jthurle2

I hear what you're saying about attributes. My question for you is do you take that attribute as indicating that the area is open during the winter, or an indication that the terrain is such that you should not risk searching in the winter, or that it is placed below the normal snow accumulation level for the area? Since you mentioned snow, I assume it is the latter and some hides are intended to keep the finder guessing on altitude. In our area (north of Lake Ontario/Erie) the winter-friendly attribute means it's above the snow line, usually hanging in a tree at least 3 feet up. We have the "not-winter-friendly" icon on several of our cache hides, so people don't waste time and gas money. Last time I posted a cache the reviewer reminded me that I didn't add attributes. An oversight on my part. I appreciated the reminder. I live in the great north east also off Lake Ontario and winter has been long and constant. We went looking for a cache a few weeks ago that was not relocated in a less exposed area, in fact it was wet and frozen also. I thought about switching out the box, but decided not to because it wasn't mine to change. Any thoughts on this? If the box is damp and the contents are wet is it appropriate to switch the box when you place it back to rehide or not?

I hear what you're saying about attributes. My question for you is do you take that attribute as indicating that the area is open during the winter, or an indication that the terrain is such that you should not risk searching in the winter, or that it is placed below the normal snow accumulation level for the area? Since you mentioned snow, I assume it is the latter and some hides are intended to keep the finder guessing on altitude. In our area (north of Lake Ontario/Erie) the winter-friendly attribute means it's above the snow line, usually hanging in a tree at least 3 feet up. We have the "not-winter-friendly" icon on several of our cache hides, so people don't waste time and gas money. Last time I posted a cache the reviewer reminded me that I didn't add attributes. An oversight on my part. I appreciated the reminder.

Yes, that is what I figured, maybe a little too much visual clue for new cachers, thank you for the insight

I suppose it happens from time to time. The cache should be replaced as found however. You're wondering how I 'use geocaching in relation to digital literacies for learning'? I'm not sure exactly what you're asking... What are some of the practices you use? Do you think that spending time in an affinity space is beneficial to learning? Affinity space? Like, a place that includes stuff we like? I had a hard time when I started geocaching learning the lingo there. I'm 1 step from finishing my MEd, and I can only guess about the lingo you're using in these forum posts! If you're looking for test subjects, look no further. In terms of social science research, the qualitative data analysis alone of the contents of these forums could create enough work for hundreds of research assistants for many, many years. That said, if I understand your question, I think the intent of the Groundspeak forums is to provide a space where those who enjoy geocaching can ask questions, offer answers, and find ways to build on knowledge without pressure or assessment of learning. Different learning curves are always apparent, but rarely identified directly. The forums, however, can provide a space where some feel welcome to ask questions. (See the "Getting Started" or "How Do I" boards for more on that...) In the general forum, there is clearly more anxiety and consternation about issues related to geocaching...of which we all share an affinity...in this space. That said, I think that some can find the forums scary, dangerous, difficult and uninviting. But so is a cool swimming pool with a dip of only your toe. Most that participate, regularly or periodically, find that this "affinity space" can be used to build on the knowledge and understanding that can be difficult to have in a completely informal, passive learning framework. In the absence of local geocacher community outreach and education programs, many cachers are left to their own interpretation of the game. Without mentorship, leadership, active instruction, or the like, many find themselves in breach of the guidelines, or burn out. (Or become the target of rants within this forum topic!) When more active in their learning process--through local organizations, online learning tools, mentorship, event attendance, group geocache outings, etc.--geocachers learn more clearly the detailed nuance of the game. Add in participation in this sometimes chilly and uninviting pool, and I think this "affinity space" is a descent location to build on your geocaching knowledge and understanding. If only we could assess that understanding and perceived knowledge... I enjoyed your response, and yes I feel this is a very cool and laid back forum. however, I have not really participated in a forum before. this forum is cool because it connects the physical play of the game to the online participation of the affinity space. An affinity space being locations where groups of people are drawn together because of a shared, strong interest or engagement in a common activity. My arguement is that can an affinity space be a community of practice for learners? Learning is informal outside of the classroom and class, age , gender, or race is not relevant to participation for this learning environment. So what are your thoughts? Do you think there can be informal learning within this space?

Speaking of pics, I noticed that some pics I uploaded from a cache we found last summer are no longer on my log page for finding that cache. Do they update that stuff and wipe out the pics after awhile? My logs are still present, but not the pics I took of the forest!

This doesn't necessarily prove that the cache is missing. Many experienced cachers return several times for tough ones. If it's a D-1.5, it shouldn't require that kind of effort. Has it been marked "found" recently? I did recheck and it was found in January this year, however they did add new hints and new coordinants that I did not review. will try again this weekend, thanks for the input

Well, there are probably dozens of Universities that call themselves "U of R", but I looked at your finds in your profile, and sure enough, it's the one that's about 70 miles from me, the University of Rochester (NY). I'll have to ponder your question, but in the meantime, I can tell you that in addition to this forum, there is a pretty active one (by the standards of local Geocaching forums being active) at www.georoc.org and you should ask the friendly local cachers there too. Thank you for your input I will check out the other forum as well. Yes, I am studying at the University of Rochester. Ponder on and bring some thought to my question

I suppose it happens from time to time. The cache should be replaced as found however. You're wondering how I 'use geocaching in relation to digital literacies for learning'? I'm not sure exactly what you're asking... What are some of the practices you use? Do you think that spending time in an affinity space is beneficial to learning?

My husband and I started caching last summer. I became interested in caching while taking a literacy class for my Ed.d work at the U of R, in which i have learned there are many cool hidden caches. We soon became addicted. I began logging our finds, though not faithfully. We have found many caches and have had many good life learning experiences while on our adventures. I have heard stories about some players not putting the cach back after planting an item inside. Is this true? there has been one cach that is almost impossible to find. We returned this week and still cannot find it, though we will keep looking. Am I a lurker? Not quite sure! I do wish I had more time for caching. this forum jazz is new to me and is going to be my digital experience for the class I'm taking now on Advanced Seminar Digital Epstemologies. I hope to find through this interaction how humans use geocaching in relation to digital literacies for learning. I am welccome to some feedback in any form

I guess I will have to give up this idea of setting a cach out on the water. Maybe on the beach or at the marina

Very cool! No diving experience

I see that you live near Lake Ontario, so I guessing that when you say 'the lake', it is Ontario that you are referring to. Most buoys that are in navigable waters, such as Lake Ontario, you had best consider them as USCG property... unless you know positively otherwise -- even then, somebody owns or is responsible for it. Permission is the key. Yes you are absolutely correct! I do not want to mess with the coast guard

We usually pass a buoy or two while cruising on the lake , I think it would be cool to hide a cach on a buoy or even a lighthouse . My husband thinks I'm crazy? Any thoughts on this ? Has anyone ever searched for a cach while boating? Would be interested in what people think, maybe I am crazy!

I read the link on the cach Myth & Mystic extremely interesting, if I ever get to Iowa we will definitely check that cach out. Juls

My husband and I were not looking for a cache at the time but were on a tour in the oldest cemetery in the United States, Plymouth, Mass.. We took pics during the tour and saw many orbs in the pics after uploading them. There are several caches in cemeteries around our city and the intrigue to go caching in a cemetery is on our list of caches to explore.

I downloaded 2 official apps free tonight on my windows phone I believe the program is still droid thru Verizon

I downloaded 2 official apps free tonight on my windows phone I believe the program is still droid thru Verizon

It seems you have to upgrade to a premium account to access better features. Try geo cache plus app