Geo Quest Posted July 31, 2003 Share Posted July 31, 2003 This topic was inspired by this thread. The pursuit of this game known as geocaching has sent many people delving deep into the forests and fields of the world. Many of these neophyte explorers are unprepared to deal with realistic emergencies that can happen either through inexperience, ignorance, or improper equipment. Obviously, I'm not talking about the average 1/1 walk in the park but rather, the caches with terrain ratings of 4 or 5. So, my question is: What skills/equipment do you feel are necessary to posess before embarking on a cross-country geocaching adventure? I'll start. 1. Know how to use your GPS. (seems obvious but I guess it's not) 2. Carry extra batteries. 3. Carry the "10 essentials". Know how to use them. Again, this seems like common sense but how many people carry a magnesium fire starter but have never tried using it? How do you know it will work if you've never tried it? 4. Know what it's like to spend the night in the woods. Get some camping/backpacking time under your belt. There's more but that's all I time for. I'm sure people will be able to add lots of good stuff to this list. "Wise men talk because they have something to say. Fools talk because they have to say something." -- Plato Quote Link to comment
+TotemLake Posted July 31, 2003 Share Posted July 31, 2003 5. Exercise common sense! Are you sure you're allowing enough time to find? 6. Remember the 5 P's. Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. Know the area you're going in and plan for it! Cheers! TL Quote Link to comment
+flask Posted July 31, 2003 Share Posted July 31, 2003 besides map reading, brush up on your crytography and standard signals. and know how to swim and use a snorkel. it doesn't matter if you get to camp at one or at six. dinner is still at six. Quote Link to comment
+woodsters Posted July 31, 2003 Share Posted July 31, 2003 Let someone know where your going to be (area, coordinates, etc) and what time you SHOULD be back... Brian As long as you're going to think anyway, think big. -Donald Trump Quote Link to comment
+Criminal Posted July 31, 2003 Share Posted July 31, 2003 Bring along a patch kit for your inflatable girlfriend. Wear shoes to protect your feet. Don't pet a burning dog. Don't drink apple juice from a specimen cup. http://fp1.centurytel.net/Criminal_Page/ Quote Link to comment
+EthicalEgoist Posted July 31, 2003 Share Posted July 31, 2003 ...and in that same vein... Don't eat the yellow snow. Quote Link to comment
+joefrog Posted July 31, 2003 Share Posted July 31, 2003 I didn't see "cell phone" listed on the essentials. A hiking staff is recommended & useful, too! As for skills, be able to walk without tripping over everything in your path while glancing at the GPS! Joel (joefrog) "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for ye are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!" Quote Link to comment
+joefrog Posted July 31, 2003 Share Posted July 31, 2003 quote:Originally posted by BayRidgeRyan:...and in that same vein... Don't eat the yellow snow. That isn't from experience, is it? Joel (joefrog) "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for ye are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!" Quote Link to comment
+TotemLake Posted August 1, 2003 Share Posted August 1, 2003 quote:Originally posted by joefrog:I didn't see "cell phone" listed on the essentials. A hiking staff is recommended & useful, too! As for skills, be able to walk without tripping over everything in your path while glancing at the GPS! Joel (joefrog) "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for ye are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!" A cell phone is a nice to have, but... A cell phone isn't always a reliable tool and it is too easy to depend upon to get out of trouble. I can't speak for other areas, but here in the NW, the likelihood of finding yourself in a cellular blackhole is very real. Even Verizon doesn't cover my home very well and I'm 1 mile from the I-405 corridor. Can you hear me... now? Cheers! TL Quote Link to comment
+Renegade Knight Posted August 1, 2003 Share Posted August 1, 2003 They don't need any skills too start. Just a willingness to learn skills and their limits. Until you push a limit you don't know what they are. Quote Link to comment
Team Kender Posted August 1, 2003 Share Posted August 1, 2003 Always keep your nose clean. Look both ways before you cross the stream. Don't take any wooden nickels... oh wait, when you're Geocaching, take them... definately take them. Team Kender - "The Sun is coming up!" "No, the horizon is going down." Quote Link to comment
+Team Og Rof A Klaw Posted August 1, 2003 Share Posted August 1, 2003 Kolyvagin spaces. Elliptic curves. Supersymmetry theory. Carry DEET. ____________________________ - Team Og Rof A Klaw All who wander are not lost. Quote Link to comment
Micqn Posted August 1, 2003 Share Posted August 1, 2003 A GPs perhaps would be nice I guess but I think that may have already been by-mentioned. Don't forget a flashlight or a headlamp in case you get stuck in the dark. Don't Drink And Park: Accidents Cause People. Quote Link to comment
+wimseyguy Posted August 1, 2003 Share Posted August 1, 2003 Criminal wrote: Don't pet a burning dog. /QUOTE]To follow with my geopal Fishingfool's sig line: Don't sweat the petty things, and don't pet the sweaty things. These changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes; Nothing remains quite the same. Through all of the islands and all of the highlands, If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane Quote Link to comment
mckee Posted August 1, 2003 Share Posted August 1, 2003 Always have one of these: Quote Link to comment
+eroyd Posted August 1, 2003 Share Posted August 1, 2003 You'll need a GPS. Reading the manual is optional. No real man reads the manual first. Skills: Basically none, though making up excuses for going out on short notice are handy. 90% of what you'll learn about actual caching will be figured out on your first 20 or so. Quote Link to comment
+Corp Of Discovery Posted August 1, 2003 Share Posted August 1, 2003 Just in case no one else mentions it- a sense of adventure is necessary and a sense of humor is indispensable Remember, wherever you go- there you are! Quote Link to comment
gm100guy Posted August 1, 2003 Share Posted August 1, 2003 Clean under wear if one should get hurt and has to go to the hospital. I think Forrest Gump said that one. gm100guy http://members.rogers.com/gm100guy/cachepage.htm Ontario geocachers http://groups.msn.com/GeocachinginOntario/homepage Quote Link to comment
+Matt1344 Posted August 1, 2003 Share Posted August 1, 2003 quote: this seems like common sense but how many people carry a magnesium fire starter but have never tried using it? I think you're taking this game MUCH too seriously . . . Quote Link to comment
SombreHippie Posted August 1, 2003 Share Posted August 1, 2003 quote:Originally posted by Matt1344: quote: this seems like common sense but how many people carry a magnesium fire starter but have never tried using it? I think you're taking this game MUCH too seriously . . . Keep in mind we are discussing a terrain of 4 or 5, which would require special equipment, a long hike into the wilderness and/or an overnight stay quote:Obviously, I'm not talking about the average 1/1 walk in the park but rather, the caches with terrain ratings of 4 or 5. Quote Link to comment
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