rdaines

Yep, the best spots are all taken, no point putting out new ones. I hope the OP really didn't mean to use the word "steal" as we typically don't own the locations that we place caches. The more people in this hobby the harder it will get, seems like there have been some stress related topics lately.

Haven't seen any nasty logs in the part of St. Louis that I watch but if someone doesn't like micros then don't hunt them.

Interesting numbers, which (to me ) show that things are about the same based on the account holder numbers, around 6 to 7 logs. I'd wager that what the OP is seeing is a dilution effect. As the number a caches increases in an area the likelihood on a particular one getting logged goes down. However, this is not a random sampling to bias will drive people to certain caches more than others, factors like location, size, presence of trackables, maybe even the name/placer of the cache. In our area of Missouri I've noticed lots of hits on park caches and almost none on the forest caches. People just don't want to deal with hiking in the heat and battling ticks and chiggers. Can't blame them. Fall is coming.

If no time machine is available, then you can't go back and edit away a DNF.

I don't understand. Do "R" rated DVD cases have sharper corners to poke the kids? Surely parents have control over their DVD players, right? Sheesh, I'm tired of having to help police other folk's critters. I agree that policing other's children is not something I want to do, I'd also have to say that parents, today, don't have control over much in their children's lives, especially media content. Regarding the cache, we have a local CD cache, the CDs take up a lot of room and stop other kinds of swag from being placed. The idea works but I don't think too successfully.

I've always wanted to try this, I say put them in charge of something. Nothing yucky like Porta Pottie duty but something that will occupy some of their time and make them feel like the success of the even is (in part) due to their performance. If they royally screw up then you have grounds to dis-invite them.

I can't go Geocaching because: - it's too hot - it's too humid - it's too wet - it's too dry (fire danger) - it's too cold - there's too many ticks - there's too many muggles - I'm out of ammo

Do you find Topo 2008 to be a worthwhile improvement over the last release?

I'm waiting for tick/chigger season to be over, as well as the heat. The price of gas is down here in St. Louis so that might help too. There have been about a half dozen new caches near me but I'm still gonna wait.

Get it archieved and then plant your own.

You shouldn't put your hands into places you can't see in to, put a flasklight in your pack.

Yep, contrary to what we'd like to believe and with the growth of people knowing about this hobby (TV, articles, websites,...) I think it's obvious that a small percentage of cachers have larcenous and nefarious traits. Missing cache containers, missing TBs and Geocoins, location-nappers all point to it. I know that people "watch" my caches, just waiting for items to be added, sometimes they are snatched and never heard of again, other times a cacher grabs stuff and moves it on. At some level I don't mind previous finders removing trackables but they should leave a note on the website and maybe they should just "discover" the item. I try to keep some caches full for new finders when the go empty.

I don't think the lost money is the point. When we buy TBs, Geocoins, swag and containers I assume the risk that it may, one day be gone. Destruction by muggles or nature happens but to have players of this game steal is disheartening.

I'd have to agree that there a cacher bandits and thieves out there. I've seen too many thing vanish (TBs Coins) to blame muggles. While it hasn't happened to me yet, I have heard of people losing containers with the cache contents dumped. Leaving the container a mystery is one way to go but I like knowing what I'm looking for (Altoids tin vs ammo box). However, if you want to play the game you're gonna get some bruises.

Just guessing but I'd bet the ability to hold a site (short-term) may have more to do with your relationship with the reviewer. By that I mean, do you have other approved caches, did you set them up in a timely manner, what is the reason for the delay, stuff like that. A newbie with a first time cache may not be so lucky.

I’m afraid I can’t get over how everybody in the USA is so unconcerned about the carrying of guns. They seem to be treated as toys or items of amusement, the same way a child would regard model boat or car. The justification for these guns appears to be the dangerous wildlife present in the USA but how many cachers have truly found themselves in danger of a bear attack?, I bet lots have seen bears but how many have actually been in danger of being attacked? This is not the place to discuss the social or moral implication of firearms and the carrying of weapons. The topic was do you, and you, obviously don't...that's all you needed to say.

"nuf said? Can you spot the caching logo?

Check out fanny packs specifically designed to be holsters, access is pretty fast and unencumbered, usually one zipper which is no different that on my Maxpedition pack. A thumb break could take just as long on some holsters and should rigs. I just can't open carry all the time either legally or for other reasons. Some cache trails are, of course, hiking and biking trails. Even though hunting is allowed (when in season) seeing a gun or bow will sometimes invoke a response that can just ruin your caching day if they have cell phone signal.

Reviewing the OP topic I see flares and matches listed, I carry a fire starter kit with magnesium and a striker. What I don't have are flares. I used to carry many when boating but hiking in the desert and the usual high fire danger, marine flares supposedly have a longer burn time and can ignite fires when reaching the ground. I have researched other types of flares yet, anyone got info on non marine flares?

I agree with you, it's supposed to be fun and, yes, a challenge but not impossible. Knowing the container is always are great help but sometimes I get my "ah ha" for seeing the container without fore knowledge. Hiding a "fake rock in a quarry" to me is just as lame as a LPC.

I sometimes will email someone who has had my TBs or Geocoins for a long time. Sometimes I get a nice reponse, sometime i don't, sometimes I get nothing at all. I'm beginning to just accept the losses and move on. If people cared to begin with we wouldn't have to nag them. If I added up all my losses this year I could by my wife and myself a pretty nice meal out. Email the owners and make good on the lost TBs.

To echo a previous poster, it's not that I arm myself to go Geocaching but rather go Geocaching while armed. I may tailor what I carry to where I am going, suburban vs outback. Have I shot something or someone? Nope not yet, but then again I have used my airbags yet eirhter. Also keep in mind that firearms also make great, loud signalling devices. Shots in groups of 3s signal distress, so take lots of ammo...

This has been discussed many times and it all depends on the person, some give hints some don't. Ultimately, is effects the caching experience of the asker not the hint provider. If a cache owner does not want hints given out then they should put that statement on the cache page so that it is clear to everyone.

While I'm not sure that this is a serious topic, people sound be very careful about what they plant in places other than their yards. There are many invasive species of shrubs, grasses and trees that have no business being planted in untended areas. Many (if not all ) parts of the USA are presently dealing with such plants. I would recommend against it unless ones speaks with the local extension service first. I'd also hate to be plants trees in an area that conservationists were trying to maintain as a field for grazing critters.

In mind my this has been one of the more decent and relevant topics/threads as there is still a lot of back country left in the USA (and other places too). I will quickly mention that there are dangers in both the wilderness and the civilized area where caches reside and while the issue of the right to self defense was not the original posters question , it invariably creeps into threads that deal with the tools of that activity. I think, for the most part that we have been on topic but agree that there have been the an occasional emotional flare up. I'd be sad to see this information topic closed.