mgbmusic
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Posts posted by mgbmusic
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Keep an eye out for this one due out next year.
I managed to score an advanced copy of it last week. It looks interesting and geocaching (along with letterboxing) plays a role in the plot.
Bret
WOW!!! Better inspiration not to be had. I LOVE David Morrell! I got hooked on Brotherhood and Fraternity and have since read ever book he's published. He recently wrote Creepers - about those who go into old abandoned buildings that was pretty good. Morrell + Geocaching...I can't friggin' wait. Of course that kinda raises the bar for me....
--MGB
P.S. - Any chance you could share that advance copy?
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What are the rules in Geocaching?
Geocaching is a relatively new phenomenon. Therefore, the rules are very simple:
1. Take something from the cache
2. Leave something in the cache
3. Write about it in the logbook
I'll quote the moderator here as I'm sure he knows a thing or two about this geocaching thingy that we all apparently do.
No. 3, good we're clear on that now.
No. 1 & 2, part of the rules, but apparently not enforced, including the owner of the cache in question (or the owner in question for the cache noted, or...) "Take a breath and leave footprints?" Really?
So the real rule is that we follow the rules, as long as they suit the cache owner?
I see your point here, I really do, but this is why the good people at Groundspeak invented ignore lists and forums, so that we can make our opinions known. Some may agree, and others might not. I would say that caching is like any other activity - you can participate or not. It's not possible to create conditions where every person everywhere is going to be able to participate. It's true in sports, it's true in recreational activities, it's true everywhere in life.
Those with disabilities can adapt. In this case, a person with a disability can enjoy the hike and the experience, and if they don't get to log a find, then they still have that. Numbers people are really the only ones who care about numbers. I have 28 finds over - jeez - 5 or 6 months. I've enjoyed every single one of those finds, and I've enjoyed every DNF i've logged. In this case I would do as the cache owner suggested - come back prepared. I have 2 DNF's that I never intend to go back to, but I enjoyed looking.
Consistency in cache owners is like trying to find consistency in people - doesn't exist. Read the forums, post to the forums, share your opinions. You enjoy it and we enjoy it - whether we agree or disagree. IN the meantime, add this cache to your ignore list, and try the next one.
JM2C
--MGB
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Hey all, just wanted to share
I logged my first 2 FTF's today. By luck I checked the site last night for new caches in the area, even though I wasn't planning on going out - it's just what I do - and lo and behlold - two brand new caches within 1 mile of the house. Can't pass that up, so I got up nice and early and headed out. See my logs here
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_detai...be-9c59cd4fa81b
and here
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_detai...38-322162504fac
I'm very excited, but moire tired, so I'm going back to bed...
--MGB
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I have been threatened by a cache owner to have my cache find deleted because I did not sign the logbook. The cache is in a high position and was awkward for me to remove. I could feel it, but not quite grasp it, so logged it that way. I have over 500 finds and this is the first time I have ever heard any complaints like this. What is the general feeling on this?
It's interesting you mention that one, b/c a previous log entry (or maybe one after wards) reads:
May 15, 2004
We found this one after the southern one...however, I would not stick my hand in there...and Tom's hand was a bit too large so he put just his fingers in, swished around a bit of water (which was brown) and felt it...but then it slipped away...he used a stick and after prodding for ten minutes in the brown water and trying with his fingers again, he was afraid he had pushed it a bit further down and to the side...since he didn't want it to be forever lost, he stopped short of signing the log...it's still there...sitting in the brown water...oh, and did I mention the water was brown? Thanks for two caches after the fair.
So who's right? My vote goes to the cache owner. Possession is 9/10's and the owner, by definition possesses it. Just my 2 cents. On a side note I logged a FTF today, but as I was hiking back from the cache, I realized that I don't remember ACTUALLY signing my name. I wrote in the log, so by any standard it seems I passed that requirement. I'll stop by sometime in the future and double check that my name's still there, but I still get the FTF.
--MGB
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Say nothing to the muggles except, "Darmok at Tenegra. Shaka, when the walls fell."
Thanks for the laugh, Mushtang. I always suspected that this game attracted people who are as geeky as I am!
(Not that there's anything wrong with that!)
That's awesome! And I like the complete lack of explanation....anyone who doesn't get it, just walk away...
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Ya know, I really don't care. I think I'll have to take my wife and baby on a field trip downtown on Monday.
--MGB
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I swear I've read this before....eh well...Here's my updated list -
On my belt - the sad part is, this is every day not just caching -
- Palm Treo 650 - In geocaching terms, that's a cell phone, PDA for paperless, web (in case you just NEED that hint) clock, and the thing's so bright, emergency flashlight! You can also connect a bluetooth GPSr, but I haven't used that much. It also plays movies, but that's not really relevant here...ANYWAY!
- Bluetooth earpiece for caching ont he go!
- Flashlight (AA Maglight)
- Multi tool (gerber)
- Pen
- Pen-like probe thing with a scalpel attachemnt, plus other goodies.
- Spare keys to both cars
For specifically geocaching - I've got my "cache bag" and old WWII Gas mask pouch I bought a the coolest store in the world - American Science Surplus.
In there I keep -
- Rino 110 GPS
- Compass
- SWAG
- Extra notebooks (logs)
- Ziploc bags
- Extra pencils
- Bottle of H2O
Other than that, nothing much
--MGB
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I just got my latest catalog from The Sharper Image. What do I see on page 16?? For the sum of $499.95 you can buy your very own hidden wireless GPS that is trackable through a website.
here is a link: http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/...ails/sku__MT200
and
http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20060816/tr...h-locate-1-gps/
I watch "It takes a theif" on the Discovery channel, and they're always installing those in people's higher end cars. Cool idea. If the theives don't find it and plant it on a 79 Yugo...
--MGB
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I was wondering if there are any fiction books out there with Geocaching as the subject matter. and i'm not talking about the GPSthemovie wannabe film which may or may not ever see the silver screen...
The reason I ask is because I've been thinking about writing one. I've never written a book before (one attempt about 15 years ago got me 200 pages before I hit a brick wall.
) but I thought this could potentially make an interesting adventure novel. I' m thinking about some kind of competition for a prize slighter more valuable than Mctoys, but I just wanted to get an idea if something like this had been done before.I might even tap into the forums for some ideas once I get the frame work fleshed out, but writing is all about research research research.
My first question (second if you include the fiction question) is - What are some of the most unbelievable caches you've come across. Either scenic, clever, puzzlers, etc that will stay with you for the rest of your lives? I'd love to write about the 26 I've found, but golly gee, I'm thinknig there are some others out there. And of course, the names will be changed to protect the innocent.
Thanks in advance all
--MGB
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Hey all, I saw a Magellan explorist 200 in a catalog recently and I was wondering, for the price, $70, to buy or not to buy. I currently have a Rino 110 which works pretty well, but i was thinking about a nice backup unit. PLus with my wife no longer incapacitated with another life growing inside her, she may want to join the occasional hunt.
Thoughts?
--MGB
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I'm writing an artical for a paper How many geocachers are there? how many caches are there?
Andy
Don't just write, grab a GPS and join the fun!! Seriously, there are people at Groundpeak who work with the media when contacted regarding the sport/hobby. Might not be a bad idea to shhot them an email. they'd probably have accurate statisics for things like LEO interventions (police investigating suspicious packages, etc.) I'd drop them a line.
And thanx in advance for the publicity.
--MGB
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I might could agree to it being a simple misunderstanding if I had not sent 2 emails to him with no reply.
Well, just remember that Reviewers are kind folks who donate their time to GC.com. They don't sit at a desk and wait for emails to come in and they might not even have blackberrys (or my treo of choice). Give it some time. Heck, I loged a virtual once and waited 3 weeks for the placer to write back and say I found the wrong thing...They'll get back to you. Maybe they'd rather investigate and reply when they have something definitive to say...
Just my 2 cents.
--MGB
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Garbage bag...nice touch!
--MGB
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Congrats on 100. I can only aspire to such a lofty goal...
As for my response....
"Ma'am. We're leaving. Have a nice day."
If she refuses to let up....
"Ma'am. I've already told you were are leaving. We have concluded our business and will be on our way. And it would be wise of me to warn you that you should not, in all good practice, make it a habit to rudely approach what could be a potentially dangerous fellow who is, at present, causing no trouble but might, at the slightest provocation, decide that tonight's dinner would include some fava beans and a nice KEE-AN-TEE, and decide that some days, in order to avoid public attention, it is a good idea to not become violent and this is quickly becoming NOT ONE OF THOSE DAYS!!!!"
--MGB
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Is there any software or preferably web interface (google maps, etc) that can, on a click of the map display the GPS coordinates of the indicated position?
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UPDATE
Current Waypoint is GCZB5Z at 12:17pm mst (utah, USA)
My estimate for GCZZZZ is now at December 25, 2006.
I know its christmas day but That is what I am guessing now.
Witch is not yet published.
Edit: GCZB77 is published though
Well soh everyone's using their birtday....Dec 30th 1:20pm
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I'm kind of curious as I was in scouts and earned Eagle Scout in 1986. I remember a lot of what I learned at summer camp being used in various ways in geocaching. <BR><BR>How many of you guys were Boy Scouts, and how far did you get?<BR><BR>How many of the ladies here were in Girl Scouts and how far did you get in it?
Eagle Scout here. And Asst Scoutmaster for a few years. Good times...Hoepfully my son'll get into scouting, but at 1 month old, it's a little early for recruitment....
--MGB
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Since becoming a parent of kids not old enough to hike yet, I haven't done much other than maintaining my two caches in the last three years. In my semi-retirement TONS of micro caches now litter the area around my pride and joy. So much so that hardly anyone bothers to visit it anymore. I was really peeved by the proliferation of so many drive by micro caches. I longed for the days when there weren't so many caches in the Chicago area and the majority required at least some hiking in woods. It seemed there was a more rugged element to Geocaching then. But in reading the log entries of the micro caches I sneered at, I realized many people really, really enjoy going after them. So who am I to judge?
Hunting for my type of Geocache requires much more effort now. Of the caches in my area, I don't even bother reading the description if it isn't at least a 2 terrain difficulty. And even that doesn't guarantee it'll be worth the read let alone the trip.
Oh well, back to my rocking chair.
which cache? I'll go take a look! If you're talking about Skokie lagoon - dude.... I'd be PO'ed If I got there and got a DNF - that'd be a heck of a trek!
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...you've had these thoughts between the months of September - December....
"Well 60's not too bad, but definitely not colder the 50."
"50's ok, but definitely not colder than 40."
"40's a little chilly, but I just can't go when it's colder than 30."
"30's that absolute bottom. No going when it's lower than 20."
"Hi, I'd like to order one of your down filled, over stuffed coats please....ohh! and the glow in the dark compass of page 5..."
--MGB
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Jeez - I have 24 whopping finds. And I think it's because from the beginning I don't really have time to run out for a day of caching or whatnot. I definitely prefer regular caches in the woods. I'm coming up on not even looking for another micro in the woods - that's just goofy crazy. I enjoy the hike, getting back to the woods.
I have always viewed this game as hiking with a destination. I never really went just hiking before, because, being the pragmatic soul I am, never really saw the point unless I was camping in a new area. I've hiked around lakes, and along paths, but always with a destination in mind. I never really did hike just for the sake of hiking.
Geocaching combined the "hike with a destination" with the desire to go to woods I would probably not visit otherwise. I like urban micros in parks because there are only so many places they could be hidden. Same with urban micros - there's really only so many placesthey could be hidden. Much as I understand the "lameness" I don't think I'm quite ready for some of the challenges awaitng me out there. Maybe finding lame micros will help with other caches. Besides it's nice visitng new places.
I understnad the frustration and can only offer this advice - have fun. If micros don't do it for you, just ignore them... I do.
--MGB
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I'm assuming you know you can put anything you want on top of the cache page, (all 99 have the same name as placer there), but clicking on the profile link gives you the real placer.
Ummm.....
uhhhh...
oh yeah! Of COURSE I knew that...uhh....
I knew that...y
eah....two placers....right....
--MGB -
Also, I have noted they are placed by at least 2 cachers (maybe more), the OP seems to be of the opinion it's one placer (which would be one hell of an undertaking with maintenance on micros).
I checked a sampling of about 25 on the northmost and southmost end. They all seem to be placed by the same cacher. I could very well be wrong, but...
--MGB
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To have a break from the usual "I don't like how so and so's cache is" topics I see on this board all the time, here's a nice happy geocaching fun topic.
Post your favorite geocaching quotes?
These can be navigation related, cache related, or anything you've muttered while caching. Humor is appreciated.
"Bushwhacking - a polite term for stumbling around blindly in the woods."
--MGB
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OK while we are on the topic of abbreviations. I had one in Mexico where the hint read "170 ft ASL". it ws on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean. What does ASL mean. Hopefully it does not mean JUMP.
BrettVet
Age/Sex/Location....not wait this isn't a dating site....I'm guessing Above Sea Level.
Geocaching New Year's Resolutions
in General geocaching topics
Posted · Edited by mgbmusic
I'd say find caches in two other states....Take my son out to get him started (h'es 1 month now)....Prolly won't do either, but hey, what are resolutions for?
Edit: Two other things - group caching and use at least 1 vacation/personal day from work to cache and log double digit finds that day.
--MGb