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Friday, December 28, 2012

Geocaching Discussion of the Day:Your significant other, are they encouraging to your Geocaching exploits or Not?



Geocaching Discussion of the Day:
Your significant other, are they encouraging to your Geocaching exploits or is it the bane of their existence?

Inquisitive geocachers want to know..
-------------------------------------------------------
Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
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Watch my Internet TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

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@headhardhat

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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Thursday, December 27, 2012

What Geocaching goals do you have for 2013?


The year 2013 is quickly approaching and now that we are apparently going to stick around for a while longer, it begs the big question...

What Geocaching goals do you have for 2013?

Is it a particular number of Geocache finds in a day? A state challenge to fulfill? How about a number of days in a row goal? What ever you are going for in the upcoming year we want to know it. Maybe you will inspire others to go for it as well... Greatness!
-------------------------------------------------------
Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
http://feeds.feedblitz.com/geocacheimnotobsessedright/

Watch my Internet TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/

Google+
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Thursday, December 20, 2012

Fwd: New Android app for Geocachers, with back end server integration

Just received this email and passing the information on to you. A review will be coming soon.

-HHH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Use Your Phone for GPS Tracking and Location-based Reminders and Share GPS Coordinates, Travel Routes, POIs, and Photos with the inViu routes Android App

Berlin, Germany, December 20, 2012 – inViu routes is the new ad-free Android app that allows users to track their travel routes and other mobile assets on their smartphone. Developed by German telematics company, ENAiKOON, inViu routes is part of the "inViu touch" family of apps that connects to inViu web, ENAiKOON's backend web portal server. It is the only app in the market today that combines GPS photos, maps, routes, POIs, and location-based alerts all in one comprehensive app.

The idea behind inViu routes is to be able to record travel routes just like a GPS device using an off-the-shelf Android phone. Users can add other inViu routes mobile users and GPS devices to track on their phone. The tracked mobile phones and routes can be viewed as well on inViu web, a free web-based smartphone and asset tracking software. The new app allows users to find locations on OpenStreetMap, set geofences, and take photos with embedded GPS coordinates that could be assigned to certain Points of Interest (POIs) or routes. The geo-notes feature incorporates text and voice reminders to specific geofences, allowing users to create location-based notifications. Routes, POIs, and photos can be emailed as a map image, GPX, or KML file to share with friends and family. Routes, POIs, and photos can also be shared through any other installed app on the user's phone, including social media apps.

This software will attract travel, geocaching, and outdoor sport enthusiasts as it can record favourite trip routes and save POIs with exact GPS coordinates along those routes. On-the-go users can benefit from geo-notes as it can be effectively used for location-based reminders. As tracking software, it can be particularly useful for families, allowing them to keep a close eye on children, seniors, and pets to monitor their safety. Family members equipped with an Android phone with inViu routes can be easily monitored as their GPS coordinates will show in real time on inViu web. Anyone with an account or subaccount can access the online software.

"We are thrilled to introduce inViu routes to the inViu app family," comments Markus Semm, the managing director and founder of ENAiKOON. "inViu routes is an easy-to-use, free app with multiple purposes. Whether you're taking photos on a hiking trail, recording your favourite driving route on a road trip, or making sure your child gets home safely, this app will give you reliable information that you can share with your friends and family."

ENAiKOON has also developed other Android apps, such as inViu NFC-tracker, inViu OpenCellID, inViu GPS-details, and inViu traffic-counter. They are working towards one, integrated suite of the inViu app series.

The inViu routes Android app is now available for free download in Google Play. Easily upgrade to the pro version within the app for extended use of features. The app will allow up to four mobile phones to synchronise with an inViu account at no extra charge. Sign up for your free inViu account and learn more about inViu routes at www.enaikoon.com. For an easy quick start guide click here.

About ENAiKOON

Since their inception in 2002, ENAiKOON has been a leader in delivering telematics solutions to businesses in the logistics, transport, medical, cleaning, and construction industries. This Berlin-based German company specialises in tailoring mobile tracking solutions for each individual customer, often aiding in theft prevention, employee monitoring, and fleet management. The combination of their sophisticated online asset-tracking software and adaptable range of GPS devices ensures their customers security, operation efficiency, and business optimisation. To learn more about their services and telematics solutions, please visit www.enaikoon.com.

Contact:
Marie Dennis, International Account Manager
T: +49 30 39747538


Best regards

Marie Dennis
International Account Manager

For the legal obligation information please click here.
Visit our new
website..

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Behind The Scenes: Geocaching Podcast - Extreme UK Geocaches



  Last nights recording of the Geocaching Podcast was in my humble opinion very interesting. Though I would feel more comfortable if I could somehow stick a label stating " Do this at your own risk " or  " Think before you do ". In other words I personally felt a bit uncomfortable discussing extreme Geocaching with our guest. Let me 'splain.

We started The Geocaching Podcast last night without a hitch. I am so glad we ditched Talkshoe and now signing into Google+ Hangout is so easy and my initial setup is really minimal. We now record via Hangout OnAir with the three of us and any guest and the show is broadcast off of the Geocachingpodcast.com/live web page including an ever improving chat room. No muss, no fuss and easy for all to enjoy. Now in regards to the show itself. We had on as our bleary eyed guest (it was 2:45am his time) a member of a Geocaching group known as The 3Fruits. These spirited young guys from The UK are relatively new to Geocaching. Our guest last night had about 150 finds or so but they craved to find the more extreme Geocaches in their area. Apparently there really were none so they decided to start placing them instead. 


Keep in mind that when I say extreme I mean EXTREME difficulties. Their placements have you hanging off of all sorts of bridges, dams and other high places.Now don't get me wrong I don't have a problem with this EXCEPT they insist doing their placements without any safety equipment. I understand having the adrenalin rush with something like this but the common sense part of my brain kicks in, sorry must be my age.  Anyways they do not tell others to try getting these Geocaches without equipment but it doesn't appear to be stressed much. Again personally I just don't want someone getting hurt doing a placement all for the sake of a hide. Plus you can already imagine the headlines if they do get hurt or worse, but I digress. 

Do we need extreme Geocaches? Absolutely, Geocaching needs challenging and physically demanding hides for those of whom wish to obtain them. They all can't be lamp post caches. Common sense on the other hand must present itself. Not only for the hider doing the placement but also for the geocacher going for the smiley. If your physical limitations are telling you that it is beyond your capabilities then for the love of all that is holy, DON'T DO IT! Also, do the ole Headhardhat a favor so my beard does not get any whiter than it already is. Use safety equipment when attempting these types of Geocaches. People around you may call you a chicken but at least you will remain a live chicken. Pa-kaw. 

So needless to say the show was great and XpunkX, DarrylW4 and myself had a good time learning more about these challenge minded geocachers across the pond. The actual show should be going live any time now or you can go to the geocachingpodcast.com/live web page and see the videocast uncut. Either way it is worth a good listen.

The Geocaching Podcast is recorded live each Wednesday at 9:30pm ET. Be sure to see the live videocast and participate in the chat room by going to geocachingpodcast.com/live

See you next week for our December Cacher Coffee!

Andy Headhardhat Smith

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Behind The Scenes: Geocaching Podcast - 2012 Holiday Gift List




 Well last night's recording of the Geocaching Podcast was jam packed with holiday gift ideas AND was the switch over and away from Talkshoe. I cannot tell you how happy I am with this decision from podcast originators XpunkX and Darrylw4.  Talkshoe for me personally and to many others was a complete and utter pain in the arse. Constant changes to the software, VOIP conflicts and consistent unreliability made Talkshoe a pain to work with.  Now I will give it this, that the Chatroom was very nice to use with our listeners. The pro version was even nicer so finding a close alternative may be a bit of a challenge for Producer XpunkX. I have faith though that a good solution is not far down the road.

HHH, Darrylw4 and XpunkX shown here doing the Geocaching Podcast - LIVE!

What are we using now? Well, instead of just listening to us talk during the podcast recordings and type chatting in the Chatroom. We are now using Google+ On Air and the Geocaching Podcast Live website.  So now all you have to do to watch us record live is go to www.geocachingpodcast.com/live and you are done. There is an embedded video right there that let's you watch the three of us as we record and then just below is the Chatroom. We still have to work a couple of kinks before it is complete but all in all I think you are going to have an even better and more enjoyable experience with our show.

Speaking of which, last nights show was absolutely jammed packed with Holiday Gift List information for the geocacher in your life.  We started out at gifts under $10 and worked our way up. Each of us gave enough of a variety to give most everybody some great gift ideas. Be sure to check it out when the podcast goes live in the next day or so and there should be a YouTube version available as well. Enjoy.


The Geocaching Podcast is recorded live each and every Wednesday nights at 9:30pm ET. Be sure to see us as we record live by visiting us at www.geocachingpodcast.com/live.

See you next week,

Andy HeadHardHat Smith

-------------------------------------------------------
Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/ 
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
http://feeds.feedblitz.com/geocacheimnotobsessedright/

Watch my Internet TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

Twitter me at 
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook 
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/ 

Google+ 
http://gplus.to/headhardhat 

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

Saturday, November 24, 2012

A Day With Debaere: Eight Geocaching Types and a Benchmark


I really love geocaching... can you tell? Then add to the fun in a combination of geocaching with friends AND going for a particular goal makes for a fantastic adventure. So when good buddy Debaere (Dave Debaeremaeker) asked if I wanted to try and pick up eight different types of geocaches in one day... I was geeked.

A real Durham Bull!
That's right we went for a

  • Traditional cache
  • Multi-cache
  • Puzzle cache
  • Whereigo cache
  • Virtual cache
  • Earthcache
  • Letterbox hybrid cache
  • Webcam cache 
  • and also found a Benchmark ta boot. 
HeadHardHat with Debaere in the background...


The cool thing is it all really was just for fun. To see if we could do it without it turning into a major pressure cooker. It really was not. We had a great time which also included a good lunch stop somewhere in the middle of the day. All in all we clocked about 60 miles or so and ended up finding a bunch of traditionals in a park after we reached our goal. That was just as the sun was setting.

So all in all, tons of geocaching greatness. Had fun with Debaere as always, got up-close and personal with a bull (don't ask), had a great tour of downtown Durham, NC, managed to parallel park in front of witnesses and not make a complete fool of myself (plus), geocached all around the Durham, Apex, Raleigh area and added several firsts to my geocaching career. Awesome!

Big thanks to Dave "Debaere" for the invite. Looking forward to many more!

-HHH
-------------------------------------------------------
Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
http://feeds.feedblitz.com/geocacheimnotobsessedright/

Watch my Internet TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/

Google+
http://gplus.to/headhardhat

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

Friday, November 23, 2012

Debaere and HeadHardHat Out Geocaching in Durham, NC

Out geocaching on a very chilly fall day in Durham, North Carolina.

Sent from my phone. Please pardon my autocorrect.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Geocaching World (RVNN.tv): 2012 Geocaching Holiday Gift List

Geocaching World (RVNN.tv): 2012 Geocaching Holiday Gift List

There are many celebrations of the Holiday Season,
we hope yours is full of good will and cheer!
We had another great show this year for our annual Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)  Geocaching Holiday Gift List and as with each year, I have been doing them since 2008, we get some surprises. Lets see if your geocaching wish list item is here. By the way you may want to print this out, put in some arrows and circles then leave to be seen by your spouse or significant other. Just saying .

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Right on my Geocache:I'm NOT Obsessed... Right? blog we ran a poll with twelve of the most popular geocaching holiday gift ideas from past years. The rankings for all these items change from year to year but this is how they turned out for 2012. (Note - you were able to choose more than one item this year so that is why the percentages do not add up to the expected 100%)

Holiday Wish List Poll on Blog:

- Time  (62%) - winner and still champ! Don't we all want more time to geocache.

- Geocoins/Pathtags  (33%)

- More Quality Hides  (31%)

- Geocaching Gizmos  (27%)

- Gas Card for Cachemobile (25%)

- Geocache Containers  (25%)

- Outdoor Clothes (16%)

- Geocaching Mentor  (14%)

- GPSr  (14%)

- Rechargeable Batteries  (8%)

- Geocaching Smartphone Apps  (4%)

- Annual Park Pass  (4%)

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I then also asked the same question to the geocachers on the geocaching.com forums what they would like. Check out the top four most selected then the rest were evenly spread out across the board so we grouped them together by category for ease of viewing.  Here are the results:

2012 Christmas Geocaching Holiday List

 #1 - AA Rechargeable Batteries - Winner, have to keep those GPSRs powered!

#2  - Time

 #3 - Gas Card

 #4 - Ram Mount for Bike

Gizmos and Tools:
Telescopic mirror
Space pens
Head lamp
Write in Rain Notepads
Pocket Recorder

GPSr Units:
Oregon 450
Delorme PN-60

Clothes:
Hats
Winter pants
Geocaching Gloves
Snowshoes and Socks

Geocaches:
Ammo Cans
Nanos

Swag:
Swag in General
Personal Tokens as swag

Misc:
Photo Book of the last years adventures
Nice Weather
TB Window Sticker
Travel Bug Tags
Renew Premium Membership
Moun10bike Geocoin

We hope you enjoyed this year's Geocaching Holiday Gift List for 2012 and if you did not see what you want please be sure to participate in our polls and posts to get your suggestions in next year. 


All of us at RVNN.tv, Geocaching World, and GeoSnippits want to wish each and all geocachers around the world a joyfull holiday season!!! Be safe out there.

-------------------------------------------------------
Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
http://feeds.feedblitz.com/geocacheimnotobsessedright/

Watch my Internet TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/

Google+
http://gplus.to/headhardhat

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

Saturday, November 10, 2012

A Munzee Benchmark

Had an absolute blast today on a gorgeous fall day here in Raleigh, North Carolina. The temps were near 70 with an abundance of sunshine. So I just had to go out and get some geocaching/Munzee Hunting done.

Below you can see my Munzee attack route for the day. It was great, not only were the hides done very well with a minimum of searching required but it didn't take all afternoon to do the run. In fact it only took about 40 minutes or so. Awesome.

A dozen Munzee sweep
Oh sure don't get me wrong I love geocaching and taking those long walks on the greenways or enjoying the woods in all their glory. Though when it comes to urban hides where all you have to do is walk up and do a click and scoot, there is nothing like it.

As an added bonus I also was able to do a benchmark find as well. The hider of the Munzee saw fit to point it out which was very much appreciated. See below.
Benchmark near a Munzee hide
Well the afternoon is young and while I wait to see what this evening will bring in weekend activity I think I am going to head back out for some geocaching. So, what are your geocaching plans this weekend?

-Andy HeadHardHat Smith
 Geocacher

-------------------------------------------------------
Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
http://feeds.feedblitz.com/geocacheimnotobsessedright/

Watch my Internet TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/

Google+
http://gplus.to/headhardhat

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

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Behind The Scenes: Geocaching Podcast - Spooky Geocaching Hides



 
 Well last nights Geocaching Podcast show was some scary good fun. We had a full crew with XpunkX, Darrylw4 and myself - Andy HeadHardHat Smith in full glory as we discussed Spooky Geocaching Experiences right there on Halloween night.

Starting off the show we had our usual recounts of geocaching for the week. It was interesting to me in how Hurricane Sandy effected not only my geocaching time this past week but also the guys up north. That was indeed a massive, monster of a storm and we all expressed our hopes and prayers that everyone got through it in the best way possible.

After jabbering about our week's geocaching adventures we sunk our teeth right into the subject at hand which included several different spooky geocaching hunts that our listeners were kind enough to tell us about. Nothing like geocaching in the moonlight at a cemetery and reaching down for the cache only to see several sets of eyes staring back to you... Scary! We also recalled different occasions in our past being into the woods and having animal encounters. Like Darrylw4 as a toddler trying to sit on an actual bear cub or myself in the UP of Michigan coming face to whiskers with a mountain lion. 
Imagine the things you can encounter at night in a cemetery. Now that is ghoulish fun.

We continued our discussion of other haunted hides which took up the rest of the show. There is so much great discussion here you really should give a listen when the show goes live in the next day or so. Your favorite podcatcher application will be able to find us.

Oh and I almost forgot. Next weeks show is our November Cacher Coffee episode which means YOU fellow listeners can call in and discuss just about any geocaching based thing you want. It is always a great show when you are there and besides its always nice to hear other geocachers talking about our favorite pastime. So be sure and visit us in either the Talkshoe Chatroom or the Google+ hangout.



We record the Geocaching Podcast each and every Wednesday at 9:30pm ET. You can get all of our past shows and how to get on Talkshoe by visiting our website at www.geocachingpodcast.com.

See you there!

-HHH



Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Behind The Scenes: Geocaching World - Geocaching Pack

Recording last nights Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) show was an absolute blast because I got to talk about one of my favorite subjects and that is geocaching gadgets and gizmos.  You know all those special tools that you need to reach those pesky placed geocaches.

Inspection Mirror
Both myself and cohort Courtney Wallin talked about everything from tweezers to multi tools and grabbers to diapers, yes believe it or not, everything that you need to be prepared when you go out geocaching.
First we have to say thank you to all a geocachers all around the world that sent in your suggestions and comments and of course don't forget all the fans that were in our chat room and Google Plus hangout.

Olive Grabber
Want to also say a quick thank you to our brand new Geocaching World Cache Stash sponsor Cache Advance for donating tonight's prize.

Telescopic Magnet
If you want to get all the details about all the very cool gadgets and gizmos we talked about in tonight's show.
Be sure to see it in a couple of days when the show is published for your favorite podcatcher application.

Geocaching World is recorded each and every Tuesday at 630 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. If you want to see how a television show is recorded live and get into some amazing discussions with fellow geocachers, we would love to see you there.

Friday, October 19, 2012

We Have New Geocaching Prizes from Cache Advance!

Well lookie what just was dropped off on my doorstep. Our newest Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) Cache Stash sponsor Cache Advance just sent us a package of their products to be given away to you our viewing audience.

Check out the very cool geocaches and auto travel bugs!
I'll let you drool over some of these goodies and then remind you that to win one of these you need to join us on Tuesdays at 6:30pm ET in either our Ustream chat room - http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rvnn-live or be sure and circle +Andrew Smith and join us in our Google+ hangout. Each week we have contests and give out something from the Geocaching World Cache Stash which has products from some of the top geocaching companies in the game. Want in? Be there!

See you next week and thanks again to Cache Advance for your generous donations!

-Andy HeadHardHat Smith

-------------------------------------------------------
Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
http://feeds.feedblitz.com/geocacheimnotobsessedright/

Watch my Internet TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/

Google+
http://gplus.to/headhardhat

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

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Geocaching And Explosives Do Not Mix



Geocaching in the media for the most part makes me very happy. With everything from articles about how geocachers help clean up their communities with CITO events, how Geocaching can bring education to a community and when Geocaching brings business to businesses. All positive in their own right. Yet for every positive there is also the negative. My point of discussion today deals with bomb scares and Geocaching. Now before you start thinking "HeadHardHat do you really want to go there?". I know that this a veritable hotbed of discussion, I know that it is not a popular subject and there are very strong opinions which bring up all sorts of emotions. You also know that I say what is on my mind even if the subject is not all puppies and hugs. To me as a member of the Geocaching community and the media it is important to talk about ALL aspects of our game, sport and obsession otherwise how do we solve unpleasant issues. So whether you like my opinions or not at least contemplate what I am trying state and make up your own minds. You are a part of the Geocaching community too.

Last week while recording an episode of Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) Courtney Wallin and I talked about a recent article in the news that told a familiar story of how the bomb squad was called out into a forest area to take care of a suspicious object. This object turned out to be placed on the back of a DNR sign and was in the form of an aluminum hand grenade. A fricken HAND GRENADE. If you have read articles like this in the past you know I am usually on the side of a geocacher and that usually a muggle stumbles on a Geocache and reports it to the police. It happens and in many cases could have either been placed just a little bit better or was a bad judgement call from an inexperienced Cacher. It's unfortunate but again it happens and is part of our world.

This particular story though got under my skin, why? We have been living in a post nine eleven world for some time now. No, for the most part we do not think that a terrorist is going to pop out of every darkened shadow nor do we allow ourselves to become complacent and stop our awareness either. So when a geocacher in this day and age purposely puts out a Geocache that intentionally looks like a bomb or worse an actual explosive needs to be bare knuckle back handed. There is absolutely no place for it in this game. Now before all the buts and what-abouts start pouring in I know there can be a lot of grey area here. I personally have made PVC Geocaches but none of them have wires sticking out, are well marked and do not give any inkling that they are a bomb, so lets keep the grey area items under the umbrella of using good common sense with anything that may be troublesome for another time. I am talking about specific, deliberate containers made to look like a bomb.  

I cannot believe an experienced geocacher placed this hand grenade Geocache. If it was the knuckles need to go a flying and the words "what the hell were you thinking?", need to be said. My quandary is how do we get the word out more to new geocachers to not make this mistake? We have shows like Geocaching World, Geocaching Podcast, Podcacher and others that are there for you every week with valuable Geocaching insights. We have been doing it for years. How are we letting new geocachers slip through the cracks without the correct knowledge? What can we do to bring more awareness? I know you can't fix stupid but we sure can try to reduce the stupidity. What can be done to help perpetuate our sport and getting the word out to our newer members? What do you think?

So there it is, I am throwing the ball back to you fine folks. The media can only do so much. We need your voice as well to not only carry our views but yours as well. Suggestions, comments, we want to know. Please email them to headhardhat@gmail.com. I will compile them and let you know the results.

Stepping off my soapbox... Thanks.

Andy Headhardhat Smith

 

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

What Is In Your Geocaching Arsenal?


One of the cool things about being a geocacher is the collection of tools we collect and absolutely need to do our game, sport and obsession. Geocaching has such a creatively broad spectrum of hiding spots which demands an almost Batman Utility Belt of gadgets and gizmos. What we want to know is what are some of your favorites, must haves and oddities. We will collect your suggestions and present them not only in this blog but on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) this upcoming Tuesday, 10-23-2012. You can either comment at the. Bottom of this post or email to headhardhat@gmail.com. Please put in the subject line "Geocaching gizmos".

Some of HeadHardHat's favorites include:

- Roll of twine with magnet or weighted paper clips - For when we accidentally drop Geocaches into drains, holes, etc.
- Telescopic mirror - For looking into or behind areas before reaching for the cache.
- Multi Tool - A geocacher's must have for a whole array of Geocaching needs.

What are your favorites, let us know. Many time geocachers have wonderful ideas that others can benefit from. Share your experience with others. We look forward to hearing from you.

- Andy HeadHardHat Smith


New Sponsor For Our Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) Cache Stash!

We are so excited about our latest addition to the Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) Cache Stash we could not wait to tell you. So here goes...

Cache-Advance.com
Cache Advance is now a member of our Cache Stash and will be contributing all sorts of geocaching goodness for you to win on Geocaching World! We now have several of THE top geocaching companies bringing you our viewers amazing great prizes for you to win.

Watch us to win amazing prizes!

Be sure to see Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) each week on Tuesdays at 6:30pm ET as we record the show LIVE in front of our Ustream Chat room and Google+ hangout. Either way you have opportunities to see the show recorded as it happens and can enter weekly contests to win these amazing products so don't miss out and join geocachers around the world in all the fun!

If you want to join the ever growing list of companies like CoinsAndPins.com, GxProxy.com, Cache Advance and more. Send an email to headhardhat@gmail.com for more details.

-------------------------------------------------------
Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
http://feeds.feedblitz.com/geocacheimnotobsessedright/

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http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

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@headhardhat

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What Is In Your Geocaching Arsenal?


One of the cool things about being a geocacher is the collection of tools we collect and absolutely need to do our game, sport and obsession. Geocaching has such a creatively broad spectrum of hiding spots which demands an almost Batman Utility Belt of gadgets and gizmos. What we want to know is what are some of your favorites, must haves and oddities. We will collect your suggestions and present them not only in this blog but on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) this upcoming Tuesday, 10-23-2012. You can either comment at the. Bottom of this post or email to headhardhat@gmail.com. Please put in the subject line "Geocaching gizmos".

Some of HeadHardHat's favorites include:

- Roll of twine with magnet or weighted paper clips - For when we accidentally drop Geocaches into drains, holes, etc.
- Telescopic mirror - For looking into or behind areas before reaching for the cache.
- Multi Tool - A geocacher's must have for a whole array of Geocaching needs.

What are your favorites, let us know. Many time geocachers have wonderful ideas that others can benefit from. Share your experience with others. We look forward to hearing from you.

- Andy HeadHardHat Smith


Behind The Scenes: Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) - Geocacher Dave (Debaere) Debaeremaeker

Andy HeadHardHat Smith in the GeoSnippits Studios with
Co-Host Courtney Wallin on monitor.

If you missed last night's recording of Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) you missed out on some real geocacher fun. You see we finally had my friend, geocacher and bicycle enthusiast Dave (Debaere) Debaeremaeker on as our special guest. Yes I had to get in one last dig on poor Dave who last week could not make it to the show due to an unfortunate altercation with a hill, his bike and gravity. Fortunately he was not seriously hurt but I can bet he sure was sore. Ultimately I was very happy to have my friend on our show.

So lessee, the show itself went along great except for a couple of glitches. We were experiencing some weird wind tunnel effect for some reason that eventually went away. Not sure how much of that will be in the actual final footage but we shall see. Our loverly producer and co-host Courtney Wallin is extremely talented and can edit with the best. Anyway, the show went great once that particular gremlin was extinguished which is always a good thing.

Geocacher Debaere  - Tonight's show guest.
Dave, Dave and even more Debaere. You never know how an interview is going to go until you actually do it. Dave - Debaere is a very inspiring geocacher and we have hit it off from the first time we met at the Geocache In Space (L.E.I.F.) event earlier this year. In fact we went geocaching for an afternoon in the Raleigh, NC area just a month or so back. Had a fantastic time. So even though he admittedly was a bit nervous you couldn't tell a bit and we gabbed for the entire length of the show. We talked about how Dave started geocaching in Belgium and even though he is Canadian the bulk of his geocaching career is here in the States. We discussed about all sorts of geocaching insights and you will just have to see the episode when it comes out in the next day or so. Let's just say it is jam packed with geocaching greatness.

Our Geocaching World Cache Stash was sponsored by GxProxy.com this week and the prize was a very cool carabiner. Plus they announced a brand newly minted geocoin that you should go to their website to see. It's gorgeous!

Needless to say this was a winner of a show and you really should see it when it becomes available in your favorite podcatcher application. Next week we will be talking about favorite geocache items you can not geocache without. If you have any suggestions please email to headhardhat@gmail.com and they just might get mentioned on the show.
Oh and almost forgot, I want to thank a whole bunch of Geocaching World viewers who hung around in the Google+ hangout after the show. We must have talked for a half hour or so about different geocaching things including one of our viewers from Germany gave us some great information as well. Was really interesting and again thanks!

We record Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) every Tuesday night at 6:30pm ET. You can be part of our live audience by going into our Ustream Chatroom where you can see our live feed of the show as we record and/or you can join our Google + hangout by circling  +Andrew Smith.

See you next week,

Andy HeadHardHat Smith


-------------------------------------------------------
Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
http://feeds.feedblitz.com/geocacheimnotobsessedright/

Watch my Internet TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/

Google+
http://gplus.to/headhardhat

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

Monday, October 15, 2012

Caches With Wolves - Warren Andrews

Received a really nice email from Warren Andrews who while geocaching, discovered a wolf sanctuary in South Salem, New York.

Check these photos out:

I believe this should state that
All Trespassers Shall Be Eaten!



















Some fenced in pens..












Here is a news article explaining about this amazing spot:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/05/arts/music/05oest.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

If you have photos, videos or commentary about your geocaching adventures. Please be sure and email them to me Andy HeadHardHat Smith at headhardhat@gmail.com. You might just get mentioned in my blog, or one one of my television or podcasting shows. Always glad to hear from you!
-------------------------------------------------------
Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
http://feeds.feedblitz.com/geocacheimnotobsessedright/

Watch my Internet TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/

Google+
http://gplus.to/headhardhat

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

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Behind The Scenes: Geocaching World - Spills, Chills and Thrills

Well my wondrous and amazing viewers we had all sorts of spills, chills and thrills with last nights recording of Geocaching World (RVNN.tv). So much went on it is hard for me to put it all in a few terse yet meaningful contexts. So lets start at the beginning.

Dave 'Debaere' DeBaeremaeker a good friend of mine and fellow geocacher was supposed to be our special guest on the show. That was until I received a chilling text from his wife telling me that Dave flipped his bike and was heading for the hospital! Hokey smokes Bullwinkle, I was actually stunned for a few moments. First off I didn't know if the bike meant bicycle or motorcycle. Thankfully later on I found out it was a bicycle. Next how bad was poor Dave? Here it was an hour before the show and not only was I concerned about my friend I also had to scramble to get enough content to replace what we were going to discuss with Dave. Stay Calm, Don't Panic.

Dave and HHH
Thankfully about 15 minutes later or so I received a phone call from Dave apologizing for not being able to do the show. I was so relieved that he was okay the rest didn't matter. Apparently my peddling pal was heading downhill and tried to stop by using more front brake than back. Resulting in some hurt ribs and I can imagine a bunch of other hurts. At least his injuries were not severe. Okay we can always reschedule now I can concentration on the show.

Luckily for me when I created the show notes for this episode it had a lot of filler content. Meaning when we have people on the show I always have a lot of extra stuff to talk about just incase the interview runs quick. A reassuring text from my cohort in crime Courtney Wallin let me know we were covered and to just proceed normally.  Phew!

Okay so the show itself went great even though we missed our Geocaching guest. We started with an explanation of what happened to Dave and then proceeded with a really great discussion about suggested topics from our Geocaching audience. We started with a talk about a recent Geocaching based bomb scare, followed by how Geocaching has an environmental footprint and is it harmful, plus several other topics. The chat room and handouts were buzzing with comments, suggestions and insights as usual. Must say, the show is just not the same without you there. 

The highlight of the show was of course the announcement of the Chris Mackey Limited edition book. We had tons of entries that were sent in and many were double entries when having our Geocaching World logo or words included. 

The winner who was chosen by drawing from one of my ammo box Geocaches was VICTORIA NICHOLS! We will be sending her the book this week - Congratulations. Victoria actually joined us in the Google+ hangout just after the show ended and didn't even realize she had won. That was so cool being able to tell her in person.
Victoria Nichols our contest winner!
All in all the show was heavily discussed in content and opens up a bunch of other discussions as well. I highly recommend you watch it when it becomes available in the next day or so.

We record Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) every Tuesday night at 6:30pm ET. You can be part of our live audience by going into our Ustream Chatroom where you can see our live feed of the show as we record and/or you can join our Google + hangout by circling +Andrew Smith.

See you next week.

Andy HeadHardHat Smith

-------------------------------------------------------
Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
http://feeds.feedblitz.com/geocacheimnotobsessedright/

Watch my Internet TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/

Google+
http://gplus.to/headhardhat

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

We Have Our Contest Winner!!!

Our Contest Prize from GxProxy.com and Chris Mackey
We had a great response to our two week long contest on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) and now we have our winner.

Here are some of the people who entered.
Drum Roll Please...  and the winner of the Limited Edition book Discovered by Chris Mackey is....

Victoria Nichols
VICTORIA NICHOLS!!!
Congratulations 

Again we want to thank GxProxy.com  and Chris Mackey for this most excellent prize for our Geocaching World Cache Stash! This was a fun contest and we plan on doing many more to come.

-------------------------------------------------------
Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
http://feeds.feedblitz.com/geocacheimnotobsessedright/

Watch my Internet TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/

Google+
http://gplus.to/headhardhat

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

Monday, October 8, 2012

Last Chance To Win The Amazing Discovered Book by Chris Mackey.

Limited Edition Book Discovered by Chris Mackey
Okay we are down to the wire and you now are at the last final hours to get your entry in for the amazing prize of the "Discovered" geocoin design based book by Chris Mackey. All entries must be in by 12:00 Noon ET tomorrow, 10/09/2012.

Remember this is a numbered - limited edition book! We will hold the drawing tomorrow LIVE at 6:30pm ET on the Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) show! You can watch it in our Ustream chatroom by going here:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rvnn-live or you can join our google+ hangout by Circling +Andrew Smith.
Remember there is limited spaces available in the hang out so be sure to get there early.

Here are some more entries sent in: Note they are actually two entries because they have the Geocaching World title or logo in the shot - Way to go!

Entry from PingVoyager


Entry from Louis / Nighthawk700



All the contest details are here -->

http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/2012/09/win-limited-edition-book-by-geocoin.html

Good Luck Tomorrow!
-------------------------------------------------------
Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
http://feeds.feedblitz.com/geocacheimnotobsessedright/

Watch my Internet TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/

Google+
http://gplus.to/headhardhat

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

Friday, October 5, 2012

Random Geocaching Thought: Where Do You Put Your Keys?



Just curious, was going into a nearby restaurant for lunch and while I was attaching my keys to my belt loop had this random thought. When geocaching, where do you put your car keys? Ever loose them? Ever lock then in the car when geocaching? Would love to hear your stories.

You can email your stories to headhardhat@gmail.com.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Behind The Scenes: Geocaching Podcast - October Cacher Coffee

XpunkX, Darrylw4 and HeadHardHat recording the Geocaching Podcast

 The Geocaching Podcast is such a fun show to do. Not only do I get the opportunity to talk about all the fun and exciting aspects of geocaching but I get to do it with such talented personalities like XpunkX and Darrylw4. Now take that and put it into an open discussion forum like our monthly Cacher Coffee and we can go on for hours if we wanted. Last night's show was no exception.

Matter of fact we were in such a talkative mood we almost did the entire show just on our initial show banter alone. Now what makes our Cacher Coffee episodes so much fun is that it is like I mentioned earlier an open format. We decide prior to the show what bullet points we want to discus and then discuss them. Normally in a show we have sometimes dozens of key points to talk about in a rather structured format but on Cacher Coffee nights we have about three broad points and we just go at it. The other nice thing is that during these episodes we open up the chat room and hang outs for our listeners to get their .02cents in as well. Sometimes we get a bunch of people who chime in, sometimes not. Either way we go through a lot of content. The hard part overall is getting us to shut up. Happened last night, we start the show. We get talking about what happened during the past week and we get over half way through the show and we aren't out of the banter stage yet. Way too much fun.


Believe it or not we did actually have some things to talk about and we discussed at great length subjects like
The lastest version of GSAK and the cool macro additions you can now add to your geocaching prowess, Cachesense has a really sweet update for Android and what is going on with the Geosphere / iOS6 bugs that are about to be fixed. It was a really enjoyable show to do and we hope you enjoy listening to it as we do making it for you. Be sure to check it out in the next day or so when it gets released to all the available podcaching sources. You can get all of the Geocaching Podcast episodes also right from our website at http://www.geocachingpodcast.com.

The Geocaching Podcast is recorded LIVE each and every Wednesday at 9:30pm ET. Be sure to come hear us and participate in our chat-room.

See you next week!

Andy HeadHardHat Smith 

-------------------------------------------------------
Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
http://feeds.feedblitz.com/geocacheimnotobsessedright/

Watch my Internet TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/

Google+
http://gplus.to/headhardhat

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

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Great Time Recording Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) - Geocaching Pet Peeves

Andy HeadHardHat Smith - Host of Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)

All I can say is WOW - what a cool show! Well okay the stuff before we started recording Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) was not so fun, in fact it kinda sucked but the actual show itself - AWESOME!

What? What happened before we started recording? Well, if you visit us (and many of you do) when we record Geocaching World you know we experience our share of technical difficulties. It's just going to happen. Last night we must have take the prize out of the Gremlin's cereal box cuz everything was going to pot. I started out by having my main show laptop decided to have a software meltdown causing Windows to stop working. I am a computer guy and under other circumstances this was a nasty inconvenience but twenty minutes before the show this is a disaster. So here I am trying to diagnose the issue at hand and at the same time wondering if I have a backup option through one of my other computers... Time is going by and I make some headway with the issue but not enough. Do I setup computer #2 and not have a hangout? Can I setup all my other equipment in time? Now I am beginning to sweat. Finally I decided to grab my gaming Alienware laptop and see if I at least have basics to replace my show laptop. With only a few minutes to go I plug in all my audio and video equipment, play with the extra monitor and turn on Skype - it all worked. What a pleasant surprise. Oh I had to tweak the inputs for Skype but all the drivers including my camera loaded in automatically and worked the first time. What a relief.

So with all the craziness I was going through on my end apparently Courtney Wallin my cohort in crime was having her own issues with Gremlins. Sigh. Ah the price of doing LIVE TV. So here it's show time and both Courtney and I are frantically trying to get everything setup and the Ustream chat-room and the Hangout are filling up. We have such an amazing audience and they were so cool talking amoungst themselves and cheering us on while they waited. Too cool. After all the technical issues we started about 20 minutes late but that didn't phase any of us.

The show itself was a complete blast to do. We discussed Geocaching Pet Peeves and there was no shortage of topics. I had given Courtney a medium sized list and we only scratched the surface. Then we added a lot of discussion from the chat-room and hangout as well. We could have talked for hours but we had to draw the curtain and close the show. I do so love talking about geocaching.

The Geocaching World Cache Stash had a sweet trackable tag from our friends at CoinsandPins.com of which we gave away to a member of the chat-room/hangout. There was also more discussion about the Discovery book from Chris Mackey which we currently have a contest going on where you can win said book if you enter our drawing. The details are here about that: http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/2012/09/win-limited-edition-book-by-geocoin.html.

So all in all a smokin fantastic show including some spills, chills and thrills. Be sure to come and join the fun of seeing a live program recorded including all the behind the scenes goodness.



We record Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) every Tuesday night at 6:30pm ET. You can be part of our live audience by going into our Ustream Chatroom where you can see our live feed of the show as we record and/or you can join our Google + hangout by circling +Andrew Smith.

See you next week.

Andy HeadHardHat Smith

-------------------------------------------------------
Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
http://feeds.feedblitz.com/geocacheimnotobsessedright/

Watch my Internet TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/

Google+
http://gplus.to/headhardhat

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

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

How Waterproof Are Your Geocache Hides?

Lock N Lock Geocache Container
There is a very popular saying in Geocaching and it goes something like this: "I use a multi-billion dollar satellite system to find Tupperware in the woods.", and the cool thing is its true. Oh sure Tupperware may not be as popular as in years past though we do traditionally hunt for containers hidden all over this great big planet of ours. In fact, after finding the perfect Geocaching hiding spot and getting permission to place it there, the most important aspect of any Geocache hide is the container itself. With that being said the most important aspect of that container to you is how waterproof it is overall. In other words, how well does it keep the elements out plus how well does it stand up to those very same elements over time?

Anyone can get a cheap Glad transport container, fill it with swag and a logbook then place it somewhere. Yet after a day or two the flimsy plastic warps and the seal gives way to an afternoon shower. What good is that now newly placed Geocache of goo? What do you think the next geocacher is going to think of your hide? I am thinking not very well.  You don't want that right?

Save yourself some unwanted nasty logs and a quick replacement by following some of ole HeadHardHat's suggestions:

- Understand the environment you are placing the Geocache. If your area has wet seasons you need more heavy duty containers with very good seals. 
- If you have extremes with heat and cold remember that plastic warps and can become brittle depending on the outside temps. Make sure your container can handle it.
- If you are not sure how waterproof your container is then do the 'Dunk Test'.  Get a water fillable container that can allow your Geocache to be placed into it and be completely submerged. Then do just that. Fill the larger container with water and then close your Geocache. Hold it under water for at least five to ten minutes. Pull your Geocache out, dry off and then open it. Any water inside? If your container is not going to hold up to this simple test then you need to find another one.

Follow these basic suggestions and you will have a class act of a Geocache to hide. Don't and the logs that get sent your way may not be what you are expecting!

See you out on the trails,

Andy Headhardhat Smith


-------------------------------------------------------
Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
http://feeds.feedblitz.com/geocacheimnotobsessedright/

Watch my Internet TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/

Google+
http://gplus.to/headhardhat

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