Light Pole Cache Sites

[+IgottaFind]

Fellow Cachers,

 

On two separate days over the past week I have cached in the Indianapolis Area (Last Sunday and Today). Among the many caches I have logged there were many located under the skirts of light poles. This is not just isolated to Indy, I have seen a few in Fort Wayne (where I now live) and the very first Light Pole cache I logged was in my home town of Bay City, MI.

 

I have one concern and one personal comment regarding this type of hide.

 

1.) There are getting so many of this type of cache that are of difficulty of 1, 1. At many of these locations a move of 3-5 feet (to a bush or tree) would have changed this to a difficulty of 2 or 3, 1. (This comment is my personal preference for a challange and please take this with a grain of salt)

 

2.) At many of these locations it is so obivious that there is a cache there (OR someone thought there was one at that location and checked) because there are large scratches and or scuffs on the paint and metal. I have noticed the scuffs are less noticable if the skirt is plastic rather than steel.

 

The reason I bring up point #2 is that in many of these locations, as were retrieve and return these caches, we are damaging private property. If this was a cache in a nature preserve, would we step on the flowers??

 

It may come to the point if we keep damaging these light poles we may be banned from even placing this type of hide in the future. (I don't think Target, Meijer, Walmart, etc... are going to like repainting these poles every two years.

 

I just wanted to bring my concern of the caching commuity. I would hate for cachers to get a bad name over this.

 

Happy Caching!!!

 

IgottaFind.

[+Arndtwe]

Fellow Cachers,

 

On two separate days over the past week I have cached in the Indianapolis Area (Last Sunday and Today). Among the many caches I have logged there were many located under the skirts of light poles. This is not just isolated to Indy, I have seen a few in Fort Wayne (where I now live) and the very first Light Pole cache I logged was in my home town of Bay City, MI.

 

I have one concern and one personal comment regarding this type of hide.

 

1.) There are getting so many of this type of cache that are of difficulty of 1, 1. At many of these locations a move of 3-5 feet (to a bush or tree) would have changed this to a difficulty of 2 or 3, 1. (This comment is my personal preference for a challange and please take this with a grain of salt)

 

2.) At many of these locations it is so obivious that there is a cache there (OR someone thought there was one at that location and checked) because there are large scratches and or scuffs on the paint and metal. I have noticed the scuffs are less noticable if the skirt is plastic rather than steel.

 

The reason I bring up point #2 is that in many of these locations, as were retrieve and return these caches, we are damaging private property. If this was a cache in a nature preserve, would we step on the flowers??

 

It may come to the point if we keep damaging these light poles we may be banned from even placing this type of hide in the future. (I don't think Target, Meijer, Walmart, etc... are going to like repainting these poles every two years.

 

I just wanted to bring my concern of the caching commuity. I would hate for cachers to get a bad name over this.

 

Happy Caching!!!

 

IgottaFind.

And this is bad how? It seems to me that the less of these types of hides, the better. Just my personal opinion...

[+Pat in Louisiana]

I recently found a few of these type hides in my area also.

The last one I tried to figure out how to get the anchor bolt covers off to no avail.

I went around this pole several times until I stepped on a sprinkler head in the planting bed.

Ah ha! Things arn't always what they apear to be.

Edited March 30, 2008 by Pat in Louisiana

[Motorcycle_Mama]

I'm not saying that I disagree with the OP, but could we not have this discussion since it's been rehashed time and time again on the forums?

[+Too Tall John]

You have struck upon a common theme in the forums. Lamp Post Caches, (LPCs) are a hot topic 'round here. In fact, there is a current thread talking about them.

 

There's also this one, that started off as a "Quick Question" and went for 8 pages before getting locked.

 

The possible hazards of LPCs are discussed here.

 

Someone who found their first two LPCs and wanted to share their love for them posted here.

 

Another LPC toipc.

 

"Skirt Lifters - Luv'em or Hate'em"

 

Exploring permission issues on commercial property, ie parking lots is the topic here.

 

21 pages of LPC yea's and nay's.

 

I know I missed a bunch, but some highlights to study up on for ya.

 

Or you could just go caching.

[+KBI]

I know I missed a bunch, but some highlights to study up on for ya.

Here's one you forgot:

 

Kitsch

[+Too Tall John]

I know I missed a bunch, but some highlights to study up on for ya.

Here's one you forgot:

 

Kitsch

Huh...

 

I saw that one and was going to link to it, in fact I thought I did. I must say I enjoyed your OP in that one.

[+IgottaFind]

I seriously did not want to start a debate on the ease or difficulty of a LPC, I also did not look very hard to see how many posts and topics there were on this subject. My main concern was the obvious damage being caused by this activity. In my research after posting this thread, I did not notice anyone posing this concern, but then again there are so many of them I could not read them all.

[+keehotee]

Thankfully (?) you'd never get permission for a lamp post cache over here - unless it was a private one.

They're all owned by either the local authority or the power companies.

 

How did you all manage to get blanket permission in place for yours?

[+GRANPA ALEX]

1.) There are getting so many of this type of cache that are of difficulty of 1, 1. At many of these locations a move of 3-5 feet (to a bush or tree) would have changed this to a difficulty of 2 or 3, 1.

 

Now THAT is an issue . . . bush hunts!!!!

 

Have you ever noticed the "property damage" evidenced by bush hunts for a camo micro . . . the shredded shrub! Personally, I would not mind these being banned as they have become pesty bores, especially the sticky ones that hurt you!

Edited March 30, 2008 by GRANPA ALEX

[Mushtang]

Thankfully (?) you'd never get permission for a lamp post cache over here - unless it was a private one.

They're all owned by either the local authority or the power companies.

 

How did you all manage to get blanket permission in place for yours?

Blanket permission isn't required. Only adequate permission.

 

[+Team Cotati]

Thankfully (?) you'd never get permission for a lamp post cache over here - unless it was a private one.

They're all owned by either the local authority or the power companies.

 

How did you all manage to get blanket permission in place for yours?

Blanket permission isn't required. Only adequate permission.

 

 

And in this case, that is defined as..............................................?

[Mushtang]

Thankfully (?) you'd never get permission for a lamp post cache over here - unless it was a private one.

They're all owned by either the local authority or the power companies.

 

How did you all manage to get blanket permission in place for yours?

Blanket permission isn't required. Only adequate permission.

 

 

And in this case, that is defined as..............................................?

The same way adequate is defined in other cases, which is.....................................

[+tozainamboku]

I seriously did not want to start a debate on the ease or difficulty of a LPC, I also did not look very hard to see how many posts and topics there were on this subject. My main concern was the obvious damage being caused by this activity. In my research after posting this thread, I did not notice anyone posing this concern, but then again there are so many of them I could not read them all.

I too do not recall anybody raising the issue that lightpole caches are causing damage to the lightpoles.

 

Lightpole caches like every other cache should follow the guidelines:

Caches may be quickly archived if we see the following (which is not inclusive):

.

* Caches that deface public or private property, whether a natural or man-made object, in order to provide a hiding place, a clue or a logging method.

 

If you find a lighpole that has been defaced by someone either hiding or searching for a cache you should bring this matter up with the cache owner. If the cache owner is unwilling to correct the situation, feel free to post a Should Be Archived log. It is clear that if caches are causing damage to lightpoles that we run the risk of parking lot owners not allowing us to hide caches in their parking lots. Something should be done before geocaching gets banned in all parking lots.

[+KBI]

I seriously did not want to start a debate on the ease or difficulty of a LPC, I also did not look very hard to see how many posts and topics there were on this subject. My main concern was the obvious damage being caused by this activity. In my research after posting this thread, I did not notice anyone posing this concern, but then again there are so many of them I could not read them all.

I too do not recall anybody raising the issue that lightpole caches are causing damage to the lightpoles.

I've seen it.

 

I’ve never seen anything I'd characterize as serious damage, and it’s only cosmetic, but often the frequent sliding up and down of the skirt-cover will put scratches on the light pole.

 

Such minor damage isn’t limited to LPCs. Many cache placements, no matter how well designed, will eventually sport visible evidence of cacher activity. Worn, scratched, bent, trampled, and rearranged surroundings are common in the vicinity of almost all types of caches, especially high traffic hides.

 

Some cache hunters are harder on the surroundings than others. Over the years this fact has drastically changed the way I choose my own cache hide locations.

 

I have considered this issue before. If I ever decide to place a cache under a light pole skirt, I will probably choose one of the plastic skirts instead of the metal ones, or whatever pole/skirt material combination seems to resist the scratching.

[+Team GeoBlast]

I seriously did not want to start a debate on the ease or difficulty of a LPC, I also did not look very hard to see how many posts and topics there were on this subject. My main concern was the obvious damage being caused by this activity. In my research after posting this thread, I did not notice anyone posing this concern, but then again there are so many of them I could not read them all.

I too do not recall anybody raising the issue that lightpole caches are causing damage to the lightpoles.

I've seen it.

 

I’ve never seen anything I'd characterize as serious damage, and it’s only cosmetic, but often the frequent sliding up and down of the skirt-cover will put scratches on the light pole.

 

Such minor damage isn’t limited to LPCs. Many cache placements, no matter how well designed, will eventually sport visible evidence of cacher activity. Worn, scratched, bent, trampled, and rearranged surroundings are common in the vicinity of almost all types of caches, especially high traffic hides.

 

Some cache hunters are harder on the surroundings than others. Over the years this fact has drastically changed the way I choose my own cache hide locations.

 

I have considered this issue before. If I ever decide to place a cache under a light pole skirt, I will probably choose one of the plastic skirts instead of the metal ones, or whatever pole/skirt material combination seems to resist the scratching.

 

If you do place one, be sure to post the GC#. I am betting that it will be one to remember.

[+tozainamboku]

Light poles have a lot worse problems than just careless geocachers.

Edited March 30, 2008 by tozainamboku

[+jipow]

 

There's also this one, that started off as a "Quick Question" and went for 8 pages before getting locked.

 

 

Hey, I was the OP on that thread. It got so off track that I quit following it, now I feel bad because I'm on other boardv and thats the first post I started that got locked.

 

BTW, I never did hide that LPC.

[+sbell111]

1.) There are getting so many of this type of cache that are of difficulty of 1, 1. At many of these locations a move of 3-5 feet (to a bush or tree) would have changed this to a difficulty of 2 or 3, 1.

Now THAT is an issue . . . bush hunts!!!!

 

Have you ever noticed the "property damage" evidenced by bush hunts for a camo micro . . . the shredded shrub! Personally, I would not mind these being banned as they have become pesty bores, especially the sticky ones that hurt you!

Agreed. I hate micros in bushes.

[+The Jester]

1.) There are getting so many of this type of cache that are of difficulty of 1, 1. At many of these locations a move of 3-5 feet (to a bush or tree) would have changed this to a difficulty of 2 or 3, 1.

Now THAT is an issue . . . bush hunts!!!!

 

Have you ever noticed the "property damage" evidenced by bush hunts for a camo micro . . . the shredded shrub! Personally, I would not mind these being banned as they have become pesty bores, especially the sticky ones that hurt you!

Agreed. I hate micros in bushes.

Agreed. Only micros in woods should be allowed.

[+KBI]

I hate micros in bushes.

That's a straight line that's just tooooo good to leave alone ...

 

... but I guess I'd better.

[+KBI]

I have considered this issue before. If I ever decide to place a cache under a light pole skirt, I will probably choose one of the plastic skirts instead of the metal ones, or whatever pole/skirt material combination seems to resist the scratching.

If you do place one, be sure to post the GC#. I am betting that it will be one to remember.

Thanks for the compliment-in-advance.

 

I've actually got what I think is a pretty cool idea involving lamp post hides. If I ever get around to placing it I promise I'll link it here in the forums somewhere. (PM me if you'd like a sneak-peak advance description.)

[+Harry Dolphin]

Fellow Cachers,

2.) At many of these locations it is so obivious that there is a cache there (OR someone thought there was one at that location and checked) because there are large scratches and or scuffs on the paint and metal. I have noticed the scuffs are less noticable if the skirt is plastic rather than steel.

 

The reason I bring up point #2 is that in many of these locations, as were retrieve and return these caches, we are damaging private property. If this was a cache in a nature preserve, would we step on the flowers??

IgottaFind.

 

That's why my lamp post cache is on a lamp post without a skirt! In plain sight from a car parked in the right place. Yes. The satire was intended.

 

Of course, my question is: Are you serious?!?

[+briansnat]

I'm not saying that I disagree with the OP, but could we not have this discussion since it's been rehashed time and time again on the forums?

 

I re-read the forum guidelines and I didn't see the part where we are only allowed discuss a topic a certain number of times.

[+Pat in Louisiana]

Igottafind made an interesting comment and I for one answered it.

So what if it has been covered a thousand times before.

He and I did not cover it and we enjoyed making a comment or two.

If it is old news to you don't read it.

Is it that hard to not look at a thread if you think you might get bored with what someone else wants to ask?

I'm starting to remember why I stopped reading these back in 2002.

[Motorcycle_Mama]

I'm not saying that I disagree with the OP, but could we not have this discussion since it's been rehashed time and time again on the forums?

I re-read the forum guidelines and I didn't see the part where we are only allowed discuss a topic a certain number of times.

No, obviously it's not there. It's just that it's a tired subject and there are already current threads on the subject as many others have also pointed out. That's why it was a request and not a statement.

[Motorcycle_Mama]

Igottafind made an interesting comment and I for one answered it.

So what if it has been covered a thousand times before.

He and I did not cover it and we enjoyed making a comment or two.

If it is old news to you don't read it.

Is it that hard to not look at a thread if you think you might get bored with what someone else wants to ask?

I'm starting to remember why I stopped reading these back in 2002.

I like to new new ideas and new information rather than the same things over and over again. And as others posted links, there are already current threads in which the comments could have been placed.

[+TrailGators]

I'm not saying that I disagree with the OP, but could we not have this discussion since it's been rehashed time and time again on the forums?

I re-read the forum guidelines and I didn't see the part where we are only allowed discuss a topic a certain number of times.

No, obviously it's not there. It's just that it's a tired subject and there are already current threads on the subject as many others have also pointed out. That's why it was a request and not a statement.

You just have to drive by these threads the same way many of us drive by the subject of the thread...

[Clan Riffster]

It may come to the point if we keep damaging these light poles we may be banned from even placing this type of hide in the future.

Whoo Hoo!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel!

I would hate for cachers to get a bad name over this.

Brother, trust me. The folks who infect our communities with lamp post hides already have many bad names directed at them.

[+TrailGators]

It may come to the point if we keep damaging these light poles we may be banned from even placing this type of hide in the future.

Whoo Hoo!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel!

I went to the new Lowes in town today and when I parked I noticed that they used new style lamp posts. These look much stronger and there is no cover. Oh no!! What will we do!

[+Pat in Louisiana]

I like to new new ideas and new information ...........

 

What?

[+TrailGators]

I like to new new ideas and new information ...........

 

What?

I guess "new new" is being used as a verb, but I still have no idea what that means either...

[+The Jester]

I like to new new ideas and new information ...........

 

What?

I guess "new new" is being used as a verb, but I still have no idea what that means either...

So he/she made a typo. Try switching the first 'new' with 'read'.

[+TrailGators]

I like to new new ideas and new information ...........

What?

I guess "new new" is being used as a verb, but I still have no idea what that means either...

So he/she made a typo. Try switching the first 'new' with 'read'.

We'll forgive her. I've done it myself. At least typos are something new to discuss.

[+Renegade Knight]

...2.) At many of these locations it is so obivious that there is a cache there (OR someone thought there was one at that location and checked) because there are large scratches and or scuffs on the paint and metal. I have noticed the scuffs are less noticable if the skirt is plastic rather than steel....

 

That's a new one. This is not something I've noticed with them yet. I'll keep my eyes peeled.