jpd43

At the gathering the other night, (which by the way was really good! Thanks Karen and everyone who showed up), I heard the news that TRAKD had been bitten by a rattle snake while caching. Since I am one of his sponsors for a cache in our area, I was concerned and wrote to him to see how he was doing and get the "real" story, before any rumors got started. Here is his replay copied verbatim from his email reply to me: Howdy, I am doing better and submitted my entire ordeal on the RCGDS/NUTS websites respectively. I know that the story has floated around but I will attach it here for you as well. If you have a post that you wish to send it up to please feel free. I think it is a good story for all to read about and of course comes STRAIGHT from ME. *********** A Geocachers Adventure (not for the faint of heart… you have been warned) by TRAKD Howdy, Before my story begins I first want to thank everyone for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support. It is difficult to put into words the waves of feelings I have had over the past week and a half but I will try. A week ago Sunday my partner in crime Salmon Falls Widow (and now honest to goodness hero) and I had decided to take a six or so mile hike along Folsom Lake to snap up some caches that have been nagging us for months. We only had a few hours and it was a wonderful morning. Early on into the hike we passed one of our slithery friends with fangs along the trail but it paid us no attention other than turning its head and moving on, so we did the same. It had been a few weeks since our last encounter (about 15 in all this summer alone) with one of our friends of nature so it was a good “reminder” to be vigilant and aware of our surroundings. Anyway, fast forward to the last cache of the day. I dropped SFW off at the trail head and parked the Green Machine. The GPSr said the cache was only 390 feet up the hill and I met her ¾ up with only 100 feet to go. She chose to continue along the trail and I chose to chase the arrow and booneycrash to the treasure. Of course I got to the wonderful view and spot first. Once there I did as all cachers (should) do before searching for anything and made my presence known. I checked over the area looking low and then high and back to low again as I methodically searched where digits told me the prize was hiding. Then… Yep… you got it… BINGO! The prize was spotted. I remember reading something about a moldy log so when I opened the container knew what I was in for. The log was a bit damp and swollen inside and I pulled out my trusty extraction device. As I extracted the log it slipped and proceeded to drop between my feet. I looked down and around as I closed up my extraction device unaware that the next second and a half of my life would be so life altering. I was a couple of three feet away from the tree as I reached down with one hand to gather the log when something shot out of the tree (about 1 ½ feet high up) like a cannon with no warning. In slow motion I recognized my hazard instantaneously and my reflexes were already kicking in moving my hand back and away… unfortunately, I am no longer that shortstop in college and my reflexes are not those of a 20 year old. This could have been a blessing or a curse and I will never know but the rattlesnake hit my hand between the thumb and forefinger in mid-air as I was reflexing my arm back. The snake sank in but did not get to clamp as the inertia of my arm swinging back flung the snake. I heard and watched in slow motion as it thwaped up against a tree behind me. I yelled a few obscenities as time resumed its normal pace… or did it? Thankfully (to be discussed later) my partner was still a hundred feet down the trail and we instantly headed back to the Green Machine. I booneycrashed straight down the hill with my survival senses kicking in knowing I was already in deep doo-doo. See, we had been hiking six or so miles today and I am sure I was a bit dehydrated. The cache was at the top of the hill and my heart rate was already up and running when all of this happened. Plus when the snake hit my hand I saw blood spurt a couple of three times after it was flung aside. Yeah, it was an arterial stick. As my veterinarian wife would say if it were a dog or cat it would have been dead within five minutes unless treated. My own medical training and knowledge of the area knew what I needed to do. Story note: I initially thought the snake was between 18 inches and two feet long but when I made the distance with my hands to friends and family they were quick to point out my male shortfalls in sizes. Turns out it was closer to 2 ½ to 3 feet long. Back to booneycrashing. I lowered my arm (A KEY THING TO DO) and applied pressure above acting as a clamp to slow the venom already in my bloodstream but the systematic pulsing of the vile fluid was already being felt. I started up the Green Machine and turned the A/C all the way up and waited for my partner. She was deeply concerned and scared to drive my beast but since I was unable to do so she stepped up to the plate. I tried my best to stay calm and reassured her of my status that I would be just fine. She drove as fast as she safely could down the road with unsuspecting cars in our way. All along I tried 911 but got either no signal or “all lines are being used” notice. We stopped briefly at the Parks Kiosk but the lackadaisical actions of the attendants I knew we really only had two choices and that was to get to either a hospital or fire station. Once again knowing the area I knew that Mercy of Folsom was the BEST snake bite hospital in the area due to my past as an EMT. You can judge my decisions to wait and get medical treatment or get to the hospital as fast as we possibly could… that is fine but it was my life on the line and I knew seconds counted here. I did the math in my head on times and knew we could make the hospital in 20 minutes or so driving safely. If we waited I would get some basic medical treatment maybe in 10 to 15 with no guarantees. I continued with 911 hopping that they would answer and we could meet an ambulance somewhere along the way… unfortunately that never happened. As the wild ride continued I reassured my hero noting details of the incident (size, times, etc) to her in case I passed out because in reality I was feeling my body systematically coming under the influence of the poison. My right hand initially felt the effects and within minutes both legs, other arm, and face were already going numb. But, I continued to reassure that I was alright… just run that last light. We pulled into the loading bay of the Mercy Folsom ER at T-plus 21 minutes (when I started the car I noted the exact time and checked again as I opened the door). Two nurses were going off break and heading in as I cried for help and promptly fell flat on my face after only a couple of steps with my body cramping from the bite. Shelly raced around the Green Machine and helped me up as a gurney was brought out. She helped me onto the gurney and the wild ride continued. I entered a small room with two or three nurses and doctors. Each one fired the exact same questions at me as I mumble answers. My lips had gone numb and speech was difficult but I was getting through. As the next hour or so went on I overhear the ER staff say I should be back up and running in a day or so once the anti-venom or crowfab was on board. How some things give you hope and push you that extra mile. Familiar faces began to pour in with my wife Debbie showing up and best friend Brave Sir Robin as well. At one point in this ordeal with all of my family, friends, and medical professionals around I had to let loose. I had been questioned, re- questioned, poked, and prodded… I just could not take anymore. So after one more siphon of blood was drawn I popped off… “You know you doctors have stuck me more times than that #$%&@ snake did”. This seemed to lighten the tension in the air as a hearty laugh was collectively expelled. I know that if you can not laugh at adversity and challenges then half the battle is already lost. For the next trying hours and days I have many many stories of both laughter and sorrow. But, in the end I made out of ICU after 7 days and got to see my precious boys. This story ends happily. My arm still feels the effects of the bite as I type these words but I know that too will pass. I have been questioned about my ordeal and if I would cache again. Not only yes, but… HELL YES! My “Cache-Du-Jour” streak is over and as the boys have grown it was about to anyway because they are into swimming and laser-tag and there seems to not be enough hours in the day for it all. But, Geocaching is a fun outdoor activity and I am not going to let a snake bite push me back to the couch and what is the next season of drivel on TV. I have never tried to preach… oh, I have my opinions but try to keep them to myself. However, I am going to step up on a soap box here. Please do not take this story as one of tragedy… take it for what it is worth… hopefully a compelling glimpse of time that I went through. I initially did not want to tell half assed bits and pieces because people will snap to judgment and take action without thinking. In my humble assessment with my rattlesnake encounter, it was a one in a million shot. It was the exception and not the RULE! Please, please, please should not frighten ANY ONE away from caching. Only make us ALL more vigilant and aware of our surroundings. As a cacher it is our responsibility to remember that we are in THEIR territory. Be mindful and respectful to this and hopefully you will never encounter the freak accident I did. To this day I believe I was aware of my surroundings. I did not see the snake because of how it was hidden and it never made its presence known until it uncoiled and leapt like a rocket. Will I be more cautious… of course. Was I cautious enough in this instant? In my humble opinion I think so. Thank you all for being patient with me those who helped as messengers both suspecting and unsuspecting and respected my privacy over the past week or so. I also have a bit more peace to say before I wrap up with the serious stuff. First to Shelly. If it was not for you… From my understanding with what the doctors and nurses have now told me I would probably not be able to type these words today. Through great fear on your part you arose to the occasion and hauled my sorry a** to the ER without hesitation. Then both you and Mike sat vigil at my doorstep as I went through the pain and recovery of this ordeal. Once again for this I can never begin to repay either of you but you both will always have my deepest gratitude. To everyone else who stopped by once I was out of the woods and has sent emails, cards, well wishes and the like words fail me. In all my life I never thought that I would have touched so many who cared so much about me and my family. The words of concern and latitude have just overwhelmed me. Thank you. Ok, now the serious stuff is over (and I will never forget)… Bring on the ribbing… I know, I deserve every bit of it. As I said before if you can not laugh at diversity and challenge then half the battle is lost. I am an easy target now… Cheers Trevor from TRAKD

My experience is that the Bay Area Traffic settles down after passing Tracy. My guess is that they are heading towards the Sierra and not the Central Valley. So, it will be a bit heavier than normal but still moving right along. I'm taking Hwy 132 because $ATM$ can't go (don't need to stop at home) and Friday Nights are the heaviest traffic. If things get too backed up, I'm going to try some things I learned at the GBES Rally this year! What kind of things? Falling in to a sage brush or digging out splinters with a Bowie Knife?

Welcome back Microtaz and Wolf Girl!! Glad you found some time to pop in. Kim - "NOT SURE IF I'LL GO OR NOT!" ?????? You have to go, it's mandatory. Congtats on #600! While you were both out, things are still the same. Bill of Green Achers (BOGA) is up to his usual tricks: a) He won second in the GBES day road rally, but almost took out 2 sage brushes in the process, He's had CVC Tag for over a week without putting it out, c) He ADMITS he let his dog chew on Tag a while, and d) We SUSPECT he may have taken Tag well outside the central valley. RADIKEL is sponsoring an event on July 27th - pop on down: Radikel says, "Extra Cheese Please" BILL TOOK TAG OUT OF THE AREA?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? I am shocked and appalled at such dastardly behavior. Next he'll be coming in here whining about how he didn't do it, or that someone slipped it in his car without his knowledge (that by the way has already been used, see TAG GOES TO CHINA). Gees Bill! And to think I looked up to you as a pillar of honesty, (now maybe a pillar of salt). [/i] I am SOOOOO DISAPPOINTED

Really?! Maybe I'll spent this weekend without my phone on too! Fizzy and I will be making a day trip over and then back. We did that last year too and it made the trip appear like it didn't happen. We just kept going from cache to cache to cache and before we knew it, we were at the GBES Starting line. I can hardly stand the wait. Have a great time guys! I hope you do well Bill, I know if you stop speaking ill of Tom he may just mark your card correctly. Wanna bet?! Tom said he had a blast and wants to go back next year. He's camping out one more night so lets see what he has to post! Did he mark your card correctly? How did you do? I talked to Tom on Friday night I think (at the night portion of the event) and he was pretty excited and want to participate next year as a contestant.

Really?! Maybe I'll spent this weekend without my phone on too! Fizzy and I will be making a day trip over and then back. We did that last year too and it made the trip appear like it didn't happen. We just kept going from cache to cache to cache and before we knew it, we were at the GBES Starting line. I can hardly stand the wait. Have a great time guys! I hope you do well Bill, I know if you stop speaking ill of Tom he may just mark your card correctly.

So let's see if I got this right.......We set the clocks forward 2 weeks ago and then we set them again last night so we should now have a 2 hour differential?!?!? Hmmm, I think there is something wrong here Bill . Maybe we were supposed to set it ahead last time and back this time to put it back where it was originally so we can change them again next week . Or maybe were really supposed to set them BACK last time and ahead this time so the time would be right. OR MAYBE this is all just a hoax and we are supposed to be on standard time all year long like Arizona and this is just an April Fools joke theat started in March ! OR MAYBE, JUST MAYBE the farmer is trying to confuse us with a April fools joke of his own. Confused ? Tune in to the next entry and either get more confused or straightened out or just kick back and watch the races that come on in an hour, or 2, or 3 or maybe they are already half over. AAAAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHH! Thanks Bill!

So let's see if I got this right.......We set the clocks forward 2 weeks ago and then we set them again last night so we should now have a 2 hour differential?!?!? Hmmm, I think there is something wrong here Bill . Maybe we were supposed to set it ahead last time and back this time to put it back where it was originally so we can change them again next week . Or maybe were really supposed to set them BACK last time and ahead this time so the time would be right. OR MAYBE this is all just a hoax and we are supposed to be on standard time all year long like Arizona and this is just an April Fools joke theat started in March ! OR MAYBE, JUST MAYBE the farmer is trying to confuse us with a April fools joke of his own. Confused ? Tune in to the next entry and either get more confused or straightened out or just kick back and watch the races that come on in an hour, or 2, or 3 or maybe they are already half over. AAAAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHH! Thanks Bill!

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN SMOKING???? SMOKING? I can't remember the last time I "smoked", but then I guess that would mean either it was really good or really bad. By the way, I will now not tell you what he said about you.

This past Friday I had the very distinct pleasure of accompanying a whole lot of Geocachers on a traveling event! What a great time, I had. The food was great, the company superb and the entertainment hilarious. I don't know what made Bill think of this as an idea for a geocaching event, but then who really knows how Bill's mind works? It doesn't matter! Bill came up with an absolutely outstanding idea and pulled it off marvelously. I would like to personally thank Bill for his contributions to the geocaching community! He puts on really top shelf geocaching events such as this, puts out some really awsome geocaches like Water Mark & National Treasure just to mention 2 of many, and is a genuine real nice guy. Again Bill a big THANK YOU!

You'll be dressed in Theme? How does one dress as a murder suspect? Oh, wait, since you are already guilty, you just need to wear stripes, right?

Funny that I had such a Yankee score actually, since Robert Lee ....... was my grandfather!

I had heard someplace that BOGA was treating for this event! What a great guy! Thanks Bill. My wife would also like to thank you, as would our 2 sons and the one's fiance and the other's girlfriend. By the way they all also wanted thank you for allowing their children in on the freebie as well so make that a total of 10. Again, our deepest thanks Bill as this is very generous. And by the way everybody, I was just kidding! Bill is NOT treating as I was led to believe.

I had heard someplace that BOGA was treating for this event! What a great guy! Thanks Bill. My wife would also like to thank you, as would our 2 sons and the one's fiance and the other's girlfriend. By the way they all also wanted thank you for allowing their children in on the freebie as well so make that a total of 10. Again, our deepest thanks Bill as this is very generous.

I agree with Ted too. I've owned both Magellan and Garmin. IMHO, Garmin company is easier to deal with and much more interested in providing services to their patrons. Just look at the two web sites and see which one proves firmware updates on various GPSr. Garmin updates their software and hands it out freely so the customers are happy. Magellan always made me feel like they were doing me a favor. Garmin also realized that Geocaching is a major contributor to their success and added icons and helps on various models. Magellan??? One last pointer. I really love the auto routing feature which is not offered on the lower priced units. It doesn't take too long to realize this is a feature that pays for it's self (in gas savings if not time savings). If there's any way possible, I'd make sure what I chose has a routing system. P.S. I love that picture. It must be a FTF picture because I can't imagine anyone else going for it. That picture is a place where TAG may not have to worry about being around a bunch of animals and you also have some goats I believe don't you Bill?

Just because your name has not appeared in print, does not mean it is good! You have no idea what has been said in the behind the scenes emailings! This is a vicious group!!!!!! However, as the detective Kojak used to say, "who loves ya, baby? Now having said that as well..........This is indeed one of the most fun groups I have ever belonged to and even though I have been wrongly maligned, I still come back for more! MERY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

A full confession! I like it, Doug. Nice try Bill, but it really says "You speak badly (as in not nice)! What's the matter with you, Bill? Keep a cool heart. Dang it!"

My sources reported details of the trade which includes a not so trust worthy charactor. It will be interesting to see who HE then gives it to. Stören Sie nicht, wie wir alle Sprachen sprechen. Hinder niet aangezien wij alle talen spreken. Μην ενοχλήστε δεδομένου ότι μιλάμε όλες τις γλώσσες. 私達が言語すべてを話すように迷惑を掛けてはいけない。 不要打扰如同我们讲所有语言。 Não incomode como nós falamos todas as línguas. Koon puet my pra! Pben alai koon Bill? Chai yen yen. Chip ping! (now let's see you babble fish that!)

Ok. Let's examine. TAG went to Germany. Tom didn't go to Germany TAG went to Austria. Tom didn't go to Austria. TAG went to France. Tom didn't go to France. Hmmm. Theory disproved. Now, who DID go to those places? Huh? I didn't see China on that list... Or Italy either for that matter.

You are absolutely right Bill, this is entertaining.

Oh Stockton Lady................After I have so often spoken of you in such kindly terms................I am truly hurt that you would slam me with Spanish witisims. The best I can tell you are saying this is kind of like the old pot and kettle thing That's right. It means the burro is making fun of someone else's ears, or the pot is calling the kettle black. (Which you were!) Who? Me? "BwaaaaHaaaHaaaa...."

El burro hablando de orejas! Oh Stockton Lady................After I have so often spoken of you in such kindly terms................I am truly hurt that you would slam me with Spanish witisims. The best I can tell you are saying this is kind of like the old pot and kettle thing

Heat up the tar and start gathering feathers!!! The premeditated lawlessness is just sickening. This is a family forum and what example are you setting for the kids?! Mayhem! Looks like our last hope is the Minute Men! I am totally shocked at the behavior of some of our members. And to think that That Stockton Lady would use such language as "BwaaaaHaaaHaaaa...." Well I am just shocked!

I smell a rat! Something tells me "Campingangel" must be related to the Photom, jpd43, Outrageous fortunes, 2 for the road gang. Seems mighty peculiar that her very first find is CVC TAG, and she plans to take him out of state and abandon him! I think it may be time to form up a posse! I don't know about all that other stuff, but I seem to be keeping excellant company!

Your not alone Bill aslong as you still have those voices that speak to you and you alone!

No problem at all. I actually keep a cache waypoint file loaded in the unit's memory (max 1000 waypoints) that contains the hint in the comment field that has 30 characters worth of space. I use GSAK to create and upload this. Then, I use GSAK to create a 2nd file of the same points for uploading as POIs that contains a total of 132 characters. It is kind of like having a cheap PDA along in my 60Cx. (I do carry a Palm IIIxe as well). One other point on the POIs. When you upload the file you need to check the correct box to say it contains proximity data. CAn you tell me more about this POI file with 1000 items and hints? I thought all you could get was 500 and no hints unless you set them up in routes of 250 each. Very interested in this.