purple_pineapple

Quite, my understanding is that jailbreaking can introduce as many problems as it solves. But (as has already been said), even if you could pair it, the mainstream applications have no way to select an alternative GPSr anyway. Just to clarify - i have an iPod touch (the non phone equivalent to the iPhone ) which has the same OS. I have jailbroken it and installed a cpmmercial Blutooth stack (or program) - no names here for fear of advertising So what happens when I turn it on? Well the Bluetooth connects to an external BT GPS unit and i can then run ANY GPS enabled application on the iPod. These include the Groundspeak application, Google maps, Memory Map with OS maps installed. They all work perfectly showing all the GPS features such as current location, direction arrow etc. Of course you can only run one at a time but the BT application works with them all. interesting to know it does work, although its not something I'd consider myself! Something I think worth pointing out (and not a dig at anyone here!) is that you need to consider WHY you're buying the device. I bought an iphone for the same reason as Chris - a new phone with an 'always on' data connection and some fun toys to play with. It was never intended to be a caching device (although it will prove useful for those emergency cache moments)! On the other hand, we also wanted a good quality paperless caching to run alongside my Mio (when I fix it!). So we bought an Oregon. The oregon doesn't pretend to be a phone, and the iphone (IMHO) doesn't really pretend to be a standalone GPSr. People may want an amazing all-in-one unit, but they don't really exist, and how many of you still use an old fashioned calculator on your desk, even though the one on your phone works perfectly well! Sorry for the ramblings, feel better for getting that off my chest!

interesting news andy - were they v4 or v5 maps you uploaded? Dave

Looking at the name, there is a perfect candidate imo, however, they are a lil bit too far away Sure some shroppy will come by tho quite! However, we're in Surrey, and while we're always happy to help a newbie, there are limits! Shroppie has lots of active cachers, so someone will be along to help - you could also consider a local event - we've met loads of the NW cachers, and they're a lovely bunch, once you can understand the accent! Another tip is to see who are the most active cache setters in the area, and contact them through their profile. good luck dave

apologies for not having sent it yet - rather a manic weekend! You may be better to take up John's kind offer, as it'll take me a while and I'm sure he has nothing else to do

2348 finds : 33 NA logs! 30 have been archived... thats a lot of NA logs! i haven't decided what is a good ratio yet! Dave

As some people will know I've been supporting icache behind the scenes, by providing Archived cache data. Within the above agreement. Fortunately some was able to provide all UK caches up to 2008. And there has been data provided for April-December 2008. Unfortunately this has gaps in it as it does not include caches published within that period and Archived in 2009. For me to provide all Archived caches for 2009 alone, means approximately 100-150 hours work. As each cache has to be accessed manually and the data manually downloaded as a GPX file. Added in the work load checking and filling in the gaps for April-December [January-Mid March has been manually completed already] So if someone who has All UK cache data for 2008-2009 is prepared to provide this to icache, so that the site can provide details of all Archived caches in the UK [something which has been often requested]. Just to make it clear, this data is to allow icache to provide All Archived caches for the UK under the following agreement with Groundspeak, which allows the donation of Groundspeak PQ's to obtain the information. I'd be eternally grateful and owe the person donating the data, a Bun and brew at the Mega. oh ok a pint Deceangi deci, assuming the data is in gpx form, do the caches need to be 'tagged' as archived - ie. do theuy need to have the archived log? dave

Fair play to Deci for apologising, however the points in his post remain valid, regardless of which cache we are talking about! In fact, unless it was another webcam or virtual, (where many feel we should allow a small amount of slack -rightly or wrongly - to keep them running if possible), there is even less reason to be unhappy! I too have had the 'wrist slap' e-mail, which did its job and prompted me to resolve it. I think I maintained it, but I can't remember for certain!

you certainly will!

Ok, I'm going to make a start on updating this further. As I said earlier, the number of 10+ rings is increasing at a huge rate, so as a compromise, I'm going to start with 15+ rings. Once these are all on, depending upon numbers, I may drop it back to 10. However, IMHO, if the bookmark list gets too long, it loses its usefulness a bit! those that are on the list will be staying for now, unless i do decide to create a second list. in two minds about that! So, I've added some more suggestions, and I will be using GSAK to add more. Keep the links coming though! And if I've missed a suggestion from earlier in the thread, feel free to re-post it! I appreciate that there are excellent rings with less than 15, however the list isn't a guide to quality, merely for folks like me who are interested in a day out on a circular walk with a reasonable number of caches! cheers dave

We find it really useful as well! You can add our festive Abberley Advent[ure] series if you like. 24LBH + 1 unknown + an EarthCache and 2 existing Trads and en-route Mark done! I've decided that, with the proliferation of rings, Its now 15 caches or more to make it on to the list! there's already over 60 rings listed! If it gets too bi it'll be unusable!

I don't recall seeing a bookmark of UK Airport caches but you might find this useful: Purple Pineapple's Bookmark List of (UK) circular cache walks. MrsB which REALLY needs updating, when I have a spare several hours to do it! I promise I will, as i think a number of folks find it quite useful! (including me!)

I have caches like this, requiring screwdrivers or socket sets, and I also say the log book MUST be signed. Although I don't check very often, I would delete a log if the book wasn't signed. Note that the basic requirement of finding a cache is to sign a log book. If you haven't signed it, you haven't found it! the next step would be to 'see' the cache and therefore log it, despite it being halfway up a cliff! Having said that, its your cache to with as yo please (within the guidelines). However if you don't check on these things, then folks that do it properly might feel a little aggrieved! Just my thoughts! dave edit to say to delta, that can be a good idea, but I'm not sure if GC guidelines state that if the cache is at the top coords, then it is a trad. Someone else can answer that! My own caches were specifically put out NOT to be puzzles, and is part of the theme.

been there, done that, frequently. As I've pointed out many times in the past, if a cache is long-term disabled, then it often gets overlooked, as the locals will probably have done it and forgotten about it (unless they have good reason for watching it) and travellers will not know it is there if they search for active caches. That just leaves folks who have the time, patience, and ability to notice long-term disabled caches and do something about it. Oh, and like HH and TDW, all in my own name. Cheers Dave

It doesn't say in any way, shape or form that the word geocaching has been trademarked by Groundspeak. There is no dispute that Groundspeak is a trademark and that the geocaching.com domain belongs to them, but you said before was that "The word geocaching has been registered as the intellectual property of Groundspeak", and it is that which I am asking for further information on. I'm not sure what point you're trying to make there, the domain is owned by Nigel Knapton, but there is no active web site. Geocache.co.uk is owned by Peter (The Hornet) who is more active on OpenCaching than on Groundspeak. Rgds, Andy apologies for staying off topic, but its an interesting subject anyway (for me!). My understanding (I have no proof to hand) has always been that Geocaching is a registered trademark, and unless Groundspeak are stupid, they will have registered around the world where needed. However, Jeremy has (I believe) always said he would never enforce this in relation to the word itself. In theory though, he could require that every mention of Geocaching is capitalised and includes a TM symbol. Much like Hoover do (or make every effort to do so!) Anyway, I also agree, a very interesting and well written article! Anyone know where he was caching and whether his cache was published?

i'm trying to recall what i read yesterday! is it -28 at Blaerar (or some similar kind of spelling!)

big place London! which bit of it! South East Caching Forums lots of local trips are organised on the regional forums. The SE one is very active, and I believe there is a potential trip to the reigate area planned for this weekend!

whether i do the cache or not is not the point (sounds intriguing, if somewhat painful!) However, it's different, its pushing the boundaries, and to my my mind, that is part of what makes caching enjoyable. We frequently bemoan that Groundspeak prevents us trying something original (or nearly original anyway!) so fair play to someone who does something a little different. Especially, I do hope that any talk of vandalism is tongue in cheek. Vandalising a cache that you don't agree with is (IMHO) the lowest of the low. Its not everyone's cup of tea, but plenty more caches about! I would propose that there is possibly ONE way to find the container quickly - however cachers should have to use their ingenuity to work it out! I have an idea (which I'm not telling, so it can't be oversome!) already, to prevent having to search 4000 containers! Cheers! Dave

It really has to be Sadexplorations 'Snow white and the seven dwarfs' series - Box Hill near Dorking on the North Downs, Brilliant views, great N.T tea shop, and fantastic adjacent caches- the best in U.K i reckon ! Train and bus services frequent and local. http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?wp=GCMJ5N take a good map! other options, if you fancy something a little different, is Sadexplorations Reigate Mega Ramble - its a long multi, but the stages are fantastic, and is probably still our favourite ever cache from over 2200ish. If you make a day of it, there is a smaller multi that you can do afterwards from the same car park, and some trads as well. Other options are straight down the A3/M3 into North Hampshire, where there are more caching rings than you could know what to do with. Be warned though, some of them are a tad large! Finally, there are some puzzle circuits in SW London (nr Carshalton) where you can solve the puzzles at home and then simply go out for the walk. Unlike many local puzzles, these ones are solvable! Look for caches by Footsore & Weary. The walks themselves are pleasant and not too taxing, and as always, some trads are available en route! HTH Dave

indeed, and this sounds a prime example! Another of mine has a Google Earth image on the cache page. Your task is to find the image in real life. Obviously, If the top coords were within 1-2 miles, this would be VERY easy, so instead they're about 10 miles away! IMHO, so long as you make it clear (first line of description eg) that the cache is a long way from the top coords, then there shouldn't be an issue. Does anyone really get bothered if their TB mileage is out by 10 miles after if has covered maybe 20,000 miles?!

Yes, are you offering a reverse option where you take Disreputable Dogs out caching and return them as well trained Geo Dogs? Actually, mine is a fully trained cocker Spaniel with a keen nose for plastic. Pull his ears to programme in the coordinates and he's snapping and snarling at your hands off and hunting. does it have a logging facility? sorry, couldn't resist!

Hmm... that effectively says that Multis of more than a couple of mile aren't allowed (unless it's a circular walk) I'm not sure that is intended.... Edited to add: IMHO, in this instance, the starting point should be within 1-3 miles of the published co-ords Makes it easier when you plan to go to an area and want to see what puzzles nearby to solve in advance. I think the guidelines were to prevent people setting a puzzle cache where the final location is the result of a solving a puzzle but putting fake co-ords miles and miles from the final location. Mark agree completely! In reality, I can't see why you would want the top coords to be MORE than 1-3 miles away from the first stage! Even if the top coords are a car park, I would have thought the first stage could be within 3 miles! FWIW, I've always found our esteemed reviewers are good at using common sense and discretion - so that a puzzle cache where the final is further away than the recommend guideline can be allowed, if it would ruin the puzzle by being any closer. I have one in this category, and many of the Surrey X Marks series would be spoilt if you knew the final ws close to the top. Cheers Dave

like the one coming up in January in Dorking...! I seem to remember putting a more detailed reply on your earlier thread!

good for a small amount of atmospheric moisture, but not up to the task if there's a significant amount of water in there!

agreed! We have one that would be ruined if the guideline was followed rigidly! However, we say (I think) it is within 7 miles of the top coords...

From the Natural England website - All terrestrial SACs in England are also Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) (link) So SAC's are covered by the current guidelines for SSSI's so are protected in that sense. We (reviewers) do not make the guidelines, we only apply them as required. An SSSI is an SSSI irrespective of whether there is a rare plant in it or a power station so the guideline must be applied equally. Chris Graculus - Volunteer UK Reviewer Resource website - www.follow-the-arow.co.uk ah, but not all SSSIs are SACs, which I think is HH's point I believe he means pay most attention to the SACs, as they are the ones that are really important. Not taking sides - just making a point!