Earthcaches

2.3k · October 4, 2009

BTW: I agree that oom heenie made an honest mistake. He seems to be a man on extreme integrity from the comms I've had with him.

I just wonder where he got the logo from? My logos were sent from GSA.

October 5, 2009

Interesting - I've just had a look at our earthcaches found and created, and I see that we need to find 3 more (anywhere - we already have enough states/countries), and create 2 more, then we're eligable for platinum - mmmm!!

We received the bronze pin, but never got the silver - it got stolen in the post.

We got the letter, but no pin - pity because Lindy collects pins.

2.3k · October 5, 2009

Interesting - I've just had a look at our earthcaches found and created, and I see that we need to find 3 more (anywhere - we already have enough states/countries), and create 2 more, then we're eligable for platinum - mmmm!!

We received the bronze pin, but never got the silver - it got stolen in the post.

We got the letter, but no pin - pity because Lindy collects pins.

Ay - well done! It would be great to see the SA Reviewer as a Platinum Status. :unsure: Bummer about the silver pin being shopped affirmatively. You can still apply for the Gold - never too late.

2.3k · October 18, 2009

I believe that Bouts777 qualified for Platinum Masters - Well Done!! :lol:

I wonder what is the current status of Platinum and Gold Masters on the Forum? It would be geat to know who the leaders [Platinum] especially are, but also who the chasers [Gold] are. I have qualified for my Gold and have submitted my application.

Unfortunately my 14 [+2 pending] EC's don't count towards my Platinum. I will get 1 EC in UAE and hopefully a couple in UK & Scandinavia next month, but the rest will have to wait until I am in SA again. They are VERY scarce around here in teh Middle East. :smile: Perhaps I need to train a few of the local cachers here to develop EC's - that way I wil get to do a few more!! :lol:

Edited October 18, 2009 by cincol

October 18, 2009

I've got gold

October 31, 2009

Congratulation goes to iPajero on just reaching their platinum earth cache master status.

My records show the following stats for earth caches placed in SA. Hope I have not left anyone out.

No. State/Countries Finds Hides

Redglobe - Platinum 6 40 7

Bouts777 - Platinum 5 28 6

iPajero - Platinum 8 36 3

Carbon Hunter - Gold 8 12 33

Cincol - Gold 7 12 14

Gerhardoos - Gold 6 21 2

Congrats to everyone on the achievements thus far.

4.2k · October 31, 2009

Thanks for this. And go for it Gerhardoos - Just that next hide. Seems like the hard work is behind you.

I have 3 more EC's submitted for publishing - waiting for confirmation (2 in Oman and 1 in Nigeria) - so at least the African numbers increase.

2.3k · November 1, 2009

Thanks iNokia. Interesting, but I am sure there must be more though??

November 2, 2009

I haven't been keeping in the loop on this topic (but will do so from now on), and was quite amazed to read about old hennieventer!! Even if it is an honest mistake about the Platinum level, surely he is familiar enough with the requirements? Unless, he thinks because he has made so many finds in different provinces and countries, that that alone qualifies for platinum status?? Very weird.

Is it possible to ask geoaware to contact hv to find out about how he got the status without hiding any earthcaches, or would that seem like "interfering"?

November 2, 2009

Just a note.

It seems like Earthcache.org and the reviewers have become a lot stricter in the application of the term EARTH SCIENCE.

whereas in the past earth caches of a geographic nature have been approved. It now seems that only GEOLOGY related earth caches are being approved.

Please keep this in mind when researching and placing new earthcaches in and around SA.

But then should it still be called an Earthcache or rather now a Geologicalcache?? Seems silly to me to narrow down the type of earthcache to just items of a geological nature.

4.2k · November 2, 2009

But then should it still be called an Earthcache or rather now a Geologicalcache?? Seems silly to me to narrow down the type of earthcache to just items of a geological nature.

This seems to be a very big and touchy issue - especially in the USA amiong cachers who have been around for a good few years. From what I have figured the following holds true:

1) Earthcaches were removed completely from geocaching for a period and included as waymarks.

2) GSA (Geological Society of America) with some cachers approached groudspeak to have them included in geocaching - which was granted with some fairly strict guideliens aboput how to place an Earthcache.

3)Earthcaching opened a can of worms in some protected areas when traditional caches were banned when park management realised what was goign on - only earthcaches were then allowed. (seems a bit like Kruger Park story here)

4) Now there is an element of geocaching who loves Earthcaches - and those who feel that Earthcaching is impinging on their fun. Both have points - but it is very touchy.

I stumbled into this the other day when I placed a request in the Earthcache forum - and then the Geocaching.com forum requesting that coins and TBs be allowed to be logged in Earthcaches. It evoked some very emotive posts from both sides.

so I guess that the strict geological requiremetn stems from the original requirements for Earthcaches to come into the Groundspeak.com fold.?

November 2, 2009

Oh wow...I see the point.

Personally, I think booking in TBs and Geocoins are not necessary for Earthcaches!! I feel that Earthcaches are there to teach you something about our earth, as well as benefitting from earning a smiley. It is a nice change from a "container" type cache!

4.2k · November 2, 2009

Oh wow...I see the point.

Personally, I think booking in TBs and Geocoins are not necessary for Earthcaches!! I feel that Earthcaches are there to teach you something about our earth, as well as benefitting from earning a smiley. It is a nice change from a "container" type cache!

Yeah all fine not to log a TB into an Earthcache - but you can log them into a nano (dipping actually) so why not a Earthcache? ECs are in soem really pretty and interesting parts of the wrold. Would love top have travellers be logged with a photo of Howick Falls - or the Drakensberg - or Kruger Park in the back ground?

4.2k · November 2, 2009

Congratulation goes to iPajero on just reaching their platinum earth cache master status.

My records show the following stats for earth caches placed in SA. Hope I have not left anyone out.

No. State/Countries Finds Hides

Redglobe - Platinum 6 40 7

Bouts777 - Platinum 5 28 6

iPajero - Platinum 8 36 3

Carbon Hunter - Gold 8 12 33

Cincol - Gold 7 12 14

Gerhardoos - Gold 6 21 2

Congrats to everyone on the achievements thus far.

We can add Danie Viljoen - Porobably about 5 states - 21 finds - ZERO hides - a quick explosion of Earthcaches. He has really caught up

4.2k · November 9, 2009

Hey - ROCK ON!!!!

6 new South African Earthcaches n 4 days - that must be a bit of a record?

Well done guys - some good looking caches out there.

We are up to 84 active SA EarthCaches now.

Plus a few in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe.

Who will get the BIG 100?

November 9, 2009

And another one in the KNP for good measure.

November 23, 2009

Congratulations gerhardoosMPsa on attaining your Earthcache Platinum status!

4.2k · November 23, 2009

Brilliant - Great to have another Platinum cacher on board.

EXCELLENT

November 23, 2009

Congratulations Gerhard, we know it was hard work but you achieved THE BIG EarthCache status.

Now who will be next???????

November 23, 2009

Congrats Gerhard.

We knew that it was only a matter of time.

Who's the others in line for EC platinum master?

November 24, 2009

I see we are moving closer to the 100th EarthCache in South Africa….another two added yesterday.

Mmmm we will do some of those KZN EC’s next week

4.2k · November 24, 2009

Brilliant - so we are up to 88 now?

Wonderful - I'm sure we'll have 100 by the end of the month?

Come on guys - let's have a concerted effort?

November 24, 2009

We are dying to put together an Earthcache or two or three...we've been planning on them since over a year ago. We are slow to get things done...but we will get there eventually. We just need to do some more research and get the necessary permissions and then we'll give it a bash!

Incidently, we've applied for our Earthcache Bronze status, but as yet we have not received any logo or response. Does this sort of thing usually take a while? Does Earthcache.org check the Earthcaches and your logs and emails the Earthcache owners for verifification?

Let's hope we are better organised and get things done next year....(oops, I'll be back at the office from next year, so my time will be ultra limited and I won't be able to do any geocaching from work !)

4.2k · November 24, 2009

We are dying to put together an Earthcache or two or three...we've been planning on them since over a year ago. We are slow to get things done...but we will get there eventually. We just need to do some more research and get the necessary permissions and then we'll give it a bash!

Incidently, we've applied for our Earthcache Bronze status, but as yet we have not received any logo or response. Does this sort of thing usually take a while? Does Earthcache.org check the Earthcaches and your logs and emails the Earthcache owners for verifification?

Let's hope we are better organised and get things done next year....(oops, I'll be back at the office from next year, so my time will be ultra limited and I won't be able to do any geocaching from work !)

Great news about a few EarthCaches you are planning.

The Walter Sisulu Gardens is rife with EarthCache potential!!!!

Shout if you need help.

Bronze Status - nope they dont check with cache owners - but they may check on logs - not sure. They take a few weeks - and then you'll get an email from geoaware. If you have not recieved anything after about 5 weeks - resubmit - perhaps there was a glitch.

November 24, 2009

Yes, we know that the Gardens would be a perfect spot for many Earthcaches. We had already thought of doing this, until we found out that you need permission from the landowner when putting together an Earthcache. That is were we got stumped. The Gardens is a government owned place, and run by people that are bureaucratics. We were worried that if we approached them about an Earthcache, that they would question the geocache concept. Currently, the caches that are hidden there have been done so without permission and it would be a huge issue if they were to find out about them. So putting an Earthcache may jeopardise the other caches there. But I know that both Wazat and besem are planning to do Earthcaches any way, (even though I did explain the risk).

We also wanted to place an Earthcache at Kloofendal, but again we have to deal with the government departments to gain permission. Again this means we have to deal with narrow minded bureaucratics!

1.1k · November 25, 2009

We also wanted to place an Earthcache at Kloofendal, but again we have to deal with the government departments to gain permission. Again this means we have to deal with narrow minded bureaucratics!

When I did my EC in Port Elizabeth, I spoke to beach manager, who was also the local parks board person. When I told him the essence of an earth cache, to get people to learn about earth sciences, and to allow them to interact with the environment, he was more then willing to give me a letter stating it was ok to create a earth cache there. Maybe I was just lucky. The subject of other physical caches never came up.

November 25, 2009

The Gardens is a government owned place, and run by people that are bureaucratics. We were worried that if we approached them about an Earthcache, that they would question the geocache concept. Currently, the caches that are hidden there have been done so without permission and it would be a huge issue if they were to find out about them.

We also wanted to place an Earthcache at Kloofendal, but again we have to deal with the government departments to gain permission. Again this means we have to deal with narrow minded bureaucratics!

How can you make this statement if you have never met or chatted to them?....When I contacted the Tshwane counsel, they were more than willing to help me and we build a VERY good relationship with the Tshwane counsel members and have permission for the existing normal caches in the Pretoria region.

4.2k · November 25, 2009

Agreed. People may be beureaucratic (sp) but when one approcahes them - often the Educational officer at SANBI who run the gardens - or a Park Manager - they are more often or not reasonable to something like this.

I think it is just a bit of a schlep to find the right person to speak to. But often the shop manager or office receptionsit will be quite helpful.

Shout of you'd like some help.

On the other point - I do agree that it seems in a number of cases around the world (especially USA) when EarthCachers have asked for permission - the traditional caches without permission have been jeapordised. I agree that this is not what we want to do - however - we should have permission to place caches on private/public park areas before we palce them. If caches were palced without permission - this is a risk the owners/community runs.

I guess a good point in case were those in the Kruger Park last year. So a sensitive subject - but one that is needed to be thought of.

4.2k · November 25, 2009

Just thought of an alternative after reading this thread and posting.

Look at Fish Eagle's NO GO AREA thread pinned at the top of the page.

The Lowveld Bot Gardens (also part of SANBI - SA Nat Botainical Institute) has allowed new caches as long as the Curator is approached. So if Walter Sisulu Gardens Curator is approached in a professional manner and reference is made to Lowveld Gardens a s aprecedent - perhaps we will be pleasantly surprised about the outcome.

Mostly people are just concerned that eco-sensitive areas or property i not damaged by fellow cachers.

November 25, 2009

The Gardens is a government owned place, and run by people that are bureaucratics. We were worried that if we approached them about an Earthcache, that they would question the geocache concept. Currently, the caches that are hidden there have been done so without permission and it would be a huge issue if they were to find out about them.

We also wanted to place an Earthcache at Kloofendal, but again we have to deal with the government departments to gain permission. Again this means we have to deal with narrow minded bureaucratics!

How can you make this statement if you have never met or chatted to them?....When I contacted the Tshwane counsel, they were more than willing to help me and we build a VERY good relationship with the Tshwane counsel members and have permission for the existing normal caches in the Pretoria region.

Ummm RedGlobe...we know a staff member at the Gardens and SANBI....she's been there since 1997 and has gone through all the changes and the new ways of working there. She advised us about the risk involved...and the kind of mentality that we would be up against as she deals with it on a daily basis. So actually, we have already tried from that angle. I know your good relationship with Tshwane council and that is brilliant....we will certainly give it a try with Joburg Parks again (our first attempts have not been fruitful).

December 1, 2009

I had a nightmare with the logs on the EC’s – who found what en where and did I approve or not??? Maybe this will help someone.

I found a way around this one and I changed it to a close loop system. It is now easier to keep tabs on them. It also serves as a public notice that the answers were accepted or not. I log a note on the same date the cacher has found them if his answers is more or less in the correct direction. If there is no note from me then he never gave me his answers. Now it is easy to manage the logs on the EC’s. If you need to see an example go to one of my EC's. Gerhard

Edited December 1, 2009 by gerhardoosMPsa

4.2k · December 2, 2009

I had a nightmare with the logs on the EC’s – who found what en where and did I approve or not??? Maybe this will help someone.

I found a way around this one and I changed it to a close loop system. It is now easier to keep tabs on them. It also serves as a public notice that the answers were accepted or not. I log a note on the same date the cacher has found them if his answers is more or less in the correct direction. If there is no note from me then he never gave me his answers. Now it is easy to manage the logs on the EC’s. If you need to see an example go to one of my EC's. Gerhard

Thanks for the tip

December 11, 2009

Well done Bouts with your new EC’s in MP. I would love to do them some time but so many caches so little time. Gerhard

December 11, 2009

Thanks Gerhard.

There are a few new caches, ECs and trads, from FE, GPS Storm, DocGerhard and me in this area.

It's time you pay us a visit again.

December 11, 2009

Bouts, at present there are too many things that are keeping me busy. My house is sold, wife must now move to somewhere; if Gauteng then we will be away from MP for a long time. A visit once a year will then be the standard.

Botswana is now on my wish list – one of the guys at the company that side wants to escort me on a walking trial and we are planning to plant three caches in this area. This is now planned for the 16th December. Some of the locals will escort me and we will see if this is safe for cachers or not. According to them there were no incidents up to present. There are extremely good places near Gabarone. I even visited the Anglo Boer War graves – I never expected this one.

I planted one cache in Botswana but before publishing we had to abandon it. They have many rules in Botswana. You are not allowed to take photos from any military base, not allowed to take a photo from their towers. By accident I planted a cache near a tower that looks like a FM tower just to realise that it is a military radio tower. So no cache is allowed there. I tried to find an EC somewhere near Gabarone but I can’t find the necessary documentation. Maybe some one has the information that is needed. If you move more north then there is plenty of EC’s waiting to be done but in the South I want to stay.

I will appreciate it if someone with information about geological formations near Gabarone can forward me the details.

Gerhard

Edited December 11, 2009 by gerhardoosMPsa

December 11, 2009

Hi Gerhard….You did a caching spree in KZN and visited some regular caches just meters from EarthCaches….is this a sign that you sidestep EC’s now?

December 11, 2009

Nope, just very dumb and blond. I planned to get to the event on Saturday and to do caches back the next day. During the planning phase we removed all archived caches, and then we removed the ones that had more than 2 DNF’s during the last 4 searches. We were then left with all different types. This is when it happened. I only selected traditional and forgot to tick EC as well. So if you look at my KZN cache finds you will only find traditional ones.

I did it at your cache as well. I missed Babsfontein a couple of times until I realised my mistake. Maybe old age is kicking in but the cache finds were good enough in KZN and I am happy. I will get to the EC’s soon. If all is well then I back in February 2010.

So I if you want to be a good friend you will drop me an e-mail at the end of January with – “My Alzheimer friend please remember to select EC as well”. Maybe it will ring a bell.

Gerhard

4.2k · January 3, 2010

Hi guys - hope your new EC planning is going well. The new "go live" date is coming up soon.

I have 2 already written and a few more still to write up. None in SA unfortunately

4.2k · January 13, 2010

Great news - the new system is up and running.

you can now select EARTHCACHE on the normal geocaching.com cache submittal process.

Very easy - I have just submitted some I workedon over the Christmas period.

January 13, 2010

Great news - the new system is up and running.

you can now select EARTHCACHE on the normal geocaching.com cache submittal process.

Very easy - I have just submitted some I workedon over the Christmas period.

Awesome! I just submitted my new earthcache... and it was published within 2 MINUTES! Plenty of platinum stars for geoaware!

January 14, 2010

Besem,

Well done on your EC’s. I have read them and they are well done and very informative. We now need one more EC from you for the platinum status. Gerhard

1.1k · January 14, 2010

Look at this earth cache.

Quite something different from the normal ones created, and it has over 1500 finds. WOW!

January 14, 2010

I saw that on another forum as well and thought about our Voortrekker Monument and Union Buildings. Maybe someone from PTA/Gauteng can investigate that possibility?

4.2k · January 14, 2010

I'm reading a book on the geology of Egypt at the moment and was thinking of somethinmg like this for the Egyptian Museum or the pyramids - permission is just a major headache!

4.2k · January 17, 2010

96 (or is that 97 excluding the Cradle of Mankind cache that always get excluded somehow) Earthcaches in SA now.

You need to look up Sterreman's "Mirror mirror on the Wall" cache. Very unusual.

January 18, 2010

Congrats to Fish Eagle on becoming South Africa's next EC platinum master.

Who is next in line?

And then there were 99 ECs in SA.

Edited January 18, 2010 by Bouts777

4.2k · January 19, 2010

Congratulations fish Eagle!

A brilliant achievement.

4.2k · February 11, 2010

Congratulations to henniventer up in Polokwane for become a Platinum EarthCacher. He place 3 good ECs up in the area in the past month. I managed to to one last week - still two FTF's up for grabs.

Well done.

Now I have some catching up to do. I'm a lot closer after this trip at least!

February 11, 2010

Now I have some catching up to do. I'm a lot closer after this trip at least!

Mmmm….yes and I know you have visited some of my EC’s and await your logs.

4.2k · February 11, 2010

Now I have some catching up to do. I'm a lot closer after this trip at least!

Mmmm….yes and I know you have visited some of my EC’s and await your logs.

:anibad: :unsure:

Sherlock Holmes should be your caching name! You are too clever.

Yes - I only landed at 1a.m. this morning (local) so - I have a heap of work to get through - but we are off to the desert htis weekend camping. I hope to log thyem next week.

3 of yours and one of HeinG's. Takes them to 17.

Now I have 1 EC about to be published here in AD for me to find - so that will get me to 18.

A new cache about 250km into Oman - that leaves me 1 more to get Platinum.

Hopefully in April at the latest - as I am back and hope to do Pilanesberg then.

Talk about a long way around to get there? - At least the hides are covered :unsure:

Earthcaches

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