Genius Loci

I'd say you have an issue with the closing tag........

I logged on this morning to grab some PQ's only to discover my membership had suddenly been reset to BASIC status and privileges. I've been a CHARTER (premium) member for years and years (with AUTOMATIC RENEWAL being charged to my Paypal account). I never received any notice from Groundspeak that my account was expiring, and it wasn't supposed to be renewed until August, anyways. I'm thinking this must be a computer glitch; can someone at GC please investigate?

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Here's a question for Clyde (or anyone else) about GSAK: How can I 'Remove..." older GSAK databases - but not delete them? I have some GSAK databases that I don't use anymore, but I'm reluctant to "REMOVE" them in case I might want to use them again some day. If I "REMOVE" them, it's my understanding that all the data will be deleted and lost. I'd like to move them out of GSAK, but I want to have the option to load them again just in case I want them back someday! I have a fair number of old (largely unused) GSAK databases (well over 100), so every time I quit the program and use the "would you like GSAK to backup all your databases and settings" option I have to wait a long time for all my old db's to back up! Plus, when I use the menu to load a database, I gotta scroll through a long, long, list of old databases. I'd like to trim my active databases down to 20-30 that are fairly current - but I don't want to destroy my old databases. Exporting them to .gpx files is NOT an option at this point, since I'm having a problem preserving the FOUND attribute when I export a GSAK db into a .gpx (and read it back into GSAK). Does anyone know how to do this? Thanks for your help! - Genius Loci

RE: my issue with the FOUND attribute; thanks Clyde and Kai Team! Kai Team - I think you misunderstood my problem. I don't want to know which caches my buddy found. When he sends me one of his own PQ's directly from GC (containing ONLY his unfound caches) and I import that PQ into an empty GSAK database, it marks some of the caches he has NOT found as being FOUND. That is pretty clearly some sort of problem with GSAK or the .gpx file format, I guess. My question to Clyde was: is it a coincidence that the caches which he has NOT found (which GSAK erroneously marks as FOUND) are caches that are marked FOUND in my own (separate) GSAK databases? It's confusing... but I've sent Clyde a dump that I hope will help. Thanks to everyone for their concern! - GL

I always check the large scale 1:24,000 or 1:25,000 topo map before I hunt a cache - even the urban ones. I keep all the large scale topo maps (within 100 miles of home) on my Pocket PC for walkin', and on the portable when drivin'. My buddies used to laugh... but I've saved their butts with the maps so many times now, they always ask ME to check the map before we hit a cache in new territory. I use the maps to KNOW which side of a river or stream the cache is hidden on, how to avoid the worst slopes, if it's in dense tree cover, on a bridge, etc. etc. Often, I can tell my hunting partners just about where the cache is gonna be hid even before the cache hiding place is in view. Sometimes, I only use the GPSr for the last couple hundred feet or to "close in" on the final hiding spot. Sometimes, I don't even need the GPSr at all.

No, the waypoints are definitely NOT locked. Also, here is another problem that may be related: I create a new database, and load one of my friend's PQ's. Out of 500 caches, about 25 or so show up in the brand new GSAK database with the FOUND attribute marked - yet he never found them (although they are marked as FOUND in my own databases). It seems like some of the "found" attribute info from my various databases are "leaking" into new databases???

PROBLEM WITH "FOUND" CACHE ATTRIBUTE - HELP! I am also having problems with the "Found" database attribute. It started happening to me a month or two ago. Here's what happens: 1. I load a .GPX file (from a PQ) into GSAK. 2. I find some caches! (the fun part) 3. I mark them "Found" in GSAK by clicking on the "Found" field for the appropriate caches. 4. I sort the database to show "Found" caches only 5. I export the results into a brand new .GPX file 6. When I open a new, empty database in GSAK and drag the .GPX file in, all the caches are now indicated as being NOT found! They are indeed the records I previously marked as "Found", but something flipped the "Found" field off. What's going on? Help!

DOH!! Thanks, Teamhawaii1981 - I don't never use these Forums much, and I'm kinda ignorant 'bout 'em. Next time I'll know where to look, but I'll probably forget... Hey, this reminds me of how when I can't find a cache, and my buddies keep nudgin' me and sayin: "errr.. did ya check inside that holler log, Genius?"

Yes! Finally got my PQ's from yesterday. ahhhhhh... that feeling of relief! Thanks to whoever and whatever, but I agree with Big Wolf and Teamhawaii1981 that when something like this goes down, it sure would be nice to have a highly visible notification somewhere on the website telling us that sumpthin's busted. It might save a whole lot of folks running around yelling like the sky is falling; might even stop a suicide or two.

Yep - sumpthin's clogged... I got 4 PQ's generated over 14 hrs ago, and NOTHIN' in my inbox. It ain't on my end, either - I checked 'er out real good. Hey Jeremy - get out yer plunger, or dump some Ex-lax into that computer, would ya? Much obliged if GC could take a second look and git back to us...

So those who've requested this don't feel alone, I'd just like to add my vote in favor of this proposed enhancement! As others have stated, I would also very much appreciate the ability to obtain a .GPX file of all my Found caches (including those archived). Thanks for listening.

I certainly agree with maleki on this! I believe Jeremy had promised this feature, but it hasn't happened yet, and doesn't seem to be a high priority. However, while waiting for this to be implemented, the task of assembling our own lists becomes more and more daunting... I'd be happy to pay a fee for a one time PQ of all my own logs, including Finds, No Finds, archived caches, etc. I could keep it up-to-date myself after that.

This looks great - but what if you have more than 500 found caches? Isn't that the limit on how many total caches a PQ will return? I'd like to be able to read all my "Found it" logs without searching cache by cache online; that's more than 500 finds by now.

Hey Alan2 - could you be more specific here? Just what is a "tick removal device", where do you get 'em, and how do they work?

I don't care how other people sign, stamp or sticker my own cache logbooks, but I do care about how I sign theirs. For me, the act of signing that log occurs at my moment of victory, and I mean to relish it, not rush through it! When I first heard about geocaching, I knew I was gonna like it. So, I spent some time designing a custom logo before I went out to hunt my first cache. With the exception of about 3 or 4 caches (where I didn't have a sticker or my custom rubber stamp with me) it's been on the logsheet of every cache I've ever found. But, I also like to sign my name (even though it's printed on the logo of my stamp or sticker). So I always do that, too. For me personally, it just don't feel "complete" without both. I've also had some time now to think about why I go cachin', and I figure that fer me, it runs deep in the genes... the same genes that keep the old wolf out in all sorts of weather, marking his territory. That's one reason I stamp and I sign; and I like that idea about blood. I might have to add that, too... 'cause I'm afraid that markin' my Finds after the fashion of wolves might be going just a little too far... - Genius Loci ('the Guardian Spirit of a Place')

If you choose to use a vehicle to help get you to a cache, then isn't it your responsibility to find where to park the darn thing? What about the folks that don't have that choice and must rely on some other means of transportation to go caching? Cache descriptions don't usually tell them where to park their bikes or which train or bus to take! I don't think that listing parking coordinates should be the expectation in most cache descriptions. When the cache placer does list them, I take it as an act of courtesy for those who drive. Far fewer caches list the nearest available public transportation, and I haven't seen any complaints on that account! Also, when cache hiders do list parking coordinates and I'm in a vehicle, I've noticed that the driver very often prefers to select his own parking place regardless.

Now, that's what I call "Firmware"! or is it "Firmwear"?

Here’s an interesting story, reprinted from DOG LOVER’S WORLD magazine: My dear old hound Rover passed away peacefully in his sleep, and early the next morning I went on a hike in a semi-remote area seeking a spot to lay my faithful companion to rest. No sooner had I finished the sorrowful task and gently patted the last earth back into place, when I noticed something unusual about 100 feet off the trail. I walked towards it and suddenly I found myself in front of a strange, metal box, the military sort that ammunition and explosives are stored in. My adrenaline started to really flow when I noticed the camo paint job and two gloves laying near the side of the box. In my mind I said “I”VE GOT TO GET OUT OF HERE!” Suddenly a rather large man appeared from behind some trees and approached me. Scanning him for a weapon, I wasn’t sure if I should run or attack him. I backed away as he moved closer. “I’m just playin a treasure hidin’ game,” he said. Of course, there was no money, valuables or other “treasure” to be seen. “You got a problem with that?” he added. “No,” I said as I was now quickly walking back to my car. He continued to follow me and stopped about 100 feet from the parking area. My hands shaking, I managed to unlock the car door. I got his out-of-state license plate number from his van and got the heck out of there. Of course I forgot to bring my cell phone this particular morning. Stopping at a bus stop, I borrowed a cell phone from a woman and contacted the local authorities. The police later called me and asked me to come back to the scene. Upon arrival, it was just like something out of the movies. Police cars filled the parking lot; detectives were scouring the area and taking photographs. Of course the man had taken off just after I left. They questioned me for about twenty minutes as to the details. The detective said I could later call and find out the outcome of their investigation. Several days later I did call. They did locate the man and he was able to convince the authorities he was involved in some crazy sport called “geocaching”. sorry... no offense intended. I just couldn't help thinking what it would be like if the shoe was on the other foot - GL

The number of "Found it's" you may log on any given cache is at the discretion of the cache placer (and I think that is an EXCELLENT way to go on this). However, unless stated otherwise, I assume it is always just one "Find" log per hunter on any given cache. Any other posting should be under some other type of log. As cache test dummies point out, a second "Found It" log is often permitted by the cache placer after they make some major modification to the cache. Usually, it's something that makes the hunt significantly different than what it was originally. Also, I have hunted quite a few caches where the placer includes a "bonus" cache to hunt for after you've found their main hide (often times the coords for the "bonus" hide will be in the cache box). They allow you to post a separate "Found it" log for each stash on the same cache description page. These seem to be pretty popular in the Midwest; I've seen a good number of them in the general Milwaukee, Wis. area especially. It does make for some wonderfully unique, fun and interesting caches, too! A few years ago, "Moving" or "Travelling" caches were permitted (and some are still in existence today Moving Target). These caches have no fixed hiding place and rely on the next Finder to re-hide them in a new location. Some owners of these type caches allow multiple Finds on the cache if you find it hidden in a different place each time. I've also seen a couple of other odd instances where multiple "Found It" logs were permitted. Whatever the reason (as cache test dummies point out) the key here is PERMITTED, and if it is allowed, that fact will be communicated clearly by the cache owner (usually in the cache description). That is one of the greatest things about geocaching, each cache owner may do as he sees fit. That's why we have such a wonderful variety of unique caches!

All good points by Markwell and GrizzlyJohn. I think we do need to see all the "open" and "closed" logs in the PQ's for awhile back - PQ's are usually the ONLY way I get info on caches that I'm hunting. The last thing we need is for this to end up giving everyone LESS information about cache problems than we are already getting now through the regular logs. Personally, I don't think I'd find it useful to be able to view/not view the "NA" logs - they seem important enough that I'd always WANT to view them. Now, to borrow Markwell's "Devils Advocate" horns on another aspect - Has everyone considered the possibility of posting an "NA" log along with a "No Find" (instead of a "Found it") log? Suppose I can't find a cache, and I notice that it has a bunch of other previous "No Find" logs. I would seriously consider adding a "NA" log in addition to my "No Find", something like: January 25 by Genius Loci (2849 found) Didn't find the cache, but found an obvious hiding place that was empty. Cache placer should check to be sure the cache is still there. This seems to me that this is a legitimate and useful feature of the "NA" type log; in fact, I might be posting more "NA" logs with "NF" logs than I would with smiley face logs. Last time I was out hunting, I couldn't find a cache, suspected it had been stolen, and posted that opinion in my "No Find" log. Sure enough, the cache owner checked the cache and it had indeed been stolen. What do others think? Would it be right to post a "Needs Attention" log on a cache you actually didn't find, just because you suspect that the cache needs attention? I know a few cachers who never post "No Finds". Whatever their reasons are, I always think that when I can't find a cache, the cache placer needs to know; after all, there might be a problem with the cache. However, if people who don't ever post "No Find" logs start logging their unfound caches only with "Needs Attention" type logs - is that a good or bad thing? I have a few caches that are tricky enough so that people regularly can't find them. Sometimes, I have one, two or three "No Finds" in a row on those. I check the cache, and yes, it's still there and in good condition. Yet often the "No Find" logs suggest that it MUST be missing, because the hunters "looked everywhere but couldn't find it". I don't think I'd like to start getting a lot of "NA" logs for caches that really don't "NA". However, to be realistic on that last point, just one or two "No Find" logs on one of my caches are usually enough to send me out to check on the cache anyway, and I always email folks who post "No Finds" on my caches to thank them for hunting, and to offer them additional hints should they choose to hunt for my cache again. So, I suppose it doesn't matter if they post a "NA" instead of a "NF" anyways. I guess I'm just trying to think about how we would use these new "NA" logs, and how they might effect the other things we are already logging in our "no Finds" as well as our "Finds". (edit:bad grammer)

I gotta agree with Poindexter that Ozi is great, and it sounds like he and I are using it in a similar fashion. Most of the time I use Ozi CE on my PPC for USGS 1:24,000 map (or air photo) display, and there is nothing better once you are on foot, out of the car and looking for the cache! I've been using Ozi on my laptop and a PPC for a couple of years now, caching all over the midwest. I got all my hundreds of topo maps for FREE, because I download 'em from the various state agencies (it gets my goat to pay someone else for maps when I already paid my tax dollars to Uncle Sam to make those same maps). I do have to calibrate the maps to get 'em into Ozi, but that's a pretty automatic process (depending upon which state I get the topos from). I store the topos on SD or CF memory chips state by state, and just plug in the state chip I need when I go out hunting. Like Poindexter says, waypoints are a breeze. I just dump a new Ozi waypoint file directly out of GSAK and copy it into the PPC every time I go out hunting; it really couldn't be easier. All the wayponts show up on whatever map is displayed on the screen (even when you change maps) and GSAK will auto code the color of the waypoints to indicate cache attributes like found, not found, placed, and temporarily disabled caches if you choose. I also carry a wireless (bluetooth) GPSr with me at times, and then use the (bluetooth equipped) PPC with the topo maps in Ozi as my GPSr. That way I've got my position showing real time on the actual USGS 1:24,000 topo quads displayed on the handheld PPC. This sure beats the heck out of any maps I've seen on either Garmin or Magellan units. Plus, it's easy to load airphotos or maps you scan yourself into Ozi. I visited New York City last month (without an auto) so I scanned in a subway map of Manhattan before I left. I loaded a fresh waypoint file of NY area caches, so I knew which train stop to get off at. and then I'd just switch to a street map to walk to each cache site. Ozi and a Metra pass made for some of the best urban caching I've ever done, and it was my first time in the big apple. Sweet! I'm so addicted to this system I never go caching without it. Some of my buddies laugh at the geeky maps, but their guffaws dry up when I'm the one that can tell them which side of the stream the cache is hidden on, or the best way to approach a cache hidden at the bottom of a steep ravine after 10 pm on a foggy night. Nothing beats those large scale topos and air photos, and with Ozi, you can also scan in and calibrate whatever other maps you want to use. Ozi will take a bit more research and work on your part to implement, but if you are a real map lover, it's not work, it's fun. And since it gets you the BEST possible maps for free or next to nothing; it's definitely worth it!