+The Flying Boots Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 If a cache is placed in the dark and could only be found with a torch. Would you consider a torch to be classed a specialized equipment? It's something we normally carry around in the rucksack anyway so to us it's normal equipment but would like others opinion please. Quote Link to comment
+The Bolas Heathens Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 If a cache required the use of a torch, I'd expect it to say on the cache page or least give a big hint by saying the cache is in the dark. We have a few torches in our caching bag but usually leave the bag in the car whilst popping off to find caches, unless it's a longer walk when we may take the caching bag and drinks with us. In summary, yes I would consider it specialised equipment. If a cache is placed in the dark and could only be found with a torch. Would you consider a torch to be classed a specialized equipment? It's something we normally carry around in the rucksack anyway so to us it's normal equipment but would like others opinion please. Quote Link to comment
+wizard1974uk Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 I would say any equipment that would not normally be used to get to a cache would be specialised. Quote Link to comment
+Simply Paul Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 I agree - if I needed a torch, I'd expect to be told one way or another on the cache page. It wouldn't make a cache a 5-star difficulty one though... Quote Link to comment
+The HERB5 Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 I totally disagree. I did a multi recently and the 2nd part was a box. However, the top was screwed on and you needed a screwdriver. Part of the fun was searching your pockets for a key or something that would undo the screws. Then when that failed thinking where the nearest shop is to buy one. And then remembering there's one in the bike toolkit. Similarly, one I did on holiday was on the underside of a bridge across a river. I don't think the cache would of had the same effect if it said "BRING WADERS" It was a great laugh to be sat there deciding if I was going to take my shoes and socks off for the sake of a cache. And how silly you feel when you decide to do it. And the feeling of fulfilment after having completed it.... IMHO Evan Quote Link to comment
+Jonovich Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 I did a multi recently and the 2nd part was a box. However, the top was screwed on and you needed a screwdriver. Sounds more like the Krypton Factor than a Geocache Like the idea though. I always carry a torch in my caching bag during the autumn/winter, but tend not to bother during the summer. However, if there was a specific requirement for a torch, or indeed anything that could not be improvised then it would be wise to mention it in the description, or at least hint that something special maybe needed. Jon Quote Link to comment
+daytribe Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 I don't think a torch should be classed as specialised equipment. Specialised equipment is something that not everyone has e.g. climbing eqpt, snorkel, divers helmet etc Most people have a torch. As long as you mention the need for one on the cache page, I think your covered. Quote Link to comment
+The Flying Boots Posted July 13, 2006 Author Share Posted July 13, 2006 Well so far it seems like the general consensus of opinion is that it's specialized equipment. So thanks for helping to clear that up. I did a multi recently and the 2nd part was a box. However, the top was screwed on and you needed a screwdriver. Evan Looks like we're going to have to carry screwdrivers around now as well. Quote Link to comment
+Pieman Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 There is a cache near Birmingham that is a 5 star terrain rating because you need a torch- it doesn't mention it on the cache page, but a look at the map gives you the idea. The bulb on my torch blew half way along the tunnel when I tried it (for the second time) two weeks ago! Quote Link to comment
+The Bolas Heathens Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 (edited) If it's the one I'm thinking of, the cache page (or logs) refer to "specialist equipment" though. There is a cache near Birmingham that is a 5 star terrain rating because you need a torch- it doesn't mention it on the cache page, but a look at the map gives you the idea. The bulb on my torch blew half way along the tunnel when I tried it (for the second time) two weeks ago! Edited July 13, 2006 by The Bolas Heathens Quote Link to comment
+lathama Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 If it's the one I'm thinking of, the cache page (or logs) refer to "specialist equipment" though. There is a cache near Birmingham that is a 5 star terrain rating because you need a torch- it doesn't mention it on the cache page, but a look at the map gives you the idea. The bulb on my torch blew half way along the tunnel when I tried it (for the second time) two weeks ago! I am pretty sure i know the one you are talking about. It is definatly a 5*, I was there this morning..... i also feel that a torch IS a special piece of equipment IF it is a cache using refective pins, but not if its one which is "recomended at night". Quote Link to comment
alistair_uk Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 Following my "as long as the writeup is correct" logic, I agree that it should be listed on the writeup as most people do not carry a torch and it would be so annoying to get to the cache and find you don't have all the tools you need. With that in mind I don't think it matters if it is classified as specialist or not. Quote Link to comment
+*mouse* Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 Following my "as long as the writeup is correct" logic, I agree that it should be listed on the writeup as most people do not carry a torch and it would be so annoying to get to the cache and find you don't have all the tools you need. With that in mind I don't think it matters if it is classified as specialist or not. I agree! as long as you're told on the cache details then I don't think it matters............... Quote Link to comment
+Moote Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 I consider it to be essential, anyone who ventures into the great outdoors should carry at least 1 torch. In short No Quote Link to comment
alistair_uk Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 I consider it to be essential, anyone who ventures into the great outdoors should carry at least 1 torch. In short No ...and at least a dozen pencils! Quote Link to comment
+Cave Troll and Eeyore Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 And Don't Forget a Whistle Eeyore Quote Link to comment
+Moote Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 And Don't Forget a Whistle Eeyore Oh yes, and hot flask of drinks also Quote Link to comment
Alan White Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 We realised long ago that a torch is essential for caching. So I wouldn't say it's specialised equipment, but it would be helpful to mention the requirement on the cache page. Quote Link to comment
+Renegade Knight Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 The only two things you can assume is that a cacher has a means to read the cache page, and that they have a GPS. Both of those are optional, but for the sake of argument anything beyond those would be special equipment. Quote Link to comment
+Donmoore Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 I totally disagree. I did a multi recently and the 2nd part was a box. However, the top was screwed on and you needed a screwdriver. Part of the fun was searching your pockets for a key or something that would undo the screws. Then when that failed thinking where the nearest shop is to buy one. And then remembering there's one in the bike toolkit. Similarly, one I did on holiday was on the underside of a bridge across a river. I don't think the cache would of had the same effect if it said "BRING WADERS" It was a great laugh to be sat there deciding if I was going to take my shoes and socks off for the sake of a cache. And how silly you feel when you decide to do it. And the feeling of fulfilment after having completed it.... IMHO Evan I think after reading this and some of the other replies on this post, i am going to place a cache that you need to bring your tool box your climbing gear and your wet gear...then in the cache box i will leave the phone number for the air-sea rescue! Quote Link to comment
+Donmoore Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 (edited) Just another point of interest. I like to think of cachers as a quite with-it and up to date kind of gadget mad group( of course i might be wrong) But i would like to highlight that a torch or a flash light(yank speak) are a thing of the past what we are using now are illumination tools now how much better does that sound? http://night-ops.com/ and if you want the best try this bad boy out! cache you all later! Edited July 13, 2006 by Donmoore Quote Link to comment
+The Flying Boots Posted July 14, 2006 Author Share Posted July 14, 2006 I think after reading this and some of the other replies on this post, i am going to place a cache that you need to bring your tool box your climbing gear and your wet gear...then in the cache box i will leave the phone number for the air-sea rescue! LOL But i would like to highlight that a torch or a flash light(yank speak) are a thing of the past what we are using now are illumination tools now how much better does that sound? Hmmmm. Now thats a good idea Thanks for all your opinions and help. Our latest cache was published this morning complete with advice on bringing a torch. Quote Link to comment
The Royles Posted July 14, 2006 Share Posted July 14, 2006 On the same lines, would a digital camera be seen as specialist equipment ? Quote Link to comment
+The Bolas Heathens Posted July 14, 2006 Share Posted July 14, 2006 Not necessarily specialist equipment but I'd expect to be told of the requirement (or a very strong hint given) on the cache page as I'd hate to get to the location and not be able to complete the cache because we did not have a digital camera with us. On the same lines, would a digital camera be seen as specialist equipment ? Quote Link to comment
+Moote Posted July 14, 2006 Share Posted July 14, 2006 On the same lines, would a digital camera be seen as specialist equipment ? Good point, so all then Virtual Caches must be 5/5 Quote Link to comment
+Sensei TSKC Posted July 14, 2006 Share Posted July 14, 2006 On the same lines, would a digital camera be seen as specialist equipment ? Good point, so all then Virtual Caches must be 5/5 Forgive me for being naive, are you saying that ALL caches that use specialist equipment must be a 5/5? Quote Link to comment
+Simply Paul Posted July 14, 2006 Share Posted July 14, 2006 Another thought: If I was just going out caching, during the day, would I take a torch as a matter of course? No. Does that make it 'specialist' equipment? Since I own several, and think most people do, I think they're equipment but perhaps not specialist. Scuba and climbing gear is. A boat might be. A torch can't be! Quote Link to comment
+Moote Posted July 15, 2006 Share Posted July 15, 2006 Another thought: If I was just going out caching, during the day, would I take a torch as a matter of course? No. Does that make it 'specialist' equipment? Since I own several, and think most people do, I think they're equipment but perhaps not specialist. Scuba and climbing gear is. A boat might be. A torch can't be! Exactly, and I often use one for peering into hole, hollow trees etc, useful, Yes; Specialist, No. But if anyone feels special having a torch, then I guess that brings excitement into their lives. Quote Link to comment
+The Bouncy Boys Posted July 16, 2006 Share Posted July 16, 2006 I did a multi recently and the 2nd part was a box. However, the top was screwed on and you needed a screwdriver. This doesn't half sound like my cache. Maybe it isn't, I don't know but my ears are on fire at the moment. In MY cache the instructions contained in part one tell you where to find a small black plastic box. It also tells you NOT to remove the screws in the box but to peel back some tape from a carefully milled slot in the bottom of the box. I spent quite a bit of time making this box. The tape over the milled slot has one edge folded over on itself so that it can easily be peeled back. When the tape is peeled back you read the co-ordinates to the next part of the cache in a mirror. In daylight this can be done without a torch. The idea is that it adds a bit of a mental challenge working out if you see a 2 or a 5 and a 6 or a 9. Not the most difficult thing in the world I’ll grant you but it's different and my kids really enjoyed doing this so I thought other kids would appreciate it too. I checked over the cache recently and all was good, the next log after my maintenance visit said that its hiding place had become a wasp’s nest and the lid had been removed. With no find or DNF posted to explain why/when the lid was removed I put this down to muggles. Whatever, I’ve now moved the box to a wasp free area and screwed the lid back on properly. Anyway, the point I’m actually making is I carry a torch with me even during daylight to peer inside logs and under rocks before putting my hand in to retrieve a cache. After all, if you didn’t look first you might put your hand in a wasp’s nest!!!!!! Quote Link to comment
+The HERB5 Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 I did a multi recently and the 2nd part was a box. However, the top was screwed on and you needed a screwdriver. This doesn't half sound like my cache. Maybe it isn't, I don't know but my ears are on fire at the moment. I AM SOOOO SORRY. In my rush for a FTF I didn't read all the instructions, tunnel vision for coords and then off..... And then I go and broadcast it on the Forum.... How stupid do I feel. In MY cache the instructions contained in part one tell you where to find a small black plastic box. It also tells you NOT to remove the screws in the box but to peel back some tape from a carefully milled slot in the bottom of the box. I thought the screw-on top for the cache box would of been a great idea. We actually swapped emails on the subject of the mirror, I didn't see the point of it; because I opened the box. If I'd read the instructions and used the mirror it would of made sense. I really can't apologise enough as this is a great cache..... Quote Link to comment
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