Landsharkz

Viajero, the Gulf Islands may have been under Parks Canada when you were here. It's been almost 10 years now, but it wasn't really visible unless you noticed that the logo changed on the signs and brochures. Some are still under BC Parks which of course adds some confusion for our poor reviewers since the cache hide rules for each are very different.

When we lead 'Introduction to Geocaching' seminars we strongly recommend that people have found about 50-100 caches before contemplating hiding one. By the time a new cacher has found that many caches, they'll see some great hides/containers, mediocre hides/containers and awful hides/containers so they'll be able to determine what works and what doesn't, what is popular and what isn't, what gets muggled and what doesn't. If we find a poorly hidden cache, it would be ok to say in our log that the hider may want to check their cache because it may not be how they intended it to be hidden since it seemed to us to be not well hidden or something tactful like that. We know of a new cacher (zero finds) who hid a large quantity of caches, some were muggled before they were ever found, coordinates were off and location choices were poor. Unfortunately the community response to this can really turn someone off geocaching, especially when the logs on these caches are not always worded well. There are cachers who only find caches and have never hid any and usually the community doesn't mind at all. They are most likely great ambassadors for geocaching nonetheless. They certainly do know a good hide from a bad one, having been caching for many years, and their opinion is valued and appreciated. Think of them as the seniors who never had children, but may have had a career teaching. It doesn't mean they don't know children and we can all learn from them. I hope that's not a wonky analogy... Helen

You can also send a note to the folks who are hosting the event to get the scoop on the group and Edm caching sooner. They're a great bunch and very welcoming.

5.5cm... that's huge. Are you sure you are measuring correctly?

For this coin we chose to recommend no samples . Some may call this a bold move, but with experience you know when you can trust your art to create the coin you expect. Samples are imperative if you need to see how a new paint technique or plating technique will turn out or if you're trying something SO NEW that you have to convince the factory to try. For this one, even though there are 'variables' we could 'see' from our art that we nailed it, eh! Wow, we could start art and make a production run of an entirely new coin by the dates some of you have guessed ! Possibility of Weather Delay: Did you know that snow is forecast for tomorrow in Victoria and that tends to shut our city down? Luckily our UPS driver is a bit renegade and carries chains along with a good dose of attitude about where his truck can go (anywhere), in the snow . Not so sure about the ferries or the airport tho... As an aside... How many non-Canadians know 'He double hockey sticks'? Is that international or as Canadian as poutine?

If you have someone with you who isn't as keen on geocaching but would like to see some cool sights, I'd recommend Stanley Park, Robson Sq area and False Creek/Granville Island. These locations are high on many tourists lists and also have great caches. We also liked the caches in Yaletown along the waterfront walkway. There was a great Robson Sq area multi during the Olympics. Can anyone provide the GC number? Is it still there?

What fun this looks! GC28MXT and it has 6 favourite votes!

Hmmmm.... but we're actually in Victoria, BC, darned close to Vancouver, but we're on the island. Will that affect shipping costs? Also, did anyone take Chinese New Year into account for production time and ensuing delays? Also, what if we use Canada Post Express Post vs Expedited? Come to think of it, if we have anyone from Ontario out here visiting we could even send them back in their luggage for hand delivery . I can think of a handful of times that bulk orders were hand delivered or locally shipped (with permission) to customers in the US, Canada, UK and Europe.

Nice coin and subtle play on words Erik K . Who else would like to reserve a lover too (Love [ver 2])?

Yes, that one was brilliant, wasn't it? We sold about 70 or so at GW before someone pointed out the error. We'd changed a print file at the factory, but they'd used the old one. That error coin was hotly requested for a long time!

Eric, we've left a message at the office for you. We've done exactly what you're looking for and worked with Parks Canada many times. We're local so we'll drop by for a chat... pls talk to Todd S. for a reference. Chris and Helen Edley

Perhaps some NWT's could be coerced into adding some nice dry ammo cans to the east coast cache arsenal ? We have wet caches here too and there IS a random practice of putting them in garbage bags or ziplock bags. These bags hold so much water and condensation and help to really steam or soak the poor cache. They also tear pretty quick, as soon as the first rock or sticks are placed on top. I think that this started with one caching group a long time ago and now new cachers are finding these plastic bagged caches and thinking it's the thing to do. Today we were shaking the iced condensation out of the zipper bags. WRT wet caches - people cache in any weather (and are proud of it!). If it's pouring or snowing it can be tough to keep the cache dry. We resort to many schemes and some of them work, but it has happened that we've bailed on day of caching because of the torrential rain... to save the caches from further exposure! The problem arises if the CO is extinct or not close by. That's where you need to carry some strips of RintheR log paper to leave a new log, but for goodness sake take out the old wet mouldy one or it will contaminate the new one! We've removed the entire contents of a cache if it was thoroughly rusty, mouldy, etc. After wiping the cache out, we leave some miscellaneous bits of swag along with some new logs in the cache. Today we replaced 3 yucky logs in non-waterproof micros. I used to bring them back home and email the CO to see if they wanted the old mouldy log kept, but then common sense kicked in - would I want someone to send or give me an old mouldy log? Not likely! We throw them out and make it clear in our log that we've taken action so they can post an Owner Maintenance.

Try here http://www.geocaching.com/track/ActivationCodeRetrieve.aspx

Shiny copper tarnishes quickly and we've also seen it lose it's plating rarely, but it happens. We never recommend it and any time a customer insists on it, we give fair warning. Antique copper starts out the same as shiny copper. One of the final stages is to give the coin a chemical process, (after it's painted and plated) which dulls the IHE paint. This is the same on all antique finishes. Even after the final polishing it won't be gleaming like the IHE on polished plating coins like BN, PN and PG for example. It's ok..., but it's important to know this, in case you look at some PN and AC coins side by side and wonder why one gleams and one is a bit duller on the IHE.

Thanks sdkonkle! There's some fine geocaching stores worldwide that are carrying this new brand. If you google making-tracks.com you'll find out lots more, but for now, here's a direct link to one place that you'll find them. Yes, they are trackable on geocaching.com with a custom icon. Making Tracks Nametags We are offering vinyl cut decal personalization in the New Year, so you too can be as crisp and cool as Chris .

This image shows the 3D area that is beneath the translucent paint. The 3D means the green translucent paint will have darker and lighter areas depending on the level of fill.

I will post an image of the actual 3D die effect shortly. Supposedly these forums are down for maintenance and won't be available today... I guess they forgot to turn them off in Canada too

Your trip coincides with when our eldest son is home from Moose Jaw on leave so we'd only be available if he was off with friends for the day. A sailboat trip to Fulford Harbour on SSI for coffee wouldn't be out of the question though, weather permitting. Is there anything within walking distance of Fulford Harbour that would help your grid?

Me thinks that Scotsbob's tea towels don't have the right artwork . FWIW, you could also use linen tea towels to dry your freshly washed coins, since they are also made of a fibre found in nature and are truly lint free. http://www.ehow.co.uk/facts_5615509_history-tea-towel.html

fizbot - had to wipe the mulled apple cider from the screen when I read your list! You just want to find one of each of those D/T correct? If you solved GC21DEN, I'll be a sweetie and send you the best access coords to 'the pipe'. Owed to Mtn Man Final requires 5 or 6 caches on peaks to get the required coordinates. They are awesome hikes though and we've still got 1 or 2 to do. GC8AF9 on Newcastle Island Provincial Park - yup that ferry runs 'till October I think - it's not a long paddle though. The easiest and best way to get to Wallace Island Provincial Park on a CALM day would be to procure a kayak and paddle from the government dock on the north end of SSI - I think it's 2km across Trincomali Channel. You may actually get locals who would go along for a fun day on the water - try paddler and engineering student kiwibirdman - maybe he'll give you a hint for GC21DEN during the voyage . Helen

Keep them out of harsh cleaners. You can wash them in a bowl of warm water with some dish soap and dry them with a soft cloth or tea towel. My preference would be one with a recipe for haggis or a map of Scotland, but that's the type I have in my kitchen . Leave them sitting out to dry thoroughly before putting them back in any sort of storage or bag or pvc pouch.

We have also added a Red/White/Blue Gecko to this popular line. . This version replaces the Orange and the Teal versions which have been retired.

THE SNOW GECKO Featuring beautiful tribal and mosaic art by Chris of Landsharkz... bright white and translucent enamels contrast against the black nickel to produce a stunning effect. Photos do not do this coin justice! ATTENTION: A RANDOM TEN PERCENT OF THE SNOW GECKOS ARE ALBINOS! THE RARE ALBINO GECKO CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY IT'S PINK EYES. YOU MAY RECEIVE ONE OF THESE RARE COINS WHEN YOU ORDER A SNOW GECKO. Orders are being packed by our lovely assistant Robyn who is reaching into a box of mixed Albino and White Gecko coins. Our instruction is to check that nobody inadvertently gets 'two' albino geckos. It's really 'luck of the draw' folks! This $10 coin is 42mm and 3.0mm thickness with the trackable wording on the edge of the coin in French and English. Snow Geckos can be found here!

There are 5 of the BN/PG version remaining...

What do you need to 'clean off'? Is one mucky from fingerprints or did something absolutely foul occur? Do you need to clean just one coin or a whole lot of them?