Co FTF Questions

[+Roman!]

first/fərst/Number

1. Coming before all others in time or order; earliest; 1st.

2. Never previously done or occurring: "her first day at school".  More »

Wikipedia - Dictionary.com - Answers.com - Merriam-Webster

 

A CO places a cache, someone finds it. He/she is first, there is no coFTF, there can only be one, look in the mirror, you're only lying to yourself, are you that much of a loser/cheater?

[+StarBrand]

There are no 'rules' official or otherwise for FTF. It is a side game. A fact. The first person to find the cache and sign the log by whatever means are at hand.

 

FTF and 2 quarters will buy you a can of soda at the machine over on Main Street. As a bonus - the 2 quarters work equally well.

[+The_Incredibles_]

It's totally possible for 2 (or 3!) people to find a cache at the same time. In our area, people rush out the door as soon as a cache is published and decend at GZ at the same time.

 

Edited to add: I'd sure like to know where to buy pop for 50 cents/ can. Where I live, a pack of gum is now a whopping $2.

Edited May 30, 2011 by The_Incredibles_

[+StarBrand]

...

Edited to add: I'd sure like to know where to buy pop for 50 cents/ can. Where I live, a pack of gum is now a whopping $2.

Here: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=41.666597,-103.099544&num=1&t=h&sll=41.666721,-103.098198&sspn=0.016672,0.032015&ie=UTF8&ll=41.666076,-103.099539&spn=0.001988,0.004517&z=18&layer=c&cbll=41.665967,-103.09954&panoid=A9xVwvvHEeFSyF839wFiwA&cbp=12,296.34,,0,10.11

[+RhinoInAToga]

I was going to avoid this topic because it just seems belligerent, but another poster described Co-FTF's in such a good way, it's worth repeating.

Co-FTF'rs are the other people in the GZ zone that are looking for the cache at the same time as the FTF. Therefore, they are eliminating zones which do not contain the cache. Thus making it possible for the FTF to be the FTF. I thought that was a very good explanation. They worded it better, of course.

Also, there are groups of geocachers that often, if not always, hunt together. Husbands & wives. Mothers/Fathers & children who may also be old enough to have their own user name. Uncles/Aunts & Nieces & Nephews...

As you can see, there are valid reasons why there could be a Co-FTF. As the CO, you can choose whether or not you wish to honor Co-FTF's, second-to-finds, or even honor FTF at all.

I would not personally get all high-&-mighty about it on my cache page, as those are the types of caches we tend to ignore & never seek. But a short sentence or two (nicely put) about how you wish to only honor one FTF is no big deal.

Also, if you're going to get angry about someone being Co-FTF on a cache which you yourself wished to be FTF, your goose is cooked. That is totally & completely up to the CO, & the CO alone. It's best to learn how to be a good sport in advance.

[+Ecylram]

I won't repeat what others have said about FTF being a side game.

 

But I'll add to say I'm claiming co-FTF on all caches I've found to date, no matter when I found them. Now I'm qualified to be a Platinum member.

 

[+luvvinbird]

' timestamp='1306736615' post='4726526']

first/fərst/Number

1. Coming before all others in time or order; earliest; 1st.

2. Never previously done or occurring: "her first day at school".  More »

Wikipedia - Dictionary.com - Answers.com - Merriam-Webster

 

A CO places a cache, someone finds it. He/she is first, there is no coFTF, there can only be one, look in the mirror, you're only lying to yourself, are you that much of a loser/cheater?

All 5 responses to your post make perfect sense. There is no FTF rule. People make up whatever they want to regarding FTF's. It's fun for them. Don't let it bother you. After all, you may finally get a "legit" FTF and not have it acknowleged by the CO, lol.

[+t4e]

' timestamp='1306736615' post='4726526']

first/fərst/Number

1. Coming before all others in time or order; earliest; 1st.

2. Never previously done or occurring: "her first day at school". More »

Wikipedia - Dictionary.com - Answers.com - Merriam-Webster

 

A CO places a cache, someone finds it. He/she is first, there is no coFTF, there can only be one, look in the mirror, you're only lying to yourself, are you that much of a loser/cheater?

 

says who?...of course can be coFTF

 

what exactly is your point with this post anyway, and most importantly what's the point of name calling?

Edited May 30, 2011 by t4e

[+Chokecherry]

My friend and I do co-finds if we're out together that includes FTF, STF etc. We just don't take that side game that seriously and we're in it to simply have fun. Fun to us isn't a competition.

[+luvvinbird]

' timestamp='1306736615' post='4726526']

first/fərst/Number

1. Coming before all others in time or order; earliest; 1st.

2. Never previously done or occurring: "her first day at school".  More »

Wikipedia - Dictionary.com - Answers.com - Merriam-Webster

 

A CO places a cache, someone finds it. He/she is first, there is no coFTF, there can only be one, look in the mirror, you're only lying to yourself, are you that much of a loser/cheater?

All 5 responses to your post make perfect sense. There is no FTF rule. People make up whatever they want to regarding FTF's. It's fun for them. Don't let it bother you. After all, you may finally get a "legit" FTF and not have it acknowleged by the CO, lol.

I just wanted to add, after reading your profile, the challenges you've set for yourself are similar to FTF's. They have great meaning and importance to you but not so much to others. I personally had FTF issues myself but came to realize how really unimportant that part of geocaching is.

[+Walts Hunting]

The only benefit to this whole race to ftf is that you get to meet other cachers of the same ilk. They do enjoy hunting in a pack.

[knowschad]

You are correct in that the term "Co-FTF" perhaps doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Maybe "Group FTF member", or something like that would be better, but since I don't get to make up terms that others use, I guess it is "Co-FTF" anyway. I'm stuck with it, you're stuck with it, we're all stuck with it.

[Mr.Yuck]

' timestamp='1306736615' post='4726526']

first/fərst/Number

1. Coming before all others in time or order; earliest; 1st.

2. Never previously done or occurring: "her first day at school".  More »

Wikipedia - Dictionary.com - Answers.com - Merriam-Webster

 

A CO places a cache, someone finds it. He/she is first, there is no coFTF, there can only be one, look in the mirror, you're only lying to yourself, are you that much of a loser/cheater?

 

Well, I guess those two guys with seperate accounts that get co-FTF on 99% of the caches within 20 miles of me are pathetic liars/cheaters. Next time I see one of them, I will give them a couple of those little cosmetic mirrors from the dollar store so they can take those along with them.

 

Your post is a great example of why introducing competition (FTF game) into a non-competitive activity (Geocaching) was never a good idea.

[+GeePa]

Your post is a great example of why introducing competition (FTF game) into a non-competitive activity (Geocaching) was never a good idea.

Even with that, since there are no guidelines or rules for the whole FTF thing then people will play it the way it is fun for them to play it.

 

It never ceases to amaze me how people can get their knickers in a wad over something that does not impact them whatsoever. The great thing about geocaching is that how I play it is up to me and how I play it does not affect anyone else at all. The only thing someone has a right to complain about really is if someone is stealing caches or damaging property or the environment playing the game. These are the things that have the potential to ruin the game for others. FTFs (or co-FTFs), armchair logging, etc. does not bother me because it has no impact on me playing and enjoying the game.

 

People claiming a Co-FTF. What does it matter? Who does it impact? Maybe I will claim a co-Second to find sometime .

[+t4e]

 

People claiming a Co-FTF. What does it matter? Who does it impact? Maybe I will claim a co-Second to find sometime .

 

you can claim FTS(ign) a freshly replaced log book

[+cheech gang]

I am Co-Stupid

[Pup Patrol]

Why does such a basically friendly activity bring out such rudeness and rancor in people? I mean, does the OP talk this way to other cachers when they meet face-to-face?

 

you can claim FTS(ign) a freshly replaced log book

 

I've seen people do that.

[+CanadianRockies]

If you're with a group of FTF searchers and you're not the first to sign the log, then don't claim co-FTF if you don't think it's right. Problem solved.

[+ChileHead]

Nobody really cares.

[+dfx]

As far as co-FTDNF goes, now that's a completely different matter!

[knowschad]

Does anybody know what the second acronym stand for?

[+jon.hemlock.Chantal]

Does anybody know what the second acronym stand for?

I do, but I am not allowed to say

[+dfx]

Does anybody know what the second acronym stand for?

 

"Want to find" of course, OP obviously wants to be co-FTF

[4wheelin_fool]

Your post is a great example of why introducing competition (FTF game) into a non-competitive activity (Geocaching) was never a good idea.

Even with that, since there are no guidelines or rules for the whole FTF thing then people will play it the way it is fun for them to play it.

 

It never ceases to amaze me how people can get their knickers in a wad over something that does not impact them whatsoever. The great thing about geocaching is that how I play it is up to me and how I play it does not affect anyone else at all. The only thing someone has a right to complain about really is if someone is stealing caches or damaging property or the environment playing the game. These are the things that have the potential to ruin the game for others. FTFs (or co-FTFs), armchair logging, etc. does not bother me because it has no impact on me playing and enjoying the game.

 

People claiming a Co-FTF. What does it matter? Who does it impact? Maybe I will claim a co-Second to find sometime .

 

It may be a little silly to have 2 FTFs, but since someone is upset and calling people stupid, perhaps there is much more to it. I suppose there are is some genuine anguish being generated by people padding their FTFs.

 

In some cultures where indigenous FTF still thrives, there is a clear divide between "lay" people (who participate in and practice FTF belief and tradition) and the professionals or FTF specialists themselves. A lay practitioner of FTF is not awarded any special title, as this is the norm within traditional geo-societies. Only a FTF professional, who is a highly-trained and very often spiritually selected individual, is awarded the sacred title of FTF.

 

FTF encompasses the belief that first finders are intermediaries or messengers between the human world and the spirit of the geocache. FTF is said to treat ailments(or cache owner angst) by signing the log which mends the soul. Alleviating traumas affecting the soul restores the cache hidden by the individual to balance and wholeness. The FTFer also enters supernatural realms or dimensions to obtain solutions to problems afflicting the community if nobody else can find it. FTFers may visit caches in other dimensions to bring guidance to misguided cachers, and to ameliorate illnesses of the human soul caused by foreign muggles. The FTFer operates primarily within the spiritual world, which in turn affects the caching world and community.

 

The FTFer social role may be defined by a set of connected behaviors, rights and obligations as conceptualized by actors in a social situation and the expected behavior in a given individual within their cultural social status and social position.

 

FTF is a 'calling'. Individuals who are 'called' typically experience an illness of some sort over a prolonged period of time. This illness will prompt the individual to seek out spiritual guidance and other FTFers. Such illnesses are usually not healed/curable by physicians and western medicine.

 

Hope that helps!

Edited May 30, 2011 by 4wheelin_fool

[GOF and Bacall]

' timestamp='1306736615' post='4726526']

first/fərst/Number

1. Coming before all others in time or order; earliest; 1st.

2. Never previously done or occurring: "her first day at school".  More »

Wikipedia - Dictionary.com - Answers.com - Merriam-Webster

 

A CO places a cache, someone finds it. He/she is first, there is no coFTF, there can only be one, look in the mirror, you're only lying to yourself, are you that much of a loser/cheater?

 

I have thoughts on where you could look to find stupid.

[Keystone]

In response to complaints, I edited the topic title to something a bit more in line with the Forum Guidelines.

 

My work here is done. Now, off to explain to my daughter why she is a loser/cheater who is only lying to herself for having accompanied me to a few FTF hunts.

[+LewisClan77]

' timestamp='1306736615' post='4726526']

first/fərst/Number

1. Coming before all others in time or order; earliest; 1st.

2. Never previously done or occurring: "her first day at school".  More »

Wikipedia - Dictionary.com - Answers.com - Merriam-Webster

 

A CO places a cache, someone finds it. He/she is first, there is no coFTF, there can only be one, look in the mirror, you're only lying to yourself, are you that much of a loser/cheater?

 

I have thoughts on where you could look to find stupid.

I just saw one yesterday that magnified 10 times.

[+ChileHead]

Now, off to explain to my daughter why she is a loser/cheater who is only lying to herself for having accompanied me to a few FTF hunts.

 

That reminds me. My dog is going to be very hurt when I explain how much of a loser he is.

[+DanOCan]

That reminds me. My dog is going to be very hurt when I explain how much of a loser he is.

 

And, with that, I'm off to find something to wipe the coffee of my monitor...

[+briansnat]

I'm not into the FTF thing, but once I recall being FTF on a multi cache as part of a group of four cachers. It took a great deal of preparation. One of our group checked the tide charts to figure out the best time to go after the cache, which was in a tidal salt marsh. Another looked at topo maps and stat photos to determine the best approach.

 

When we arrived at the site we soon learned that each stage of the multi gave good and bogus coordinates for the next stage so we broke into two groups and kept in touch via radio. If one group found the coords to be bogus or found the stage of the cache they radioed that info to the other group.

 

There were many barriers along the way including hip deep mud, thick stands of phragmites and deep creeks so the team put our heads together to figure out how to surmount them.

 

After two and a half hours of one of more challenging hunts I've experienced to date we finally arrived at ground zero only to discover that a waypoint projection was needed. At that time only one of our team knew how to do that so took a reading and pointed us in the right direction. The four of us scoured ground zero. The person who had assumed the role of leader asked me to check out a stand of thorny growth wile he investigated a hollow tree. I found the cache where told me to look. I guess I was the FTF and the other 3 members of the team were "loser/cheaters". I never thought of it that way before. Thanks for opening my eyes.

Edited May 30, 2011 by briansnat

[+luvvinbird]

In response to complaints, I edited the topic title to something a bit more in line with the Forum Guidelines.

 

My work here is done. Now, off to explain to my daughter why she is a loser/cheater who is only lying to herself for having accompanied me to a few FTF hunts.

As intense and "serious" some topics seem to get, this forum never fails to make me laugh. I laughed at your comment, thanks for brightening my day.

[knowschad]

Does anybody know what the second acronym stand for?

 

"Want to find" of course, OP obviously wants to be co-FTF

 

Thread subject has been edited, but a little imagination helps explain this one.

[+Roman!]

In response to complaints, I edited the topic title to something a bit more in line with the Forum Guidelines.

 

My work here is done. Now, off to explain to my daughter why she is a loser/cheater who is only lying to herself for having accompanied me to a few FTF hunts.

 

Thanks for editing, I should have been a bit nicer but the combination of beer and just coming off the Vancouver Canucks board set me up for being a bit of a, I'll let you fill in the blanks. (PS: this is an apology)

 

I'm not into the FTF thing, but once I recall being FTF on a multi cache as part of a group of four cachers. It took a great deal of preparation. One of our group checked the tide charts to figure out the best time to go after the cache, which was in a tidal salt marsh. Another looked at topo maps and stat photos to determine the best approach.

 

When we arrived at the site we soon learned that each stage of the multi gave good and bogus coordinates for the next stage so we broke into two groups and kept in touch via radio. If one group found the coords to be bogus or found the stage of the cache they radioed that info to the other group.

 

There were many barriers along the way including hip deep mud, thick stands of phragmites and deep creeks so the team put our heads together to figure out how to surmount them.

 

After two and a half hours of one of more challenging hunts I've experienced to date we finally arrived at ground zero only to discover that a waypoint projection was needed. At that time only one of our team knew how to do that so took a reading and pointed us in the right direction. The four of us scoured ground zero. The person who had assumed the role of leader asked me to check out a stand of thorny growth wile he investigated a hollow tree. I found the cache where told me to look. I guess I was the FTF and the other 3 members of the team were "loser/cheaters". I never thought of it that way before. Thanks for opening my eyes.

 

Neil Armstrong had so much help getting to the moon but he is known as the first man on the moon and even though Aldrin was there with him he is not co first man on the moon. As far as the definition of first to find goes there can only be one, in your case it would be you, thems the breaks for the other guys. My son comes with me sometimes and although he doesn't have an account and doesn't sign the log book if he was the one that found a new cache before me I would not claim an FTF.

 

I realize anyone can claim anything they want and that's fine, just to me FTF is pretty black and white with no room for interpretation and coFTF is an oxymoron.

[+Chokecherry]

Dude, it's just a hobby. Some of us don't treat this like some silly competition. In fact many people don't treat this as some silly competition. If you want to have your FTF all to yourself, fine. If my friend and I want to share our finds it has no bearing on what you do. Deal with it.

 

This is not the moon landing for goodness sakes.

[GOF and Bacall]

' timestamp='1306805433' post='4727303']

In response to complaints, I edited the topic title to something a bit more in line with the Forum Guidelines.

 

My work here is done. Now, off to explain to my daughter why she is a loser/cheater who is only lying to herself for having accompanied me to a few FTF hunts.

 

Thanks for editing, I should have been a bit nicer but the combination of beer and just coming off the Vancouver Canucks board set me up for being a bit of a, I'll let you fill in the blanks. (PS: this is an apology)

 

I'm not into the FTF thing, but once I recall being FTF on a multi cache as part of a group of four cachers. It took a great deal of preparation. One of our group checked the tide charts to figure out the best time to go after the cache, which was in a tidal salt marsh. Another looked at topo maps and stat photos to determine the best approach.

 

When we arrived at the site we soon learned that each stage of the multi gave good and bogus coordinates for the next stage so we broke into two groups and kept in touch via radio. If one group found the coords to be bogus or found the stage of the cache they radioed that info to the other group.

 

There were many barriers along the way including hip deep mud, thick stands of phragmites and deep creeks so the team put our heads together to figure out how to surmount them.

 

After two and a half hours of one of more challenging hunts I've experienced to date we finally arrived at ground zero only to discover that a waypoint projection was needed. At that time only one of our team knew how to do that so took a reading and pointed us in the right direction. The four of us scoured ground zero. The person who had assumed the role of leader asked me to check out a stand of thorny growth wile he investigated a hollow tree. I found the cache where told me to look. I guess I was the FTF and the other 3 members of the team were "loser/cheaters". I never thought of it that way before. Thanks for opening my eyes.

 

Neil Armstrong had so much help getting to the moon but he is known as the first man on the moon and even though Aldrin was there with him he is not co first man on the moon. As far as the definition of first to find goes there can only be one, in your case it would be you, thems the breaks for the other guys. My son comes with me sometimes and although he doesn't have an account and doesn't sign the log book if he was the one that found a new cache before me I would not claim an FTF.

 

I realize anyone can claim anything they want and that's fine, just to me FTF is pretty black and white with no room for interpretation and coFTF is an oxymoron.

 

Who was it that said "Wow. Just wow."?

[+BelKen]

' timestamp='1306805433' post='4727303']

 

I realize anyone can claim anything they want and that's fine, just to me FTF is pretty black and white with no room for interpretation and coFTF is an oxymoron.

 

I highlighted the important bit in your post. Just as well us FTF people don't care what it means to you.

[+geodarts]

A FTF is just a figment of your imagination. It means whatever you want it to mean. Personally, I have signed a few hundred blank logs at new caches and never used those initials. It makes life much simpler.

[knowschad]

' timestamp='1306805433' post='4727303']

Neil Armstrong had so much help getting to the moon but he is known as the first man on the moon and even though Aldrin was there with him he is not co first man on the moon. As far as the definition of first to find goes there can only be one, in your case it would be you, thems the breaks for the other guys. My son comes with me sometimes and although he doesn't have an account and doesn't sign the log book if he was the one that found a new cache before me I would not claim an FTF.

 

I realize anyone can claim anything they want and that's fine, just to me FTF is pretty black and white with no room for interpretation and coFTF is an oxymoron.

 

So, if you are caching with your wife/girlfriend/son/daughter/best friend/fellow geocacher that you just met, and you laid hands on the cache before they did, you would have a problem with them logging as "Co-FTF"? Seriously?

Edited May 31, 2011 by knowschad

[+BlueDeuce]

' timestamp='1306805433' post='4727303']

I realize anyone can claim anything they want and that's fine, just to me FTF is pretty black and white with no room for interpretation and coFTF is an oxymoron.

 

Yeah, you're right. Unfortunately if you add in all the ways people can be FTF before it's even listed on this site, the owner giving their friends the final destination, or letting them sign it while they are there as it's placed, how about signing the log and someone else signs the other side and swear they didn't see your signature and you're a big liar? - All the co-stuff is just sub-angst.

[+CanadianRockies]

' timestamp='1306805433' post='4727303']

I realize anyone can claim anything they want and that's fine, just to me FTF is pretty black and white with no room for interpretation and coFTF is an oxymoron.

I understand how you might want other people to geocache in the same way you do. If you hang on to that attitude, however, then you should be prepared for lots of frustration.

 

Personally, I see this activity's flexibility as being one of its greatest strengths.

[+tozainamboku]

I just wanted to add, after reading your profile, the challenges you've set for yourself are similar to FTF's. They have great meaning and importance to you but not so much to others. I personally had FTF issues myself but came to realize how really unimportant that part of geocaching is.

That got me too look at the OP's profiles as well. For someone who has be caching for less than a month, he certainly has it filled with statistics and he progress on several challenge caches. Obviously this is a person to whom the numbers are very important.

 

He may soon learn there are other geocachers for who numbers and statistics are less important. For them the goal is to have fun geocaching. They couldn't care less how may FTFs you have or what combination of difficulty/terrain you have found.

 

Clearly someone who does this, may find the lack of an official defintion for FTF bothersome. With no official definition, it is up to each geocacher tracking their FTFs to decide what counts. Some will accept co-FTF. When they meet another geocacher at the cache site, they may join forces and search together. They may agree that who ever spots the cache first gets the FTF or they may decide to log co-FTF. In some areas, a cacher who was with the the hider might sign the log. Sometime this is referred to as beta find. In these areas, sometimes the first person to find the cache after it is officially published will claim the FTF.

 

The OP needs to realizes that not everyone is playing this game exactly how he imagines it should be played. He can only make up rules for himself. He can decide what he defines a FTF or a find to be and then he knows that his statistics will reflect his defintions. He needs to realize that he can't ever be sure that someone else's statistics are using the same standards that his are. He can call people loser/cheater but I suspect that most people couldn't care less what names he uses. (Though I'm often surprised at the reactions I get when I use the p-word). People will log according to what they believe is right or what they think is the local community standard.

 

Maybe the other acronym that was removed from the subject by the moderator stand for What's The Flavor

Edited May 31, 2011 by tozainamboku

[+RhinoInAToga]

' timestamp='1306805433' post='4727303']

In response to complaints, I edited the topic title to something a bit more in line with the Forum Guidelines.

 

My work here is done. Now, off to explain to my daughter why she is a loser/cheater who is only lying to herself for having accompanied me to a few FTF hunts.

 

Thanks for editing, I should have been a bit nicer but the combination of beer and just coming off the Vancouver Canucks board set me up for being a bit of a, I'll let you fill in the blanks. (PS: this is an apology)

 

I'm not into the FTF thing, but once I recall being FTF on a multi cache as part of a group of four cachers. It took a great deal of preparation. One of our group checked the tide charts to figure out the best time to go after the cache, which was in a tidal salt marsh. Another looked at topo maps and stat photos to determine the best approach.

 

When we arrived at the site we soon learned that each stage of the multi gave good and bogus coordinates for the next stage so we broke into two groups and kept in touch via radio. If one group found the coords to be bogus or found the stage of the cache they radioed that info to the other group.

 

There were many barriers along the way including hip deep mud, thick stands of phragmites and deep creeks so the team put our heads together to figure out how to surmount them.

 

After two and a half hours of one of more challenging hunts I've experienced to date we finally arrived at ground zero only to discover that a waypoint projection was needed. At that time only one of our team knew how to do that so took a reading and pointed us in the right direction. The four of us scoured ground zero. The person who had assumed the role of leader asked me to check out a stand of thorny growth wile he investigated a hollow tree. I found the cache where told me to look. I guess I was the FTF and the other 3 members of the team were "loser/cheaters". I never thought of it that way before. Thanks for opening my eyes.

 

Neil Armstrong had so much help getting to the moon but he is known as the first man on the moon and even though Aldrin was there with him he is not co first man on the moon. As far as the definition of first to find goes there can only be one, in your case it would be you, thems the breaks for the other guys. My son comes with me sometimes and although he doesn't have an account and doesn't sign the log book if he was the one that found a new cache before me I would not claim an FTF.

 

I realize anyone can claim anything they want and that's fine, just to me FTF is pretty black and white with no room for interpretation and coFTF is an oxymoron.

 

I can imagine you tripping your own son as you race to be FTF. Seriously.

[+luvvinbird]

' timestamp='1306805433' post='4727303']

In response to complaints, I edited the topic title to something a bit more in line with the Forum Guidelines.

 

My work here is done. Now, off to explain to my daughter why she is a loser/cheater who is only lying to herself for having accompanied me to a few FTF hunts.

 

Thanks for editing, I should have been a bit nicer but the combination of beer and just coming off the Vancouver Canucks board set me up for being a bit of a, I'll let you fill in the blanks. (PS: this is an apology)

 

I'm not into the FTF thing, but once I recall being FTF on a multi cache as part of a group of four cachers. It took a great deal of preparation. One of our group checked the tide charts to figure out the best time to go after the cache, which was in a tidal salt marsh. Another looked at topo maps and stat photos to determine the best approach.

 

When we arrived at the site we soon learned that each stage of the multi gave good and bogus coordinates for the next stage so we broke into two groups and kept in touch via radio. If one group found the coords to be bogus or found the stage of the cache they radioed that info to the other group.

 

There were many barriers along the way including hip deep mud, thick stands of phragmites and deep creeks so the team put our heads together to figure out how to surmount them.

 

After two and a half hours of one of more challenging hunts I've experienced to date we finally arrived at ground zero only to discover that a waypoint projection was needed. At that time only one of our team knew how to do that so took a reading and pointed us in the right direction. The four of us scoured ground zero. The person who had assumed the role of leader asked me to check out a stand of thorny growth wile he investigated a hollow tree. I found the cache where told me to look. I guess I was the FTF and the other 3 members of the team were "loser/cheaters". I never thought of it that way before. Thanks for opening my eyes.

 

Neil Armstrong had so much help getting to the moon but he is known as the first man on the moon and even though Aldrin was there with him he is not co first man on the moon. As far as the definition of first to find goes there can only be one, in your case it would be you, thems the breaks for the other guys. My son comes with me sometimes and although he doesn't have an account and doesn't sign the log book if he was the one that found a new cache before me I would not claim an FTF.

 

I realize anyone can claim anything they want and that's fine, just to me FTF is pretty black and white with no room for interpretation and coFTF is an oxymoron.

In that vein, I watched that "power caching" video that was posted not too long ago on this forum. You know, the one where three guys are in a car along a desert road and the driver stops every 30 feet to let the two guys out to find caches and sign the logs. And they are really fast...a cool video for sure. But I thought about the driver who never leaves the vehicle, does he claim a "found"? Best of luck to your Canucks! I can't wait for Wednesday. Hockey-wise, we here in Toronto don't have much to cheer about, I'm afraid.

[+CanadianRockies]

' timestamp='1306805433' post='4727303']

My son comes with me sometimes and although he doesn't have an account and doesn't sign the log book if he was the one that found a new cache before me I would not claim an FTF.

 

I realize anyone can claim anything they want and that's fine, just to me FTF is pretty black and white with no room for interpretation and coFTF is an oxymoron.

You've already identified one gray area. There are geocachers who find caches (sometimes even being the first to do so) but never sign the log books or record their adventures online. So, you rarely can be sure that you truly are the first to find. First to sign, yes. First to find, uncertain.

[knowschad]

Now my personal take in it is that there only can be one FTF, co-ftf just is not possible but I could care less about it.

There are things in this universe that we humans are simply incapable of understanding. The co-FTF may just be one of them.

 

By the way, if you could care less, then maybe you should.

[+bflentje]

' timestamp='1306805433' post='4727303']

I realize anyone can claim anything they want and that's fine, just to me FTF is pretty black and white with no room for interpretation and coFTF is an oxymoron.

 

Yeah, you're right. Unfortunately if you add in all the ways people can be FTF before it's even listed on this site, the owner giving their friends the final destination, or letting them sign it while they are there as it's placed, how about signing the log and someone else signs the other side and swear they didn't see your signature and you're a big liar? - All the co-stuff is just sub-angst.

 

I am usually a FTF hound and even I find this thread laughable. Too bad I am too weak to not respond..

[DurniesTribe]

' timestamp='1306805433' post='4727303']

My son comes with me sometimes and although he doesn't have an account and doesn't sign the log book if he was the one that found a new cache before me I would not claim an FTF.

 

I realize anyone can claim anything they want and that's fine, just to me FTF is pretty black and white with no room for interpretation and coFTF is an oxymoron.

You've already identified one gray area. There are geocachers who find caches (sometimes even being the first to do so) but never sign the log books or record their adventures online. So, you rarely can be sure that you truly are the first to find. First to sign, yes. First to find, uncertain.

Good point as two people could actually spot the cache at the same time... Do you then race to be the first to touch? Maybe it should be FTS (sign) or FTL (log). Whatever a cacher feels the rule/definition should be, finding it in general is what's fun for me. I'm not in a race with anyone. It's a hobby to me, not a stressful activity.

 

Note: I'm only stating my personal view. Everyone sees the world through their own eyes.

[+Don_J]

' timestamp='1306805433' post='4727303']

In response to complaints, I edited the topic title to something a bit more in line with the Forum Guidelines.

 

My work here is done. Now, off to explain to my daughter why she is a loser/cheater who is only lying to herself for having accompanied me to a few FTF hunts.

 

Thanks for editing, I should have been a bit nicer but the combination of beer and just coming off the Vancouver Canucks board set me up for being a bit of a, I'll let you fill in the blanks. (PS: this is an apology)

 

I'm not into the FTF thing, but once I recall being FTF on a multi cache as part of a group of four cachers. It took a great deal of preparation. One of our group checked the tide charts to figure out the best time to go after the cache, which was in a tidal salt marsh. Another looked at topo maps and stat photos to determine the best approach.

 

When we arrived at the site we soon learned that each stage of the multi gave good and bogus coordinates for the next stage so we broke into two groups and kept in touch via radio. If one group found the coords to be bogus or found the stage of the cache they radioed that info to the other group.

 

There were many barriers along the way including hip deep mud, thick stands of phragmites and deep creeks so the team put our heads together to figure out how to surmount them.

 

After two and a half hours of one of more challenging hunts I've experienced to date we finally arrived at ground zero only to discover that a waypoint projection was needed. At that time only one of our team knew how to do that so took a reading and pointed us in the right direction. The four of us scoured ground zero. The person who had assumed the role of leader asked me to check out a stand of thorny growth wile he investigated a hollow tree. I found the cache where told me to look. I guess I was the FTF and the other 3 members of the team were "loser/cheaters". I never thought of it that way before. Thanks for opening my eyes.

 

Neil Armstrong had so much help getting to the moon but he is known as the first man on the moon and even though Aldrin was there with him he is not co first man on the moon. As far as the definition of first to find goes there can only be one, in your case it would be you, thems the breaks for the other guys. My son comes with me sometimes and although he doesn't have an account and doesn't sign the log book if he was the one that found a new cache before me I would not claim an FTF.

 

I realize anyone can claim anything they want and that's fine, just to me FTF is pretty black and white with no room for interpretation and coFTF is an oxymoron.

 

I can imagine you tripping your own son as you race to be FTF. Seriously.

 

My best FTF log.

 

It was a two mile hike event to picnic at sunset with about 30 involved, and it had an unfound cache about 2/10th mi past the picnic spot. The other logs on that date are interesting as well.

 

Edit: Forgot the link.

Edited June 3, 2011 by Don_J

[+Don_J]

' timestamp='1306805433' post='4727303']

My son comes with me sometimes and although he doesn't have an account and doesn't sign the log book if he was the one that found a new cache before me I would not claim an FTF.

 

I realize anyone can claim anything they want and that's fine, just to me FTF is pretty black and white with no room for interpretation and coFTF is an oxymoron.

You've already identified one gray area. There are geocachers who find caches (sometimes even being the first to do so) but never sign the log books or record their adventures online. So, you rarely can be sure that you truly are the first to find. First to sign, yes. First to find, uncertain.

 

Here's my log on a certain cache. It's at 3100 ft in Southern Cal. Five years and the snow has not dropped that low since in this area. BTW, the guy claiming FTF in the log book, stopped logging his caches sometime around 2003. I do NOT claim this one because I have full confidence that I was not FTF.

[+CanadianRockies]

Here's my log on a certain cache. It's at 3100 ft in Southern Cal. Five years and the snow has not dropped that low since in this area. BTW, the guy claiming FTF in the log book, stopped logging his caches sometime around 2003. I do NOT claim this one because I have full confidence that I was not FTF.

Soon, I'll be beta testing a rather complex night cache for a fellow geocacher. I'll be the first person to find it, but I won't sign the log and won't log anything online at that time. After the cache is published and at least one other person finds it, I'll return to sign the log book and post an online "Found it."

 

If FTF truly was black-and-white, then I guess I will be the first-to-find. But that seems rather silly to me.