phstars

This is Marley the GeoDog. He had knee surgery so he can't go on the really long ones anymore, but he loves going on the short ones!

Thank you for the advice. It looks like I should check out the county assessor. Thank you again.

Does anyone know of an easy way to determine where BLM lands are? I went to their website, but didn't find easy maps, only GIS data. Not having a GIS system makes that data unusable. Anyone have tips or ideas? Thanks!

Thank everyone for replying to my post. I live in a small city, and even if I check the site for nearby caches, I seem to be too near a multi or a puzzle cache. It is the multi or puzzle stages that seem to trip me up, so I thought that having an easy way to check would save reviewers time. I think that for the abuse of the proposal, that could happen, and a few cachers would take advantage, but I like to think that the vast majority would not abuse the cache checker. But maybe I'm too optimistic? Do the ends outweigh the possible abuses?

I don't know if this idea has been kicked around before, but is there any way to submit a cache coordinate for a proposed cache and be told whether or not it is too close to another cache? A nice broad message like "Sorry, too close to another stage or final location." This would save the time and effort of placing a cache (or multi cache) and then having to pick it up if it is too close to a mystery cache or a multi stage. This would also save reviewers time in checking proposed caches. Perhaps this may help people "cheat" if they were searching for a cache, but wouldn't the benefits outweigh the possible abuse of the system?

If I am going after a specific cache, I do look at the online map to get a feel for the area, or to get directions. I use my PDA with cachemate. I load it up with a pocket query or a route, and if I'm out and about, and have a few minutes I whip out my PDA and GPSr. I do a search for the nearest caches. If it's within a mile or so, I feel confident that I can get to it. I like the functionality of the PDA because I can carry over a thousand caches in there with all of the info that's on the cahce information page. I can also have up to 10 of the nearest comments. It would be a lot of paper to pack all of those around. That's what I like about the paperless caching.

I have hidden a cache, but now want to change it so anyone can find it. Does doing so require a new approval from a reviewer?

Thank you for your input! Glowsticks going in the next one.

I've been hunting for a little while, but I am now hiding a cache. I have a question about swag. I've asked about safe things to put into geocaches (cosmetic beauty cache was a no ). But I am wondering about Glowsticks. As far as I know, animals aren't attracted to them, but does anyone have experience?

I like that many people have given you encouragement. I know that recently I dealt with having a cache not approved. I wasn't angry, but disappointed. We went out and found great hiding locations for my multi, but it was too close to other caches and some stages of a multi. (Be sure to check and see if a multi is nearby, it's stages are also subject to the .1 mi rule). I would take a look at Google earth if you can. That's how I found where I will be placing my next one. I really wanted to write to encourage you to not give up. I know that the location was great (like mine, perfect place!) but I'm sure you can find a new place, it may just take some time. As for the kids or whoever else you hid the cache with, you can ask them to help you with the new location search on Google Earth, or validate how important they were in thinking about what to hide/designing the cache. So good luck, I hope you find a good place soon.

This should answer your question: http://www.geocaching.com/about/google.aspx

Backpack: Gloves, plastic bag when I bring my dog, extra batteries, GPSr, z22 Palm Pilot, Pen, Something to trade, jacket.

We use one user ID. When we find them together, we write "Team pHstars" and when I'm by myself, it's just pHstars. But it doesn't really matter. I like to write the team because it acknowledges that we found it together.

Thanks everyone. After hearing your thoughts, we've decided to find another theme. Something without so many variables. Thanks again.

My partner and I are thinking about placing a "beauty cache" with new beauty products in it. Cosmetic stuff, beauty tools, etc.... It would be good stuff. My partner couldn't bear the thought of placing cheap product. My question is, can anyone think of any problems with the contents? I don't think animals would be attracted to non-food scented items. Thanks for your time.

This is my first time posting in the boards, and have spent a few weeks reading, so please forgive me if I am bringing up a topic that has been discussed to death. I've been finding that several caches are located within private property. We all know we should get permission first, and if we obtain the permission, everything is AOK. However, many of the cache listings do not note that the cache is on private land, or that there has been permission granted from the property owner. I know that the people hiding the caches aren't nefarious or of ill intent, but I think it's important that we obtain permission before hiding on private land. Is this an issue that you have encountered, or am I being too sensitive?