+Allanon Posted October 28, 2004 Posted October 28, 2004 Anyone out there willing to meet me for a few 'lessons' in this sport I've decided to torture myself with? I'm pretty sure I've been right on top of a few caches now that should have been fairly easy for me to find, but I'm just not getting the hang of it. I'm feeling like I could be standing over a cache, legs spread on either side of one, and not see it between my feet. Example: I looked for Kingsgate Cache today since it was nice and sunny and easy to get to after work. It should still be there since jcar found it only 4 days ago, but I was stumped...or treed...or leafed...or whatever you want to call it. I'm pretty sure I was in the right spot, but I came away with nothing but another DNF. I'm just not sure if it's me, the reciever, a combination of both, or something totally different. I'd rather not have someone take me to stuff they've already found, but to go with me for a few simple, easy walks (I have a bad knee and am not in condition for any long hikes) for caches we could find together. Any takers out there? Quote
+TotemLake Posted October 28, 2004 Posted October 28, 2004 (edited) Kingsgate Cache is a sneaky cache to locate. You really have to carefully look to see it. I'll be happy to meet you after you get off of work on Friday. =-=-Edited to change the date when I'll really be available.=-=- Edited October 28, 2004 by TotemLake Quote
+Allanon Posted October 28, 2004 Author Posted October 28, 2004 TotemLake, Thanks for the offer. As long as it's not pouring down rain I think I'll take you up on it...even though you have already found this one. At least we would be able to check my reviever. I'd like to retrieve the TB there that wants to go to Germany for the meeting with the Viking. Kingsgate Cache is a sneaky cache to locate....which brings up another question, if it's that sneeky, shouldn't it be a higher difficulty than "1"? That's another thing I'm still trying to figure out. I'd expect a "1" to be 'look on the ground and there it is', while a "5" is 'wait for 200 years until the Starship Enterprise exists with a full crew of "red shirts" and the full 5 year mission before you attempt this cache'...but I'm probably a bit off there, right? Is there a standard 'scale' for difficulty or is it all subjective and there for mostly useless? Quote
nolenator Posted October 28, 2004 Posted October 28, 2004 Sounds like you need to go hunting with somebody else. TL would be my vote for an Eastsider because he is a nice guy who likes hugs. No offense the rest of you hoodlums. Peace, Nolenator Quote
+Allanon Posted October 28, 2004 Author Posted October 28, 2004 If I'm not above begging, I'm definitely not above hugging... Did you need a hug nolenator? Quote
+jcar Posted October 28, 2004 Posted October 28, 2004 If you are an early bird I have time on Saturday morning. We could meet at Kingsgate cache, I won't be too helpful. Of course GO West might think otherwise on how helpful I can be. (But I've learned.) Quote
+Allanon Posted October 28, 2004 Author Posted October 28, 2004 Define early. I'm used to being at work in Totem Lake at 5am... Quote
+jcar Posted October 28, 2004 Posted October 28, 2004 Define early. I'm used to being at work in Totem Lake at 5am... I was thinking around 730ish, should be enough light. If your interested send me an email. I was planning on heading north on Saturday, but there are a few I missed during my MI visits to Kirkland. Quote
+Allanon Posted October 28, 2004 Author Posted October 28, 2004 jcar... I'd love to do some stuff on Saturday with you. If the weather cooperates, and TL and I can meet up, I'd like to take him up on his offer for Friday afternoon...otherwise, we'll work something out. I'll try e-mailing again, but I don't think you got my last message (regarding Taylor Landing Cache). If I don't hear from you I'll leave another note here. Quote
+jcar Posted October 28, 2004 Posted October 28, 2004 No I did not. I'll try emailing you. Interesting, nothing in my junk mail.... Quote
lucyandrickie Posted October 28, 2004 Posted October 28, 2004 Hi Allanon. That's our cache and we live close by. We'd be more than happy to help without 'giving' it away. It is camo'ed so a muggle will look and suspect nothing whilst a cacher would say 'Aha!'. Just let us know when you are avauilable. Welcome to caching! Quote
+evergreenhiker! Posted October 28, 2004 Posted October 28, 2004 (edited) wrong thread....should be in Off topic...baseball Edited October 28, 2004 by evergreenhiker! Quote
+Criminal Posted October 28, 2004 Posted October 28, 2004 Sounds like you need to go hunting with somebody else. TL would be my vote for an Eastsider because he is a nice guy who likes hugs. No offense the rest of you hoodlums. Peace, Nolenator Watch out for TotemLake, his hugs are OK but he might try to slip you some tongue. Quote
+Bull Moose Posted October 28, 2004 Posted October 28, 2004 Uh-oh, Allanon. You know there's trouble when a druid needs help. Quote
+evergreenhiker! Posted October 28, 2004 Posted October 28, 2004 Sounds like you need to go hunting with somebody else. TL would be my vote for an Eastsider because he is a nice guy who likes hugs. No offense the rest of you hoodlums. Peace, Nolenator Watch out for TotemLake, his hugs are OK but he might try to slip you some tongue. LOL!!!! Quote
+pdxmarathonman Posted October 28, 2004 Posted October 28, 2004 Keep in mind that once you're within 30 feet of the cache, the GPSr needs to be put back in your pocket. Also, you've really done something smart - you're going to meet some very cool cachers this weekend! Quote
+TotemLake Posted October 28, 2004 Posted October 28, 2004 Sounds like you need to go hunting with somebody else. TL would be my vote for an Eastsider because he is a nice guy who likes hugs. No offense the rest of you hoodlums. Peace, Nolenator Watch out for TotemLake, his hugs are OK but he might try to slip you some tongue. Quote
+TotemLake Posted October 28, 2004 Posted October 28, 2004 jcar... I'd love to do some stuff on Saturday with you. If the weather cooperates, and TL and I can meet up, I'd like to take him up on his offer for Friday afternoon...otherwise, we'll work something out. I'll try e-mailing again, but I don't think you got my last message (regarding Taylor Landing Cache). If I don't hear from you I'll leave another note here. Friday still works for me. Just give me a time. I'm only a couple blocks away. Quote
+blindleader Posted October 28, 2004 Posted October 28, 2004 Example: I looked for Kingsgate Cache today since it was nice and sunny and easy to get to after work. It should still be there since jcar found it only 4 days ago, but I was stumped...or treed...or leafed...or whatever you want to call it. Don't be fooled by L&R's cute name. They are evil people. . Here's a hint that will help on many of their caches in the woods: They are fond of piece of technology affectionately called a "pokey stick". Often their caches are not particularly up against a tree or a rock, so probing the foliage is the best way to get an audible signal. Quote
+NBJPoppa Posted October 28, 2004 Posted October 28, 2004 TotemLake would do *WHAT*?!? I am amazed, nay SHOCKED at this suggestion! I've known TL for, what, 7.5 years now. (Good heavens! Has it really been that long?) I've never seen *any* indication of such behaviour in that time. No grass skirts, either! oh oh. wait a minute. oh ho! A tingle of a thought is wending it's way through my mind. Perhaps... nah! It couldn't be! Could it? It's the grass skirts that brought this to mind, you see. TL likes to, how shall I put it? Ah yes. TL likes to "dress up". I'm thinking that this might NOT be a good weekend to go caching with TL. See, TL is sort of like a werewolf. As far as I know the following is absolutely true! Every year, without fail, and at least once a year, TL's appearance changes rather dramatically. The first time I was quite shocked, but our co-workers took it all in stride, so I knew that I *really* had nothing to worry about, but... well, it's *so* dramatic. His skin turns a bright red -- almost crimson colored, and he sprouts these small antlers. (I hear it is hunting season, too. Careful TL. Not all of the hunters count the points before they shoot.) Just be warned. If you meet with him *this weekend* you could be in for a shock! TL, I hope I'm not wrong about this, but ... they would be safe with you, woudln'tt they? (laughing) (As I finished this note I am laughing myself silly imagining TL caching looking like this. It's too much! TL, you've got to do it! I would *love* to join in the fun!) Quote
+NBJPoppa Posted October 28, 2004 Posted October 28, 2004 (edited) uh oh Edited October 28, 2004 by NBJPoppa Quote
+Allanon Posted October 28, 2004 Author Posted October 28, 2004 Wow, go watch the eclipse for awhile, then fall asleep, and look what happens... Now, for some replies... waves to lucyandrickie...Hi guys. I really wanted to find this one but you are better 'hiders' than I am a 'finder'...but I'll eventually do it...Thanks for the welcome. I look forward to meeting you soon. Criminal said... Watch out for TotemLake, his hugs are OK but he might try to slip you some tongue....I think that my cold would scare him away... Bull Moose said... Uh-oh, Allanon. You know there's trouble when a druid needs help., yeah...but even Allanon had to learn from Bremen... pdxmarathonman said... Keep in mind that once you're within 30 feet of the cache, the GPSr needs to be put back in your pocket. ...I know. I'm not sure the GPSr even got me close yesterday, since when I thought I was where the cache was from the hint the receiver said I was still 200' southeast. shrug... blindleader said... Don't be fooled by L&R's cute name. They are evil people....I think that's true of a lot of cache hiders...at least I do after reading a thread over in the main forum...with pictures of very nasty, sneeky containers... and also... Here's a hint that will help on many of their caches in the woods: They are fond of piece of technology affectionately called a "pokey stick". Often their caches are not particularly up against a tree or a rock, so probing the foliage is the best way to get an audible signal....I thought about that as I was looking around at all the leaves on the ground. Now I just need to find a good walking stick to double as one... As for the rest of the thread...not going there... Quote
+TotemLake Posted October 29, 2004 Posted October 29, 2004 Allanon, are we on or not? Time to meet? Quote
+Allanon Posted October 29, 2004 Author Posted October 29, 2004 I wanted to wait until today to see how I felt. As long as I don't get any worse, I think we can do it this afternoon. I get off work at 2:30. I can be to the entrance by the church by 3:00. Quote
+TotemLake Posted October 29, 2004 Posted October 29, 2004 Cool. That works for me. We might have another newbie joining us. Look for a white Jeep GC with a taz devil sticker on the tailgate. Quote
+TotemLake Posted October 29, 2004 Posted October 29, 2004 (edited) Although I'm not adverse to wandering in there twice in one day, would 4:15-4:30 PM work better? LittleBlue wouldn't be able to make it before then. Edited October 29, 2004 by TotemLake Quote
+Allanon Posted October 29, 2004 Author Posted October 29, 2004 (edited) I'm sure I can find something to do until then. Good thing I have my trusty flashlight with me though...that's pushing the it for finishing in the daylight... (edit)I'll be in a white 2-door Explorer, license ORION.(/edit) BTW, for those that are interested, I did find my second cache this morning before work. I also placed my first TB in it. Edited October 29, 2004 by Allanon Quote
+TotemLake Posted October 29, 2004 Posted October 29, 2004 (edited) I'm sure I can find something to do until then. Good thing I have my trusty flashlight with me though...that's pushing the it for finishing in the daylight... BTW, for those that are interested, I did find my second cache this morning before work. I also placed my first TB in it. Cool. Will see you then! Btw, Congrats! Edited October 29, 2004 by TotemLake Quote
+Allanon Posted October 30, 2004 Author Posted October 30, 2004 I had a great time! Found both caches in the park with the help of Sensi TotemLake and fellow learner LittleBlue. A great lesson in what to look for and to trust your GPSr. I'm looking forward to finding more soon. Thanks again TL and LB! Quote
+TotemLake Posted October 30, 2004 Posted October 30, 2004 It was a pleasure meeting up with you and LittleBlue. I'll be posting a note with pictures on each of the caches soon. Quote
+Allanon Posted December 23, 2004 Author Posted December 23, 2004 The time has come for another question...About puzzle caches (or more specifically the pages describing them and therefore the puzzle), and sometimes multi-caches ('cuz sometimes they're puzzles too)... WTF? OK, that was more of a statement than a question... How do you solve a puzzle if you don't have any idea what the puzzle is? I realize that I'm supposed to be finding a set of coordinates in there somewhere, but that's all I realize. And no, I'm not going to give an example of a puzzle cache I can't figure out, that would only bring out the people that would say, "That's such a simple one, I got that in 2.3 seconds." and make me feel even more stupid than I already feel. And I'm not even talking about the 'evil' puzzles, those are supposed to be hard/ Maybe figuring out a puzzle is along the lines of finding/learning to find a cache...until you've done one it's like chasing a snowflake in a storm. Maybe I'm just ranting...feel free to ignore me... Quote
+travisl Posted December 23, 2004 Posted December 23, 2004 (edited) How do you solve a puzzle if you don't have any idea what the puzzle is? It depends on the puzzle. If it's a straightforward puzzle, solve it. If it's not, then a big part of the puzzle is figuring out how to find the coordinates. My long-archived Down The Rabbit Hole cache is a good example of both kinds. The longitude is a pretty straightforward. The latitude... well, it wasn't findable unless the cacher had the story with them when they visiteded the coordinates at the top of the page. Then, I think, it was fairly straightforward to "walk... down the west hill [to] a little two-legged bench", then to look for the Cheshire cat underneath. Oh, and I think that (shameless plug) Somebody Get the Phone is a pretty straightforward puzzle cache, too, if it's still there. It's not been found since August 5. Edited December 23, 2004 by travisl Quote
+WeightMan Posted December 23, 2004 Posted December 23, 2004 One of the problems with puzzles is that they are all different. What works for one will not work for another. The Gang of Ten is a good example of several requiring some computer skills as well as math skills. Some of those also require some internet search skills as well. Although those are all in the same set, they are somewhat different from each other. This new one seemed simple at first, but is giving me fits because it just doesn't seem to work out for me. This one on the other hand requires some insight into images. It has to as there is nothing else on the page. I had to add that last part lest Dr. Nellie get after me for giving away secrets. Given all that some people just don't do puzzles period. Others will do some and not others. Very few will try them all. I'm afraid I'm not much help, but I don't think there is much else without examples of the types of puzzles that are causing you difficulties. With respect to multis like this one of mine. About all you can do is get started and see what happens. In this case there are puzzles involved, but they are all math puzzles involving 8th grade math or lower. No algebra at all in that cache. It depends on your math skills to get through it. Two of the last three finders told me straight out that they didn't have 8th grade math skills, yet were able to get through it with some help from me and from another unnamed source. Cache owners are very likely to give nudges where needed. Don't hesitate to ask. All they can do is say "No." Quote
Dr. Nellie Bad Posted December 23, 2004 Posted December 23, 2004 ... on the other hand requires some insight into images. It has to as there is nothing else on the page. I had to add that last part lest Dr. Nellie get after me for giving away secrets.Well there is just something about that picture, after all. Quote
+NomadRaven Posted December 23, 2004 Posted December 23, 2004 How do you solve a puzzle if you don't have any idea what the puzzle is? I usually stare at them until my eyes get tired, then I do something else while my brain churns on the text of the cache page for a while. Usually the answer comes to me when I'm doing something completely unrelated. Of course, it's always helpful to examine the graphics and the HTML source for oddities there, as well as examining the cache description for any themes or oddly worded phrases, etc. There was a puzzle cache I recently was trying to figure out, and I woke up one morning absolutely sure I had the answer... but I didn't. I had an answer that was so completely strange and out of the blue that I'm thinking about turning it into a puzzle cache of my own. Quote
+Allanon Posted December 24, 2004 Author Posted December 24, 2004 Well there is just something about that picture, after all. LOL...that there is. I did look at that one for almost a minute or two before I decided to move one... I thought especially devious since the name of the cache is from a favorite song... Quote
+Allanon Posted December 24, 2004 Author Posted December 24, 2004 travisl said... It depends on the puzzle. Unfortunately, that much I figured out...it's the next part of your statement... If it's a straightforward puzzle, solve it. If it's not, then a big part of the puzzle is figuring out how to find the coordinates. That is the part that is the most frustrating...unfortunately, 'straightforward' is in the eye of the reader and the mind of the owner...and so far, none have seemed all that 'straight' for me. WeightMan said... I'm afraid I'm not much help, but I don't think there is much else without examples of the types of puzzles that are causing you difficulties. Unfortunately, so far they are all causing me difficulties... Actually the OTTFF puzzle you mentioned is the one the set me off today. Maybe it's just because I was tired, but with Nolenator "ROTFL" in downtown Seattle and me not even being able to figure out what I can't figure out...well, it's almost enough to make one cry... NomadRaven said... Of course, it's always helpful to examine the graphics and the HTML source for oddities there, as well as examining the cache description for any themes or oddly worded phrases, etc. I have looked at some of the source code, but either the ones I did that too didn't have the clues there or I didn't recognize them...as for oddly worded phrases, well one persons weird phrase is another persons normal way of thinking sometimes...at least that's what the training at work is trying to teach us... I know I'm whining since I haven't been playing the game for more than 3 months, but it's frustrating. I'll take a look at the caches posted above and see what I can figure out...and you guys may be getting messages for hints or at least nudges in the right direction. Thanks all! Quote
+Allanon Posted December 24, 2004 Author Posted December 24, 2004 Weightman wrote... The Gang of Ten is a good example of several requiring some computer skills as well as math skills. Hmmm...The Gang of Ten looks interesting, and I might be able to figure that one out eventually...but the first one on that list "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is" is the kind of puzzle even I can do...and have done successfully according to the 'puzzle cache verifier'. Now all I need to do is make the trip. Thanks for the list Weightman. Quote
+LittleBlue Posted December 24, 2004 Posted December 24, 2004 Hey Allanon- sometimes it helps to work as a team on the puzzle caches. My husband is very good at the computer/math puzzles and I like to work on the visual/language puzzles. Of course, like you've noted, there's usually no note on the top telling you which kind you're dealing with . Just like with finding the actual cache- each time you make a find you learn something new. Learn to think outside the box a little bit more. The same goes for puzzles- the coords are hidden in there somewhere, and there's many different forms they could be in. They are actually one of our favorite cache types. But by no means do we solve all of them quickly- Red Herring is an example of one that had us banging our heads on the keyboard for a long while! So this is the long way of saying- if there's a particular puzzle you'd like to work on, we'd be happy to work along with ya. We have a long list of puzzles we've solved but haven't gotten out to find yet. That's were I have trouble! And while I'd never post a spoiler in a log and ruin others' fun, I think it's fine to work with others to solve them. We're down in Houston right now and their puzles are so different from ours! It's been interesting to see all the different cache ideas. Quote
+WeightMan Posted December 24, 2004 Posted December 24, 2004 We're down in Houston right now and their puzles are so different from ours! It's been interesting to see all the different cache ideas. I suppose this means some new ideas for puzzle caches will make their way from Houston to Seattle. Quote
+Allanon Posted December 24, 2004 Author Posted December 24, 2004 ...sometimes it helps to work as a team on the puzzle caches... ...So this is the long way of saying- if there's a particular puzzle you'd like to work on, we'd be happy to work along with ya. We have a long list of puzzles we've solved but haven't gotten out to find yet. That's were I have trouble!... Thanks LittleBlue. As for the 'team' thing, those of you with spouses and SO's have a built in advantage in that area that some of the rest of us don't have... As for the 'finding' part, anytime you guys want company, let me know. I'd love to go out with you and your family and help in the 'find'. Happy Holidays and see you when you get back. Quote
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