Behind The Scenes: Geocaching Podcast - #218 Geocaching Challenges Update

Tonight's show was one of those shows which is a bit bitter sweet. We once again were fortunate to have Eric Schudiske from Groundspeak. The discussion topic was the new Geocaching Challenges and how things were progressing. The sweet part is how Groundspeak is attempting to introduce a new type of geocache. The bitter part is that the geocaching.com community is not exactly taking to the concepts with open minds.

IMHO, one of the main issues is geocachers want virtuals, the new Geocaching Challenges are not virtuals. Then you have people getting either confused about what Challenges actually are and others trying to make the Challenges "fit" to what they want which will also not work. This can only promote negative feelings which is not what Groundspeak wants.

This also makes an interesting situation when trying to conduct an interview. It's not Eric's fault, he is really a great guy and spokesman for Groundspeak. It is the situation that is difficult to balance and yet get good information and content out of.

I highly recommend you give this episode a good listen. I think it will answer a lot of questions you may have about Challenges and the reasoning behind them via Groundspeak.

The Geocaching Podcast is recorded each and every week at 9:30pm EST. Be sure to meet up in our chat room and not only listen to the show as it is being recorded but also contribute your insights. We look forward to seeing you there.

NOTE: Next week is our Cacher Coffee. This is when we open up the chat room mikes to our listeners to talk about a whole host of geocaching discussions. See you next week.


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Need A Little More Stable Platform When Taking That Outdoor Shot? Try The Targus

HeadHardHat Likes Using A Monopod When Shooting Video

When geocaching there are many different types of gadgets and gizmos we use every time we go out. I'm not talking in this case the smart phones, GPSrs, PDAs, tablets, etc. No in this case I am talking about our love of photography. Taking shots of our favorite hides or points of interest around a geocache hide is almost as much fun as the actual find itself. Geocachers will say time and time again how many times they would have never visited or experienced a visual site if not for going for that particular geocache.

So when you want to get that nice crisp shot what do you need? Sure for many and depending on how much you are into photography there are all sorts of cameras and tripods. All of which have their purpose but you are looking for something that is low cost and you don't have to lug everywhere.  Ever consider a Monopod?

There are many times when I am attending geocaching events or out looking for geocaches and have my digital camera or small camcorder. We have all seen the difference when taking a photo or video and you are hand holding the camera yourself compared to when it is up on a tripod. Especially when doing video.

A really nice compromise you might want to consider is the lightness and functionality of a monopod. A monopod is just like having a walking stick around. Except you can attach your camera to the top of it. It is a single pole that can be adjusted to all lengths from almost 21 inches to up to 67 or more. The beauty of it is it gives you a solid base for your camera which keeps it steady. You can pan or swipe easily and not jiggle as you do so. I have also found it very useful to have that extra reach above you when you are in a crowd or trying to catch a shot higher up. Did I mention it is not a bad hiking stick as well?

Now there are all types of monopods out there from the inexpensive and up. The one that I just recently tried out was the Targus TG-MP6710 Maximum Extension 67-Inch Monopod. It cost me a whopping $15.00USD and I was pleased with how well it was built. In fact the only complaint I had was the wrist strap was too small so I replaced it with a better one. Other than that it was a great choice.

Monopod with my FS11 on top

One final note for this particular monopod. This piece of equipment is super light when carrying. It folds up to about 21 inches and can go anywhere. So if you are looking for an inexpensive way of taking more stable shots whether it is a photo or video. I highly recommend you check this piece of equipment out.


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HeadHardHat's Vonage: Time To Call iPad 2 Giveaway Commercial

Yes, I actually made my first commercial for RVNN.tv and the Vonage: Time To Call Contest.

It gives all the details about the contest of which you have until Friday September 2, 2011 to get your entry in.

Check it out.

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Even More Photos From The Vonage iPad 2 GIVEAWAY

You only have until end of day this Friday September 2, 2011 to send in your entries to win an iPad 2 in the Vonage: Time To Call iPad2 Giveaway.

That's right Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) is giving away an iPad 2 this Saturday September 3rd, 2011. To enter all you have to do is send in a photo of you geocaching and your contact information of course. Oh and don't worry,  I personally am handling the entries and your information goes to no one.

Here are all the details:
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/2011/08/vonage-time-to-call-ipad-giveaway.html

The entries are streaming in so make sure yours is one of them!

More geocaching goodness sent in from the contest:

Dan Cole

Michael Belanger

Scott Cole

Don't forget you have until end of day Friday September 2, 2011.

Good Luck!


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More Vonage: Time To Call iPad2 Giveaway Photos

The entries are streaming in. Do you have yours in yet?

You have until this Friday September 2, 2011 to be eligible.

Here are a few more submissions to win the iPad 2:

Apryl Baedor

Christopher Pine

Giancarlo Herrera

You can get all the details to enter this Vonage: Time To Call GIVEAWAY here:

http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/2011/08/vonage-time-to-call-ipad-giveaway.html


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Vonage: Time To Call iPad2 Giveaway Photos

We are getting a really great response to the Vonage: Time To Call iPad2 GIVEAWAY contest.

Here are some of the photos that we have already received. You have until this Friday, September 2nd, 2011 to get yours in and a chance to win an Ipad 2.

All the details can be found out here:
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/2011/08/vonage-time-to-call-ipad-giveaway.html

Alice Dilts

Branden Alford

Jason Alford

Tim Massaro

Wally Spence

More coming up later this week. Be sure and get yourself entered!


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Vonage: Time To Call iPad GIVEAWAY Details: Good Luck Everyone!

Okay we let the cat out of the bag last night while recording Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) in regards to the Vonage: Time To Call iPad2 GIVEAWAY. So now we can tell everyone else.

You can qualify to win your very own iPad2 by doing the following:

• All entries must be received starting 8/27/2011 thru 9/2/2011 only. The drawing will be on 9/3/2011. One entry per person please.
• Send your entry for the drawing to geocache@rvnn.tv. One entry per person please.
• Your entry must include a photograph of you geocaching (favorite hide, point of interest, a geocache you made, etc.)
• Your entry must include a description of how you were geocaching in the photograph.
• Your entry must include your name and contact information

Good Luck To Everybody!

Added chances to win iPad2's!!!

There are other contests with Vonage going on right now that you may qualify for. They are all being done slightly different and you will have to check with each of the 30 sites on how to qualify.  

Here they are:

Other Vonage Time-to-Call Participating Sites

19-Aug  23-Aug  COEDMagazine, College Info Geek, Talk Nerdy to Me
20-Aug  24-Aug  PuntoGeek, DotPod, Gotta Be Mobile
21-Aug  25-Aug  Ciberprensa, Absolutely Windows, Boston Pocket PC
22-Aug  26-Aug  The Digital Lifestyle, ActiveWin, Experience Mobility
23-Aug  27-Aug  Business Gear Live, Gear Live, Bitchin Wives Club
24-Aug  28-Aug  Gear Live App Store, Kelleys Break Room, Waitinthevan
25-Aug  29-Aug  Video Gear Live, Sprocketlink, Platform Nation
26-Aug  30-Aug  Motherhood In New York, Mommy Shorts, Vodka Mom
27-Aug  31-Aug  Dusty Earth Mother, Mobility Minded , Gamertagradio
28-Aug  01-Sep   Gear Live Celebrities, The Bit Bag, Bizzie Mommy
29-Aug  02-Sep   Fresh Jess, TechnoRV, Blog is Watching
30-Aug  03-Sep   Locker Gnome, Geo Snippits, OSNN, SDRNews

For more information, check out the Vonage website

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Behind The Scenes: Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) Ep. 29 - Create Your Own Geocache Meet and Greet

Wow, what a night! So many fantastic things going all at once for this episode of Geocaching World (RVNN.tv).

First off this was the very first time that we ran LIVE video as we recorded on both RVNN.tv and the TechPodcast Network at the same time. Next we are starting our Fall recording schedule so our new night is Thursdays at 6:30pm EST.

Finally we are a part of a Vonage IPad2 Giveaway. In tonight's episode one lucky winner in our chat room won 10 total chances to win the Vonage prize. Another slight change we presented this episode with a geocacher's Meet and Greet style to it. A bit more casual and a bunch more interaction with the chatroom. It was definitely different but a lot of fun.

I think the people in the chat room had a lot more fun as well. The discussions for today included making your own geocaches for example we talked about my Evil Ant Hill Geocache which we showed how we made it out of bondo. Then we went over a whole set of PVC geocaches and finished with my Evil Resin Geocaches. For prizes our winners were Collin who won a Cache-A-Maniacs Podcast Geocoin and Scott won the 10 chances to win the Vonage IPad2. If you want to put in your chance to win the IPad2. Go to RVNN.tv's website, my blog (GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?) or my GeoSnippits website for all the details or watch tonight's show should be out by the time you are reading this. Did I mention that the commercial we used during the show featured me as I describe the Vonage product Time To Call and the giveaway contest? Way cool!

 Also during this show we had some great photos sent in from the chatroom. I am not going to spoil and tell everything but one of them was how David Clark made a Cryptex geocache. You really need to see this! After that Dave Dufour, Courtney Wallin, Andy McCaskey and myself Andy HeadHardHat Smith did our daily episode of RVNN Live.

Made for a very full evening and a whole lot of fun. Judging from the chat room they had fun and I hope we made a whole lot of new friends on the TechPodcast as well.

See you next week!

Geocaching World is recorded LIVE each week on Thursday's at 6:30pm EST. Be a part of the show by joining our chat room on RVNN.tv.

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Geocaching World (RVNN.tv): Segment Two Show With Eric From Groundspeak

We recently had taped a show of Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) with guest Eric from Groundspeak.

Here is segment two of the show for your sneak peek enjoyment. The entire show will be available via Itunes and all of our distributors in the next day or so.

Enjoy!


If you cannot see the viewer above you can see the entire segment by going here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9ndqx0BYvw

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Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) GeoWoodstock Show Number 2 - Segment 2

RVNN.tv is about to release a whole slew of newly rendered Geocaching World episodes. Here is segment two of the second show we did at GeoWoodstock IX.

The whole episode will be released to Itunes and the rest of our distributors in the next day or so!

Enjoy!


If you cannot see the viewer above you can see the entire segment here:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFixgNyDR10
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International Geocaching Day and Munzees for Benson Lake Park

Had some fun this weekend. Went out on Saturday August 20th which was the official International Geocaching Day. Even though I did not have a whole lot of time I did manage to get a  few geocaches under my belt. Not sure if there is a souvenir or not but it would be cool to get one if so.

The larger effort for the weekend was the placement of 10 Munzees at a nearby county park. They are spread over a 2.2 miles set of trail for which the finders will see how beautiful and scenic this park actually is. Now I know if you count up the number of Munzees on the map it only shows 9. This is what frustrates me a tad. I know I scanned and put in 10 Munzees. The app showed that I put in 10. It only wasn't until I reverified that evening on my PC that it only showed 9. So what up? Not sure really but it was double points weekend and maybe the servers were a bit on the taxed side. Either way I have to go back and rescan it back in. The cool thing is there is another park on the opposite side of the road that I will be putting some Munzees in there as well.

All in all, very cool.

-HHH

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Competition Is A Good Thing: OpenCaching.com Shows New Enhancements

OpenCaching.com today announced a series of new enhancements. Check it out!

Verified Finds and a Bigger Map

August 18, 2011

We've made it our goal to constantly innovate and make geocaching more accessible and fun for everyone. Today we're rolling out several enhancements on OpenCaching.com in conjunction with new firmware updates for Garmin handhelds that we think you'll want to check out.

Fill your monitor with geocaches!
You asked,we listened. We've improved OpenCaching.com's map to fill your whole screen (no matter how big) and show each geocache's type right on the map. Don't forget to click on "Full Screen" in the upper right corner of the map for the biggest map possible. Downloading caches and saving your favorite searches from the map has never been easier either.

Your own personal OpenCaching.com.
We've added a new drop-down menu just for you. Hover over your name in the upper right corner of the website to see your favorite searches and recent logged finds of your caches, and pending logs from your GPS ready to be sent to OpenCaching.com.

Rate Your Geocache Experience in the Field.
Before your next geocaching adventure, be sure to get the latest firmware your Garmin handheld, as recent updates to Montana, 62, Oregon, and Dakota devices now allow you to rate your geocache experience in the field and have these rating uploaded seamlessly with your pending logs.

Get your find digitally signed!
Prove you found a cache like never before with our new Verified Finds digital signature technology. Caches can be set up for verification by code phrase, QR code, or chirp™. Select Garmin handhelds (after a simple firmware update) will digitally sign your log when you are in the cache's proximity. On OpenCaching.com, your log will receive a "Verified Found" stamp. To learn more about this cool new feature and how to setup verification for your caches, check our the latest TrailTech blog post.


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Okay Yes, I Made A Challenge....

I can't help it. I am Obsessed you know when it comes to geocaching.

So I took the plunge and made my first Geocaching.com Photo Challenge. It's fairly simple and yet has just a hint of giving geocaching advice which I also can't help but do. This is what it looks like:

I figured if I can use the challenges as a teaching tool then all the better for the geocachers that actually learn something from it. I have pretty much convinced myself that this will the angle I will be creating them to do.

Will see if geocachers like them or not. I wonder how I could make this world wide? If anybody knows, please email me at headhardhat@gmail.com

Have fun and be safe out there!

What are your thought's about the new geocaching challenges. Would love to hear from you.

-HHH

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Love'em or Hate'em The New Geocaching.com Challenges Are Here

There is a whole lot of discussion going on when it comes to the brand spanking new geocache type from Groundspeak called "Challenges". For many veteran geocachers who were looking for the original Virtual type geocache to return is not going to be completely happy. Mainly because Challenges are not Virtuals, they never were meant to be and for good reason.

In this Latitude 47 post, CEO Jeremy Irish points out how Virtuals simply got out of hand and something out of Groundspeak's scope for the activity of geocaching. This was the reason Virtuals were discontinued. The new concept of Challenges will allow geocaching in areas physical containers would or should not be placed and yet you can still earn a smiley.

Say Cheese! The way challenges work at least now in the beginning steps of its introduction. Geocachers are given challenges to be completed and at the appropriate moment a photo is taken as proof of the challenge being completed. It is sent in via Challenges app. At the time of this post it was available for the Ios which included my Ipad2 though not optimized. I would assume Android will not be too far down the line.

Again at the time of this posting Geocaching.com was down assumably doing updates to the website to include the new Challenges information. On the app itself there was only one Challenge and that was called "Kiss a Frog" where you, yep you guessed it, take a photo of yourself kissing any reference of frog. I am sure other challenges will be more creative but hey you have to start somewhere. More details to come as we play this new adaptation to geocaching.

-HHH


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Behind The Scenes: Geocaching Podcast - #217 - Underground Geocaching

Tonight's episode of the Geocaching Podcast was one of those ones where you can just close your eyes and imagine geocaching in underground tunnels and what if must be like actually doing that.

Now for me personally I have done a few tunnel hides and they to be frank were tame in comparison to what fellow geocachers and guests Freekacher and Blaze132 have done. Some of the water drain tunnels they have followed were over half a mile underground. Gets me all Indiana Jones just thinking about it. This is definitely not for everyone. In fact, they are the first ones to tell you that if you feel uncomfortable in any way - Don't Do It!

We had a lot of great discussion. Both XpunkX and Darrylw4 seemed just as enthralled in their tales of adventure as myself. The very cool thing is both Freekacher and Blaze132 live just southwest of me and invited me to join them on some they will be doing very soon. Let's just say that I am now very pumped and will be getting some great video of our explorations for you all to enjoy. Either that or you will be seeing a grown man in the fetal position crying for his mommy. Either way great video.

So be sure to catch this weeks edition of the Geocaching Podcast and hear all the really cool subterranean things Freekacher and Blaze132 have gone through. Plus, some of the things you will need to consider if you want to venture out while doing underground geocaching for yourself.

-HHH

Meet up with XpunkX, Darrylw4 and myself HeadHardHat each and every week on Wednesdays at 9:30pm EST for our LIVE recording of the Geocaching Podcast.


Here is the actual episode for your enjoyment:
 http://geocachingpodcast.com/episode-217-going-underground/

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Meet My Next To Least Favorite Pest - Chiggers!

Chigger photo from StopBuggn.com

Every year I get bit by my two least favorite bugs. One is ticks and the other are chiggers.

As you can see in the photo above chiggers actually look like ticks only much much smaller. If you were to actually see one it would be most likely red and could fit a couple in a pin hole. They are very prominent in the southern United States and can cause an amazingly uncomfortable situation if you get bitten.

The reason I am writing this particular post is because I am trying to keep my mind off the few bites I recently received on each foot. The best way of explaining a bite from chiggers is like this. You first see a real small red dot. About the size a mosquito makes. Within a short time you notice a small blister, yellowish in color and then the itching starts. On a scale of one to ten it is a good seven or so. When the blister actually breaks the itching shoots straight to a twenty and stays there. You see chiggers do not suck your blood like a tick. They do not carry disease like a tick. They dissolve your skin and then feast on it. Usually hanging onto one of your hairs while they do it. Even though they do not carry disease per say they can cause you to have a fever for the amount of time that the itching lasts. This can be sometimes weeks. Yeah it's that bad.

The other thing is chiggers love to stay together in groups or nests. If you step in one you can instantly be covered in hundreds of them and not know it until it is too late. Right now I only have a few bites on each foot. Last year I had about 40 bites on each foot. One of the longest two weeks in my life.

If you find that you have been bitten by chiggers there is not much you can do for the itch and pain. I used itch cream with some moderate success. I have heard putting a dab of nail polish over the area helps. Just keep in mind that heat, moisture and exposure to the air seems to kick off the extreme itching.

So if you want to avoid the bite of chiggers you should do the following. If you are going to do any walking in any tall grass. Wear long pants with boots and socks. Last year I walked in someone's back yard wearing just flip flops for shoes. Using bug sprays helps but is not a cure. Above all when you get back from your hike remove and wash your clothes. Taking a shower helps remove stragglers that may be still walking on you.

If this post gives you a case of the heebie-jeebies I apologize. I would much rather have you understand this very common problem and possibly avoid it rather than keep silent in agony and have you receive the same fate.

Be safe out there!

-HHH


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Behind The Scenes: Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) Episodes #27 Eric From Groundspeak #28 Placing Your First Geocache Part 2

I find myself smiling once again when typing down the behind the scenes RVNN.tv goodness and thinking back about all the things that goes on when we record Geocaching World. We did two shows and had one heck of a fun session. The only bummer for the whole night was Producer Courtney Wallin was not there due to her not feeling well. We missed her A LOT and in fact many GW viewers sent Courtney emails of get well wishes. Our viewers are the best. Some how though we did manage to get through the evening. Did I mention we missed Courtney? Managing Director Andy McCaskey had his hands full while we recorded the shows as he filled in for Courtney and did all the things a Managing Director does. Mostly it's to wrangle Dave and I when we get off on one of our tracks. Like say for example as we break out in quotes from The Three Stooges. What can I say we do have fun.

Some very cool things of note that happened during the show. We had viewers in the chat room last night from New Zealand , Prague of the Czeck Republic and Canada! Not to mention all across the USofA. That is so great and we really appreciate you all being there.

Anywho, Our first show we had as our guest Eric Shudiske from Groundspeak via Skype. We talked about everything from the new geocache type known as Challenges and what they are. Then the discussion turned to Eric's trip with the Groundspeak film crew as they explored and filmed geocaching in Germany and the Czeck Republic. There was a whole lot more and we will save it for you to enjoy when you actually see the released show. Needless to say it was a great show and the chat-room agreed.

Our second show we still had a packed chat-room and Creative Director Dave Dufour and I talked more about what you should know about placing your first geocache. It was sort of a continuance from a show we did last week. We had so much material to cover and it was important to get it all so when a geocacher does place a hide, they are well prepared.  

Finally after both shows were complete we did Monday's edition of RVNN LIVE which is a daily collection of everything that happens at the RVNN.tv studios. So even after four hours worth of taping we still had a good crowd going in the Chat-Room. It is a lot of fun watching how the shows are made and all the behind the scenes stuff that goes on. I like watching it too!

Geocaching World Cache Stash Prizes

Here are the prizes that were given away during the recording of the two shows.

#27 - Geocoin from Cache-a-Maniacs Podcast

       - Bison Tube from GxProxy.com

#28 - RVNN.tv Patch from RVNN.tv

       - Lanyard from GeoSurvivalGear.com

If you would like to donate prizes to the Geocaching World Cache Stash and get your product and business mentioned on the show. Contact me Andy HeadHardHat Smith at geocache@rvnn.tv. We are interested in any items related in some way to geocaching. It is greatly appreciated and beneficial to you as well.

Special Note: The new fall schedule starts next week and we are moving the LIVE recordings to THURSDAYs at 6:30pm EST. Be sure to mark the new day on your calendars starting 8/25/2011.

See You There!

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Geocaching.com Soon To Announce Challenges.

Here is the sneek peak video showing a glimpse of Geocaching.com's Challenges

Right off the press! This is before Groundspeak even shows tomorrow!
Just for you.


Click the link here to see if the video is not available above:
http://youtu.be/4i2DOZo_67U

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Behind the Scenes: Geocaching Podcast - #216 - Opencaching.us

One of the things that I love about the game, sport and obsession of geocaching is it's diversity. Oh sure you have the lead players but you also have a whole lot of others that are not trying to undermine the activity of geocaching but improve it. In tonight's episode of the Geocaching Podcast we talked with friend of the show DudleyGrunt and RVRoadTrip.us from Opencaching.us

What is Opencaching.us you may ask? Great question. Opencaching.us is a geocaching listing site. Just like Geocaching.com, Opencaching.com and Terracaching.com. They all deal with the activity of geocaching but each in their own way. For example there are certain types of geocaches that you will only find on Opencaching.us that may not be on another site. The restrictions and limitations may be less, the way a geocache is reviewed while being placed may be different. The whole point is you do not have to rely on one geocaching site and may feel more comfortable with a combination of them. That whole spice of life kind of thing...

In tonight's show we heard XpunkX get down right excited about the latest beta release of GSAK (Geocaching Swiss Army Knife). Darrylw4 didn't get too much in Geocaching wise and yours truly HeadHardHat is pretty much fed up with the constant 100 degree weather but did get a new toy. Yeppers my new mike is from a company called Blue and is the Yeti model. I likey!

We were really happy to get DudleyGrunt and RVRoadTrip.us to be our guests tonight. They are both extremely involved with Opencaching.us and the perfect people to ask why someone would want to do their geocaching with this listing service. It was a great half hour of interesting facts and perspectives.

I don't want to give too much away so by all means listen to the entire show when it becomes available in the next day or so. You can get the show from Itunes and the Geocaching Podcast website.

You can join us each and every week on Wednesday 9:30pm EST via our Talkshoe Chat room and we also are now running Google+ hangout sessions. Get all the details from our website at www.geocachingpodcast.com.

See you next week!

-HHH

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Echo Six Charlie: Geocache In Space - August 24th Deadline!

This shot was taken from Sputnik 2010 in December, 2010

I had originally found out about the Sputnik 2010 back in June, 2011 when attending my first Dirtbag Geocaching Society event. There I learned how in December of 2010 e6c (Echo Six Charlie) lead a team of geocachers who sent a geocache into 'near space' with a weather ballon. Then managed to retrieve it over 100 miles away after it came back to earth.

Well Scott (e6c) is attempting to do it again and this time going higher and farther than the first.

Here's the kicker. He needs $1000.00usd to accomplish this and it has to be done before August 24th this year. This means from the date of this post he only has two weeks to do it. Now as of this post he has already collected about $800 dollars and only needs about $200 more. So if you want to be a part of history and help put another geocache in space, now is the time.

Below is a link to an article from the It's Not About The Numbers blog giving all the details and even a video explaining everything and how you can help.

I personally have discussed with Scott that when this goes up I will be there with my cameras to help record the event. So be sure to send in your contributions and stay tuned. I will let you know all the whens and wherefores as the information becomes available.

http://www.notaboutthenumbers.com/2011/08/09/three-two-one-geo-liftoff/

and another helpful link to check out:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/211644115/geocache-in-space

Behind The Scenes: Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) - Episode #26: Placing Your First Geocache

Wow, all I can say about last night's live recording of Geocaching World is wow. It was a night of experimentation, really cool prize give-a-ways and all around good times.

I personally started early when Creative Director Dave Dufour asked me if I wanted to be a part of the days episode of RVNN Live. Since I had already my equipment like lighting, sound and computer systems in place it was a no brainer. There Managing Director Andy McCaskey, Dave and myself talked about all things RV for about 45 minutes or so. We always have such a good time just talking the time flys by.

Next thing I knew Producer Courtney Wallin was getting things ready for our recording of Geocaching World. During this time I am busy getting the word out to all of my Google+, Twitter and Facebook fans that the show is about to begin recording. Then I get all my show notes in order via my Ipad2 and netbook which I monitor the chat room during the show. Finally on my main computer I get my Skype hookup in place and any other props or items I may want to show during the taping. It is an unusual balance of controlled chaos but we have been doing this for a while and I am used to it.

Tonight was a bit different for a couple of reasons. One, we all really wanted to see if we could work in a Google+ Hangout. This is a conference type of application where you can have up to ten people video chatting at the same time. Long story short. Going to take some more testing and tweaking. Skype and Google+ do not play together well, but we will keep at it.

The second reason the show was a bit different was we were giving away a couple of really nice prizes only to the people who were in the chat room during the taping. The prizes included a very cool key-chain donated from GeoSurvivalGear.com and the second was an actual Cache-A-Maniacs Geocoin. We will be posting more about our GW Cache Stash sponsorship program in an upcoming post. So more later.

The show itself went great. we had Pingvoyager from North Carolina on in the first segment talking about his and his friend Luckysgirls's night time geocaching adventure via kayak. We had a little problem with some delay issues but overall a great discussion.

Segments two and three Dave and I talked about many of the things you need to consider if placing a geocache. We had so much content that this is going to come up again in a future episode. The whole point to it was to get Dave enough information to place his first geocache correctly. More information about that in the show.

So with the record crowds in the chat-room, all the great discussions with the viewers and with each other the night was a complete success and a whole lot of fun. RVNN.tv gave out five stickers to the chat-room and so there were a whole lot of happy people. We hope you can attend our next recording and join in the fun.

Scheduled for our next recording will be Monday, August 15th. We plan on doing two shows starting at 6:30pm EST. Our planned special guest will be Eric Schudiske from Groundspeak.

Cya there!

-HHH

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Special Guest Photo: Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) 08032011

HeadHardHat (left), Phil May (middle), Dave Dufour (right)

I admit it. I so appropriated this really cool shot from the RVNN.tv Facebook page. It features Creative Director Dave Dufour, Gadgetplex Host Phil May and myself while taping an episode of Geocaching World. Phil was visiting the RVNN.tv studios and so we just had to have him on as our special guest. If you are wondering why I am on a monitor is because when we do Geocaching World the show hosts usually appear via Skype.

We had way too much fun!


GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
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Behind The Scenes: Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) Episode #25 - Munzee Talk

I was very excited to be back on camera once again. We had not recorded another episode of Geocaching World since Geowoodstock IX back in early July. It was even more of a surprise when I found out that Phil May host of Gadgetplex was visiting the RVNN.tv studios. So we had a very special guest with tonight's LIVE recording.

Phil May - Host of Gadgetplex

Because this was an attempt to get back on our normal recording schedule we taped only one episode and it was on a Wednesday instead of our summer schedule of Monday nights at 6:30pm EST. I was very pleased to see many of our regular viewers in the Ustream chat-room just like always. Geocachers are the best and thank you for being there.

Since Phil is our electronics show expert we of course started the show talking about some of the gps gadgetry he was familiar with. One of the items that I thought quite clever was a key-chain sized gps that allowed you to mark an important spot like where you parked your car so you could quickly get back to it. I see that very handy if you don't have a smart phone but would like that functionality.

Segments two and three we talked about an extremely popular adaptation of the geocaching theme. It's called Munzee and is an electronic, smart phone, search and discovery game. If you frequent my blog there are several really instructive posts I have placed for you to enjoy. In tonight's episode we go over many of the basics and I also take you on one of my earliest Munzee hides.

Be sure to watch when episode #25 of Geocaching World becomes available. Much more for you to learn about this fun activity. So stay tuned via the RVNN.tv website, Itunes and all of our distribution networks and affiliates.

Be a part of the Geocaching World chat room audience. We record our show during the summer schedule on Monday's at 6:30pm EST. You can go directly to the Ustream chat room by clicking this link: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rvnn-live

We look forward to seeing you there. We have some really great surprises starting next week. You have to be in the chat room to participate.

See you then.

-HHH

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Time To Register and Get Your Geocoinfest U.S. 2011 On

If you are a geocacher like me you are attracted to a particular type of geocaching traveler known as "geocoins". Geocoins are large in size at about 3" on average. Usually metallic so they have a really nice weight to them and for many they bring the pirate out of us every time we find one in a geocache or at an event. Arrrrr, it brings the "shiny treasure" aspect into geocaching.  So since geocoins found in the wild are owned by someone else but you want to start up a collection for yourself, what do you do?

You can purchase them online OR you can come to the largest geocoin event in the US. This year that would be GC2G6QR - Geocoinfest U.S. 2011 which will be held in Rock Hill, SC just south of Charlotte, NC. This event runs from October 14th through October 16th.

In geocaching terms this is going to be a Mega event which means there are going to be a whole lot of people there. Registration for this amazing Geocoinfest just opened so be sure and get yourself registered a.s.a.p.. You can go here to find out everything for the event and register: http://www.geocoinfestus2011.com/

When you are done registering be sure to check out all the other things that will be going on via their weekend schedule. Also check out the website store and take a gander at some of the booty you can get your hands on.

I plan on attending the event by doing interviews and other stuff for both Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) and GeoSnippits so be sure to stop by my booth area and say hi!

This is going to be a whole lot of fun and you can fill up your geocoin collection by meeting a whole lot of fellow geocachers.

CYA There!

-HHH


GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) Now Featured On YouTube - Geocache Types

Geocaching World is in it's first season and already it is one of the top shows in the RVNN.tv network. There are several reasons for this.  Starting with hosts Dave Dufour who just learned about Geocaching and Andy HeadHardHat Smith who has been very involved with the family activity for years. Then the extremely informative banter as Andy and Dave discuss all the aspects of Geocaching including many side subjects likes photography, hiking, technology and much more. Finally there are our amazing viewers who can watch the show as it is recorded LIVE or as it is distributed via ITunes, TechPodcast, Blubrry, Roku and many other viewing choices. Above all this entertaining show would not be possible without you.

So with all the many ways someone can see entire episodes via the web. Why are we putting out teasers of the show and featuring them on YouTube? When we say teaser we are not putting the whole show out there but rather the second segment of three from each show. This will give a good sampling of what the show is about and hopefully will have people wanting to see the show in it's entirety. Overall this is really to help pull in folks who may not be familiar with Geocaching World yet. Our regular viewers will already know to watch off off Thea RVNN.tv website or use ITunes and the like.

The main thing is to keep everyone informed as much as possible. So if Geocaching World comes up in one of your Geocaching discussions be sure to point the discussion to any one of the ways for everyone to enjoy our show. We would appreciate it greatly.

-HHH

Enjoy an early episode of Geocaching World where we talk about geocaching types.


If the viewer above is not available you can see the entire segment by going here:
http://youtu.be/5Vg0q12kOuo

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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This Just In From Stanford Squirrel - Join A Treasure Hunt

I have to say that it has been quite some time since I last had a good solid read from a squirrel. Oh sure there are all the local stories but not one where I wanted to enjoy the entire read from cover to cover. I recently was given a gift from Stanford Squirrel which goes over the adventures of his Grandpa Thrifty's Treasure Hunt. There you read about all the fascinating places of adventure Grandpa Thrifty goes to and a very real chance for you to find a very real treasure hidden somewhere in the United States.

I am not going to go into any of the details so you will have to look up this $2.99USD story for yourself. Solve the riddle which is the story and be the first to find a real live treasure worth over $10,000USD.

Here is the link to the kindle store.
http://www.amazon.com/Grandpa-Thriftys-Treasure-Hunt-ebook/dp/B005CYONMU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1312204986&sr=1-1

Good luck and tell Stanford that HHH sent ya.



GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Friend me at Facebook
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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