SearchRescueDog

Other than the geography issue the only problem I really see is the fact the company logo is plastered all over it. If it was not for that I don't think I would have much of an issue.

Botrytisfree and Erwinia That would be one heck of a challenge. Never did well carving (mom always said to stay away from sharp objects). I think I'll stick with photoshop.

I would have to agree. I dont think archive would be appropriate unless (1) more then one person could not find it. And (2) the owner can not be reached. If you could not located the cache and think it may have gone MIA (versus just no finding it)your next step should be to contact the cache owner. It is the cache owners job to check it out and then, if it is indeed missing, replace the cache or archive it.

It would be nice to see this setup as it has been discussed over and over again. Same goes for wheelchair caches. There a quite a few things that could have True/False questions inthe cache reporting forms. For now I set it up myself. Here is an example

I think the idea of virtuals and maybe even physical caches may not be that bad in a cave. That stated, I dont feel that ANYONE should enter a cave without the proper training and experience. While I have done a small amount of caving I am in no way prepared to enter a cave without an experienced caver (& I have plenty of experience with rope and confined space rescue situations). So here is you problem. You post a cache inside a cave and state that only experienced cavers should attempt the cache. What happens? All of the sudden everyone is an experienced caver. How many times do you see caches that have safety warnings posted only to read the logs that state the finder ignored them or did not read the cache page at all. There a a few great locations I would love to hide caches in but never will for this reason. I dont want to evac someone that could not read and follow a warning in a cache discription.

I know this is way out of budget but Garmin has posted the release of the Street Pilot 2650 it looks like the ultimate for vehicle use (it better be at a list price of $1400.00)Even comes with a remote control. As for something a little closer to the post. I use my GPS72 with a laptop and PC mapping software in the car.

quote:Originally posted by carleenp:I sounds like Portland needs a dog park. [soapbox] I could not agree more. If these jerks spent half a moment to think they would push for an area for dogs to be seperate. However after reviewing their website they actually are pushing the city to suspend having off-leash fenced areas. Further, about half of the puctures shown on the website show owners holding "poop bags". I am going to Portland in a few weeks (the dogs will stay in MD) I cant wait to see what the issue is like over there. Just wait until a Law Enforcment or SAR K9 gets sick. Not sure about Oregon but many states have VERY stiff laws about causing harm to public safety work dogs. I would have to agree though that the concept of pets on leash and cleaning up after them a very seperate issues. Maybe these folks would have liked to come to the Pentagon or World Trade Center and yell that the dogs on the rubble piles where not on lead. I do agree that pets should be kept on lead in public areas but it is people like this that make me want to put a flaming paper bag at their door and ring them bell. [/soapbox] [This message was edited by SearchRescueDog on July 18, 2003 at 09:16 PM.] [This message was edited by SearchRescueDog on July 18, 2003 at 09:23 PM.]

I dont use the gps until I think I am right on top of an area. I find that using the GPS there is the habit of looking down instead of looking around. I navigate mostly by terrain orientation and map. For me the whole reason to be out there is to see the landscape not my GPS.

I created Gunpowder Essentials around the idea of the "10 essentials" of hiking/backpacking.

quote:Originally posted by undercoversleuths:The options on all of my posts have never disappeared, despite signing out. I have tried to edit, delete, encrypt, etc., but the options still always remain there. ??? "It's a jungle out there!" If you reset the cookies on your browser and refresh the cache page they should go away. The bottom line is that the options should be visibal to you but not to anyone else.

I always at least check the cache page prior to heading out. One big reason for this is that there are some caches with restrictions (hours accessable, seasonal, pets prohibited, etc). I also as a general rule take a USGS Topo print out with me on every cache since I use my map/compass more than my GPS.

I use pace count beads regularly (I have a hard time keeping count in my head). I use terrain association as a primary though. You can find a good pace card worksheet in the "Ops Files" section of the Crockett SAR website.

quote:Originally posted by Quoddy:After going to a cache two days ago only to find the sign _NO PETS_, I came home and found the site below that allowed me to put all pertinent information about my cache right on the page. Maybe if a few more people tried this, we cachers with four legged partners wouldn't run into this situation. http://www.texasgeocaching.com/selector.asp Very nice... If only this where part of the cache reporting form. At least it is easier that the way I do it now.

I think that this is in large part the job of the local approver. It would not be prudent to make a blanket rule that would effect the California Bay area the same as it would a cache in Alaska. If there is a problem with caches getting to dense in an area the approver can slow this down.

I see no problem with listing a cache as wheelchair accessible up to the last 10'. I myself have a cache listed that way. My theory is that if someone is caching with a partner in a wheelchair they can enjoy the hunt and be within 10' of the jackpot.

quote:Originally posted by solohiker: quote:Originally posted by SearchRescueDog:This is very true. It is because so many people can not keep a pet on a leash that so many areas have "no pet" restrictions. My dog is very used to working off leash and I can put him in a down at any time but I still have him on leash when we are caching except in a few select areas. Everyone's dog works well 'off leash' at home. Take the dog to a new area... the dog is distracted.... dog owner is distracted... I have to kick a dog away from me. I should not have to do that. Please use a leash on public land. Actually, I have no problems with distraction or buisy areas (he is a search & rescue dog and works in this type setting several times per week). However, your point is dead on and I agree 100%, that is why he is on a leash 99% of the time while caching- because it is setting an example. BTW- any time he is off leash he has a "Search Dog" vest on and there is permission of the land owner. As for having to push a dog away, I think that if you run your dog off lead you need to accept the fact that someone may mace your dog or worse as there is no way to know who is and isn't friendly (both my dogs are working dogs 1 is 65lbs and the other is 95lbs I would not expect a stranger to accept them as friendly if they where just running around without their vests).

quote:Originally posted by solohiker:I would like to see all pets on a leash. I know everyone loves their pet, but a lot of pet owners treat public space as if they owned them. If I can't sniff your wife's crotch, your dog can't sniff mine. Besides, dogs stink!! Ok, sorry didn't mean to go there. This is very true. It is because so many people can not keep a pet on a leash that so many areas have "no pet" restrictions. My dog is very used to working off leash and I can put him in a down at any time but I still have him on leash when we are caching except in a few select areas.

I could not agree more. I make notes on my cache pages about if dogs are allowed or not. I would really like to see icons though. Could someone markwell me a cache page that includes this? I think that the idea of options in the cache reporting for is good: -Area open/closed times -Dogs allowed -Special Equipment: 4x4, Bike, SCUBA, Boat -Wheelchair access

quote:Originally posted by IV_Warrior: No, you have no credibility because you go off on a rant, interject you opinion instead of answering the question, and make stuff up to try and back up your opinion...... Is it just me or did it just get a little cold in here I'm not a golf freak but I dont see anything wrong with new/clean golf balls.

I would have to agree. That is the type of cache I enjoy... Rural and with little known history.

Just to make sure my post came off as I intened... I agree 100% with holding a license for whatever band you intend to operate on. Just making the point that you do not need to hold a license to own the equipment. After reading through the fcc material again it appears that if the radio is type accepted for GMRS & FRS than a License is not require to operate ONLY on the FRS freqs. However, if the radio is type accepted for GMRS only than you do (EVEN though they are marketed as FRS/GMRS).

Thanks for the replies. Basically, there is no limit on how long or complex the cache is as long as it is stated up front. I think I will put a little more time into the planning of this one. Hummm.... Maybe a 10 leg cache 30 miles round trip with a StreetPilot-III at the end ok well maybe not that in depth. Hometown History sure opened my mind to new ideas though. I have always been one to enjoy the trip more than the hide though.

Ok... So I am looking to place my first Multi. I'm looking for comments regarding how large an area and number of steps a multi could reasonably be. Take the better part of the day to finish? Have to drive to get to the next step?

Ok... I see where you are comming from now. quote:Some manufacturers have received approval to market radios that are certified for use in both the Family Radio Service (FRS) and the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). Other manufacturers have received approval of their radios under the GMRS rules, but market them as FRS/GMRS radios...If you operate a radio that has been approved exclusively under the rules that apply to FRS, you are not required to have a license. FRS radios have a maximum power of ½ watt (500 milliwatt) effective radiated power and integral (non-detachable) antennas. If you operate a radio under the rules that apply to GMRS, you must have a GMRS license. GMRS radios generally transmit at higher power levels (1 to 5 watts is typical) and may have detachable antennas. Regardless, you may OWN any radio without a license so long as you do not transmit.

quote: If your radio is capable of using the GMRS channels then you are in violation. Doesn't matter if you use the channels or not, you are still in violation. The FCC can stop you and inspect your radio and fine you for not having the license. You really have no way to prove you don't use those channels in their eyes. I'm not so sure about this. Just as owning a commercial, aircraft, or amateur tranciever is ok w/o license so long as you dont transmit. The burden is on the government to prove misuse. I am pretty sure that you may use a combo unit w/o GMRS license as long as you do not use gmrs channels or greater than 500mw on shared channels.