Bobfireman

While I have no problem with the .1mi rule, I think terrain should factor into the decision as to whether a cache placed less than .1 mi (as the crow flies) is allowed. In my area, I can place a cache that is less than .1mi from another one, but in reality, it may be on the other side of a canyon, requiring a hike of several miles. It doesn't happen often, but it can happen, and such circumstances should be taken into consideration. Just my 2 cents worth...

"Needs Maintenance" should indicate only that the cache is missing, insecure, needs a new log, needs a coordinate correction, etc (in other words, things under the CO's control). I would not tolerate an NM for missing TB's, and would immediately mark it as resolved (and might also delete the log entry). The person logging the NM for missing TB's should instead be noting it on the TB page. But of course, that's just my opinion.

Sorry Groundspeak, but this is pretty stupid. I can use the old map, and not be able to see which caches I have already done (or own), or use the "beta" (as in "not really ready to use yet") maps and not see PMO caches. Please get your act together and get ALL the info available on one map or the other...pick something and stay with it.

I'm having the same problem too. I notice when I go to the Google Maps, it says I'm not logged in too and that I need to log in. I try, but it never lets me. It's a cookie thing is all. I'm sure it'll be fixed soon. I having the same problem with Google Maps. Everything else seems OK. Google Maps keeps telling me I'm not logged in, but when I log in and go back to Google Maps, it still says not logged in.

Now you're getting to what my original post was all about... While I think that the placing of matches in a cache was irresponsible, I am also concerned about the public perception of a sport that is pretty much under the radar to most of the public. We've got a lot of cities out here that won't allow geocaches. They say that its because no one knows what will end up in the cache. It's all BS, and they use it as an excuse, but then we have something like this. Ask any publicist...perception is reality.

I don't know. What difference does it make? The difference as you pointed out earlier is common sense. Almost everything left in a cache can be potentialy harmful if idiots choose to misuse the items. The overwhelming majority of cachers are very responsible people, and I would bet that the majority have a way of starting a fire if they so chose to do so. Theredore I don't believe that water proof matches in a cache is a bad thing. El Diablo All of which has nothing to do with the issue here... My point was that this cacher didn't use common sense. For what its worth, in this area, during fire bans, the possession of matches in a forest or other wildland is illegal.

When was the last time you spent a few days on a wildfire line? Let me guess...none. Ever have to talk to someone who lost a house to a wildfire? I'll bet the answer is "no" again. Don't give me any s*** about "too excited". I guess you are serious. If you can point to one wild fire that was started from matches found in a geocache, I'll shut up, but I bet you can't. Isn't it true however that things like lightning strikes, irresponsible cigarette smokers and campers are among the prime causes of wildfires? Can someone find matches in a cache and start a fire? Sure. They can also concieveably use the pencil found in a cache to murder someone. Far fetched? Yep, in both instances. An irresponsible smoker searching for a cache is a much more real danger than a pack of waterproof matches in a cache. Besides, anybody who would take matches and deliberatley start a wildfire is a criminal (lower case c), plain and simple. There are laws agianst that, but none that I'm aware of against posessing matches in the forest. If someone is criminally (lower case c) inclined he will probably bring his own matches, likely obtained from the local Seven-11. The idea that some geocacher is going to open a cache, find a pack of matches and say "Hmmm, I think I'll burn down the forest" is so ridiculious that I don't even know why I'm wasting my time responding, other than the fact that I love to practice my typing. Gee, and I guess there has NEVER been a cache thats been found by someone who wasn't a cacher? We've had a number of caches raided out here. Besides, if a fire was started with matches found in a cache, do you think it would make one iota of difference to the media if the person who started it was a cacher or someone who found it by accident? I don't think so... With more and more areas being closed to cachers, why should we give those who don't want us enjoying out sport any more ammunition to use against us? Thanks for missing the point.

I don't know. What difference does it make?

A flint and steel would be appropriate swag so is the issue the ability to start a fire, or that matches are flamible? What's generally accepted is that it's the flamability (of a certain type) that is frowed upon. Most people wouldn't think to start a fire with a flint and steel (or be smart enough to know how). I find it irresponsible. But if you want to nit pick it to death, fine. FWIW, matches aren't "flammable". They're an ignition source.

I wouldn't have a problem with that, and I'm not a religous person either. You're missing the point. No one has started a fire with a bible.

When was the last time you spent a few days on a wildfire line? Let me guess...none. Ever have to talk to someone who lost a house to a wildfire? I'll bet the answer is "no" again. Don't give me any s*** about "too excited". One work...V-A-L-I-U-M... Hey, "5" thanks for contributing something worthwhile to the discussion. Wanna trade jobs with me some day? BTW my work day is 24 hours long...

You're joking, right? Nope, I'm not joking.

When was the last time you spent a few days on a wildfire line? Let me guess...none. Ever have to talk to someone who lost a house to a wildfire? I'll bet the answer is "no" again. Don't give me any s*** about "too excited".

In my neck of the woods, many (most) caches are placed in national forests, open spaces, parks, etc. I myself have 3 caches hidden and all are in some type of wildland environment. A few days ago some cachers visited one of my caches, and placed -get this- waterproof matches in the cache. This cache is located in an "open space" area and is placed near the scene of a previous wildland fire. The cachers even joked in thier post about how matches could be the wrong thing to place in the cache. This really has me pissed off. In the past several years this area has had many devasting wildland/forest fires. This cache even has pamphlets in it about protecting peoples homes from wildland fires. For someone to place matches in a cache in the middle of a wildland area where they could be used to start a fire strikes me as irresponsible and reckless. The Groundspeak rules regarding what can be left in a cache say: "What shouldn't be in a cache? Use your common sense in most cases. Explosives, ammo, knives, drugs, and alcohol shouldn't be placed in a cache. Respect the local laws. All ages of people hide and seek caches, so use some thought before placing an item into a cache. " Besides the possibility of someone using the matches to start a fire, my concern is for the publicity "hit" geocaching would get if it was determined after a fire that the matches used to start it were found in a geocache. There are already some places around here that don't allow geocaching because of concerns over dangerous items that may be left in a cache. Lets use some common sense, folks.

I heard that to, but I'm watching WB2 now, and it looks like it'll be on Wednesday (the 11th).

The Rampart Range is about 30 or more miles long...if you were more specific, someone may have been able to help. Of course you could've done like everyone else, and just do a search, instead of being a jerk about it. www.bobfireman.com

Thanks for the replies! I talked to Garmin about this and they admit that the spring on the top battery is pretty weak. I just got back from a bike ride and a couple of cache finds, and the thing was a pain in the butt. It was constantly shutting down. I have added some foam tape behind the springs on all the batteries and on the inside of the battery cover. Hopefully this will work. I gotta admit I'm rather disappointed that a company that otherwise makes fine product would have such a weakness. www.bobfireman.com

I recently upgraded to a Rino 120 from the basic eTrex. I'm happy with the Rino except for one flaw... I use my Rino with the Garmin bike handlebar mount on my bike (I try to couple geocaching with biking when I can). I've noticed that when the front of the bike is subjected to a sharp shock (jumping on or off a curb, for example) the Rino will shut itself off. I then have to stop and turn the unit back on. I'm not talking about extreme biking here, and my bike even has front shocks! It appears that when this happens, its due to the power being momentarily being interupted, possibly by a flaw in the battery compartment. Has anyone else seen this problem? www.bobfireman.com

Did you do a zip code search on the geocaching.com home page? There are a few within a few miles of there. 81637 caches www.bobfireman.com

At least they didn't outright ban geocaching without a public hearing, like down here in Colorado Springs. www.bobfireman.com

So its just an economics issue then. Well as it turns out, a fellow from here in the USA just purchased it, so I guess its a moot point now. Thanks! www.bobfireman.com

I'm selling my base model etrex on eBay (here)and even though I indicate US sales only (I don't want to deal with the hassle of shipping overseas) I'm getting lots of inquiries from Australia, New Zeland, England, etc. asking if I'll ship to those countries. I guess I'm curious about all the interest from those countries. Are GPS's regulated items there, and they're trying to sneak one in, or is my price just too good to pass up, or what? www.bobfireman.com

Yesterday Gart Sports in Colorado had a one-day-only 25% off on any one thing in the store sale (with coupon). I picked up a Rino 120 for $187.50! It sure is a step up frm my etrex! www.bobfireman.com

Thanks for the info...I must've missed that info. For what it's worth there is another cache on the same parcel of land that mine is on, so there shouldn't be a problem. www.bobfireman.com

Thanks! This is the first cache that I have placed, so I had no idea on the time frame. www.bobfireman.com