hatfields cache reunion

[jeepman74]

I know several of you know about the proposed return to Hatfields cache (10 have it on their watch list). So far everyone who has found it/looked hard for it is accounted for except Toolman. I think it would be nice to get Doug A. on board as well. We could get him to the top and beat him up. I'd like to see some new adventurers go as well. The topic is being discussed on the cache page at the moment. http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?ID=4722&log=y&decrypt=

Maybe we could get a date established here. Any suggestions?

[+EliJoMikMiNi]

Just throwing this out here ... the first time the cache was found... August 4th.

 

The harder you work,the harder it is to give up.

Vince Lombarde

[+mikedx]

Approval for a cache event was denied...

 

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?ID=79194

 

The most thoughtful rejection I've ever had...

 

So we'll have to use this page to plan the event.

Time & date conflict with anyone?

8/16 at 10am?

 

[This message was edited by mikedx on July 10, 2003 at 05:56 AM.]

[+Mountain Climber]

How about Oct 4th or 5th I will be on vacation and in the area and thought I would like to help on this one. I have adopted another cache here in Indiana for Doug and It would be nice to do this one. I use to watch this cache when it was first placed but I didn't know it had come up missing.

 

~Mountain Climber~

[+WV Muddy Boots]

mikedx,

 

Curiousity has gotten the best of me and I can't access your link. What was the thoughtful rejection? I am trying to think of a reason that this couldnt be an event cache.

 

[This message was edited by Puter on July 10, 2003 at 05:48 PM.]

[+mikedx]

Here's the response in full:

 

After discussing this cache with about 10 other admins, I regret to inform you that I cannot approve it as an event cache. But let me say that all the admins felt that what you are doing is fantastic... you are replacing a cache that's very important to the history of geocaching in your area, and you're assembling a great group of adventurers to conquer the terrain. HAVE FUN! Many of the admins wished they could join you.

 

Our reasoning for archiving your submission was that you are basically getting a group of people together to hunt for a cache. This happens all the time, although not usually for such a monumental hunt. If we approved this event, then everyone would want an event listing when they get a couple of friends together to go cache hunting. It's two smiley faces for basically the same cache.

 

An event cache is meant to be an opportunity for geocachers to get together to talk about geocaching. Whether it's beer and pizza or a picnic shelter at a state park, the sine qua non of event caches is the getting together and talking part. There is something happening above and beyond hunting for a single cache. We didn't see that in your submission.

 

We also believe that your existing forum posts, and the notes left on the existing cache page, are sufficient ways to publicize your cache hunt. You can also e-mail people to join up with you.

 

I wish you the best of luck in reaching your goal and getting that cache replaced! That will be a well-earned find.

 

Happy caching,

Keystone Approver

Geocaching.com

 

Basically they are afraid that if we open the lid on having an event for a single cache, that "We are indeed worried about the case of 5 people getting together to go find a 1/1 cache in the city park, and calling that an event"

I respect their decision, not because I think this one shouldn't be approved, but because of what it would lead to down the road.

 

Mike

[+WV Muddy Boots]

Boy, I had to agree with you - that is one of the nicest rejections that I have read!!!

 

Puter

[+IWILLFIND]

Mike wish I could make the trek with you guys but I have to work that Sat...I am not haveing a very good response to a get tgather on Aug 2 so I don't think it is going to fly...If you wanted to back this trek up to Aug. 2 I could join you!!!!!!!!

[+mikedx]

August 2nd? Makes no difference to me.

What sayeth everyone else?

[+EliJoMikMiNi]

Here is the link for the cache we are trying to plan for.

Hatfield's View

I'm all for going in the Fall also. After all don't we want to 'SEE' the view after we get to the top of this mountain!?!

Also please make it on a Sunday, I always have to work on Saturdays now. PLEASE!

[+cache-potato]

I echo MDX's sentiment....Makes no difference to me. I think we are all in agreement it needs to be done

 

This is an exerpt from my email to Mike when he attempted to post an event cache...please feel free to add ideas for the cache.

 

Please explain that this is a cache not for kids, nor the aged, nor the infirm (mentally or otherwise).

 

Tango has agreed to hook up with us as he was with me the first time.

 

Needed Items:

 

First aid kit

Water

GPS

more water

more first aid

more water

more water

more water

 

 

This is a tough hike..... people will move at different paces...everyone involved needs to bring one item (let's try to be original) for the cache.

 

I will purchase the ammo can. Do you have any geocaching decals?

 

Lets make the loot worth the hike.

 

Anyone attempting such a brutal climb deserves some kudos.

 

Need to fix a date stick with it and hope everyone can make it.

 

NO date will satisfy all people. I don't care if I have to take a vacation day... call in dead or play hookie I will be there...come to think of it...I will be about dead b4 the day is over...

 

Please post your ideas.

[Catman76]

As I have stated before. Im game for this. It really doesnt matter to me when. Ill go at night on weekdays if need be. I cant go in the evening though the week is all. Also....I agree with CP...make it worth while to climb up there. Im pretty sure when CP found it there wasnt much in it. Ill add some good stuff to it..havent decided what yet. Might I suggest a large ammo can..so everyone can add something.

[+EliJoMikMiNi]

Phone conversation right before heading out the door to join you all in Sarah Ann= "Hello boss...I'm going to be dead later today so I'm letting you know ahead of time". At least we won't be too far from a cemetery.

[Catman76]

bump.....are we going to do this?

[+cache-potato]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Catman76:

bump.....are we going to do this?

---

 

Well, I am...thought crossed my mind to covertly go and replace the cache by myself but .....

 

Everyone is reluctant to throw a date out, as I am sure all interested parties will not be able to make it.

 

This always seems to be the case. However...this needs doing soooooooooo as First Finder I will envoke my date fixing rights and say Sunday, Aug 31, 3:00 pm.

 

We will give the "Devil his due."

[+EliJoMikMiNi]

I'm in!! See ya'll on the 31st!

 

The harder you work,the harder it is to give up.

Vince Lombarde

[Catman76]

Im in too...unless something beyond my control happens before then.

 

I want this bad boy back on the map. It is one of the most memorable caches I have ever found.

[+mikedx]

I will be there. Share the pain and all that. It is a geocaching landmark, and like everybody else says, needs to be put back on the map.

 

Mike

[+WV Muddy Boots]

If its more the merrier , count us in (Nanoonce, BaldEagle8114 and myself). BaldEagle hasnt made the trek and we want to be there to see the look on his face!!!

 

The idea of everyone bringing something to put in the cache is a great idea - we will be sure to bring some stuff.

 

-- Puter --

[+cache-potato]

k, yall,

 

Understand for those who haven't been up this mountain or participated in self-mutilation before...

 

It's bushwhacking all the way up. Nettle weeds and rattlesnakes and rocks. Good boots must be worn.

 

This is AUGUST...heat is a real factor bring plenty of ICE WATER.

 

and forget about keeping up with MDX he's NUTZ

[+EliJoMikMiNi]

.

[+EliJoMikMiNi]

quote:

---

and forget about keeping up with MDX he's NUTZ

---

 

Amen

[+Man In The Wild]

quote:

---

Originally posted by cache-potato:

k, yall,

 

Understand for those who haven't been up this mountain or participated in self-mutilation before...

 

It's bushwhacking all the way up. Nettle weeds and rattlesnakes and rocks. Good boots must be worn.

 

This is AUGUST...heat is a real factor bring plenty of ICE WATER.

---

 

OUCH. I'm in pain already. Know anyone that works for the local mine?

[Catman76]

um...what local mine?

 

and..for everyone that is making this trip the second time....Mike isnt the only one that is nuts...we all will be.

[+Man In The Wild]

Mine... something... whatever it is that owns the road that probably goes to the top of the mountain.

[+Mountain Climber]

I can not make it on this date but I hope everyone has a lot of fun.

 

Mountain Climber

 

~Mountain Climber~

Indiana Admin

[+GeoWhiz]

No pain...no gain !! I'm there. I'm gonna check with Footloose, naturegal, and Tinkerman. The more to carry me down off the mountain in a stretcher the better!!!

 

"Joy in looking and comprehending

is nature's most beautiful gift."

-Albert Einstein

 

[This message was edited by GeoWhiz on August 06, 2003 at 11:13 AM.]

[+mikedx]

Nutz? Me?

 

I have to agree with Catman. Anyone who has already done this is insane to do it again. I swore coming down that mountain that I'd never do it again. When I came down, fireworks were going off (I went on the 4th of July). In tribute to me I thought.

 

Listen to tater. It will kick your butt. This will be the hardest cache you've ever done. A third of a mile that you will tell your grandchildren about.

 

Tater, I don't remember bushwacking all the way up. I do remember trying to find ways around rocks. I also remember being on all fours most of the way trying to keep from sliding down, and looking for trees to put my butt against to rest. I didn't see any rattlesnakes, I didn't think they could climb that high. May need oxygen, as the air seems thin on top. I'll never forget going from 0.14 to 0.13 miles from the cache. Toughest few feet I ever hiked.

 

No one said exactly where we'd meet. For those with 4 wheel, you can get up to the cemetary. Those without need to park just off the road in the grass. It's not that much further up the hill to the cemetary.

 

Are we meeting at Devil Anse's grave?

 

Last one down has to roll the bodies of those that didn't make it to the cemetary.

 

Mike

 

p.s. Anybody going to do Rich Creek afterwards? The oldest existing "cache" in WV. I know the best way to get there...

[+cache-potato]

We went left side of the face.

 

Looked to be a more gentle approach.

 

It was....if the front side was toothpicks under your fingernails, the left side was a hot poker in your eye. DO NOT GO LEFT SIDE! THIS MUCH I KNOW! It was so overgrown with nettle weed we broke branches and cut a path in front of us. Pain with each step....needed an industrial strength brush cutter...but none available in H*LL <---- that's where the devil is you know.

[+WV Muddy Boots]

As Nanooce and I were probably the last ones to the top of the mountain, there was a fairly clear deer trail up to the first set of rocks which I think was about little of half the trek. After the first set of rocks, we made our way to the left of the large nettle covering. The last little bit was bush-wacking. The most important thing is to brink lots and lots of water. Still would like to know where that stinkin' trail/road comes out!!

[jeepman74]

I'll be in the area tommorrow with work. If I get a chance, I'll try to find out something on the road. I may have the combination or a key, it depends on if it's coal-gas property or private property. I never noticed a road near the top. As for the rock, we went straight (straight up the rock). I know there were no nettles there, just some poison ivy, some lizards, and two wildmen.

P.S. should we bring flowers for Anse (and those who don't make it)?

[Catman76]

Mike, Tater, Puter, bro.....yall make it sound so scary. Ya might scare the ppl that havent ever been away from going. I mean...I only had to sit down 4 times and lay down once. I did get a chuckle at the expense of fear from a scared lizard tho. I recommend water for everyone that goes...dont forget it.

 

Meeting at the grave sounds like a good idea to me...as thats past the highest place you can park.

 

Im going to try and bring something feud related to put in the replacement cache. Maybe a book or something....just thought I would let yall know.

[jeepman74]

I was by ol Anse's resting spot today. I've got some bad news, some better news, and some incomplete news. The bad news is, if the road comes in from Stirat, it is blocked by a high fence and a security guard. The better news is, if it comes in from the north, I found a road that would put you on the right ridge withing 1 mile. The unfinished news is, with the heavy rain and the fact that I was technically working, I couldn't follow the road out. If I get a break between now and then, I'll gas up the Jeep and see where I wind up. If it goes through, anyone with a jacked up, rust and primer jeep with big tires and some ponies under the hood can follow.

[+cache-potato]

quote:

---

If it goes through, anyone with a jacked up, rust and primer jeep with big tires and some ponies under the hood can follow.

---

 

SHOTGUN !!!!!

[+cache-potato]

i called it first! I like Mike's suggestion of meeting at the monument. Good place for the before picture .....and after picture! Rich Creek afterward, providing I can still walk, sounds good as well.

 

[This message was edited by cache-potato on August 07, 2003 at 06:05 PM.]

[Catman76]

smiles...I have the automatic shotgun being his brother...

 

Im sure we could wiggle some folks into the back.

 

Ill bring a digital camera for photo ops and such. Also I have ordered 3 books im going to put in the cache.

 

As far as for Rich Creek. Jeepman might know if the road we went in on when we went is still open. We drove within 100 feet of the cache.

[+EliJoMikMiNi]

Ummm, since we well be replacing a missing cache...has anyone asked the owner, Doug Adomatis, how the heck he got there to place it in the first place!!?? I've been away for a couple of days and missed your most recent discussion. There is not a whole lot of space to park near the cemetery road entrance, I thought maybe we would park at some parking lot in Stirrat or Sarah Ann, and car pool to the cemetery. Just an idea. Especially since when I was there MY CAR tried to slide back down before I even made it TO the cemetery! 40 ft of the cemetery is the great grand-daughter's property and I think she said most of the mountain is too. We could ask. She says there is a cave they used to use when hunting that might get blasted by the mining company when they start. Really nice lady too. I told her ( bout a monthe ago ) that a group of us would be back to visit the grave soon!

 

"Inquiring minds like to know"

 

The harder you work,the harder it is to give up.

Vince Lombarde

[Catman76]

10 days away. Is everyone still in? I got the books in and 2 of them will fit easily in a small ammo can. But the third would need a big ammo can. So ill bring all 3 with me and depending on the size of the container Ill place some in it.

 

Meeting away from the cemetery might be a good idea, because there really isnt any parking at the cemetery.

 

Let me know what the plans are now.

[+WVDan]

Has anyone found out anything about that road yet?

Has there been a meeting spot decided on since parking is limited?

 

If you get lost while geocaching, don't worry. Someone else will get lost while geocaching and find you.

[+EliJoMikMiNi]

I'm not too busy so I'll take a drive to Sarah Ann today or tomorrow and see what I can find for parking and a meeting place.

[+mikedx]

I be there. Will bring cache magnets with MeeMaw and Geowhiz's help. Hopefully bring WVDan with me. He has to go behind me, since he's #2 and all.

 

Mike

[+cache-potato]

Got the box....MDX you have wayyyy more posts in the forums than WVD. Not the only place he is lagging.

[+mikedx]

Anyone else showing up?

[jeepman74]

I plan on going if something major doesn't arise. I'm pretty sure Catman is in, he's picked up a few cache items. I just haven't decided if I'm walkin' or ridin'. I'm going to do a little Terra server research.

[+EliJoMikMiNi]

Went to Sarah Ann today. Looks like there should be enough room for 6-8 vehicles to park along the road on RT44, both sides of the road. Also more roadside space about .10 mile south of the Hatfield Cemetery Entrance, just pass the Freewill Baptist Church. Posting pics. that I took today in Sarah Ann,WV.

Hatfield's View

click for pics I posted on the cache page.

[+EliJoMikMiNi]

Went to Sarah Ann today. Looks like there should be enough room for 6-8 vehicles to park along the road on RT44, both sides of the road. Also more roadside space about .10 mile south of the Hatfield Cemetery Entrance, just pass the Freewill Baptist Church. Posting pics. that I took today in Sarah Ann,WV.

Hatfield's View

click for pics I posted on the cache page.

[+EliJoMikMiNi]

Sorry for the duplicate. Was loading TOO slow so I sent it again and this forum does not allow deleting post.

 

The harder you work,the harder it is to give up.

Vince Lombarde

[+WVDan]

quote:

---

Originally posted by cache-potato:

Got the box....MDX you have wayyyy more posts in the forums than WVD. Not the only place he is lagging.

---

 

Maybe that's why I got to within 10 caches of him. He's now a bit more ahead of me, but just wait till I get a vacation.

 

If you get lost while geocaching, don't worry. Someone else will get lost while geocaching and find you.

[+adomatis]

Before you head up to Hatfield's View you'll want to read the story about its placment at:

 

www.travelbygps.com/Stash/hatfieldmccoy.php

 

- Doug

 

- Doug Adomatis

Travel by GPS

[+EliJoMikMiNi]

Thanks Doug. That's quite a story. I will definitely keep it in mind on Sunday while trying to retrace your climb, but hopefully not the same descent. Keep us in your thoughts on Sunday.

 

The harder you work,the harder it is to give up.

Vince Lombarde