Drunken Cachers!

[+SierraFive]

I have seen many caching events promoted, arranged, talked about and reviewed about on these pages. Many have photos and some have even had downloadable film footage of the event. A lot of them make mention of alcohol and the vast quantities that have been drunk or the drunken antics of others. Sure, alcohol can add to any occassion but the emphasis placed upon it I find rather alarming. I would consider attending one of these events but the thought of spending a weekend amongst a group of people drunk out of their minds puts me off a little. Is it only the "Alcoholics" as one poster was requesting that attends these events or are there those that tend to be a bit more sobre that attend as well.

 

Geocaching yes, social get together yes, weekend of unrelenting alcohol consumptionm no thank you.

Edited September 11, 2006 by SierraFive

[+Haggis Hunter]

I have been to a few events now, I have still to see anyone actually drunk at one. Despite most people drinking. I don't think it is anything to be alarmed about?

[+stora]

I have seen many caching events promoted, arranged, talked about and reviewed about on these pages. Many have photos and some have even had downloadable film footage of the event. A lot of them make mention of alcohol and the vast quantities that have been drunk or the drunken antics of others. Sure, alcohol can add to any occassion but the emphasis placed upon it I find rather alarming. I would consider attending one of these events but the thought of spending a weekend amongst a group of people drunk out of their minds puts me off a little. Is it only the "Alcoholics" as one poster was requesting that attends these events or are there those that tend to be a bit more sobre that attend as well.

 

Geocaching yes, social get together yes, weekend of unrelenting alcohol consumptionm no thank you.

 

Your joking right ?

 

Friday night we where all tucked up in bed (in our own tents/caravans) by 11pm. Just ask Hazel :-)

Edited September 11, 2006 by stora

[+lathama]

I have seen many caching events promoted, arranged, talked about and reviewed about on these pages. Many have photos and some have even had downloadable film footage of the event. A lot of them make mention of alcohol and the vast quantities that have been drunk or the drunken antics of others. Sure, alcohol can add to any occassion but the emphasis placed upon it I find rather alarming. I would consider attending one of these events but the thought of spending a weekend amongst a group of people drunk out of their minds puts me off a little. Is it only the "Alcoholics" as one poster was requesting that attends these events or are there those that tend to be a bit more sobre that attend as well.

 

Geocaching yes, social get together yes, weekend of unrelenting alcohol consumptionm no thank you.

 

Rather an alarming post i must say.

Cachers have to be responsible at events as many drive to them. Ok i go by train and so may have a little too much sometimes (March to the river being a good example!), but this was a one off on my part.

 

I hope that being able to socialise witrh othrs who are interested in what you are would be the biggest draw!

[+purple_pineapple]

The image of a field full of 180 cachers all falling over drunk, comatose, and generally seriously ill due to the effects of alcohol, whilst an endearing and amusing image, is not generally the case. You always find a good number of cachers who are driving, so not drinking anything, and the rest are all sensible folks, often with kids, who have possibly had a drop too much to be able to drive, but certainly aren't alcoholics. I think that was just an amusing way of announcing a new event, and I'm sure Father Jack (I think thats was who..!) is more than happy for tee-totalers to attend!

 

but no, i certainly wouldn't be alarmed about it!

[+SierraFive]

 

Your joking right ?

 

Friday night we where all tucked up in bed (in our own tents/caravans) by 11pm. Just ask Hazel :-)

 

Serious question. For the record I don't personally drink alcohol. I have absolutely nothing against anyone that does, however being the only sobre person at an event, especially if others have been drinking heavilly, is rather unpleasant. I can cope with others being merry but outright smashed out of their heads is something else.

 

I probably notice references to alcohol more than others but tha purely because of the type of society we all live in. I have lost track of the number of times of when I have told someone I don't drink and I get the "What Never!!!!" response and the ensuing conversation about my reasons for not drinking etc etc and the "Go on, have a drink, go on..." type comments from others. Believe me, it's only when you don't drink that you realise that it is everywhere!!!!! I'm just intrigued by the references to alcohol in the event type postings and how important is the alcohol to the event. Would anyone go if there wasn't any alcohol?

 

Again, I should emphasise I have nothing against anyone who drinks or attending events where alcohol is consumed. I just like to ensure that alcohol is pnly a small part of whatever it is i attend and not the sole / main reason for the event. If that makes sense!!!!

[+Mr'D]

however being the only sobre person at an event, especially if others have been drinking heavilly, is rather unpleasant

Personally, being the only sober person at an event would make me feel rather superior

 

I recall years ago I had to act as chauffeur to my directors for 3 of 4 days. I was not allowed to drink alcohol in the evenings. It gave me great satisfaction watching them make fools of themselves each evening and the sheepish looks they gave me each morning.

 

I think most references to alcohol in people's bash logs is nothing more than bravado however, and like others I have yet to see a truly drunk or obnoxious cacher at a bash.

 

Jon

[+currykev]

I keep missing events as I'm too p*ssed top get there!

[+SierraFive]

Well, I guess i'm starting to feel a little reassured. Are there any other cachers out there that don't drink who have been to an event and could give me some insight?

 

Also, second question. What is the usual course of events at one of these meets. Are there special caches for the meet only or is it hunting for caches that already exist. Is it a competition type environment? I.e. what could I expect???

[+currykev]

But seriously...

Cache events are usually attended by adults and children.They are usually at public houses where children are allowed(usually in the garden)and as such are not "drunken affairs".Go to one and you'll be surprised how friendly us Brits's can be.

[+Munkeh]

I think I'm right in saying its not possible to put caches out for soley for the meet attendees unless you don't mind that they are not loggable. some caches are put out for meets and remain active for long after the meet has taken place, same as a normal cache and there will always be caches in the area to begin with unless you holding a meet in a boat out at sea somewhere

[+ANDYBUG&LADYBIRD]

Hello, my name is Kerrie and I haven't had a drink for 1.5 years

Seriously though, I don't drink and I always have a great time at events. I was at the Shrops bash where there were loads of people having a good old drink and I can quite honestly say that I have found all the cachers I have met at events to be the most fab people around , whether they be sober or not.

The emphasis on these type events being a huge p*** up certainly doesn't put me off going-in fact, I find it quite amusing to watch everyone let their hair down.

At the end of the day we all need a release from time to time-some people choose to use a good drink once in a while to achieve this.

I hope this has helped you out a bit

LBxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[+LollyBob]

 

Your joking right ?

 

Friday night we where all tucked up in bed (in our own tents/caravans) by 11pm. Just ask Hazel :-)

 

Serious question. For the record I don't personally drink alcohol. I have absolutely nothing against anyone that does, however being the only sobre person at an event, especially if others have been drinking heavilly, is rather unpleasant. I can cope with others being merry but outright smashed out of their heads is something else.

 

I probably notice references to alcohol more than others but tha purely because of the type of society we all live in. I have lost track of the number of times of when I have told someone I don't drink and I get the "What Never!!!!" response and the ensuing conversation about my reasons for not drinking etc etc and the "Go on, have a drink, go on..." type comments from others. Believe me, it's only when you don't drink that you realise that it is everywhere!!!!! I'm just intrigued by the references to alcohol in the event type postings and how important is the alcohol to the event. Would anyone go if there wasn't any alcohol?

 

Again, I should emphasise I have nothing against anyone who drinks or attending events where alcohol is consumed. I just like to ensure that alcohol is pnly a small part of whatever it is i attend and not the sole / main reason for the event. If that makes sense!!!!

 

I drink very little alcohol and to be around drunks really does upskittle me some what. I have been to several events and not one of them have I felt uncomfortable with anyone. Yes there is a certain amount of the wine and beer consumed but if you see anyone acting daft thats not due to the drink but due to them being daft in the first place LOL.

People sit around and have a drink in the evening at events and have a right good laugh, you are not forced to drink and I totally agree with you about some people trying to make you have a drink....been there so many times before too. Never once has a cacher tried to get me to have a drink when I said no! Come to think of it I dont think they have ever offered me a drink in the first place LOL

The only time I ever have a drink is at an event, not because I have to, its because I want to.

Before I attended an event I thought the same way as you do, but its not anything like that.

I think you need to attend an event to experience the atmosphere for yourself.

[+mongoose39uk]

Well, st the last Shropshire event I can remember a few people who drank nothing at all with alcohol in. Some who had only one or two drinks and some who drank enough to be over the limit if they were to drive. Most folks don't drink to excess as they want an early start to be off caching.

 

I arrived on Thursday evening and had a few drinks, On Friday had one beer and was in bed by ten and up by seven.

 

Saturday night I did have quite a few drinks but don't think I did or said anything that I would when sober.

 

I don't remember anyone feeling pressured to drink at all. Was up early the next morning helping the organisers get packed away then off caching sober and in fancy dress.

 

Daytime meets tend to be in pubs however very little alcohol is consumed. Normally drink coke myself. The pub tends to be a point where people meet and eat . Most then wander off into the woods with strange people they have never met before

 

[+SierraFive]

Thanks everyone for your reassuring comments. Congratulations to Kerrie (Andybug&ladybird) on reaching 1300 caches at the weekend. One of your caches was the first one I ever did.

 

I guess, i'll just wait for a cache event close to where I live to crop up. Hopefully other cachers will be accomodating. There certainly seems to be a good community feeling within these forums and everyone seems to be on first name terms. That is really good although a little daunting for a newbie like me gatecrashing such a meeting so to speak!!!

[Vanya1]

I went to the Shropshire event and I was surprised at how many men with their children got up at the crack of dawn to go caching. They wouldn't have done that legless a few hours earlier. For the record I had 1 pims the whole weekend and that was at the hog roast.

 

 

The early bird catches the cache

 

Dancing Samurai

Edited September 11, 2006 by Vanya1

[+Simply Paul]

As a tutting t-total type who's been to many events around the country, I'd say you were fairly safe. The Pub events I've attended were all very civilised affairs and the more serious walking/climbing ones have been drink-free. Thus far I've avoided the 'beery' camping meets - mostly because they're either too far away to bother with, or so close I'd rather go home to my bed then camp. Also, I don't have a tent.

 

As someone who also gets uncomfortable around 'properly' drunk people, I know just where you're coming from with your post and I'm sorry some didn't/don't take your comments seriously. It sometimes seems like not wanting to indulge in the socially acceptable drug of choice can isolate the non-drinker, but this has never been the case at any of the caching events I've gone along to - or organised myself.

 

Edit: To answer your other question, there are lots of different types of event:

 

The pub type (arrive at pub, sit in garden -or inside at an xmas one- chat, grab someone or two to go caching in the area with)

 

The CITO (Cache In Trash Out) type (arrive in a wood, beside a canal or other location suffering from a build up of rubbish, and get filthy clearing it all out. Take own gloves!)

 

The walking/climbing type (arrive at parking or a camp site, come back knackered some hours later, having achieved something more than 'just' a cache or two)

 

The family event type (i.e. Easter-egg hunt, teddy bear's picnic, etc.)

 

The 'party' event (a bit more drink, possibly while dressed as a vampire. Dancing optional.)

 

The camping weekend type (some booze, a BBQ and local caching - with a responsible sober person driving).

 

There are others - perhaps someone else can expand on this list.

 

Hope that helps

Edited September 11, 2006 by Simply Paul

[Red Squadron]

I have a glass of shandy on Sunday with my lunch, and thats all.

[+Alibags]

Well, I guess i'm starting to feel a little reassured. Are there any other cachers out there that don't drink who have been to an event and could give me some insight?

 

I am not an especially heavy drinker. I often am driving home after an event too, so stick to diet coke. I would say your best bet is to come to an evening event and you will find that the majority of people are not drinking because they are driving. At camping events more alcohol is consumed, but if you are teetotal you will not find yourself sitting around with nothing to do. With caching, as with life, there is a variety of people and not everybody does the same thing.

 

I do tend to agree with the statement that the amount of alcohol consumed seems to be often bandied around as a measure of the success of an event. Again, I dont think this is a caching only thing, but seems to be symptomatic of a UK perspective on what constitutes a good night out. Perhaps it's easier to explain a good old knees up to a non cacher than the pleasure of sitting round discussing wading through mud to find a tupperware box in a clump of nettles and dog poo, when explaining what a good weekend you had?

[+Alice Band]

I have been to a few now, from camping weekends to one day pub 'do's' and as other cachers have pointed out, we dont drink and drive during the day and stick to soft drinks. Yes, some of us do let our hair down but we dont behave like drunken football hooligans, on the contrary, its usually a convivial evening more like a family BBQ where we sit and chat to our newly made caching friends

 

When we took our midnight walk to the Abbey ruins at Shropshire we left so quietly the others who wanted to come didnt even know we left. We were also spoilt with the large amount of tea, coffee and soft drinks provided for us by the organisers (thank you Lynn and Martin btw!).

 

As a parent I would be more than happy to bring my 7 year old to events, and if you attend you will be made very welcome and make new friends

[+Moote]

There is no pressure placed on anyone to drink, you are welcome to any event, and no one is going to jibe you about not drinking.

[+Moote]

 

Rather an alarming post i must say.

Cachers have to be responsible at events as many drive to them. Ok i go by train and so may have a little too much sometimes (March to the river being a good example!), but this was a one off on my part.

 

I hope that being able to socialise witrh othrs who are interested in what you are would be the biggest draw!

 

Rather an alarming post i must say!

 

You assume that we drink and drive, that is a low opinion of many cacher. All I know keep well within the law when in comes to all aspects driving.

[+Moote]

 

Rather an alarming post i must say.

Cachers have to be responsible at events as many drive to them. Ok i go by train and so may have a little too much sometimes (March to the river being a good example!), but this was a one off on my part.

 

I hope that being able to socialise witrh othrs who are interested in what you are would be the biggest draw!

 

Rather an alarming post i must say!

 

You assume that we drink and drive, that is a low opinion of many cacher. All I know keep well within the law when in comes to all aspects driving.

OK young lathama, maybe I got what you said wrong here, so sorry mate, next time both of us should read closely what we write.

[+little-miss-naughty]

i must addmit that when it comes to stella i do like to have a few but not to much that it will spoil the next days caching. its nice to let your hair down some people do it though drink others like yourself may have another way of doing it. i find that im more realxed an gives me chance to chill out.

though at shrops i did have 1 early night due to a funny tummy though it wasnt the drink (ask sparticus).

 

so wether you drink or not an event is to relax away from the working life an most of all enjoy yourself however you do best!!!

 

lmn

[+SierraFive]

Just for clarity, I didn't make any inferences about cachers drinking or driving. I'm not sure what was alarming about my original post though! SimplyPaul was right when he observed, "not wanting to indulge in the socially acceptable drug of choice can isolate the non-drinker" but you have to be a non drinker to fully understand just how big that isolation can be. It's a bit like wearing two heads!!!!

 

I appreciate everyone's comments, I will definitely have to whizz along to an event. I just have to find the right one.

[+lordelph]

As the person who was behind the camera on some of the videos you've probably seen, I also think you are taking away the wrong impression, as I don't think I've ever seen anyone at an event who has had "one too many".

 

However, if attending a camping event you might be wise to find out if there is to be a "quiet end" of the campsite, as some groups of cachers may enjoy the party atmosphere long into the night, but I wouldn't confuse this with outright drunkeness.

 

Go to an event and you're sure to bump into like minded people whether you are a drinker or not. Friendships are built on shared experiences, and caching can provide such great experiences! After a few events you'll most likely know a number of cachers you'll enjoy bumping into again and again, sharing your stories and generally having a laugh. I hope that the videos I've made reflect that rather hinting that events are beery, loutish affairs.

 

Now, where did I leave my pint....

Edited September 11, 2006 by lordelph

[+SierraFive]

However, if attending a camping event you might be wise to find out if there is to be a "quiet end" of the campsite, as some groups of cachers may enjoy the party atmosphere long into the night, but I wouldn't confuse this with outright drunkeness.

 

Hey, just because I don't drink doesn't mean I can't party until the next morning or beyond and that I need some quiet boring little spot out of the way where all the miserable people go!!!!! If however, a quiet spot means I won't get my tent spewed over with vomit or an intoxicated individal tripping on my guylines and flattening my tent and me in the middle of the night, then fair enough

 

I think from everyone's comments that severe drunkeness is not a major problems and thanks to those that don't drink a lot and who posted comments.

[Vanya1]

However, if attending a camping event you might be wise to find out if there is to be a "quiet end" of the campsite, as some groups of cachers may enjoy the party atmosphere long into the night, but I wouldn't confuse this with outright drunkeness.

 

Hey, just because I don't drink doesn't mean I can't party until the next morning or beyond and that I need some quiet boring little spot out of the way where all the miserable people go!!!!! If however, a quiet spot means I won't get my tent spewed over with vomit or an intoxicated individal tripping on my guylines and flattening my tent and me in the middle of the night, then fair enough

 

I think from everyone's comments that severe drunkeness is not a major problems and thanks to those that don't drink a lot and who posted comments.

 

Im not miserable just tired. All that caching wears me out

The tents get trashed anyway by the wind you don't need intoxicated individuals tripping on your guylines and flattening your tent in Wales cos the wind does their job quite nicely

[+HazelS]

I've been tyo loads of different events, and as Stora rightly says - there was not a soul left on the camping field at 11pm last Friday night... too much caching to be done the next day!

 

There ARE loads of different types of events, and the one that's had most press recently is Shrops - where families, couples, singles etc all mixed and mingled, and dare I say it - partied together all weekend.

 

Yes, alcohol DOES feature in many events, but generally speaking, people have to either drive to get there, or drive the next day. I personally tend to drink lots at camping events cos I don't get to do a lot it at home, and generally I have a designated driver for the next days caching. I don't think I've ever passed out, or done anything I should be ashamed of... I'm sure people would have been wuick to tell me.. it's all harmless fun. I certainly wouldn't force alcohol on anyone that didn't want it!!

 

I think it's wrong to make the judgement that we're all comatosed whenever we get together, cos we're not!

 

In fact, even if we get together in small groups, we don't tend to drink... the strongest thing Badger and Mongoose have had to drink when visiting me is a nice strong cup of tea!

 

In fact - just to make a point... Friday night when i got back to the camping field after night caching and they were all in bed.. ac-p and I sat up drinking for ages - but the strongest thing we drank was Earl Grey!

 

Oh, and Father Jack's event in Chester - calling all acoholics... it was a joke.. we all have to drive and therefore can't drink when we're there, but he lives within staggering distance, and can drink as much as he likes when there!

Edited September 11, 2006 by HazelS

[nobby.nobbs]

i think the alcohol topics are rather tongue in cheek and so on. been to a couple of events and would happily take my 8 year old daughter to them.

 

you'll always get one or two who will drink a little bit too much but never seen any bad behaviour.

[+Belplasca]

I drank rather more than I usually do at Shrops, but I was still capable of taking acceptable photographs under conditions that would be taxing even when totally sober. Have a look at the Abbey series (linked from www.Belplasca.co.uk/Shrops2006.htm ) in full 3-D stereo and see what you think...

 

Bob Aldridge

Edited September 12, 2006 by Belplasca

[+KiwiGary]

I drank rather more than I usually do at Shrops, but I was still capable of taking acceptable photographs under conditions that would be taxing even when totally sober. Have a look at the Abbey series (linked from www.Belplasca.co.uk/Shrops2006.htm ) in full 3-D stereo and see what you think...

 

Bob Aldridge

 

Bob,

 

I think you did drink too much, for some reason you took all the pictures twice

 

I think you may need to get your shutter checked out on your camera.

 

See ya…Gary

[Vanya1]

I drank rather more than I usually do at Shrops, but I was still capable of taking acceptable photographs under conditions that would be taxing even when totally sober. Have a look at the Abbey series (linked from www.Belplasca.co.uk/Shrops2006.htm ) in full 3-D stereo and see what you think...

 

Bob Aldridge

 

Bob,

 

I think you did drink too much, for some reason you took all the pictures twice

 

I think you may need to get your shutter checked out on your camera.

 

See ya…Gary

 

:) :laughing:

[Deego]

So they are not really hard spot the difference's then