klizich
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Everything posted by klizich
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Way to go, Lakelady! Many more. Thanks for some wonderful caches; always enjoy hunting yours!
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Way to go, Mike! Many more!
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Haven't personally seen one yet, but always looking...would like the chance to take pictures. Two suggestions, maybe 3. First, I have a good friend who spent just shy of 3 full tours in VietNam with the 101st AB as a "lurp" - Long Range Recon. Patrol. These were the six man teams who were dropped WAY IN behind enemy lines to access intelligence and conduct ambushes. They could not speak and had to rely on hand signals. They had elephants, tigers, cobras, boa constrictors and all sorts of other lovely creatures to deal with, not to mention the VC booby traps. He impressed upon me that moving swiftly, but safely was important, and, could be done by constantly being aware of your surroundings - look close, medium, far, peripheral sides...then repeat. This has allowed me to see things I might have missed. When geocaching, there really is no good reason to be in a hurry. Second, "Snake Guardz" or the like. Snakebite proof gaiters or leggings. After TRL had a dry bite last year and bought a pair, I did likewise. Somewhat for those few times you can't see what you are walking in, mostly to keep my legs from getting cut up by the pricker bushes, thorns, etc. outside (they also work well at home weed wacking). They are light and offer protection. They saved my buns last summer when I didn't realize I had located an underground yellowjacket nest. I felt a couple of "burns" on my upper leg, looked down and saw the 2 that were stinging me, the two that were stinging the loose pants only and about 20 below the knee biting the Snake Guardz. I would worry more about a first time anaphylactic shock/allergy reaction to the bees than the snakes out there. They run about $50 and are very helpful. I have seen a large number of snakes this year so far, but none poisonous yet. They really are not aggressive unless stepped on. Third, take a trip to the Space Farms in Beemerville, NJ (out past Sussex Airport). They have maintained a snake pit for years. Every year it is filled with local poisonous snakes as well as non-poisonous snakes. Periodically, one of the Spaces goes into the pit and shows everyone how these reptiles are NOT aggressive...by the way, he is NOT wearing snakebite protection on his legs. He lightly handles them with a hook to show them to the audience up behind the safety fencing. Caveat: a few years back in the local "rag" (newspaper) was an article about a guy that got bit by a rattlesnake near the Delaware Water Gap in NJ. Seems this young man had (1) been imbibing in alcoholic beverages slightly to excess, and, (2) was trying to handle the snake. DUH! Wonder why he got bit! The story didn't end there, though. Turns out he had an allergy to the antivenin and it took about a week of monitoring to make sure he was ok. Upon release he was slapped with a horrific fine (into the thousands of dollars) for his actions...the rattlesnake is federally protected as an endangered species. Also, it was the Feds who popped him. Old professional saying - don't screw with the Feds! They don't play "let's make a deal" with sentences or fines!
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A lot has already been said about the topic, but... There ARE poisonous reptiles out there (and the rattlers in NJ are protected as an endangered species!). Many times the poisonous (or non-poisonous) snakes do "fake strikes" to ward off predators...they may even bite but not deliver venom. Primarily, the danger is if the animal is stepped on; it will react. Any snakes I have encountered have not been aggressive. Recently, I was very close to a hog-nosed snake, which alerted me to his being there with the responsive "hiss" and pulling his head into a hood. He did not strike...even when I moved him out of the way with my walking stick. While I would not do this with a poisonous snake (except to move it off of a traveled trail), their response would be similar...except for the hiss and hood. Respect is the real answer. Prevention is a close second. Not that far from my home is a place called Space Farms in Beemerville, NJ. (Space is the family name.....no, "Outer', is not the first!). The owner is allowed by the State to collect rattlesnakes and copperheads locally and use them in his snake pit (for education purposes). They are released every year in the fall. He gets in with the snakes and educates the people about them. Pretty much, short of stepping on one (or being stupid and trying to handle it like Steve Irwin), it is hard to get bit. Like your encounter, about 20+ years ago I stepped OVER one while fishing the Esopus up in NY State...he just looked at me and didn't do anything even though I WAS in his personal space! Another option to consider for hiking is snake gaiters or snake chaps; they are lightweight (you really don't notice they are on) and offer protection better than that of hiking boots. I bought a pair last year after TRL experienced his "dry bite" last year (mine are made by Snake Guardz; check their website if you want to see what REAL rattlesnakes look like! (6-8+ feet long). The main reason I chose them was to keep my lower legs from being torn up by brambles, stickers, etc. They saved my "butt" last summer though when I encountered an underground yellow jacket nest...got 2-3 actual stings and about 20-30 on the snake gaiters. Yellowjackets are much more likely to "bee" encountered, and, much more deadly than a poisonous snake encounter! Under the circumstances you relayed, if bitten,the victim should probably sit in a cool area while you went for help. 1-2 miles isn't bad and prevents the poison from being pumped through the system by the exertion of excitement and walking. As stated before, Medical Assistance is #1 - let the doctors (with experience in the field) tell you what you should do. Copperhead bites will probably not involve antivenin. Rattlesnake bites are an entirely different matter. They are more serious and probably will involve antivenin (Crofab seems to be the best and most common from information on the Animal Planet and Discovery channels - "Venom ER"); even with this intervention, tissue and/or nerve damage is possible, and, physical therapy may be necessary. Under no circumstances should the bite be incised or an attempt made to remove the poison. The best example of what not to do was in the local newspaper about 3-5 years ago. A hiker/camper along the Delaware River got bit after (1) "having a few drinks" and, (2) picking up/handling the snake. I remember the article well because he could not be treated with the antivenin due to an allergy, and, later being wacked with a very large monetary fine (in the thousands of $$!) for messing with an endangered species! Don't mess with the snakes...or the Feds! Sometimes copperheads emit an odor like cucumber...if you smell cucumber, just be aware of your surroundings...it may be a copperhead.........it may be a cucumber; doesn't happen all the the time, just sometimes. Also, for a picture of a copperhead, check out the post of 5/17/03 by Zeewire for Osio Rock Ramble, GCA586. Stay safe, but don't worry about things...enjoy caching and these amazing animals...but always check for ticks! Hope this was helpful.
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WAY TO GO FLOOPY! If there were a superhuman, comic book, geocaching hero - YOU would be the model! Many more good caches to you!
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Braving blisters, hostle weather, blood-thirsty ticks, attack chipmunks & squirrels, Bigfoot sightings, muggles...and even well-concealed caches, Old Navy hit the #300 mark 5/3/06 at TRL's "Highlands Hike" cache. This undaunted cacher even went on to start the trek to #400 by braving "David's Rock Collection", "A Day At The Races", "Ski Bowl" and "Rock and Rill", immediately following this feat of courage , faith , bravado ...(with a little insanity thrown in as well!) Way to go, John!
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Way to go, guys! Happy hunting, may you bag many more ammo cans, et al!
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Congrats on the milestone! Many more. Just don't lose your "bear"ing in Whittingham WMA!
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I think Bob393 kinda hit the nail on the head. The guidelines are 72 hours, but the reviewers are volunteers. They help keep up the high quality, not to mention high volume, of our hobby. If you run into the situation again, you can e-mail your reviewer directly through the geocaching.com website. I have had an occasion where the original went out and my server, or someone else's, ate it...the reviewer never got it. One I resubmitted, done deal. I got into geocaching in Dec. '04. A 20 mile radius from my home yielded quite a few cache listings; I would say about 100+. Since the popularity has increased, I would guess that same radius is now good for 3 times as many caches...or more - all of which had to be approved. Like Bob393 said, "Patience is a virtue." From what I gather fromt he posts, your reviewer is going to tackle this one a.s.a.p. Just remember, they are there to help...not be a pain! Without them, we would have a chaotic hobby with aggrevation instead of fun as the end result. Good caching! PS A hearty "Thank You" to all the reviewers out there!
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Geocachers experience a warm, fuzzy feeling when they are wanted and appreciated.
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Thadd, Way To Go! Hope you have many more, hides and seeks! Had Lakelady not mentioned "Memories of Merit" I would have echoed BrianSnat's comment!
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Decon containers are available at: http://www.armysurpluswarehouse.com Item - M258A1 Plastic Box, $1.79 each. They also have mortar cases, ammo cans of various sizes, etc. for those "larger" caches.I have dealt with them before and found them very reliable. Just ordered 10; with shipping it came out just shy of $29.00. Not bad at all.
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Tough question. I would have to go with the Sparta area (between the Edison area, Sparta Glen and the town itself) there are a LOT of caches...LOTS of DIFFERENT types of caches, by many different cachers: BrianSnat, Treequest, CacheHunters42, Tiffany's Slaves, Skully & Mulder et al, and others..... Certainly, I can't leave out Kevin's caches (Team Rampant Lion), but the visitor would have to have a great appreciation of bears and snakes! Someone else pointed out an important consideration though - a lot depends on where they are staying. Welcome to our visitor(s); You should find great/interesting caches and friendly geocachers here in the Garden State.
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Hmmmmmmm...........I have spent the last few days pondering, okay investigating, the Cache Cash phenomenon in order to identify the culprit. All seems to be for naught and I am greatly perplexed as all clues seem to lead to a dead end. Who or What is RESPONSIBLE! This case may need Sherlock Holmes or Gil Grissom for solution. Enclosed is some of the "evidence" I have collected from various caches; perhaps you may have better luck! Of course, the "case" can certainly be considered an "X-(pletive) File"! Oh, the humanity!
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Kevin, I am confused. I thought you were changing TRL to TBM, what happened? (TBM = Team Bear Magnet)
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Hmmmmmm......been seeing a lot of those around caches, too . I disagree with BrianSnat; I don't think "klizsch" is responsible! (In fact, I know SO, but cannot reveal the identity of my source) . Might be wise to investigate.....maybe there are "clues to unfold the mystery" . Could this be CSI: Geocaching? Any 'brave soul' unfold one? PS for those "WheresGeorge"-ers out there, when you log your bill it is not advisible to use the word "geocache/geocaching" in your entry. Use 'caching or the waypoint number (GC _ _ _ _ ). The site has a filter to detect "geocacher" bills and not include in some bill count statistics (see site).
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Figuring to go out with an FTF, John headed out this morning (okay, so I was a witness) for "Otter Hole". It was only published last night so we figured chances were good...never "ASSUME". Great hide which furnished an STF and John's #200 find! Many more to you, John, keep up the good work![/
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"Old" Glory, Jr.???? If you're out caching and get 300, you can't be "old", can you?. Congrats on the egg salad ant milestone; many more good caches to you!
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Egg Salad Ant! (excellent)....many more good caches to you!
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Hey Quoddy, congrats on the upcoming 1K! Unless something comes up at the absolute last minute, I will plan on being there for this hike. See ya there I hope! klizich
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I do not have the words at hand to express my condolences to the Mueller family on their loss. I had the pleasure of attending several events Helmut attended, he even hosted one of them. I also had the honor of attending his 1000th cache find event and being on hand for the surprise being sprung on him, what a trip. What did he do? Scoot off to find the cache, of course! Helmut was one of the great cachers I have met and one I looked up to. His energy and tenacity in pursuing caches (with his faithful, Autumn, of course!) gave me inspiration to get off my @#$#%, uh, rear end, and do something physical - geocaching. I can understand his love for it. My heartfelt prayers go out to his family. Helmut was one of a kind and will be sorely missed; his memory will be cherished. Kane (aka klizich)
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Congratulations, Gerry! Many more great caches to you! I will look forward to going caching with you again soon! Kane
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Thought it was a great story on geocaching and really presented cachers in a good light. Their website is: "www.esotv.com" and you can order the show DVD for about $20. I believe it was episode 2; you can check this on the web also. Got me REALLY interested in doing the 2 Eternal Flame caches - a mere 250 miles away! Road Trip!
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Northwest NJ: Vernon Twp., Sussex County...where bears roam free to harangue and harass Kevin from TRL ; caches run scared from geocachers ; and the local livestock worry when they see citified people in their backyard (or near their pens) !
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Laura - "WAY TO GO!" (...just hope it didn't require group-hopping over a fence, though! ) Best wishes on many more!