I Need A Offical Looking Note When I Park To Cache

February 7, 2004

After parking in a few neighborhoods and being looked at funny and making people wonder what my vehicle is doing on the side of the rode I came up with this note to put on the drivers side window. Can someone help add to it or take away from it. The reason I used the word "survey" in the text is because the word geocache means nothing to the average Joe, and I figured its not lying. I use size 36 font and bold letters in MS Word to make it stand out and easy to read.

This vehicle is involved in a Geocaching Survey.

The driver has a cell phone and can be reached at it if

this vehicle is causing a problem or nuisance where it is parked.

Phone: ______________________

Driver: ______________________

Edited February 7, 2004 by RockyRiver

6.5k · February 7, 2004

The Keenpeople cafepress shop has these yellow cacher permits. I've haven gotten any yet, but am thinking about it.

Maybe something like that would work?

38.2k · February 7, 2004

his vehicle is involved in a Geocaching Survey.
The driver has a cell phone and can be reached at it if

this vehicle is causing a problem or nuisance where it is parked.

I'd use something like this:

The owner of this vehicle is performing a Global Positioning System canister recovery.

If it is parked is in violation of any local ordinance, contact the operator at _________.

Then throw some official looking logo on it....altered of course. I'm not good with Photoshop, but I'm sure someone can fix one of these up...

Edited February 7, 2004 by briansnat

February 7, 2004

We bought 3 of the yellow Keenpeople parking permit stickers. One of our friends put it on the back bumper of his SUV. While he was doing a night cache, he saw a Sheriff car pull up behind his vehicle. The cop looked at the back of the SUV for a few seconds them drove off. It's hard to say if the sticker really worked or he just got lucky! :rolleyes:

Mark & Terre

1.6k · February 7, 2004

I probably just committed a federal offense by doing this, but here's an image that could be put on a piece of cardboard and put on your front and back dashes...

February 7, 2004

I like the US geological survey one by TeamK-9

Edited February 7, 2004 by RockyRiver

February 7, 2004

I probably just committed a federal offense by doing this, but here's an image that could be put on a piece of cardboard and put on your front and back dashes...

i like it to.

February 7, 2004

I'd use something like this:

The owner of this vehicle is performing a Global Positioning System canister recovery.

If it is parked is in violation of any local ordinance, contact the operator at _________.

I prefer this one. No lie involved. Not misrepresending yourself. Just the facts. I'd add the logo, but would probably use one of the public domain geocaching logos.

Maybe one of these (sorry about the size. Don't know how to change that.)

F_M

1.6k · February 7, 2004

Yah, but the whole idea is trying to look official and not like some genius who just printed something on a piece of paper and stuck it in his window...

Edit: Oh shoot, I just noticed that the USGS is the people who do earthquakes and volcanoes. Crap. Well then who the heck are the guys who make the maps?!?!?!?!

Edit Again: Now I'm really confused topozone says they get their maps from the USGS.

Edited February 7, 2004 by TeamK-9

9.4k · February 7, 2004

Yah, but the whole idea is trying to look official and not like some genius who just printed something on a piece of paper and stuck it in his window...

Edit: Oh shoot, I just noticed that the USGS is the people who do earthquakes and volcanoes. Crap. Well then who the heck are the guys who make the maps?!?!?!?!

They do both. I picked up some good maps from their Denver office

1.6k · February 7, 2004

Okay, so that means my federally illegal image is politically correct.

9.4k · February 7, 2004

Okay, so that means my federally illegal image is politically correct.

Sure...why not?

February 7, 2004

If you are going to do “DO IT” in style

2.2k · February 7, 2004

I'd use something like this:

The owner of this vehicle is performing a Global Positioning System canister recovery.

If it is parked is in violation of any local ordinance, contact the operator at _________.

Then throw some official looking logo on it....

i like this one. no lie involved. add an orange vest and your in.

February 7, 2004

Being involved in public safety AND geocaching, I'd tend to watch and wait if I found a vehicle with RockyRiver's decal on it. Heck, I've met some outstanding geocachers by guessing that they were geocachers and waiting to see who walked out of the treeline with a map or a GPS.

If I saw a decal with a state or federal decal on it, I'd contact the agency directly to confirm it.

You DON'T want to get caught unlawfully using local, state, or federal seals or insignias without authorization.

2.2k · February 7, 2004

just flash a cigarette pack like jake did in the blues brothers movie. it work for him.

February 7, 2004

expanding topic: I don't always have a friend to tell to worry about me, so I have a sheet I use when I am doing a day hike that will take me many miles. It states who i am (name), where i'm going (trail in, trail back, landmarks i'm visiting), when I left and when I expect to return, and when to be concerned that I'm not back. Also cell phone number, although there's usually no coverage in those areas. I put this on the dash or close it in the window of my car before hitting the trail. It may be stupid, but I do it.

2k · February 7, 2004

Get one of these:

And one of these

You don't even need to plug it in, just stick it on top of your car.

You can get into a lot of places with a clipboard in your hand.

9.2k · February 7, 2004

Hmmm....

What I do is look around for any kind of No Parking signs, fire hydrant, etc.. If I don't see any, I then remind myself that my taxes help pay for that street, and that I have every right to park there, and that the neighboors right to tell me where to park ends at their sidewalk.

February 7, 2004

February 7, 2004

It states who i am (name), where i'm going (trail in, trail back, landmarks i'm visiting), when I left and when I expect to return... I put this on the dash or close it in the window of my car

Hmmm. I can definitely see the potential safety benefit of this. However I can also see how a less honest person finding your vehicle might read it as "The owner of this vehicle is far away. Please vandalize or steal." Also not sure I'd want to inform strangers that I'm in the woods (probably alone or I wouldn't be leaving a note) and here is where you can find me. Which probably sounds cynical, but better safe than sorry.

Maybe instead you could leave the note inside the car, but without all the info showing. If you're worried that no one would find it in time if you needed help, maybe you could have a geobuddy (online or by phone) who you share your cache plans with before leaving. If you aren't back by a certain time, please contact authorities and send them to xxxx coordinates?

February 7, 2004

expanding topic: I don't always have a friend to tell to worry about me, so I have a sheet I use when I am doing a day hike that will take me many miles. It states who i am (name), where i'm going (trail in, trail back, landmarks i'm visiting), when I left and when I expect to return, and when to be concerned that I'm not back. Also cell phone number, although there's usually no coverage in those areas. I put this on the dash or close it in the window of my car before hitting the trail. It may be stupid, but I do it.

This is a good idea, *except* for one thing. It lets potential thieves know that they're guaranteed a certain amount of time to clean out or strip your car.

Maybe it's just my nature, but I would never put that much information on my car. As long as it's parked legally, I want them to be wondering where I am and when I'll return. I'll leave that information with a friend, just in case I don't come back, but on my car? Not a chance...

February 7, 2004

I agree.

February 7, 2004

Being involved in public safety AND geocaching, I'd tend to watch and wait if I found a vehicle with RockyRiver's decal on it. Heck, I've met some outstanding geocachers by guessing that they were geocachers and waiting to see who walked out of the treeline with a map or a GPS.

If I saw a decal with a state or federal decal on it, I'd contact the agency directly to confirm it.

You DON'T want to get caught unlawfully using local, state, or federal seals or insignias without authorization.

When caching in a neighborhood, and I leave my vehicle parked in front of a houses, people get nervous and wonder. The sign in the window when they walk out to look, kind of lets them know that your not breaking into there neighbors house or theirs. Im not trying to lie or misrepresent myself , just keep people from being nervous or calling the cops everytime I go caching in near or around a neighborhood. If you had never heard of geocaching and someone tried to explain it to you you would have a hard time understanding that story, however if I said I was geocache surveying the word "survey" is known by everyone and it tends to let people know your looking at the earth, ground, or land layout. Things that are not hurting or destroying anything. I think that using an insignia that is of a government agency would cause a whole new set of problems if local law enforcement did just come by and see what was going on. As far as it goes on the car breakin thing, if there going to do that , well sign or no sign there going to do it.

THats what insurance is for.

Edited February 7, 2004 by RockyRiver

1.6k · February 7, 2004

If you are going to do “DO IT” in style

Whose the hecks is that?!?!?!

That's a nice little toy...

February 7, 2004

Here is a placard that put on my dash of my Tahoe. I also have a metal clipboard with the same logo. An orange vest, hard hat, and amber warning becon might help too.

February 7, 2004

Here is a placard that put on my dash of my Tahoe. I also have a metal clipboard with the same logo. An orange vest, hard hat, and amber warning becon might help too.

I like this insignia also. The idea of the oronge vest I already had. I got one last week. As for the hard hat I hate wearing them, especilly hiking.

1.6k · February 7, 2004

Chemfed, as much as I liked mine, because of all the work I put into it in twenty minutes, I really like yours, it represents us as as something official, (even though we're not) but doesn't really lie about anything like being affiliated with any specific organization.

You might add some official looking numbers or something to it like Navdog did to mine, I mean people never notice small details when they're there, but when they're missing it stands out...

2.3k · February 7, 2004

2.3k · February 7, 2004

Hmmm....

What I do is look around for any kind of No Parking signs, fire hydrant, etc.. If I don't see any, I then remind myself that my taxes help pay for that street, and that I have every right to park there, and that the neighboors right to tell me where to park ends at their sidewalk.

Well said.

I like the sign idea as well, because if another cacher comes along, they will know someone is on the site, and has beaten them to a first find...LOL!!

Edited February 7, 2004 by TEAM 360

February 7, 2004

Thanks for the comments. I work for the federal govt. and I echo the advice against using any official agency logo. It is also a federal offence to impersonate a federal employee, see 18 US Code Section 912. Before I went to work for Uncle Sam I was a Private Investigator. I used the old hard hat and orange vest ruse many times. I also had some small traffic cones to place around my vehicle. For the most part, people desire comfort and order. If they see a strange or unusual car or person in their area, they will try to catalogue it into a known context in order to relieve their anxiety. A “official” placard, clothing, or ID will often make to public pigeonhole you into an area of legitimacy where none may actually exist. I used this to my advantage on many investigations. I would often “hide” in plain sight. This desire for order and understanding is why con and confidence men are able to dupe so many people. YMMV!

3k · February 7, 2004

If one is neither illegally parked nor trespassing, there should be no need for elaborate ruses or fraudulent documentation. Such things serve only to reinforce the notion that geocaching is in some way an 'illegitimate' activity.

February 7, 2004

If you are going to do “DO IT” in style

VERY nice. The Element is going to be my next vehicle. I don't think I'll ever switch from Honda at this point (137,000 miles on my Accord, and its only needed scheduled maintenance).

What's with the lightbar? Just for looks, or do you use it for anything?

Once I get it, I'm going to mount a GPSGeek antenna on it, and hardwire in plugs for power and such for my GPS.

3.5k · February 7, 2004

Thanks for the comments. I work for the federal govt. and I echo the advice against using any official agency logo. It is also a federal offence to impersonate a federal employee, see 18 US Code Section 912. ... This desire for order and understanding is why con and confidence men are able to dupe so many people. YMMV!

Thanks for adding a voice of legitimacy to the concern I was having over this topic. It seems to me that using the words "Official U.S." or something along that line, whether represented in a graphic or words, is asking for trouble. I'd just as soon keep it as honest as possible.

Bret

9.4k · February 7, 2004

Thanks for the comments. I work for the federal govt. and I echo the advice against using any official agency logo. It is also a federal offence to impersonate a federal employee, see 18 US Code Section 912. ... This desire for order and understanding is why con and confidence men are able to dupe so many people. YMMV!

Thanks for adding a voice of legitimacy to the concern I was having over this topic. It seems to me that using the words "Official U.S." or something along that line, whether represented in a graphic or words, is asking for trouble. I'd just as soon keep it as honest as possible.

Bret

Just put "un" before it in really small letters

February 7, 2004

After parking in a few neighborhoods and being looked at funny and making people wonder what my vehicle is doing on the side of the rode

Oh my, such a fuss you all are making. Really, what is the big deal? If someone is freaked out enough about a "suspicious vehicle," they'll call the police. Explain to the police what you're doing. After all, none of us are breaking the law right?

February 7, 2004

Folks, yes TopoZone does of course get our maps from the USGS!

I want to remind everyone that in every state I know of, "surveying" is a regulated profession and it is illegal to be practicing it without a license. There have been a few cases already in which people using GPS equipment to mark the locations of fire hydrants, etc. have been charged with "surveying without a license". Pretending that any use of a GPS is "surveying" can only make this ridiculous problem worse.

If you're not a licensed surveyor, do not say you're doing a "survey" or "surveying", because someone might decide to charge you with a crime.

February 7, 2004

I want to remind everyone that in every state I know of, "surveying" is a regulated profession and it is illegal to be practicing it without a license. There have been a few cases already in which people using GPS equipment to mark the locations of fire hydrants, etc. have been charged with "surveying without a license". Pretending that any use of a GPS is "surveying" can only make this ridiculous problem worse.

If you're not a licensed surveyor, do not say you're doing a "survey" or "surveying", because someone might decide to charge you with a crime.

Good point. I cracked open the Alabama Code on the subject:

Title 34, Section 34-11-1

Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the respective meanings ascribed by this section:

(4) LAND SURVEYOR INTERN. A person who has qualified under subdivision (4) of Section 34-11-4, has passed an examination in the fundamental land surveyor intern subjects, pursuant to this chapter, and who has been certified by the board as a land surveyor intern.

(5) LAND SURVEYOR or PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYOR. A person who has been duly licensed as a professional land surveyor by the board established under this chapter, and who is a professional specialist in the technique of measuring land, is educated in the principles of mathematics, the related physical and applied sciences, the relevant requirements of law for adequate evidence and all requisites for surveying of real property, and is qualified to practice land surveying as defined in subdivision (8).

(6) PRACTICE and OFFER TO PRACTICE. Any person shall be construed to practice or offer to practice engineering or land surveying, within the meaning and intent of this chapter, who offers to or does as a profession practice any branch of engineering or land surveying; or who by verbal claim, sign, advertisement, letterhead, card or in any other way represents himself or herself to be a professional engineer or a professional land surveyor, or through the use of some other title implies that he or she is a professional engineer or a professional land surveyor; or who represents himself or herself as able to perform or who does perform any engineering or land surveying service or work or any other service designated by the practitioner which is recognized as engineering or land surveying

(8) PRACTICE OF LAND SURVEYING. Professional services, including, but not limited to, consultation, project coordination, investigation, testimony, evaluation, planning, mapping, assembling, and interpreting reliable scientific measurements and information relative to the location, size, shape, areas, volumes, or physical features of the earth, improvements on the earth, the space above the earth, or any part of the earth, and the utilization and development of these acts and interpretation into an orderly survey map, plan, report, description, or project. Project coordination shall include the coordination of those technical submissions as prepared by others. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subdivision, the practice of land surveying shall exclude functions unique to engineering as specified by rules of the board. The practice of land surveying shall include, but is not limited to, any one or more of the following:

a. Locates, relocates, establishes, reestablishes, lays out, or retraces any property line or boundary of any tract of land or any road, right-of-way, easement, alignment, or elevation of all real property whether or not fixed works are sited or proposed to be sited on the property.

b. Makes any survey for the subdivision of any tract of land or for condominiums.

c. Determines, by the use of the principles of land surveying, the position for any survey, monument, or reference point; or sets, resets, or replaces any such monument or reference point.

d. Determines the configuration or contour of the surface of the earth or the position of fixed objects thereon by measuring lines and angles and applying the principles of mathematics or photogrammetry.

e. Geodetic surveying which includes surveying for determination of the size and shape of the earth both horizontally and vertically and the precise positioning of points on the earth utilizing angular and linear measurements through spatially oriented spherical geometry.

f. Creates, prepares, or modifies electronic or computerized data, including land information systems and geographic land information systems, relative to the performance of the activities in paragraphs a. to e., inclusive.

And Title 34 Section 34-11-2

Practice of engineering and land surveying regulated.

© In order to safeguard life, health, and property and to promote the public welfare, the practice of land surveying in this state is a profession subject to regulation in the public interest. It shall be unlawful for any person to practice or offer to practice land surveying in this state, as defined by this chapter, or to use in connection with his or her name or otherwise assume, use, or advertise any title or description including, but not limited to, the terms land surveyor, land surveyors, land surveying, professional land surveyor, professional land surveyors, professional land surveying, or any modification or derivative thereof, tending to convey the impression that he or she is a professional land surveyor unless the person has been duly licensed or is exempt from licensure under this chapter.

In short, it’s a thin line. In my state, the noun “surveyor”, etc, is regulated; but it is not quite so clear concerning the verb, “survey”. Were the individuals charged for holding a GPSr over a fire hydrant convicted? Were they cachers or contractors working professionally? thanks.

Edited February 7, 2004 by chemfed

February 7, 2004

Here's one I whipped up:

Geocaching Parking Permit

It's an Acrobat PDF file. You could print this on the magnetic inkjet sheets and stick it on the door of your car.

I avoided using color because 1) It fades, and 2) Official permits are often very plain, so I tried to make it look as realistic as possible.

I also avoided any deception. This does not give you permission for off-trail caching (shame, shame), nor does it pretend to associate you with any government agency. And although it uses the word "survey," it does it in a legitimate fashion. Still, it should look official enough to persuade people you're not a crack smoker or a terrorist.

Edited February 7, 2004 by Indiana Cojones

2.3k · February 7, 2004

Groundspeak store should carry these-here's a good generic one to print up and hang from the rear-view mirror while you are out caching, to let others know there is a cacher in the area (a good size to print this at would be 4x9")

Nothing "Official" about it, for those of you who don't ever jaywalk or spit on the sidewalk.

Edited February 7, 2004 by TEAM 360

February 7, 2004

Here's one I whipped up:

Geocaching Parking Permit

I like this one. After reading the whole thread, I've decided that it is probably best that one avoids "borrowing" any government logos... they seems to be pretty anal about that. However, Indiana's on to something, so I'm going to "borrow" it as well.

I also wanted to point out that pre-9/11, airport security was tested by men in business suits with clipboards. The trick is: look like you know what you're doing. People can sense nervousness, but if you act like you've done it a hundred times, they usually won't bother you. The idea of something for you car is a great one - I've always felt a little weird parking on the shoulders of roads and wandering off into fields. Thanks!

~Jared

February 7, 2004

Here's one I whipped up:

Geocaching Parking Permit

I like this one. After reading the whole thread, I've decided that it is probably best that one avoids "borrowing" any government logos... they seems to be pretty anal about that. However, Indiana's on to something, so I'm going to "borrow" it as well.

I like this one too, except I don't think I am going to give out my cell number...

February 7, 2004

If you are going to do “DO IT” in style

I know where that is! If only I could find the cache in question.

February 7, 2004

This is a good idea, *except* for one thing. It lets potential thieves know that they're guaranteed a certain amount of time to clean out or strip your car.

Maybe it's just my nature, but I would never put that much information on my car. As long as it's parked legally, I want them to be wondering where I am and when I'll return. I'll leave that information with a friend, just in case I don't come back, but on my car? Not a chance...

Yep.

9.4k · February 7, 2004

Here's one I whipped up:

Geocaching Parking Permit

Instead of a cell number, put "Can be contacted on FRS Channel 2".

Edited February 7, 2004 by Team GPSaxophone

3k · February 7, 2004

expanding topic: I don't always have a friend to tell to worry about me, so I have a sheet I use when I am doing a day hike that will take me many miles. It states who i am (name), where i'm going (trail in, trail back, landmarks i'm visiting), when I left and when I expect to return, and when to be concerned that I'm not back. Also cell phone number, although there's usually no coverage in those areas. I put this on the dash or close it in the window of my car before hitting the trail. It may be stupid, but I do it.

Dear Car Thief,

Don't worry about me, I won't be back for two hours. Feel free to take my car for a joy ride or bank robbing spree, just have it back here in two hours okay? I took the keys with me, but I'm sure you can hot wire it!

Yours truly,

G. O'Cacher

PS: If you do bring the car back, and I'm not out of the woods, there isn't anyone to call anyway, or I wouldn't have left this note.

________________________________________________________________

Sorry, but I wouldn't want people to know I'm not coming right back. Gives them too much time to break a window or something. Find someone, anyone, to be your back up if your going into the wilderness.

February 7, 2004

Having had the opprotunity to meet up with law enforcement on my way back from a cache I think the best way is to just park on the street legally and throw a geocaching page on the dash, this is for when the officer gets out and inspects your vehicle. After looking at my car he started down the path to intercept me, upon meeting I explained geocaching to him and lo and behold a new cacher was born unto this world. ("my brother has one of those for hunting I can just his")

February 7, 2004

Having had the opprotunity to meet up with law enforcement on my way back from a cache I think the best way is to just park on the street legally and throw a geocaching page on the dash, this is for when the officer gets out and inspects your vehicle. After looking at my car he started down the path to intercept me, upon meeting I explained geocaching to him and lo and behold a new cacher was born unto this world. ("my brother has one of those for hunting I can just his")

In no way are me and others trying to dupe the public or law. We are just trying to let people know what my car is doing in front of or down the road from their house. Its kind of a polite thing to do i guess by putting a sign on your car to tell your motives, because nobidy wants to come up to a complete stanger and say" hey what the heck you doing here". I had a friend met by a man with a shotgun once, that wanted to know what he was up. My friend was a real estate agent looking at land that was going to be put on the market. If he had a sign on the door saying real estate agent or a sign stuck to the window this scary incident would not had happened. The man never pointed the gun at him he just held it under his arm and basically intimated him. THe man waiited by his car with gun in hand for about an hour, so the old man just knew he had a law breaker of some sort to hold. Sometimes an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, in other words a sign saying "Geocaching survey", or something of that nature to just let people know whats up.

Edited February 7, 2004 by RockyRiver

February 7, 2004

Where is it that some of you live that people are going to call the police or meet you with a shotgun just because you park in front of their house for a little while? That's just nuts. Remind me to stay away from there. Maybe we're just a little more innocent here in Iowa, but I cannot imagine such a thing happening here. Way out in the country, yes, but not in town. Not even in suburbia.

None of these placards or stickers would work for me unless I took the wife's car. My pickup is so rusted out that no sticker would lend any sort of officialness to it.

Somebody mentioned this elsewhere once upon a time: When I get out of my truck with my dog (and possibly my four-year-old son also), nobody's going to question what I'm doing too much. We're going for a walk, right? Well, yes, that's exactly what we're doing. A purposeful walk.

February 7, 2004

Charlotte, N.C. is where I live. We have about 8 to 10 house breakins aday. Rape does not seem to be publised here to much thou I know its got to be somewhere.

Home invasions are on the rise here also.

At least 1 murder or more a week, and probably 1 car jacking a week. Car breakins are about off the scale, they only seem to keep track of the breakins in downtown Charlotte on cars. Goto to Charlotte.com to learn more about our town.

Its still a great place to live despite all, that is if you live far out in the county.

Edited February 7, 2004 by RockyRiver

I Need A Offical Looking Note When I Park To Cache

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