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alchemist2000

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Posts posted by alchemist2000

    Arkansas State Parks and Geocaching

    in South and Southeast

    Posted

    Although I live in the Dallas area, I wrote to an Arkansas state park official after reading the original post in this thread. I had at least some selfish interest in seeing geocaching thrive in Arkansas, since we had planned a fall trip to several Arkansas state parks.

     

    I received the following response. I am not listing the person's name or e-mail, because he was afraid that he would be inundated with other e-mail. However, for those of you that live in Arkansas or for those of us that hope to soon be caching in Arkansas, this seemed to be very encouraging news. I encourage those in Arkansas to work with their local officials. It sounds like they will be trying to develop a policy acceptable to all. Here is the reply that I received:

     

    ............................

    Hi xxxxx,

     

    Just wanted to let you know that Arkansas State Parks is going to allow geocaching. The commission wants to come up with a policy governing it in the parks. My guess is that they will want the geocacher (?) to contact the park Supt., etc. and advise him where he wants to put the cache. Obviously there is a protection issue with the resource and that is what we are after here, not banning it...the commission thinks it is cool and wants to allow it. They just have to have a policy to govern it on our land.

     

    There are numerous, and I mean NUMEROUS archaeological sites at Lake Catherine State Park. There are areas where rare wildflowers bloom and other sensitive areas, and obviously we don't want traffic in those areas. Other parks have similar situations, and I don't think that if it is allowed and sancitioned by the parks that it will be too much trouble for the cacher to talk to the park management staff where they want to put it to assure that they will not unknowingly place it in an area that the park is trying to protect. Geocaching seems to be a very "green" activity, and I would think that geocachers would not want to disturb an ancient native american settlement site by unknowingly placing a cache in the middle of it, or destroying a small area where the last remaining royal catchfly blooms in the park.

     

    I wrote our director several emails hopefully to inform him more about geocaching and to defend its virtue. I might have overstepped my bounds, but he indicated that we WERE going to allow it, but with a policy that would govern it on our land. He did say that I was going to be on the review committee for the policy, so you have an ally on the committee. It is going to happen...heck we might even be promoters of the sport/hobby. It is a new use for park land and that is a good thing!!

     

    In fact, when things get lined out, I could show a couple of geocachers some places off the trails that are wonderful places to put a cache where few go, and so could other managers.

     

    Please, if you would, let folks know what is going on. Arkansas State Parks is going to allow geocaching. The commissioners voted to allow it. We are in the process of a drafting a policy that will govern it on State Park Lands that will allow it, but will also protect the resources and antiquities that exist within the boundaries.

     

    As soon as it happens, I will let Brian Know and the cache will be placed back active.

     

    I appreciate your comments!!!

     

    ...................................

     

    Alchemist2000

    I almost drowned

    in General geocaching topics

    Posted

    Like everyone else reading this, I am so very glad this had a happy ending. It is very scary just to read your account. This is probably a good reminder to us all to stop and think twice before doing some of the risky things we do (or think about doing) when trying to find a cache. Thanks for sharing your experience....and thanks for making it back to tell about it.

     

    Alchemist2000

    Travel Bug in Prosser, Washington

    in Northwest

    Posted

    Our travel bug Wonder Woem has enjoyed her summer in Washington. We appreciate the help of several geocachers in moving her along. However, she is on a mission to reach Santa Barbara and be reunited with her brother. We would VERY much appreciate any help that any geocachers in the Prosser area could provide in getting her moving southward. Thanks.

     

    Alchemist2000

    I -35 caches in TX

    in South and Southeast

    Posted

    There are three caches (two of which are ours) in Highland Village, which is north of Dallas/Fort Worth and just south of Lewisville Lake along I-35E:

     

    Witchita Forest Cache, a "walk through the woods" kind of cache

     

    I Tell You, By Golly! It Was THIS Big!, which is a nice stroll along the water front

     

    Sunset Point , which is a quick park and grab, but it is right on the water. The kids can skip rocks in the water and there are often water skiers that are fun to watch close by.

     

    These are most easily accessible coming southbound and exiting at 454B, the exit immediately south of the bridge. If you hit these going northbound, you need to exit at Garden Ridge and loop around to go northbound on the service drive on the west side of the interstate (the service drive is two way through this tiny stretch).

     

    Whatever you decide, have a great (and safe) trip.

     

    icon_smile.gif

     

    Alchemist2000

     

    [This message was edited by alchemist2000 on August 25, 2002 at 05:40 AM.]

    I -35 caches in TX

    in South and Southeast

    Posted

    There are three caches (two of which are ours) in Highland Village, which is north of Dallas/Fort Worth and just south of Lewisville Lake along I-35E:

     

    Witchita Forest Cache, a "walk through the woods" kind of cache

     

    I Tell You, By Golly! It Was THIS Big!, which is a nice stroll along the water front

     

    Sunset Point , which is a quick park and grab, but it is right on the water. The kids can skip rocks in the water and there are often water skiers that are fun to watch close by.

     

    These are most easily accessible coming southbound and exiting at 454B, the exit immediately south of the bridge. If you hit these going northbound, you need to exit at Garden Ridge and loop around to go northbound on the service drive on the west side of the interstate (the service drive is two way through this tiny stretch).

     

    Whatever you decide, have a great (and safe) trip.

     

    icon_smile.gif

     

    Alchemist2000

     

    [This message was edited by alchemist2000 on August 25, 2002 at 05:40 AM.]

    Jeep gps mount??

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Has anyone had success with mounting their gps in front of the driver in their Wrangler? Most of the examples that I have been able to find either here in the forums or through googling put the receiver to the side on the windshield frame or somehow puts the gps in the center of the dash to the right of the driver.

     

    Maybe I am just spoiled, but after having used my GPS V directly in front of the steering wheel on my van for the last seven months, my trial runs with our new TJ with the receiver in the center coin tray seemed awkward and very unsafe. It is harder to see the screen and I have to take my eyes off of traffic to look at it. I had planned on using the normal Garmin mount and put it in front of the steering wheel, but the dash is apparently not flat enough for the sticky stuff to get a good grip. I couldn't get it to hold. icon_frown.gif

     

    I am considering the larger Garmin beanbag mount, perhaps supplemented with some velcro on the dash (that would also have the advantage of easy portability to the Garmin mount in my van), or even a RAM mount, but was anxious to hear about other people's successes (and failures icon_wink.gif ).

     

    Thanks.

     

    Alchemist2000

     

    [This message was edited by alchemist2000 on August 25, 2002 at 04:59 AM.]

    Jeep gps mount??

    in GPS technology and devices

    Posted

    Has anyone had success with mounting their gps in front of the driver in their Wrangler? Most of the examples that I have been able to find either here in the forums or through googling put the receiver to the side on the windshield frame or somehow puts the gps in the center of the dash to the right of the driver.

     

    Maybe I am just spoiled, but after having used my GPS V directly in front of the steering wheel on my van for the last seven months, my trial runs with our new TJ with the receiver in the center coin tray seemed awkward and very unsafe. It is harder to see the screen and I have to take my eyes off of traffic to look at it. I had planned on using the normal Garmin mount and put it in front of the steering wheel, but the dash is apparently not flat enough for the sticky stuff to get a good grip. I couldn't get it to hold. icon_frown.gif

     

    I am considering the larger Garmin beanbag mount, perhaps supplemented with some velcro on the dash (that would also have the advantage of easy portability to the Garmin mount in my van), or even a RAM mount, but was anxious to hear about other people's successes (and failures icon_wink.gif ).

     

    Thanks.

     

    Alchemist2000

     

    [This message was edited by alchemist2000 on August 25, 2002 at 04:59 AM.]

    Need Cache recommendations for Irving, Texas area...

    in General geocaching topics

    Posted

    I agree with Webling that Hawkshaw Horse Sense is a must see tourist stop.

     

    The last log on The Las Colinas Lunch Hour is a no find, so I do not know the current status of that cache. However, it is a nice walk.

     

    A little bit further north is Dietrying #2, a really nice two part cache in a park/wilderness area with well-maintained paths. The walk is easy, but the hide is a bit more challenging.

     

    I always thought Roadside Romp was a fairly simple, but interesting cache because of its simplicity. However, there is probably lots of heavy grass and hence lots of grass burrs this time of year. It would give him the chance to see mesquite trees up close and personal if he is not familiar with Texas flora.

     

    If he has the time and is willing to drive just a bit further, there are quite a few around Grapevine Lake. That is a nice place to get away, see the water, etc. There are several clustered together on the north side, including Another walk in the Park:Under New Management , which also leads to Another Walk In The Park: Bonus Cache. Also there is Hiding In Plain Sight

     

    Good luck. Hope he has fun.

     

    Alchemist2000

     

    [This message was edited by alchemist2000 on August 14, 2002 at 06:51 PM.]

    First Aid add in.

    in General geocaching topics

    Posted

    We used super glue routinely for such purposes when I was on a scientific expedition in Antarctica, although I was never sure whether it would have been recommended in more civilized circumstances. It is most interesting to learn that doctors here think it is ok to use.

     

    Alchemist2000

     

    [This message was edited by alchemist2000 on August 09, 2002 at 11:28 AM.]

    Getting Premisson

    in How do I...?

    Posted

    I note that you specifically refer to parks in Irving. There has been some discussion on the local North Texas geocaching forum (topica) about some concerns by authorities in Irving. You might want to contact some of the local geocachers in the area (such as Geovamp) for more information.

     

    In any case, I think it is VERY important to notify local authorities about what you are doing. If they are kept in the loop, they can be very suppportive and helpful. Many of the land managers in the north Texas area are very supportive of geocaching if they are kept informed.

     

    BTW...Welcome to geocaching. I hope you find it as much fun as the rest of us. Please come to the North Texas Geocaching Association Busineess Meeting on August 11. There should be a big turn out. You can meet local geocachers...a very friendly group!!!....and it would be a great chance for you to discuss this issue of talking to local park officials with people in the area.

     

    Happy caching!!

     

    Alchemist2000

    Getting Premisson

    in How do I...?

    Posted

    I note that you specifically refer to parks in Irving. There has been some discussion on the local North Texas geocaching forum (topica) about some concerns by authorities in Irving. You might want to contact some of the local geocachers in the area (such as Geovamp) for more information.

     

    In any case, I think it is VERY important to notify local authorities about what you are doing. If they are kept in the loop, they can be very suppportive and helpful. Many of the land managers in the north Texas area are very supportive of geocaching if they are kept informed.

     

    BTW...Welcome to geocaching. I hope you find it as much fun as the rest of us. Please come to the North Texas Geocaching Association Busineess Meeting on August 11. There should be a big turn out. You can meet local geocachers...a very friendly group!!!....and it would be a great chance for you to discuss this issue of talking to local park officials with people in the area.

     

    Happy caching!!

     

    Alchemist2000

    Rules for ecologically safe caching?

    in General geocaching topics

    Posted

    Let me start out by saying that geocaching has taken me from being a devoted couch potato to somewhat of a "born again outdoorsperson". I am really enjoying rediscovering our many great parks and other outdoor areas. Prior to geocaching I was only barely aware that Texas had state parks. Now we have the yearly pass and have more than gotten our money's worth visiting quite a number of them to hike the trails and geocache. I truly believe that our geocaching experience (and I am sure that of many others) is exactly what land managers would want to promote...getting more and nore responsible people to enjoy and appreciate their parks.

     

    I have to believe (here is where my optimism creeps in!!) that some of the problems that are emerging as our sport grows can and will be resolved if we work at it. I think the thoughtful post of the originator of this thread is a very good start.

     

    However, I disagree with what seems to be one underlying assumption. They talk about hiding/finding stakes instead of ammo boxes. A very interesting idea, but it seems to imply that the thing being hidden is the problem. An ammo box sitting in a fallen log somewhere is not the problem, it is the possible damage that people do when trying to find it that I think is the issue.

     

    In my observation, I think such damage (if any) tends to fall into two categories: (1) social trails to the cache and (2) disturbance or disruption of the cache area by geocachers looking for the cache. Let me address those individually.

     

    Disruption of the cache area This is probably the easiest to fix. Just make the cache easier to find by geocachers (as opposed to the casual non-geocacher) once you get to the cache site. I have seen way too many micro-caches stuck out in the middle of nowhere. Since they are difficult to find, the whole area may become disturbed (trashed?)as people look under every little rock or stray piece of bark. I am not suggesting sticking things out in plain sight, but knowing that you are looking for something somewhat larger vs something tiny means looking in different types of places. Most geocachers soon learn to look in all kinds of places that are not frequented by the casual Joe Blow hiker: the hollow of a dead log, under an unnatural pile of rocks, etc. Yes, it is much more challenging to the cache hider to find a good location, but I think it can make a big difference in how the cache area looks after the first few seekers have searched for the cache.

     

    Social trails to the cache This may be more difficult and will vary greatly from area to area. Some kinds of terrain (e.g. rocks or other hard surfaces) are going to hold up better than others to people entering the area. Some types of vegetation and some types of climate are going to lend themselves to regrowth better than others. Again, this is going to require some thought on the part of the cache hider. Perhaps the land managers can be helpful here. As others have pointed out, the cache may even have to be moved if the social trails are becoming too obvious (and that is considered a problem either by the cache owner or the land managers). I guess I am just suggesting that cache hiders give this some thought both when they hide the cache and when they continue to do maintenance.

     

    Sorry for this very long post....I just love this sport and think it is a very valid way to use our public lands. Some of the concerns brought up by land managers are valid and can be readily addressed.

     

    Alchemist2000

    Rules for ecologically safe caching?

    in General geocaching topics

    Posted

    Let me start out by saying that geocaching has taken me from being a devoted couch potato to somewhat of a "born again outdoorsperson". I am really enjoying rediscovering our many great parks and other outdoor areas. Prior to geocaching I was only barely aware that Texas had state parks. Now we have the yearly pass and have more than gotten our money's worth visiting quite a number of them to hike the trails and geocache. I truly believe that our geocaching experience (and I am sure that of many others) is exactly what land managers would want to promote...getting more and nore responsible people to enjoy and appreciate their parks.

     

    I have to believe (here is where my optimism creeps in!!) that some of the problems that are emerging as our sport grows can and will be resolved if we work at it. I think the thoughtful post of the originator of this thread is a very good start.

     

    However, I disagree with what seems to be one underlying assumption. They talk about hiding/finding stakes instead of ammo boxes. A very interesting idea, but it seems to imply that the thing being hidden is the problem. An ammo box sitting in a fallen log somewhere is not the problem, it is the possible damage that people do when trying to find it that I think is the issue.

     

    In my observation, I think such damage (if any) tends to fall into two categories: (1) social trails to the cache and (2) disturbance or disruption of the cache area by geocachers looking for the cache. Let me address those individually.

     

    Disruption of the cache area This is probably the easiest to fix. Just make the cache easier to find by geocachers (as opposed to the casual non-geocacher) once you get to the cache site. I have seen way too many micro-caches stuck out in the middle of nowhere. Since they are difficult to find, the whole area may become disturbed (trashed?)as people look under every little rock or stray piece of bark. I am not suggesting sticking things out in plain sight, but knowing that you are looking for something somewhat larger vs something tiny means looking in different types of places. Most geocachers soon learn to look in all kinds of places that are not frequented by the casual Joe Blow hiker: the hollow of a dead log, under an unnatural pile of rocks, etc. Yes, it is much more challenging to the cache hider to find a good location, but I think it can make a big difference in how the cache area looks after the first few seekers have searched for the cache.

     

    Social trails to the cache This may be more difficult and will vary greatly from area to area. Some kinds of terrain (e.g. rocks or other hard surfaces) are going to hold up better than others to people entering the area. Some types of vegetation and some types of climate are going to lend themselves to regrowth better than others. Again, this is going to require some thought on the part of the cache hider. Perhaps the land managers can be helpful here. As others have pointed out, the cache may even have to be moved if the social trails are becoming too obvious (and that is considered a problem either by the cache owner or the land managers). I guess I am just suggesting that cache hiders give this some thought both when they hide the cache and when they continue to do maintenance.

     

    Sorry for this very long post....I just love this sport and think it is a very valid way to use our public lands. Some of the concerns brought up by land managers are valid and can be readily addressed.

     

    Alchemist2000

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