Tools of the Geocaching Trade - The Inspection Mirror

There are tons of handy tools geocaches use every day out in the field. One of my favorites is the handy inspection mirror. It has a good sized view and a three foot expandable pole. Perfect for guardrail hides or any others with a lot of nooks and crannies to look in. You can find these at any auto store or the bigger hardware spots.

Meet Friend and Fellow Geodude TheHumanRevealer.

I had a great time this week in the piedmont of North Carolina with new geocaching buddy TheHumanRevealer or THR for short. We have been geocaching in the Franklinton and Louisburg area and even though it is not a heavily saturated area. It was perfect for THR who just started with our game, sport and obsession. One of the first things I noticed when taking both THR and his mom out for some fresh spring air is how much he already had a really good geosense of a ground zero area. Of course we just had to have the situation where I was explaining to him about a LPC (Lamp Post Cache) hide and when we came up empty then looking over at his mom who was actually at a nearby tree holding the geocache itself made for a good laugh.  TheHumanRevealer is a real trooper and I am looking forward to many more geocaching adventures with him. Between you and me I think he is officially hooked.. Muhahahaha.

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Reminder Number One of the Upcoming Geocaching 12 of 12

As part of recording the latest Cachers of the Round Table podcast (Should be airing the first week of March) all the panel was sworn by blood oath that we would mention on our respective shows about the upcoming Geocaching 12 of 12. Do you have any idea how hard it is to slice your finger and get a good enough blood sample through your computer monitor? Then there is the clean up... yadda yadda... anyways.

For those of you that don't know the Geocaching 12 of 12 is where you go out on a designated day. In this case it is March 12, 2011 and November 12, 2011 (both Saturdays) and take a ton of photographs of anything pertaining to your life (hopefully some geocaching shots for the most part). Then you pick out 12 of your favorite shots and upload them to your favorite online website like Flickr or Picasa for example. Geocachers all around the world participate in these events and it is a whole lot of fun to share and see all the entries.

That 12 of 12 day we attended a CITO Event

Here is a link to the actual Geocaching 12 of 12 link and you can get all the juicy tidbits on how to prepare for your day. It is a lot of fun and I look forward to the upcoming March 12th to do some really creative shots.

http://www.geocaching12of12.com/

Geoness found some geocaches that day as well

Have fun out there!

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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GeoSnippits Geocaching Videos: Interview with Geocacher Ranger Fox

In case you haven't noticed or not I have been extremely frustrated for the past few months due to the fact that I was not able to edit new GeoSnippits Videos. Long story short and after a ton of troubleshooting I figured out a good work around and am now back in the saddle again continuing on our geocaching series of goodness.

To lead off I have chosen an interview I had late last year with one of the most elusive and highly ranked geocachers on the planet - Ranger Fox. In fact I am proud to say that I am the only person who has successfully interviewed Ranger Fox and now you get to meet up with him as well. My initial intent was to go over the Whereigo geocaches which is his specialty and in my opinion he is the leading authority on the subject. After spending an entire afternoon filming I realized that doing just an episode on Whereigo would not be enough. Ranger Fox is one of the leading ranked geocachers in the world and is an amazing personality in his own right. So I used some of the recordings we did to make this interview. This episode will also be aired on Michigan Magazine TV (RFDTV) so keep an eye out as well.

Without further delay, I give you an interview with geocacher Ranger Fox.



If this player is not accessable you can see the entire video by clicking the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAwbD418RUs


GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
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Twitter me at
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Shooting The Breeze On Cachers Of The Round Table Podcast

There is no doubt about it, I love talking on podcasts. Even though I don't have a geocaching podcast I do love attending them. For one they are a perfect break from doing GeoSnippits videos which is developed and produced in a completely different way from podcasts. Secondly they are a fantastic opportunity to meet up and talk with other people and talents within the geocaching community. For example, I frequently haunt the live recording of the Geocaching Podcast with Darrylw4 and XpunkX. They record their weekly show live on Talkshoe which allows listeners to be able to not only participate in the show itself but can do live chat as well. We kind of think of it as the "peanut gallery" and part time cheering section. It is a fun interaction that you really don't get to do all that often while an actual show is being taped. The second podcast that I love to be a part of is Darrylw4's Cachers of the Round Table. This is a monthly podcast that is a real treat. Here a bunch of hosts from geocaching based shows (podcasts and video) get together and talk about geocaching stuff. Last night I had the pleasure of meeting up with two fellow geocachers that I have never really had a chance to talk directly with. They were Sonny from Podcacher Podcast and Icenrye from the TrackFiles videozine.

Just to show you how spread out we were there was Darrylw4 who lives in the metro Detroit area of Michigan, Sonny is in "Sunny San Diego", CA, Icenrye is in Prince George, BC and I am in Raleigh, NC. The topic for this session was photography and geocaching. All of us are huge photo bugs so it was one of those really fun times where everybody has their take and expertise to share. For me it was extra fun because I was finally able to jab with Sonny and Icenrye. I think that is what makes Cachers of the Round Table such a fun podcast to listen to. It's geocachers doing what geocachers do best - talking about geocaching. There is always a ton of fun examples, interesting tid-bits and good sound examples of experience that is coming from people who are passionate about geocaching.

So long story short (too late) I had an absolute blast finally being able to kick back and talk geocaching with some of my favorite geocaching friends. This particular episode of CRT is scheduled for March 2011 so keep an eye out. I will also let you know via my blog so you don't miss it.

 I look forward to many more sessions with them and all the rest of the amazing geocaching folks out there. Oh and if you have not had a chance to listen to a geocaching based podcast before I highly recommend that you do. Below are the links to all the shows from everyone we talked about today. Enjoy!

Cachers of the Round Table hosted by Darrylw4

Podcacher Podcast hosted by Sonny and Sandy

Trackfiles Videozine hosted by Icenrye

GeoSnippits Geocaching Videos hosted by HeadHardHat











GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
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Twitter me at
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Check Out Hintdecoder For Geocaching

A helpful hint from the HeadHardHat

Have an Android style phone and enjoy geocaching? There is a handy free app that you might want to keep near to quickly decipher those ROT13 and other types of encryption. It's an app called Hintdecoder For Geocaching and I have found it rather useful while geocaching, especially when trying to figure out some puzzle geocaches out in the field.

It is a really simple cut and past kind of application. Simply put in the text within the top text field and the results are shown in the bottom. The really nice thing is it does all sorts of other codes as well so when you do get that puzzle cache in the field you will be ready for it..

Be sure and try it out for yourself, it's a free app.
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/communication/hintdecoder-for-geocaching_fehd.html

Another helpful hint from the HeadHardHat to you.

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Twitter me at
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Birthday Geocaching. This was a walk in the briars.

It is an amazing day out for geocaching and to top it off I just had to get a geocache or two before the cake and ice cream. Absolutely fantastic and thanks to everyone around the planet for all the birthday wishes. It really made me feel like a million bucks!

Another Adaptation of the HHH's Evil Ant Hill Geocache

Received an email from Huntindaddy78 who did a really evil adaptation to my Evil Ant Hill geocache. I was wondering when someone was going to do something like this. Check out what he wrote:

Dear HHH,
I recently created a variation on your anthill cache. So far it has eluded the best of cachers in the area!..lol So far (even though it is still rather young) it has proved rather difficult for a lot of people. No one has been able to find this cache w/o PAF.
The only variance is the container & the camo. The cache is placed on a small beach in a local park. So of course the camo is sand. The container is a magnetic key holder. I thank you for the tip for this evil cache. I’ve attached an image of the cache & the cache page if you ever wish to look for it in the future. Good luck! & Happy caching!
Sincerely,
Huntindaddy78

Below is a test shot showing how well this geocache blends into it's environment. Now imagine it placed just right to make it such a challenge.. W00t!

There is a geocache right in front of you.

What a really great and evil geocache to be sure. I love planting the seed and watching all the different variances and clever changes geocachers bring to the game, sport and obsession of geocaching.



GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
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Twitter me at
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Hiding A Geocache Just As Much Fun As Finding?

What Makes A Great Geocache Hide?

I was just recently going through my blog archives of past posts.

(You can search years of geocaching goodness by using the Google search field at the top of our blog. It searches our entire site -HHH.)


While looking around I came upon an earlier post/discussion about how many geocachers enjoy hiding a geocache as much as they do finding a geocache. For me personally hiding a geocache comes in a very close second but not by much.  I love finding geocaches and enjoy the amazing creativity that geocachers have. Sure there are tons of LPH's (Lamp Post Hides) and other same-old same-olds but when you find that one out of 50 find that just makes you go "oh cool" it gets my heart racing.

Then again the adventure you can go on hiding a geocache can bring a whole host of emotions, trials and tribulations as well. Finding that perfect hiding spot takes time. There is no other way around it. Oh sure you may get lucky and stumble across a great spot but for most you have to do your research. First you have to figure out what type of geocache you want to hide. There are a bunch of types besides the standard traditionals. Is it a multi or maybe a puzzle geocache? What type of container(s) are you going to use? How are you going to have them blend into the surroundings so they don't get muggled? Many times you won't know many of these answers until you actually find the hiding spot. Then the real fun begins and you have to actually go out and find the hiding spots themselves. How do you do that?

I am always amazed of the really good hiding areas where when you get to them you can't help but say to yourself, "how the heck did they even know this was here?". I can remember not too long ago bushwhacking in a wooded area for about a quarter of a mile and came upon a large tree that had partially fallen and was perfect for scampering up and hiding a bison tube. There is absolutely nothing around but woods and yet this geocacher found it and made use. How did they even know it was there? For me I usually use Google maps in satellite mode. With it showing all the nearby geocaches right there. Sometimes I get lucky, sometimes I find it has no trespassing signs posted, Eh, it is how it goes. Whether you research and find a great spot or stumble across an area it is always best to get permission from the land owner to place the geocache. Calling the county clerk with the coordinates or if you have the contact information is the smart way to go. I get some yeses and I get some nos. It is always good to check.

Any way you slice it, hiding a geocache can be just as rewarding or frustrating as finding one. You have to do your homework, use some good common sense and then follow through with making it a hide to remember. That's my take on this fun subject. What are your geocaching thoughts?

-HHH

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
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Twitter me at
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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How Many Geocaching Miles Do You Have?

I am typing up this post while waiting for the front two tires of my cachemobile to be replaced. Once again I was riding a good seventy thousand miles on fifty thousand mile tires. I knew it was time because you could feel the wop-wop-wop of the tread was getting distracting.

HHH waiting for some new tires.

While waiting I pondered about all the miles that I have not only put on those particular tires by my cachemobile as well. After checking the odometer I was amazed to see it with over 185,000 miles staring me in the face. Wow that is amazing. Then I started thinking about geocachers in general. We do put a fantastic amount of travelling behind us. For many it is not just finding geocaches in our local area. Geocachers explore all over the place. How many states do we visit just to go geocaching? How many different countries? Right now I am talking about road travel can you imagine if we also include flight as well. It boggles the mind and we wouldn't have it any other way.

How many dirt roads have we taken our standard two wheel drive cars only to find out it was a trail that some 4x4's fear to tread? Could we possibly count all the u-turns accomplished after we realize we missed the street, parking lot or driveway – again. When it comes to our auto GPSr units. Do you find yourself arguing with it because you know better? Geocachers live by that little box and it has been with us every step of the way. I don't know about you but I am on my third since I started geocaching.

Above all how many memories have we gained looking through the windshield? To be able to see that awe inspiring moment that just made us go WOW. How we never would have had those experiences if we were not out there geocaching. I am so grateful for the experiences that I have had and shared. So bring on those sometime long and tiring miles. The rewards of being out on the road is well worth it.

What are your best experiences on the road?

This Week On Michigan Magazine: Show 1606 Sherni's Candy Factory Near Whittimore and Geocaching Paths

Recorded on 2/9/2011 It's Easter at Sherni's Candy Factory near Whittimore. Join Michigan Magazine as Barry visits the Hasty family for a look behind the scene as owners Keith and Sherry Hasty prepare Easter goodies for loyal patrons. Visit is highlighted by an appearance of the Easter Bunny. Then our Geocaching Guru Andy, HHH, Smith plans a multi geocaching day that ends up on the beaches of North Carolina!






If the viewer is not available you can see the entire Michigan Magazine TV Show by clicking the link here:
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/12566587


Michigan Magazine is seen twice each week on the RFDTV Network.



GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
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Twitter me at
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Let Me Tell You A Story About A Geocacher Named Whitemithrandir

You have heard me say it in the past and I am going to say it again here. Geocachers are some of the nicest and most friendly people on the planet. Geocaching in itself is a fantastically fun activity but when you include other geocachers with you, it brings a whole different level to the game. Here is a prime example, I would gather you have had similar experiences.

My good buddy CarolinaTrombone and I were out a while back working on a brand new series of geocaches. For me it is one of the most fun that I have ever been on. While we were out looking for one of the 22 some odd  components of the series we stumbled upon another geocacher looking for the same one. His geocaching name is Whitemithrandir. We all saw each other about the same time, smiled and knew what we were all up to. After shaking hands and introductions we started looking around for the elusive geocache. While we were scraping at bases of trees I of course started asking general questions, hey it's what I do. Whitemithrandir has one of those instant like personalities. He has a friendly smile and is the type you can just kick back with and shoot the breeze. After a little while we found the geocache and traded the information needed for the series amongst ourselves. We asked if he wanted to follow along but unfortunately he had to move on but invited to go with us on some other day.  Later that day I received an email from Whitemithrandir giving me his phone number of which CarolinaTrombone and I immediately asked him if he wanted to go out the next day to finish the series. The rest is how they say - history.

This series was amazing and had us climbing trees, scouring woodlands and crawling in water drainage pipes.
While we went from cache to cache we got to talk a lot and I found that even though Whitemithrandir has not been caching for a long time he has geocached with a ton of other local geocachers. He just has that magnetic personality and a genuine "go gett'm" geocaching attitude that makes this activity so much fun.

Some of the highlights for that day was a couple of geocaches up in trees. Whitemithrandir was kind enough to go first on these and then set it up for us to sign the logs.

Whitemithrandir Geocaching

The one here took him almost an hour to get up this very slick angled tree.

We had a ball that day going from one geocache to the next. There were Traditionals, Multies and Puzzle caches to solve. Each with a clue to the final geocache.









One of our favorite parts was going into a four foot cement water drainage pipe to find the geocache. This was my first of that kind and quite frankly I can't wait to try some more. Below is a shot I took of Whitemithrandir as he was coming out. Man that was fun. Note the skateboard that helped save us from completely becoming soaked.

Whitemithrandir rolling from a geocache

Needless to say we eventually found all the needed components and the FINAL geocache of the series. It was a ton of fun and we had a much more adventurous time with the massive help of Whitemithrandir. So if you see him out in the Piedmont of North Carolina or at an upcoming geocaching event. Please be sure to say hi. Then invite him along to one of your geocaching adventures, like so many other geocachers. You will be glad you did.

-HHH

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Twitter me at
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Golden Retrevo Awards Two Years in a Row 2010 and 2011 - HeadHardHat's GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?

This would not be possible if it were not for YOU OUR VIEWERS - Thank You

Holy Cow that now makes two years in a row that our blog GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right? has been chosen for a Golden Retrevo Award... Fantastic. We are so proud at our GeoSnippits Headquarters and could not wait to spread the news.

Once again we have been designated as one of the best in the category of GPS.

We are truly thankful to Retrevo and all of our viewers and fans who helped make this possible.

Here is the press release which has a quote from us and explains what the Golden Retrevo Awards are.
http://goo.gl/okcOC

Here is the link to see all the other categories and their winners as well.
http://www.goldenretrevoawards.com/

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
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Twitter me at
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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This Week On Michigan Magazine TV:Show 1605 The Cooperative Elevator Company of Pigeon & Geocaching Michigan

Recorded on 2/2/2011 Join us as we visit one of the largest Co-ops in the state of Michigan. We talk with Co-op CEO Pat Anderson about the mission and future of the company and the popularity of the Michigan Bean! Then we join Andy Head Hard Hat Smith as he travels to 5 separate Michigan communities for some geocaching fun!








If the player above is not available please click the link below to see the entire episode of Michigan Magazine TV.
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/12407309


You can see GeoSnippits Videos and Michigan Magazine TV twice each week on the RFDTV Network.

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
http://www.geosnippits.com