HartClimbs

Wow - 800 caches! I'm glad some of my recent hides were part of those finds! Congratulations! - Hart

quote:Originally posted by Mixster:Twice now I've parked in the wrong spot for a cache. Once lead me to cross a golf course (middle of winter, no real biggie) but then I was on the wrong trail and had to scale up and down a bank which would eventually lead to erosion. >snip< -Mixster There's an easy answer here - turn around. If you find yourself crossing private property, dangerous ground (not matching the difficulty rating), or an inappropriate site - stop. Go back to your car/motorcycle/bike/helicopter/submarine and try another route. Don't just follow the arrow on the GPS. In my short time playing this game, I've parked in the wrong spot several times and probably made some caches caches much harder than they needed to be. I've also gone after caches under weather conditions that have made them much harder than they needed to be - it was just poor choices on my part (but made this cache (for example) much more fun!). That being said, I've provided parking coords on some of the caches I've hidden (sometimes in the description, and sometimes in the clue) - so I can certainly see the benefits at times. Just wanted to inject 2 cents about using your discretion - if you parked and the route isn't right - try try again.

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Argh! I grabbed my snowshoes to head over to Hacklebarney this morning and discovered when I was strapping them on that sometime during their last use here I'd bent the dadgum things (bent the claw beds on the bottom of one of the shoes). Downside to being in the over 200 (lbs.) club - I think during one of the "busting through the ice" episodes, I'd flipped the snowshoe and managed to twist the base and step on it again. I've got a pair of the old MSR plastics and really like them (they were certainly easy enough to repair by removing the pins holding the claws in and straightening out the claw beds in the vise) but I'm a little bummed they bent in the first place. Just a suggestion to anyone of similar size looking into snowshoes - buy rugged!

quote:Originally posted by Jeremy (Admin):>snip< The fact that there would be so much venom and time wasted over the placement of a film canister really blows perspective out of the water. >snip< Jeremy Irish The whole post was great - but this one line hit the nail on the head. It was like watching an episode of "I'm a celebrity - get me out of here" (you know it's not worth your time, yet you can't stop watching!). The site's great - the game's fun, and it's a great excuse to get outside. Thanks Jeremy (along with the rest of TPTB.).

quote:Originally posted by wicacher:This site is supposed to be a database of geocaches, not a database of _Interesting places_, _Interesting monuments/sculptures_, _Interesting historical markers_ etc. If its an interesting place you want to lead someone, post it over on http://www.waypoint.org which __IS__ a database of _Interesting_ things. As virtual caches by definition don't actually have a cache, which is what this activity was created to hunt, there needs to be compelling reasons to qualify as more than just a point-of-interest (POI). If there is a great hunt or hike involved, well then perhaps a virtual might qualify. But a drive-by location, or as this cache owner states _...just steps from a couple of very popular (to the locals anyway) coffee bars and a community centre and on the bike path around the Creek..._, just doesn't meet the requirements of a VC to me. As the guidelines state, _a view is a view, a park is a park_, and to paraphrase, a sculpture is a sculpture, not a cache. __________________ -Alan Yeah - what he said! This was the clearest, most concise, most on-target writeup I've come across. Besides, the local museum has several neat sculptures in it - I'm not posting them as virtual caches (hmmmmm, maybe I should - just after I finish up my "count the bricks on the building" virtual cache). Approvers - please keep some standards in place so the game remains interesting! IMHO

quote:Originally posted by BassoonPilot:Yes, you're right; that cache proved that practically __anything__ will be approved. You've said it brother! I thought it was a little lame but finders seemed to find it interesting. I should have posted clearly my prejudice that I *much* prefer traditional caches. Now, I'm off to writeup my "Cobblestone Virtual Cache" series. One for each antique cobblestone on on Tonnole avenue in Jersey City. I figure I can get credit for hiding about 2,000 new caches today!

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I'd suspect Brian and Fizzy's experience may be a little different than most since they seem to have been involved with GC.COM for a while. My first (and only) virtual was questioned. Not a biggie, since I got back to the approver (or dis-approver) with additional details and it was approved. You didn't see a complaint from me posted on the boards - as a matter of fact, I asked first finders if they felt it warranted a virtual cache or should be archived. Judging by the lameness of some of the Virts, I don't think it's so bad that the approvers are pushing back a bit. In all the complaints I've read, it's been a simple case of "I submitted my cache and it was disapproved so I started spraying in the forums (rather than just emailing the approver with additional justifications)". Maybe the approvers are actually onto something. Instead, people have actually questioned the POLITICAL slant of the approvers (although that seemed so bizzare it was probably a troll). As FizzyMagic noted - some people seem to take the questioning as a personal insult. Perhaps TPTB aren't familiar with our "right to place virts" guaranteed in section 3, paragraph 4 in the Bill of Rights. I'm calling Johnny Cochrane (or Rumsfeld - maybe we need to invade someone to preserve that right). After all - if there's no approval criteria - they might as well just rubberstamp new caches. In looking at some of the virts hidden, it looks like some users want to "hide" a cache so desperately they create virts out of any man-made post, plaque or memorial in sight. I'm figure eventually someone will "place" a bunch of Cemetery virtual caches where each headstone shows up an individual virtual cache. I think the end result will be virtuals broken out separately (like Benchmarks) in this game. On the approval side, maybe the "veterans" of this site are assumed to know this so the approvers cut them slack. I think the approvers are doing a good job on what looks like a pretty thankless task. -HartClimbs (newbie but learning) p.s. I *do* think it's funny that people get so upset though (and take it so personally). This whole thing is really about hiding tupperware in the woods, right? (or even better in the case of virtuals - not hiding anything and asking people to come see it!) [This message was edited by HartClimbs on March 02, 2003 at 06:12 AM.]

Is there a way to review logs by username? I know there's an easy search to find "Caches found by this user" or "Caches hidden by this user", but I didn't know if there's a "Logs entered by this user" option somewhere. This came up when I got emails from folks (when they found a cache of mine) referencing they went "1 for 3" for the day and I wanted to just scope out which caches nearby they'd scored DNF's for. Any way to do this easily (ie. without just reading the logs for all the nearby caches)?

...couldn't we just run over the cache and log it online? Would improve my caching gas mileage. "There's more to life than just increasing it's speed"

I've only been doing this for a couple months but have spent some lunchtime caching (although *mostly* virtuals near my office). On days I've been working @ home - it's easier to tackle some regular caches since I don't have to worry about explaining to folks at work why I have mud on my pants!

I agree with your point about searching. Metroguide searches are very kludgy. IMHO. As for accuracy - I'm expecting some errors (maybe my standards are just too low), but having recently upgraded from a paper atlas to Mapsource software, it's a pretty nice improvement. Saves me from using post-it notes and paper maps when planning a cache outing! I did think the price tag was a bit steep (especially compared to other products) but I have a Garmin GPS (which I'm very happy with), so I had to stick with Garmin maps.

Thanks for the helpful response (and good tip on the usenet lists as well). I'll eagerly await the next windows version - sounds like it's got exactly what I need. I still think I'm probably missing something since I'm just trying to import waypoints into Mapsource (so I can view the maps with the waypoints displayed on my laptop). I've been using EASYGPS to drop the waypoints into the GPS from the .gpx files. As I said, probably trying to drive nails with a screwdriver. Thanks again!

I've been experimenting with using GPSBABEL to convert .gpx files to .wpt files (in PCX5 format) to import waypoints into Garmin Mapsource. I'm close but must be missing something since the waypoint symbols aren't being carried into the .wpt file. I'm trying to have the waypoints come in with either "GEOCACHE" or "GEOCACHE FOUND" symbols. The only way I've gotten this to work is (1. Use EASYGPS to load the waypoints into my GPS 2. Download the waypoints from my GPS to Mapsource). I'm under the impression GPSBABEL is supposed to make this simpler (ie. just convert the .gpx file to an importable file for Mapsource) but I figured I'd post a quick ?. Any thoughts, insight, suggestions welcome! I looked at G72WIN as well but it doesn't look like it accepts .gpx files (so I'm trying to get GPSBABEL setup). I'm probably trying to drive nails with a screwdriver - so let me know if there's an easier method for taking .gpx files (from pocketqueries) and getting the waypoint information into Garmin Mapsource? Thanks!

quote:Originally posted by Brian - Team A.I.:Of the 4 caches I've placed, 3 are virtuals. 2 of them are individual memorials for Arizona Highway Patrolmen killed in the line of duty, and the third is the state memorial located at the DPS Headquarters where I work. >snip< Brian Team A.I. Exactly my point earlier. There's memorials and dedication plaques galore for many deserving and brave folks who I'm sure warranted recognition. There's a plaque on the Polaski skyway that honors General Polaski - but I don't think it merits a virtual cache. (I'm guessing parking for the cache might be a problem anyway!) I just don't feel (unless there's significant historical significance or some other factor at work) that monuments or plaques are good virtual caches. IMHO. You're mileage may vary and I'm not disparaging these brave patrolmen - but I'm not sure I see the "gee whiz" factor. I'm guessing that's one reason why WATCHER's so popular, you can simply hunt for the types of caches you enjoy.

Markers as Virtuals. I'm sure some are neat - but a couple I've come across are more like "benchmark hunting" than caching. I've logged some just to get them off my "nearest cache" pages but would never have set out specifically to find them. I've only "hidden" one Virtual cache and it involved something that I thought would provide a "gee whiz" for finders. I'd like "gee whiz" virtuals or educational items - but just making every marker on a highway a virtual seems a bit lame. Personally, I prefer traditional caches - with something to actually find. The virtual cache idea can be more like sightseeing than caching. Of course, SOME virtuals have been very nice surprises (or taken me to spots far off the beaten path). Some of my favorites to date include: Birder's Delight, Old Dude, Eternal Reward, LadyBird, and I think the most surprising one to date was Mansion in the Marshes. I guess we're pretty fortunate in this area - a good percentage of the virtuals here have been worthwhile!

Marty - thanks (for both the feedback here and in email). I'll make a plan to hit Cheesequake in the spring (and maybe even bring my canoe along). Appreciate the tip....

Based on the snow cover, additional snow expected Thursday, and feedback received via email - I think I'm going to postpone heading down to Cheesequake until when the caching conditions improve (I know - wimpy, eh?). I *am* going to take part of Sunday and head out caching so if there's anyone in the area who's interested in teaming up Sunday for some hunts in the North Jersey area (actual area is flexible) - just drop me an email. Of course, if we get another foot of new snow Thursday - disregard this post.... [This message was edited by HartClimbs on February 25, 2003 at 01:18 PM.]

I picked up a can of HALT canine repellent (aka pepper spray) at my local bike store. It's similar to what Postal Carriers use to discourage dogs and such. It's tiny and weighs next to nothing. Too small for bears (they make a much larger and powerful version for Bear country) but should at least give me something small to stash in my pack to keep any dogs at bay (without harming them). Might come in handy with some of the urban caches in these locales as well! [This message was edited by HartClimbs on February 25, 2003 at 12:43 PM.]

Hadn't even thought of gators! I think feral dogs or other aggressive animals (ie. you can't just walk around them) were more of mind in the original post. I figured cyclists and joggers have similar issues and found this: Tips For Dealing With "Man's Best Friend" When Riding Your Bike I've played golf down in Florida where I could have sworn the gators were plastic and put out for the tourists to gawk at (they were shiny and didn't move at all). That was until I saw one move off the fairway into the lagoon! [This message was edited by HartClimbs on February 24, 2003 at 12:51 PM.]

...don't like the idea of them. I understand the reasoning behind them (encouraging more people to register here) - and I'm a card carrying member of Geocaching.com but I just can't get behind the privatization of this very public and inclusive game (open to anyone with a gps and a sense of adventure) by placing a cache only members can log. I mean - why make it exclusive? Besides, it makes me think of "members only" jackets....and that's just plain funny.

quote:Originally posted by MountainMudbug:Now if only we could figure out a way to pay for our bills with dirty golf balls and motel soap bars..... When I first started (back in January) - I was leaving sleeves of new golf balls. Some folks have left balls that look like they were stolen from a nearby driving range. It's silly (although judging by how many balls I lose while playing golf - I should have grabbed every loose ball I could find!). I've seen folks leave old broken matchbox cars in trade. From my perspective, if you don't have something interesting or worthwhile to trade - just TNLN. I guess the value's always subjective. I try to leave something that I'd find useful, interesting, cool, or unique if I came across it. Certainly doesn't have to be something valuable but it makes me happy to see someone log a cache and mention they took something I'd left behind! I just picked up some Camaro convertible models to leave in some of the larger caches I come across (they're big and will only fit into a 50cal ammo can). They'll make some 6 yr. old a very happy kid indeed!

I've come across some unfriendly wildlife backpacking in the past and when ignoring them didn't work, I've always done fine with a handy stick or making noise, but I figured I'd post a quick ? to see if anyone had any tried-and-true methods for (non-lethally) discouraging animals (ie. wild dogs and such) which may not like you intruding in their territory? I'm finding that my geocaching travels take me to less than pristine areas (ie. crappy swamps and flood plains) where I'm more likely to run into a junkyard dog!

I don't know if this snow will be gone by this Sunday, but I *did* notice that low tide in the Cheesequake creek area hits around 1:56pm on Sunday. Depending on the weather (and snow cover), I'm tentatively looking at Sunday the 2nd. Anyone available or interested is welcome to join. If the snow's still hanging around (or if we get more snow as is possible on Thursday), I'll probably stick local (since it sounds like that area would provide a full fun day of hunting, I'd rather do it when the conditions are better!). Marty (if you're listening) - can you share any info on which of your caches in Cheesequake are "snow friendly"? (or which would be made much harder having a few inches of snow on the ground?).