I didn't want and add a couple of extra waypoints manually. To put them all into the phone I saved the overlay file as a gpx and then copied it to the iPhone in the same way I copied the maps. When out in the field (well actually mostly around town!) I had the Groundspeak app running with all the cache details, hint, logs etc and the "Navigate to" compass pointing to the cache. I then switched into Memory Map and could plot my route to the vicinity of the cache in Memory Map just like the old days when I had it on my PDA. It was a matter of a couple of clicks to swap back and forth between them. MM also lets you navigate to a selected waypoint so I could have used that instead of the Geocaching app if I'd wanted to. As for accuracy, the iPhone 4S seems to be pretty good, I did manage to find caches with the same ease as when I used my 60CSX. I'm no expert with the iPhone and this was my first try but it seemed to be a pretty good option if you already own an iPhone.

Sorry but I was under the impression that Groundspeak reviewers such as yourself were instrumental in getting this rule implemented with GAGB's cooperation. If this is not the case then I apologise for bringing it up here. There's only so much history I can digest from a relatively quick scan through this forum. If the GAGB guideline isn't used by yourselves when reviewing Groundspeak caches, and it was Groundspeak caches I was looking for this weekend, hence my decision to post here rather than GAGB.

I take your point Andy, you are quite right. However I still think this new guideline takes something away from the game. Perhaps if I start caching again I'll stick to countryside caches.

Thanks for the reply Andy although looking at this "Guideline" it appears ridiculous to me. I quote: By the very nature of a cache in a town/city it will almost certainly be overlooked. That is part of the challenge of an urban cache and has been for the 11 years I've been in this game. Forgive me but it is fatuous to suggest that it is possible to hunt for such caches without looking suspicious. And where is the challenge if every single overlooked cache has to have a hint "spoon feeding" cachers precise instructions on how to find it? Sorry but this is not caching as I know it. Obviously I am not cut out for this game any more if this is what it has become.

Having sold my GPS last year I have been away from caching for quite a few months. Today I decided to have another go but this time with my new iPhone and the Groundspeak app. It was surprisingly easy to use and in conjunction with Memory Map proved an interesting morning. Wishing to see what had been happening while I was away I have been browsing the UK forum. Not too much has changed here has it? The usual moans and groans and harmless silliness. However apart from all the site changes since I was here I have noticed a couple of fundamental shifts in Geocaching. Probably the main one is the apparent encouragement of "power trails". These seem to abound now. When I was reviewing one of the things we UK reviewers were admonished for was allowing an occasional series in the UK while they were absolutely forbidden in the USA. Nowadays it seems to be de rigeur to place a series of film pots in bland locations just to provide number hounds with their fix. When did this change in attitude take place? The other thing I read about was this business of disallowing "urban caches" where the cache might be overlooked. What is the point of that? Ever since I started caching in 2001 I have hunted caches that have been overlooked to a greater or lesser extent. Indeed today I attempted a number which were VERY overlooked. I can't imagine how ANY cache in a town or city can not be overlooked. I guess it was inevitable that the free and easy attitude we used to enjoy has been driven out of the sport now that it has become such a mainstream commercial activity. Shame really, it was fun while it lasted.

Although I haven't met the current Geodog, Wendy's previous assistance dog Caesar was the gentlest and best behaved dog I have ever had the pleasure to meet. I have no doubt at all her current companion is similarly behaved. Would you feel the same if it had been a blind person with a guide dog? I only looked in on this forum today after my first geocaching trip for many months and I was saddened to find the same old whingeing and moaning that drove me away before. Wendy, ignore the moaners, you know how wonderful your dog is, don't let them spoil it for you.

If you like Virtuals how about this one. Ideal for this time of year.

Do you know, I still have two fully labelled Ammo cans in my garage. Should I?............... hmmmmmmmm

Oh I can think of two right bar stewards who might take exception

Well well well!! It's been ages since I looked in here and what do I find? Yes Dave and I had a pleasant chat and cuppa. I'm well although getting over a minor knee op. Sam the cachehound is still around although neither of us bother with caching these days. Somehow the fun and adventure seems to have gone out of the game. From what I can see it's all gone "corporate" now, rather like the local "greasy spoon" being replaced by a McDonalds. Still it's nice to see so many old names I recognise. And if we're reminiscing I remember the time I overtook Alex (Slytherin) to become the UK's leading cache finder with something like 450 caches found, and the weekend I spent finding EVERY cache in London!!! (yes 2 days to clear every single cache) Ah thems woz the days indeed

I am delighted to announce that three of my favourite travel bugs has finally made it home to roost in the past couple of weeks. For those whose TB's go missing this just goes to prove that occasionally the system works My Amberel Top Cache was delivered personally by Dobunnis this week. Thanks ladies. It has travelled over 2000 miles before reaching its goal. Back in 2003 I released Zamboni and after travelling the world it was finally returned home to me. It clocked up over 35000 miles And then my record breaker! In 2004 one of the original Geocachers, Mark Thompson, died at a terribly young age. He did so much for caching in the UK and it was decided to set up a TB race in his memory. This ended years ago but my TB kept travelling until finally it "ran out of steam" last month and a friendly US cacher offered to post it back to me. So Mark The Cat how does 45000 miles sound? A fitting tribute mate

Hey!! After all these years he's back and banging on the same old drum Such a shame I don't have to listen/read the same old tosh any more. Bye all, I'm off.

Not being one of the critics (I think!) but conversely the original G.O.G. can I just clarify? Are you saying that people cannot criticise? I think the GAGB do some good work and I admire their volunteers but surely people with alternative views should be allowed to question/criticise? From ther various threads I have read I have been impressed by how the criticism has been kept civil. I remember many times when I moderated this forum that this wouldn't have happened!

If this is the case, how are they managing to apply the GAGB guidelines? Or does discretion only go one way? Yes that is correct, or at least it was when I was reviewing. I could ADD restrictions but woe betide me if I tried to avoid something a Groundspeak "Guideline" suggested I shouldn't. I felt and still feel that some restrictions are good for the game here. I am thinking of our restriction on placing caches in dry stone walls which not being an American item gets no mention in the GS "Guidelines". Eckington and I applied this despite some strong opposition at the time because we felt it was the right thing to do. I guess it's debatable whether we were right or not. Conversely I remember the battles we had over such "commercial" organisations as pubs, tea rooms etc. which we wanted to allow and for which we were castigated for by a number of American reviewers.

This is Groundspeak's site and the cache was listed with their approval because it complied with their rules. The obvious place for the police to come to is Groundspeak. Yes, they are American but they operate in this country and they have representatives over here called Reviewers. I should know how it works because I used to be one. Why call in an outside organisation who, I'm guessing, 90% of active cachers have never heard of? ALL cachers listing their caches here have heard of Groundspeak. Any reviewer could immediately give the police any detail they wanted about any cache as they have access to all hidden waypoints, details of permissions granted etc. Nobody else can do this. No, no no!!!!! A local reviewer has almost no discretion over what Groundspeak says. It was because of that very lack of discretion I and my colleague at the time resigned from Groundspeak. Maybe current reviewers have more discretion than we did then but I doubt it. Or maybe they just don't feel it is important enough to make a stand. I personally think the GAGB have some good things going for them but over time I have come to the conclusion that I do not agree with everything they are trying to do now. As a reviewer I used to work very closely with them. However nobody who puts themselves forward like GAGB, politicians or even GS reviewers should be immune from criticism. So telling others not to criticise is facile. This is a forum and as far as I recall a Forum is defined as a debating place. edited for speeling!

Well well! I have just made one of my infrequent visits to this forum just to see what was happening in the world of Geocaching. What a lot of fuss and bother in Wetherby!! I do feel for the poor Geocacher who ended up with a criminal record for indulging in what he had every right to believe was an innocent activity. The culpability of the cache owner and the listing site for encouraging to go hunting there has to be questioned. And then this thread and its discussion of the proposed new RULE by GSP. But what surprised me more than anything was just how much I agree with Alan White "Old timers" will know that Alan and I frequently disagreed with many Geocaching topics way back when, but what he says about this idea is spot one and eloquently stated. Nice one Alan and my hat off to you for expressing my exact thoughts. One more thing that has been alluded to by several people. Whatever happens with this new idea, it would be nice if GSP came clean with their customers and stopped referring to "Guidelines". The time is long gone when there was any leeway - what you have now are inflexible RULES. That's fine, it's their site so they can do what they want but they should stop misleading cachers by calling them Guidelines and suggesting they are anything else but RULES. GAGB have true Guidelines because they do not have the power to enforce them, Groundspeak have Rules because they do have that power.

Yup!! 2003 it was and I got hold of two pallet loads from a place in Nottingham. I flogged them off for 50p each. I still have a couple in my garage and one in my hedge which was a Geocache and is now an O***cache And if anyone wants a trip down memory lane to the Xmas meet in 2003 you can see the full set of pics here.

If you're looking for a "starter" GPS have you checked out the UK Geocaching Car Boot Sale thread? I happen to know there are one or two GPSrs for sale there

Why is it important to get notified of new caches the moment they are published?

Hey you and me both! Of course I remember NattyBooshka. To answer your other questions: 2) It folded years ago which was a great shame. I hope Teasel is still well. 3) Hah! Don't hold your breath. That sort of thing would be stamped on these days for promoting a charity. That's one of the main things that caused me to "resign" from volunteering with Groundspeak. However life moves on I visit this forum at irregular intervals just to see what's going on although I rarely contribute. Geocaching has changed so much since we were "active". Many many more people involved now, it's almost become mainstream From what I can see there's a much smaller proportion of what we might class "proper" caches nowadays, there's much more emphasis on micro's (for good or ill depending on your point of view) and MUCH more emphasis on gathering numbers with power trails all over the place. There are also many more aids such as smartphone apps and map addons than we were used to. Gone are the days of downloading a few caches into a simple GPS and following the arrow! Anyway I hope you enjoy your return and don't find the scene to alien now. Hornet