javamutt

My first impression of MO caches was that because a smaller group had spent money on the sport they would be a more hardcore group, but after reading the forums for a while, it's obvious that isn't the differentiator. The thing that makes each find unique is that it's entirely at the discression of the cache hider. I think this appies to their choice to go MO or stay public. Given the earlier posts on statistics, its definitely not like MO cahces are hindering the game in any way, so I'm viewing them as just another category, but definitely not somethign to raise my hackles over. I paid for a membership, like many others, because I think this site is the most enjoyable one out there (meaning no offense to alternative cahcing sites!). gc.com is a very professional layout, very functional (just got into using pocket queries), etc. There is very little that survives without money, so I view my membership as a contribution in appreciation for this site (which I used free for my first year of caching as a "try before you buy" period. Thanks to Jeremy for a fantastic site and it's contributions to caching, and thanks to all the cache hiders out there for making it interesting when unplugged as well!

Earned my Eagle in ~ 1990 in Troop 208. My Dad, also an eagle, gave me the Eagle charge at my ceremony - that was really cool. I was also a lodge Chief for Ty-Ohni#95. My family has historically been outdoor-ish so I'm not sure if scouting was directly responsible for my geocaching, but I'm certain its lessons and values helped me in building the life I now enjoy. As a result I now use my skills to volunteer for the local council asisting them with their IT projects. Gotta give back after all they did for me.

This is definitely an interesting topic. It seems like the big discrepency is whether a DNF is meant to be a note to the cache owner that their cache might be gone, or another form of log for the cacher. I've taken the approach of logging a DNF whenever I manage to get within that 20' circle of insanity and am teased by the jumping 0' indicator! I don't log a DNF when I give up en-route. If you didn't experience the cache site to some degree it doesn't seem like its log-worthy. </.02>

Here's Javamutt and Java the mutt by our favorite cache: Issaquah in Irondequoit. Java is a pointer/greyhound mix. He can hike all day with me and still make 6' frisbee catches at night. Agility training really helped him learn to negotiate trails with me. Caching is always better when you can leave pawprints. <p>

I'm all for choice, but I have to agree with many of the prior posts which discuss the "quality" appeal of the metal bugs, and the value of them not being too common. I think the current price range is fine - making them more accessible (cheaper) doesn't seem to have a lot of benefit given their current $4 price is within most people's reach. I'd be willing to pay more for metal tags because I like 'em. If it's hard to justify them due to expense, then raise the price of metal (but keep it < $10), and add a cheap option for tracking # only or number + plastic tags for a slight cost increase. My $.02

I'm surprised by how well my winter finding is going! I only bagged my first earlier this week, and we've had at least 1ft of snow. I'm psyched this game doesn't have to end in the Winter - so are the pooches!