Ultra Micros

June 1, 2003

I saw some of the Ultra Micros pictured in the thread "Extinction of Code Word Micros" and I was totally disgusted. I am not thrilled about micros in the first place, but if I was out hunting a micro and it was actually smaller than a quarter, I would be pretty upset.

Think about how the original caches started- the mountain men's containers for food, ammunition and powder, and other survival items. Caches are meant to hold something more than a quarter inch slip of paper not big enough to write your name on.

I see micros with stuff in them all the time, small pins, polished rocks, erasers. People WANT to trade, they like leaving part of themselves and taking away a small prize unique to that time and place. It is more than just about the hunt- I have experience in the matter, believe me. (In big game hunting, the kill is only the culmination of the hunt, and in only a small percentage of hunts do I kill, but would I continue to hunt without the possibility? Nope.)

Okay, I hope I made my point, now I want to hear from you folks, but don't flame me too bad- I am a lady!

Deer laugh when they hear my name!

http://www.geocities.com/cacheinon

1.7k · June 2, 2003

Some of us like the thrill of the hunt, the harder the hunt (smaller the micro) the greater the thrill.

Why not leave code word micros for those of us who enjoy them? We don't complain about caches that are 4WD only when we don't have 4WD. Or accessible only by boat, scuba diving when we can't do that. We don't complain about the 5* terrain caches that with my permanently injured back and hip I will never be able to do again.

Isn't there enough room in this sport for people to enjoy the parts they like without ruining it for the rest of us? Or is this sport now only for a select few?

********

That moss-covered bucket I hailed as a treasure,

For often at noon, when I returned from the field,

I found it the source of an exquisite pleasure.

Samuel Woodworth The Old Oaken Bucket

1.5k · June 2, 2003

Heh. Around there, the FroBro series micros have become legendry. Take your average prescription pill capsure. Now envision that in metal, with the ends screwing together. Those were tough micros, but I really enjoyed searching for them.

To each his (or her) own, I suppose.

Brian

Team A.I.

June 2, 2003

I can see your point, but I think there is a place for any kind/size/type of cache. If the cache placer would maybe say that the container is an ultra-micro sized container, then that would clue in the cachers that don't like them to not try for them, but it would also let the finders have more information than the cache hider might want to give out. Maybe if the micro had a difficulty of a 3.5 or 4 that might be another way. Me personally, I don't care what the container is, I'll try and find it if it's in an area that I can get to.

"The best way to accelerate a Macintosh is at 9.8m/sec/sec."

-Marcus Dolengo

38.2k · June 2, 2003

I think micros and super micros have their place. Particularly in urban areas, popular parks and other high traffc areas, where a full sized cache is likely to be accidently discovered.

However, I don't care for micros placed where a regular cache can be hidden. Especially those "needle in the haystack" types that cause people to tear up the surrounding area in their search.

"Au pays des aveugles, les borgnes sont rois"

1.6k · June 2, 2003

I don't think about micros in the same way as regular sized caches.

You're right about regular caches holding supplies and what-not for people in the wilderness. However, I think of micros as "drops" from the spy world. I get a thrill from finding things that people never know is there. There is one around here in a popular playground. The playground adds a certain amount of a challenge--strange man, no child, wandering around in a playground--but the hide is what is clever. It's right in there where the children play and has yet to be plundered! Not only that, it's a trading micro!

As a few people know, I like to put custom rubber stamps in my caches. I've got one in a vitamin bottle--that wasn't much of a challenge. I'm planning a series of hides that uses film cannisters. I've already figured out how to fit a logbbook, trades, pencil, and a stamp!

Not only that, but I'm in the ideas stage for doing the same with the smaller Bison capsule!

Just how small can you go and it still be a full-blown cache? Who knows, but you'd better start bringing your reading glasses if you're around here!

CR

2k · June 2, 2003

I also hate micros, so I was surprised when I found a micro in a park that was 1/2 inch in diameter and 1/2 inch long. Someone was guiding me that day. I figure there is enough room in this hobby for everyone. As long as the cache is described properly so I can skip it (whether it requires a 4X4 or microscopic vision) then I don't have a problem.

Lost? Keep going.

June 2, 2003

I don't mind micros as long as the location warrants a micro. What bothers me is when a micro, particularly a super-micro, is used in an area where you could have a cache the size of a walk-in closet. The whole area gets fairly well torn which is just wrong.

Overuse of the micro simply to make it more difficult could spell trouble for the future of the micro.

Oh yeah, don't forget the log book.

Now where did I park my car???????

June 2, 2003

I saw some of the Ultra Micros pictured in the thread "Extinction of Code Word Micros" and I was totally disgusted.

disgusted? that seems somewhat extreme...

___________________________________

who's got the pig?

20.7k · June 2, 2003

I think micros are terrific; as long as they are well placed and in a location that can not support a 'real' cache.

As you can tell from some of the older threads on this issue, I have not alsways been a proponent of micros. Often, I feel like someone just felt pressure to place x number of caches. So they created a bunch of micros and shoveled them out. These 'easter egg' micros get old.

Again, please don't place a micro where a standard-sized cache can be placed. Save them for urban areas.

Truth be told, I do enjoy going after micros. I especially like to do a bunch of urban ones when in a new city. It helps me get a lay of the land and shows me places that I would miss as a regular tourist. I also get a little rush by finding and replacing a micro without being seen. Its that James Bond thing, I guess.

5.7k · June 2, 2003

I think variety is the spice of life, and I wouldn't want to put a damper on my fellow cachers' creativity. If a cache is properly described, it should give you an idea of what to expect in advance, and if there is a particular type of cache you don't care for, then it should be simple to avoid. Personally, I wish there was a checkbox that said "hidden in ivy" or maybe "needle in a haystack hide" so I could avoid those caches.

--Marky

"All of us get lost in the darkness, dreamers learn to steer with a backlit GPSr"

June 2, 2003

quote:
However, I don't care for micros placed where a regular cache can be hidden. Especially those "needle in the haystack" types that cause people to tear up the surrounding area in their search.

Yeah, could we agree no more micros in non-descript places? I don't mind looking for micros in the woods, or stone fields or endless brick walls but could the hiding place be *distinctive*? Not everyone's coords are going to match and I'm sick of looking in every log and tree to find a micro you threw there.

What appears to be coming at you is coming from you.

9.4k · June 2, 2003

Well, since it was probably my picture that disgusted HuntNlady so much, I'll throw in my 2 cents. Oh wait, that ultra-micro was smaller than a penny. A Shekel, maybe?

Anyway, I have placed a series of 5 micros around town. They are all in places where a larger container would be discovered. (Urban parks, next to City Hall and the Library, etc). One of the locals made the comment that if my caches keep getting smaller then pretty soon I'll hide a micro-dot somewhere. After that, i happened to come across that half-penny sized container at Home Depot and bought it to show him at last Saturday's event cache. I don't actually intend on hiding it, it was just a joke.

My smallest container so far is a mini-Altoids Strips tin. There is room on the logsheet for about 40 logs, same with my Carmex container.

There are other, more devious containers out there. Check out Team 360's Super Stealth for the best one I've seen.

Does a cache really need to have room for trade items? Not really. The FAQ says "In its simplest form a cache can be just a logbook and nothing else." So as long as an ultra-micro has room for a logsheet, it is big enough.

Took sun from sky, left world in eternal darkness

June 2, 2003

I like all kinds of caches, and benchmarks. It depends on what I want to hunt that day, they are all fun……….. JOE

June 2, 2003

I've said this before, and I'll say it again here: In a cache-poor area like we have here, any cache is a good cache.

June 2, 2003

amen, arkansas!

___________________________________

who's got the pig?

2.3k · June 3, 2003

Non-geocachers love it when I go looking for a mini-micro: they see me wandering back and forth, looking at a small video screen and cussing like a sailor at the cache owners name. It's a wonder that I haven't been involuntarily admitted into a psych ward yet.

On a serious side: I won't even waste my time if I see that a cache is out in the middle of nowhere and is listed as a micro. If the owner won't take the time to place a cache which is an appropriate size for the area in which it is placed, then I won't even bother looking for it. Maybe they will get the picture if they place it and no one comes. Then again, there have been full-sized ammo box caches hidden in city areas which have eluded me...I have to go mutter to myself now...

2.3k · June 3, 2003

quote:
Originally posted by Team GPSaxophone:
Check out Team 360's Super Stealth for the best one I've seen.

Thanks, Team GPSaxophone, I heard there was a similar one in New Mexico that's getting the best of cachers as well...

9.4k · June 3, 2003

Where do these wierdos get their ideas?

Took sun from sky, left world in eternal darkness

June 3, 2003

It's too bad that these have been banned because they do serve a purpose in urban settings. And so do sub-micros. Fitting a logbook in a sub-micro is usually not a problem with a bit of imagination and creativity.

On a different note, I'd also try to find a sub-micro anytime over a !@#$% virtual ;-)

5.3k · June 3, 2003

I do not have a problem with Micros in an urban setting, in an open area with a lot of room, why bother. IMHO, micros in the woods are place by geocachers that do not want to take the time to put together a real cache. My .02 worth.

June 3, 2003

Originally posted by Huntnlady:
I saw some of the Ultra Micros pictured in the thread "Extinction of Code Word Micros" and I was totally disgusted. I am not thrilled about micros in the first place, but if I was out hunting a micro and it was actually smaller than a quarter, I would be pretty upset./QUOTE]

Why? The cache reports usually pont out what you're looking for. If it's a micro cache why not simply avoid them?

I happen to love the challenge of micro caches. The feeling of accomplishment after finding a cigar tube a few months ago hidden in the knot hole of a low handing branch was just about the best experience I've ever had geocaching.

I agree with Tsegi. If micros are your thing you can easily avoid them. But don't deny those of us who love them (or love placing them) the thrill of doing so. Know what I mean?

Peace

Jolly R. Blackburn

http://kenzerco.com

June 3, 2003

quote:
Originally posted by Johnnyvegas:
I do not have a problem with Micros in an urban setting, in an open area with a lot of room, why bother. IMHO, micros in the woods are place by geocachers that do not want to take the time to put together a real cache. My .02 worth.

I see where you're coming from but I don't agree. Micro caches in the woods present a tremenous challenge. "Challenge" is what keeps me caching. I found I was getting bored with traditional caches. You walk .4 miles into the woods. Get within 100 feet and the boom -- there's a fallen log. "Gee, I wonder if the amoo box could be over there!"

I'm not slamming traditional caches. I'm just saying folks placing ammo boxes and tupperware can be just as lazy (or lame) as those placing micro caches. How many traditonal caches have you seen that are simply shoved in a hollow tree or under a bush? All too often It doesn't take a lot of guesswork to figure out where they are hidden.

Micro caches are a nice diversion for those of us who want to be left guessing for a few minutes.

After 240 caches it's become pretty easy to guess where the typical traditional cache is going to be hidden. (although a few clever hiders still manage to stump me much to my delight).

I guess it boils down to variety. As long as the finder has to indicate which type of cache he has placed (traditional, micro etc) I don't see the harm.

Jolly R. Blackburn

http://kenzerco.com

June 3, 2003

quote:
Originally posted by Gaddiel & OrangeDanish:
I've said this before, and I'll say it again here: In a cache-poor area like we have here, any cache is a good cache.

yeah, what's up with Arkansas?? YOu guys let me down. ;D I was on a road trip to Memphis last month and had a devil of a time finding one in your state along my route. I had to make do with a rest stop cache.

Jolly R. Blackburn

http://kenzerco.com

38.2k · June 4, 2003

quote:
I see where you're coming from but I don't agree. Micro caches in the woods present a tremenous challenge.

Micro caches in the woods usually result in people turning over every rock, moving every down log and generally tearing up the area in their search. Some of these sites look like a tornado went through. It certainly doesn't make the geocaching community look good.

"Au pays des aveugles, les borgnes sont rois"

June 4, 2003

quote:
Micro caches in the woods usually result in people turning over every rock, moving every down log and generally tearing up the area in their search. Some of these sites look like a tornado went through. It certainly doesn't make the geocaching community look good.

The same can be said for regular caches. I did one over the last holiday weekend that was in a park with signs that say "Stay on the trails". When we got to the cache area it was a disaster. There was a previous log that hinted that the coordinates may be off. I emailed the cache owner to advise them on situation of the local area. I am going back this weekend to take some pictures of the area.

Just remember. Getting there is half the fun...

June 4, 2003

quote:
Originally posted by BrianSnat:

quote:
I see where you're coming from but I don't agree. Micro caches in the woods present a tremenous challenge.

Micro caches in the woods usually result in people turning over every rock, moving every down log and generally tearing up the area in their search. Some of these sites look like a tornado went through. It certainly doesn't make the geocaching community look good.

_"Au pays des aveugles, les borgnes sont rois"_

Well that's certainly not the norm based on my experience. There are Several dozen micro caches within 10 miles of my base of operations. I've never seen the type of damage you've described.

Most of the micro caches I'm encountered are the type that are hidden in plain view. For example in the notch of a fork in a tree. Hanging from a fence in the nook of the fence post. Once you've found one it's pretty much understood that there is no need to turn over rocks or pry up fallen logs.

At least I've never had to resort to such measures. Micro caches take a different skill set than traditional caches. I guess that's why I like having both options.

Jolly R. Blackburn

http://kenzerco.com

38.2k · June 4, 2003

quote:
The same can be said for regular caches.

On occassion yes, but it's much more prevelant with micros. As Jolly B said, the hiding spot for most regular caches can be spotted quickly and easily. Sometimes a neophyte cacher will come along and make a mess of things however.

"Au pays des aveugles, les borgnes sont rois"

June 4, 2003

quote:
Originally posted by BrianSnat:

Micro caches in the woods usually result in people turning over every rock, moving every down log and generally tearing up the area in their search.

By the way I don't doubt that our personal experience doesn'st suggest the above statement is true. I'm just saying MY experience has been different. I would change the word "usually" in the sentence above to "sometimes".

In either case it IS a bad thing for cachers to do such damage.

Jolly R. Blackburn

http://kenzerco.com

June 4, 2003

quote:
Originally posted by BrianSnat:
Sometimes a neophyte cacher will come along and make a mess of things however.

_"Au pays des aveugles, les borgnes sont rois"_

All too true.

Jolly R. Blackburn

http://kenzerco.com

2.5k · June 4, 2003

I can't explain it, but I've never needed to rip an area apart while searching for a micro. However, there are times I had to walk away from searching for a traditional cache, because if I stayed any longer I would end up destroying the place.

Most folks who hide micros here use a thin green wire to keep them from getting lost. It's amazing how after a short time it becomes easier to find a thin wire in the woods than it is to find an ammo can.

June 4, 2003

quote:
Originally posted by cachew nut:
Most folks who hide micros here use a thin green wire to keep them from getting lost. It's amazing how after a short time it becomes easier to find a thin wire in the woods than it is to find an ammo can.

Exactly. I've hunted the green wire many times and had it lead me to the prize.

Jolly R. Blackburn

http://kenzerco.com

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