Crazy Aaron

Incident Here The phone was then retreived and mailed to me by another cacher a few months later. The phone was fried but I was able to recover the memory card's photos with no problem at all.

I have a cache in a place like this: I Pledge To CITO This cache works because: 1) The location, although completely trashed and disgusting, would be a great cache spot (if it was clean) 2) The whole point of this cache is to promote CITO 3) The hide is clever and 'fits' the theme of the cache 4) The location is clearly described on the cache page I agree with you though. There are many caches with no indication that they are magnetic key holders on the side of a smelly restaurant dumpster. No fun!

Caching is allowed in US National Parks WITH PERMISSION. Call your local park director and speak with them about geocaching. There is no blanket ban from Washington. Some rangers aren't interested, others are more open to geocaching on the land under their supervision.

I'll just offer this link and say no more: Wikipedia - Dowsing

If a cache is under a log after a nice hike in the woods then archiving it could make sense to open up the area for new caches. If a cache is located in a very special place, then archiving it makes less sense. Another cache would only be placed in the 'same' spot. If one is concerned about letting new cachers in on the game, you should consider adopting out some of your caches to newer players. Since my caches tend to be urban/suburban I don't see a need to archive. Some of the very special ones will take on a life of their own as cacher after cacher experience the same smile and surprise.

I was reading an article in an aerosol industry trade magazine. They were talking about indoor air quality but what really caught my eye was this quote: "The US is different, of course where people spend a significant portion of their lives indoors. The national average is 85%, and actually about 92% if enclosed transit vehicles are included. In California, it is 94%. In New York City, it reaches 95%." Wow! People in New York City spend 95% of their daily lives indoors...and they still complain about the summer heat! Thank geocaching for getting me outside, with the car windows down...enjoying the fresh summer air!

One of my caches uses a geiger counter: One Of These Things (GCNMV3) Members Only to view the listing.

Since I haven't been able to turn caching into a full-time profession, I do some work with mobile phone application development (games, email clients, etc). It occurs to me that we are about 18-24 months away from users of cell phones w/integrated GPS units being able to seek out most caches. In 5 years time every cell phone will have GPS and have the ability to show coordinates to the user. Some phones will even have mapping, waypoints, etc. Since the biggest barrier to entry in geocaching has been the desire to purchase a $100+ specialized piece of equipment, how do you think this will change caching? Possibilities: 1) It won't change anything. Regular people aren't interested in geocaching. 2) Vandalism from teens and others will become a huge problem (remember teens often have the hippest cell phone gear). 3) More members only caches, i.e. less openness on the internet. 4) A huge upsurge in caches and cachers and the overall popularity of the sport. What do you all think?

A lot of unopened, still in plastic, hypodermic needles.

I agree. I think this thread should be closed. At this point, SC cachers are mobilized. Additional support will come from people who don't read this forum. Most of the posts in this topic (including mine) have been of low information value and can only serve our opposition.

I think this is completely fair. Charge away. If you are providing transportation, equipment, the GPSr, instruction printouts, or tutorials then that's what customers would be paying for. This is no different than buying a book at Border's when you can get it free from the library. There are many services which can be had for free but are also available as a 'pay service' either for extra perks (rented GPSr) or simply out of ignorance of the consumer. My only advice is that you try to find customers who don't live in the areas you are showing off OR you only do caches which require special equipment. My concern would be friends telling friends and then muggling becomes a problem. Since your business is dependent on local caches, you want to make sure you build a good relationship with local cache hiders. All that said, I think this would be hard to get going. Perhaps if you already have local tourist agency contacts you could do this as an adjunct to existing tours of your area. Good luck!

This is all good news but I think all SC cachers need to read Renegade Knight's comments: Don't lose sight of the original objective. Remember:

Ali is spelled ally. Ether way, it is nice to know we have some. Although it is hard to prove a negative, Ms. Ceips claims that for over a year contact with Groundspeak was attempted but failed. She has no evidence of this. No copies of letters send through the post, no phone logs, emails, nothing. Groundspeak has an extensive tracking system for all incoming queries. There is a record of every communication they receive and they have none from anyone regarding this issue until the proposed legislation was announced. When caches are discovered where they are not wanted, they are quickly removed. This happens worldwide. Why did it not happen here? Because instead of sending a simple email or making a phone call, some people chose to legislate the problem. I guess if you're a hammer, then everything's a nail, right? Any crime that occurs while geocaching is already covered by laws on the books. Trespassing, vandalism, curfews, etc. In most cases, the maximum penalties are greater than the one being proposed in this bill. There is no need for a statewide law. It just clutters the law books.

Water leakage is not a big problem if you use 'Rite in the Rain' paper to make your log book.

Excellent article in the Low Country Weekly. This is the kind of rational, professional approach that will help South Carolinian cachers succeed in their fight. Good luck!

This is a valid question because 'race' seems to be at least part of the motivation behind the current geocaching legislation being considered by the South Carolina Senate. White cachers visiting historically Black cemeteries ruffled a few feathers. Economic explanations aside, there must be another factor.

I'm very glad to hear there is a SCGA meeting scheduled for this weekend. OK, here are some tips: 1) Choose a leader - a single individual who can be the spokesperson for SCGA. This person should speak to the press, senators, etc. By having a single person, you offer a consistent message who builds credibility and minimizes the chances of being outmaneuvered in debate. 2) Prepare a statement - this should professionally and succinctly explain why this bill should not pass and how existing laws and guidelines are more than sufficient. It should also address the lies that have been perpetuated point by point. 3) Prepare corroborating evidence - newspaper articles covering geocaching activities positively (including articles from outside South Carolina). Letters from the synagogue (i.e. problem solved, no ill will), the state archeologist, etc, written permissions already obtained for caches on private property, and permissions for caches on church property. Also include information on the total amount of human traffic generated by a cache. I think people don't realize how few logs a cache will receive in a year (i.e. this is not a BIG problem). I think people greatly overestimate the impact. This whole thing should be a complete packet you gave fax or mail to someone upon request. 4) Poll the Senators - get a position from each one of them. If you have to educate them before they can commit, so much the better. Get to them before our opponents do. 5) Issue a press release - this is a press friendly version of the aformentioned statement. It should quote specific CITO events, other cacher do-gooderness, etc. A good title would be "Geocachers: More Good Than Harm?". It should be written in newspaper article format. That way, local papers can easily copy and paste to create 'instant articles'. For distribution look at prweb.com. 6) Letter writing - All out-of-state cachers should feel an obligation to write to the tourism board, chambers of commerce, and newspapers. Make your voice heard. In-state cachers should be writing to newspapers, calling TV stations to report on a weekend CITO event, and speaking with their Senators as individuals (as opposed to the official line of the SCGA). 7) Start NOW - the time is NOW. Let this bill die in committee because of the hard work you did BEFORE the committee met to discuss it. Your opponents are organized professionals high on a recent victory. Reality bites. You can work hard or work smart. Only one way is the path to victory. Understand the system and use it to your benefit.

Please, someone tell me that there is a coordinated, intelligent effort to have this legislation defeated in the Senate. Please tell me that somewhere in South Carolina, you cachers are working together, off this public forum, to prevent the passage of this law. There have been a handful of intelligent contributions to this forum discussion. Honestly though, if this is all you've got, this bill will become law. I don't live in South Carolina. The most I think a non-citizen can do is protest to tourism boards and chambers of commerce. This I have done. I am concerned about the precedent this law will set for lawmakers in other states who may have too much time on their hands.

There is a reason that this bill is continuously at the end of the agenda. If it was very important to the party leaders, it would be at the top of the agenda. I know you all enjoy watching the video and are taking lots of time to stay connected to this debate. These continual delays say much about the bill's chances. Don't get frustrated and DON'T ask for it to be moved up! Patience is a virtue.

I sent this letter to Ms. Mullis, in charge of tourism development for the state:

Permethrin worked for me but it was a pain to remember when to reapply. DEET works too but I don't like the feel it leaves on my skin (and the smell). I simply wear light clothing and do a body check every once in a while when I am hiking and when I get back to the car. When I get home I strip, check my naked body carefully and drop the clothes in the wash. I also check the next day in the shower...any tiny ticks I missed will have latched on and started to become engorged with blood. They're easier to find then. Lyme disease takes a minimum of 24 hours of attachment before you'll become infected. I remove ticks with this: http://healthytraveler.safeshopper.com/3/104.htm?930 Basically, I am mindful and I've had no problems.

Maybe I'm out of touch. Maybe my view of death and graveyards doesn't match this local community. I don't see how the things you describe are so offensive? Geocachers are not the ones digging up markers and spray painting on stones. They are HAVING FUN running around in graveyards, often at night...it is a fun activity. Is it wrong to have fun in a graveyard? Is it wrong to lean against a grave marker or use it as a prop? Is it wrong to smile and pose for a photo in a graveyard? If these activities do violate local mores then ban geocaching in public cemeteries. If local citizens are offended by non-somber cemetery behaviour, then ban it. That's what local government is for...local regulation. I see nothing wrong with that. Should geocaching be banned in all state-owned spaces in S. Carolina? That makes no sense. If the problem is 'fun in graveyards', then it doesn't apply to other places. Is it wrong to have 'fun in state game lands' or 'fun in state parks'? Would other states take S. Carolina's lead? Only if their values were in tune with S. Carolinians regarding graveyards. It seems like the biggest problem here is that there was no local, responsible contact for S. Carolinian authorities to deal with regarding geocaching. Since this is volunteer work, it is definitely hit or miss. It sounds like you guys were able to get organized in regards to this legislation. Regardless of how that pans out, is it time for you to ensure that same level of organization in regards to S. Carolina's cache administration?

I don't get it. These posts come up on the discussion board all the time. Why ask? Just bring your GPS on your flight and use it once electronic devices are permitted. If someone asks you to put it away, then do so. It seems pretty simple to me. Remember, it is always easier to ask forgiveness than permission. Your use of a GPS in-flight is not going to get you arrested or have the device impounded. Of course Continental is giving everyone a mixed message...that's what corporations do. When was the last time you got a straight answer from a customer service person regarding any query?

Gauss Boys Magnets have a great selection including the ultra powerful and ultra huge kind. ;-) I use some of their type 40 gold plated triangles affixed to the cache container with silicone sealant. It does the job.

I'll be in South Florida vacationing with the family. I'll have one day to go caching and I want to make the most of it. I could just start caching from the closest point to where we are staying but I have a feeling I'm going to end up trekking from municipal park to municipal park. I'd prefer to visit one cache that takes all day (and I'll remember) rather than 15 little parks. My basepoint is Cooper City, FL. I like adventure. I like unique things. I like the outdoors. I like photo opportunities. I like being away from development, sprawl, and strip malls. Can you recommend a few best caches of South Florida? Thanks!! "Crazy" Aaron