+geosliders Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 Recently hydrocaches have become more popular in our area. A hydrocache (unofficially) is a cache that is placed underwater in a waterproof container and can only be retrieved by going underwater to find it. These types of caches of very different both in what is required to place them as well as what is required to retrieve them. Although there is an attribute that is available to indicate that entering the water may be required - we were hoping that a new icon could be established to identify such caches - much like an earthcache, mystery, etc - because they are so different from a standard cache. We emailed Groundspeak and suggested this for review (icon could be simple - waterdrop, etc) - because it would affect the entire caching community it was suggested that we post it on the forums and see where it went. So, we are putting ot out there for comments................ Link to comment
+ePeterso2 Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 ... we were hoping that a new icon could be established to identify such caches - much like an earthcache, mystery, etc - because they are so different from a standard cache. Different how? If you go to the coords, go up or down from that 2-D point, and find a container, then it's a traditional cache ... no? If you've got to dive, there's a "SCUBA gear required" attribute to flag it as such, along with a 5-star terrain rating. Those all seem sufficient to describe that type of situation. Link to comment
+geosliders Posted February 23, 2007 Author Share Posted February 23, 2007 ... we were hoping that a new icon could be established to identify such caches - much like an earthcache, mystery, etc - because they are so different from a standard cache. Different how? If you go to the coords, go up or down from that 2-D point, and find a container, then it's a traditional cache ... no? If you've got to dive, there's a "SCUBA gear required" attribute to flag it as such, along with a 5-star terrain rating. Those all seem sufficient to describe that type of situation. similar - yes - in the same way that earthcaches, mystery and multis are similar - You have a coordinate set - you find a cache at the end - unlike a land placed cache, you cannot swim out to the point where you are being directed with your GPSr in one hand and then dive to find (unless you have the luxury of waterproof gear - which most do not) - nor are these caches meant to make that equipment necessary. Many times (most in our case) - you stand on the rocks on shore, estimate your arrival point out in the water - swim out and start searching. In our area (upstate NY Adirondacks) they are typically done in lakes where scuba diving is not as common and the caches are meant to make you try new technigues for searching underwater without special equipment - this means move slow and dont stir the water or your now searching the bottom with your hands and feet. The exisiting icons would be "sufficient" - but, these are very different because they are not hidden or found on dry land - making it a very different kind of find. Just our 0.02.....if it happens - Wahoooooo - if not - on to the next find Link to comment
+The Leprechauns Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 A hydrocache can be a multi, a puzzle, a traditional... even a letterbox hybrid! So it's not a cache type. There are several cache attributes already in the lineup to flag them. And not all hydrocaches are accessed by wading into the water to retrieve a container. I'd also call a three-mile kayak paddle to an island a "hydrocache." Boat Attribute: Scuba Gear Required Attribute: May Require Wading Attribute: May Require Swimming Attribute: One of these four attributes ought to be able to accurately capture the key feature of any cache in or near the water. Link to comment
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