I almost thought that today's Geocache of the Day was going to be a complete bust and yet it was one of my more pleasant experiences. It first started out with me trying to experiment with Opencaching.com's new app for the Android. There was not a whole lot of geocaches registered near me except for one. It happened to be inside a county park and appeared to be a bit of a bushwhack from a hiking trail. With all the heavy rain last night and today I was not all that excited about getting wet but hey I have responsibilities to my viewers. So onward I drove.
As I entered into the park I knew I was going to be in trouble for this particular hide. Because of all the rain the county park actually closed down all the trails within the park today. Well, bummer. I didn't want to go away with a goose egg and I wanted to respect the park rules so I whipped out my geocaching app and found an alternative find. Back on the road again.
This particular geocache actually peaked my interest right away. It dealt with the presence of a particularly cool tree. I like unusual trees, don't know why but I find them fascinating. As I approached ground zero I knew instantly the point of interest. As I was searching I heard some rustling behind me and then the sound of a pleasant "Hello". The owner of the geocache happened to be driving by when I was searching and decided to see how I was doing.
We talked about geocaching for a good bit and after a very nice conversation the op had to move on and quite frankly so did I. Quickly I snapped a few photos of this cool tree and I was on my way to the nearest drive-thru. Once again this points out how friendly many geocachers are and one of the things we do enjoy is the reactions and comments given about our hides.
Until the next geocaching adventure...
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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HeadHardHat's Award Winning Geocaching Blog is a geocache treasure trove of geocaching information. Years of searchable geocaching insights await you here. HeadHardHat's GeoSnippits Geocaching Videos series can be seen on You Tube. You can also find him on his new GeoSnippits Reboot Podcast series and the Geocaching Podcast. Geocaching the outdoor treasure-hunting game which the participants use a GPS receiver to hide and seek containers called "geocaches" or "caches" anywhere in the world
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Showing posts with label HHH's Lunchtime GotD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HHH's Lunchtime GotD. Show all posts
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
HHH's Geocache of the Day: Why Do We Geocache?
What is it that compels us to go geocaching? I realize that is a blank check question and everybody has their own motivation. Yet the question remains, why do we love it so much? I personally can only give my viewpoint and a bit from others who have told me their thoughts. My conclusion is there is no definitive reason, usually there are multiple motivations. As I searched for today's Geocache of the Day I reflected on exactly what I was getting out of this amazing obsession.
First and foremost geocaching is just plain fun to do. You are given a goal to go out into an area that is most likely unfamiliar and explore it. Many times in terrains we don't normally venture into. I mean how many times does the expression , " wow this one is in a swamp", come into a conversation? Then there is the exploration itself. We are not always comfortable with the areas we go into but that can also be a very powerful and fun aspect in of itself. We have to take that deep breath and just do it. Sometimes it is uneventful while others present opportunities of wonder we never would have experienced if it was not for geocaching.
Next bring on the hunt. Whether it is a park and grab or a difficulty five geocache you never know what exactly is involved with finding that cache until you go after it. Even the easy ones can demand logical thinking and "where the heck is it?" moments no matter how experienced you are. Then try to explain to a muggle the exhilaration that comes when you actually do find the geocache itself. After thousands of finds I have never uncovered a geocache and exclaimed, "oh, look there it is,". The day I do that is the day I turn in my GPS!
There really is not enough space on this blog's server to fully answer my thoughts of why do we go geocaching. What is great about this game, sport and obsession is that it is so vast in scope and has so many positive aspects to not only continue to grow in popularity but expand our imaginations. That alone will keep geocaching going for a very long time. What gets you to go out and go geocaching. I would love to hear from you!
First and foremost geocaching is just plain fun to do. You are given a goal to go out into an area that is most likely unfamiliar and explore it. Many times in terrains we don't normally venture into. I mean how many times does the expression , " wow this one is in a swamp", come into a conversation? Then there is the exploration itself. We are not always comfortable with the areas we go into but that can also be a very powerful and fun aspect in of itself. We have to take that deep breath and just do it. Sometimes it is uneventful while others present opportunities of wonder we never would have experienced if it was not for geocaching.
Next bring on the hunt. Whether it is a park and grab or a difficulty five geocache you never know what exactly is involved with finding that cache until you go after it. Even the easy ones can demand logical thinking and "where the heck is it?" moments no matter how experienced you are. Then try to explain to a muggle the exhilaration that comes when you actually do find the geocache itself. After thousands of finds I have never uncovered a geocache and exclaimed, "oh, look there it is,
There really is not enough space on this blog's server to fully answer my thoughts of why do we go geocaching. What is great about this game, sport and obsession is that it is so vast in scope and has so many positive aspects to not only continue to grow in popularity but expand our imaginations. That alone will keep geocaching going for a very long time. What gets you to go out and go geocaching. I would love to hear from you!
Until the next geocaching adventure...
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
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Tuesday, May 10, 2011
HHH's GotD: Ammo Boxes
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| Small Cami Ammo Box Geocache |
I don't know if it is because there are so many possibilities of things an ammo box can hold or if it's the pirate within I just have to open up the chest to see the booty inside. I always seem to move just a little quicker when I now the size of a geocache is a regular. You just never know what types of treasure you may find.
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| Open Ammo Box |
So let's talk a bit about these sturdy geocaching containers. An ammo box is usually metal and was used at one time or another for holding and transporting ammunition or other important items. They are extremely rugged, water proof (or at least really resistant) and above all inexpensive. A small ammo can can run you $4 to $6US. A large around $15 to $18US. There are many places to purchase them but my favorite is at our local Army surplus store.
There are several sizes of ammo boxes: There are the smalls that have a single lock on the side and a handle on top. The mediums that can very in height and width. I have seen them tall and skinny and short and stocky. All depends on what they were used for. Then my favorite the larges. Usually they have a lock on each side and can carry a ton of stuff.
Ammo boxes are great fun to find. Because of their size the resourcefulness behind the hide can be quite unique. It is always based on the creativity of the hider. Many people simply cami up an ammo box and hide them under the proverbial 'tee-pee of sticks' others have more in-depth hiding places. All are filled with the anticipation of geocaching goodness.
Until the next geocaching adventure...
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
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Monday, May 9, 2011
HHH's Geocache of the Day: A Walk in the Park
In my humble opinion, there is nothing quite like taking a few moments to appreciate a local park. There are so many varieties and geocaching is one of the ways we can find out where they are. We have heard it before when a geocacher exclaims that they would never have known that a particular point of interest existed unless it was for geocaching and in my own personal experience have found it also to be the case. There are tons of neighborhood parks that I would have never known was there without it being for a treasure chest on a map and once found it very difficult to bring myself leaving them.
I am not sure which ones I like more. There are the large parks with all their amazing trails of which to explore or is it the quaint parks that are just big enough for a bench and some well placed landscaping? I found one not too long ago which had apparently been there for quite some time and was so lush with ivy it almost felt like you where in some sort of oasis from another land. It had a feel and smell to it that is hard to explain and you were compelled to just sit there for a few moments and just soak in the tranquility. A real change for those of us who are so often never taking time to smell the roses.
Today's Geocache of the Day I found myself in one of the larger parks that not only had some nice trails but some really sweet baseball fields. The geocache was hidden a few hundred feet from one of these fields and I was surprised by how many softballs in the nearby woods that were never collected. Ah well, time for a quick lunch and back to the grind.
-Until the next geocaching adventure...
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
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Thursday, May 5, 2011
HHH's GotD: Sign Geocaches
Sign, sign everywhere's a sign or something like that. For the geocacher that likes quick park and grabs and really wants a high amount of numbers. A sign style geocache can be just as popular as a LPC (Lamp Post Caches). I have seen entire series of geocaches placed in, on or around signs.
Today's lunchtime Geocache of the Day was necessary because of the impending thunder storms in the area. So I had to move fast. It turned out to be a cute little red bison tube with a.magnet glued on it to keep in place. Always a winner in my book when going for a fast smiley.
Just remember that sign hides can be tricky depending on the hider. I have seen several that the geocache owner put just that little bit of extra effort into it and the geocacher marked a DNF because the usual looking spots were vacant. My advice is check everything and everywhere. The obvious many times holds the key to success. Hows that for geo-cryptic.
Until tomorrow's geocaching adventure.
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
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Wednesday, May 4, 2011
HHH's Geocache of the Day: And To All A Little Rain Must Fall
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| Bison Tube in Homemade Mold |
Long story short I thought this was going to be a really easy park and grab and it turned out being one of my longer recent hikes which actually took me around said parking lot, over a busy street bridge, down to a greenway and then the .20 mile hike to where the geocache actually was. The find itself only took about ten minutes but whilest the searching continued the sound of oncoming thunder grabbed my attention. It was one of those times in the woods where it was so still you could hear the rain coming and I had a bit of a hike before I was going to be back in my cachemobile. Oh Goodie!
As I hastily finished signing the log and placed it back into it's geocache host the rain started. It was just sprinkles but the drops were large and I knew if I didn't get to my car soon I was going to have a very moist afternoon at work. So on I trodded down the greenway. Fortunately for me the rain suddenly halted and I did make it to my car in resonably good fashon. In fact it was not long after that the deluge hit and I was very grateful for the timing of this rain cloud.
This little lesson taught me that the quickest route to a geocache is sometimes not the plausable one and even though the sky does not look threatning at the time an unexpected storm can always hit us unaware. The best thing to do is be prepared though sometimes things just happen. Enjoy the experience and have fun geocaching anyways. At the very least it makes a great story.
Until tomorrows geocaching adventure.
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
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Tuesday, May 3, 2011
HHH's Geocache of the Day: Sometimes You Have To Sits And Thinks
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| Bison Style Pill Container Hung In Grate |
So there you have it. Muggles are everywhere and if you want that smiley it will take a bit of patience to make the find. Doing simple things like talking on your phone or other activities can get you the prize.
Until tomorrow's next geocaching adventure.
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
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Monday, May 2, 2011
HeadHardHats Geocache of the Day: Hiding in Plain Sight
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| Check out this PVC geocache host |
Today's GotD was one that I deem 'Hiding in plain sight'. These geocaches are so unusual that when hidden, if you can call it that, they are completely ignored by just about everyone. Everyone except for the geocachers that go looking for them. In today's example you see a PVC geocache that was strapped to a telephone pole. the telephone pole was on an empty intersection so the muggle count would be minimal. I just find it interesting how successfully it is marked and yet remains untouched. It is not a puzzle cache, you simply unscrew the bottom and the cache container is revealed. Very cool. I wonder how many variants to a theme this can present? Have you found obvious geocaches right in the middle of everything?
Until tomorrows next geocaching adventure...
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
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Friday, April 29, 2011
HHH's Geocache of the Day: Yep, That Would Be A Chicken Sitting On That There 35mm Geocache
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| HHH's GotD (Geocache of the Day) |
There is always a hot debate when it comes to LPC (Lamp Post Caches) or what is commonly referred to as 'Skirt Hides'. It doesn't matter what you call them they are the micro geocaching hides that are found under the aprons of parking lot lamp posts. They are usually quick park and grabs which can be found just about anywhere. The great thing about LPC's is if you are on a numbers run they are easy to find and you can practically roll down your car window to retrieve. The bad thing about them is they are everywhere, tons of them and they are almost always the same old "oh there it is" kind of find. BORING!
On the other hand there are some creative geocachers out there that are trying to make things more exciting when you raise the skirt, err, so to speak. To do this sometimes the geocache places has been creatively modified. Many times in rather humorous ways. As you note with today's Geocache of the Day photo someone attached a rubber chicken to the top of a standard 35mm container. I don't know about you but it made me smile when I found it. In the past I have seen some really creative and bizarre things placed in LPCs and I hope the trend continues. It makes the difference from a boring find to one that adds value to the geocaching world.
Until the next geocaching adventure...
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
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Thursday, April 28, 2011
HHH's GOTD: Magnetic Key Holder
Fortunately for me the weather is still cooperating for my lunchtime Geocache of the Day. A bit on the windy side but the temps are comfortable and as usual I am having a blast. I dashed out today because of a computer class I will be taking right after lunch. So this Geocache of the Day had to be a park and grab.
What was found at ground zero was this very nice cami'd magnetic key holder. Now normally these geocaches can be a poor choice. Mainly because key holders are not waterproof, not even close. So the end result is that your log book being a slimy pile of goo. This one in particular was hidden under a large ledge so water was not nearly as much of a factor. Which makes a very good key point that key holders are best hidden inside or under a well covered area. This will help keep your log book drier. You might also want to consider to periodically replace the little plastic baggie that many key holders have for the log book. The seals do not last as long as you might think and you may need to change them.
Until tomorrow's next geocaching adventure.
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Twitter me at
@headhardhat
Friend me at Facebook
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
http://www.geosnippits.com
What was found at ground zero was this very nice cami'd magnetic key holder. Now normally these geocaches can be a poor choice. Mainly because key holders are not waterproof, not even close. So the end result is that your log book being a slimy pile of goo. This one in particular was hidden under a large ledge so water was not nearly as much of a factor. Which makes a very good key point that key holders are best hidden inside or under a well covered area. This will help keep your log book drier. You might also want to consider to periodically replace the little plastic baggie that many key holders have for the log book. The seals do not last as long as you might think and you may need to change them.
Until tomorrow's next geocaching adventure.
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Twitter me at
@headhardhat
Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/
Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
http://www.geosnippits.com
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
HHH's GotD: Bison, Bison, Who's Got The Bison
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| Red Bison Tube Attached To Magnet |
Bison tubes and their pill holding cozens have come a long way over the past few years. When first introduced it looked like these log only micros would only be one size and black, silver or green in color. Now they have multiple sizes and every color you can think of. With all their size, shape and color combinations the principle behind them is still the same. Being so small they are easy to hide and not so easy to find. Especially if the color selection and placement are matched up correctly. Then they can be a real pain for a geocacher.
Bison tubes usually have three main parts. The base, which is the larger part of the bison tube, the cap and the ring. Inside is a very small log book which usually gives the geocacher enough room to put the date and their name and that's about it. Always remember to wind up the log book as tight as possible and put in the CAP first before putting the rest of the log into the tube. This ensures the log will fit correctly.
When it comes to finding bison tubes for me personally they are very tough. The example shown today was a simple placement of a bison tube in a street sign. Not too hard but put one of these micros on a fence in a field, in a pine tree or for the absolute worst in a grape vine. They literally seem to disappear and are only visible when they want to be. This of course is never when I am trying to find one.
A bison tube can fit in a huge assortment of nooks and crannies. So if ground zero has a lot of places to look for a geocache a real challenge can be made. They are really one of those geocaches we love to hate.
Until tomorrows next geocaching adventure...
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
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Tuesday, April 26, 2011
HHH's GotD: Themed Geocaches
Today's Geocache of the Day brought a smile to my face. Well to be honest most geocaches bring a smile to my face, especially when I find them. Yet some bring more of a smile than others. What am I rambling on about? Themed geocaches. In other words geocaches that have a subject dedicated to that particular geocache. Some can be about a particular place in the world, favorite hobby or a particular animal.
The point is the geocache and it's contents have something to do with a particular theme. For example, I have found several that deal with a family pet or animal. One recently had to do with the OP's family dog. So the geocache was filled with all sorts of dog toys and 'poop' bags just in case you brought your favorite geocaching pup. Other geocaches that I have found were actually custom made to represent a theme. Like the one that was a ceramic mushroom or a big plastic owl hidden in the middle of a large hollow oak tree.
One of my favorites was in reference of a blind duck in a duck blind. When you get to ground zero you are very well surprised with the creativity of the hider and the container itself. To this day it is one of my favorites on how it was created and the types of swag it had inside.
So keep an eye out for themed geocaches they are a lot of fun.
Until tomorrow's geocaching adventure.
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
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@headhardhat
Friend me at Facebook
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The point is the geocache and it's contents have something to do with a particular theme. For example, I have found several that deal with a family pet or animal. One recently had to do with the OP's family dog. So the geocache was filled with all sorts of dog toys and 'poop' bags just in case you brought your favorite geocaching pup. Other geocaches that I have found were actually custom made to represent a theme. Like the one that was a ceramic mushroom or a big plastic owl hidden in the middle of a large hollow oak tree.
One of my favorites was in reference of a blind duck in a duck blind. When you get to ground zero you are very well surprised with the creativity of the hider and the container itself. To this day it is one of my favorites on how it was created and the types of swag it had inside.
So keep an eye out for themed geocaches they are a lot of fun.
Until tomorrow's geocaching adventure.
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Twitter me at
@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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Monday, April 25, 2011
HHH's Geocache of the Day: Unusual Geocache Placements
One of the many very cool aspects of geocaching is ones ability to place a geocache in an area that can be deemed 'unusual'. That being said the term unusual can mean anything from something visually surprising, informative and down right, umm, unusual. In these special cases it usually means that ground zero is extremely muggle prone. That and I cannot stress enough the importance with getting the correct permission from the land owner for placement. Do everything right and you have the potential of one heck of a geocache hide on your hands and an upcoming logbook of happy geocachers just waiting to find it.
So what would be some good examples of unusual. In my past I have found entire series of geocaches based on iconic statues or pieces of art. In the photograph above shows a rather well painted rooster that is part of a geocaching series based off a single artist. Another placement actually had me stating 'No Freak'n Way' when I drove up to ground zero. This is a family blog so I won't go into the exact details but lets just say when you stand a certain way the artist's concept created a visual representation that required the correct placement of large shrubbery to understand the full effect. Email me if you want to learn more.
In any case the attraction nearby does not have to be the unusual part. The geocache itself can be notably different as well. I have found geocaches in the form of mushrooms, gnomes, owls and a whole assortment of other normally unused shapes and sizes. I really believe that these types of geocaching finds are just as surprising and fun as the tricky, where is it kind. Both also give you the exact same digital smiley.
It is situations like this that just prove to many how geocaching is a very diverse and amazingly creative game, sport and obsession.
Until tomorrows next geocaching adventure...
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Twitter me at
@headhardhat
Friend me at Facebook
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
http://www.geosnippits.com
So what would be some good examples of unusual. In my past I have found entire series of geocaches based on iconic statues or pieces of art. In the photograph above shows a rather well painted rooster that is part of a geocaching series based off a single artist. Another placement actually had me stating 'No Freak'n Way' when I drove up to ground zero. This is a family blog so I won't go into the exact details but lets just say when you stand a certain way the artist's concept created a visual representation that required the correct placement of large shrubbery to understand the full effect. Email me if you want to learn more.
In any case the attraction nearby does not have to be the unusual part. The geocache itself can be notably different as well. I have found geocaches in the form of mushrooms, gnomes, owls and a whole assortment of other normally unused shapes and sizes. I really believe that these types of geocaching finds are just as surprising and fun as the tricky, where is it kind. Both also give you the exact same digital smiley.
It is situations like this that just prove to many how geocaching is a very diverse and amazingly creative game, sport and obsession.
Until tomorrows next geocaching adventure...
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Twitter me at
@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, April 21, 2011
HHH's GotD: Geocaching Rule #1 - Poke It With A Stick
There are several hard fast geocaching rules that you will hear from the ole HeadHardHat all the time:
1. Always mark where your vehicle is before venturing out.
2. Always check your batteries in your GPSr.
3. Don't eat spinach with a stranger.
Okay maybe not the third one so much but I do have one major rule when it comes to geocaching and that is "Poke It With A Stick!". Depending on where you go geocaching can put you in potential contact with an awful large amount of snakes, spiders and critters that will bite you if you stick your hands where they should not be. Unfortunately many times that is right around hidden geocaches. If you have seen some of my GeoSnippits videos you will see such critters like black widow spiders, venomous snakes and other things that will spoil your day if you are not careful.
Snakes in particular are always a major concern. In North Carolina for example there are seven venomous snakes. Even for the ones that are not dangerous will cause some pretty severe bites. Think it will never happen to you? Talk with other geocachers in your area. A good friend and experienced local geocacher by me was bit a year or two back by a copperhead. I also was told of two other geocachers in the state that were bit last year as well. It can happen to any of us if we are not careful. Also note that snakes love to stay around and under geocaches. Especially when they are made of metal like ammo boxes. The heat radiates longer from the metal so they keep close.
Spiders love LPC (Lamp Post Caches) hides. Not to mention guard rails, drainage grates and any other nook or cranny they can get into. Go ahead and feel around without looking, see what happens. Not a good thing to do.
My one big rule will always be Poke It With A Stick before reaching in any area you can not see clearly. It is important to stay safe out in our geocaching playground. You never know what might be sleeping nearby. Be careful out there.
Until tomorrows next geocaching adventure...
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Twitter me at
@headhardhat
Friend me at Facebook
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
http://www.geosnippits.com
1. Always mark where your vehicle is before venturing out.
2. Always check your batteries in your GPSr.
3. Don't eat spinach with a stranger.
Okay maybe not the third one so much but I do have one major rule when it comes to geocaching and that is "Poke It With A Stick!". Depending on where you go geocaching can put you in potential contact with an awful large amount of snakes, spiders and critters that will bite you if you stick your hands where they should not be. Unfortunately many times that is right around hidden geocaches. If you have seen some of my GeoSnippits videos you will see such critters like black widow spiders, venomous snakes and other things that will spoil your day if you are not careful.
Snakes in particular are always a major concern. In North Carolina for example there are seven venomous snakes. Even for the ones that are not dangerous will cause some pretty severe bites. Think it will never happen to you? Talk with other geocachers in your area. A good friend and experienced local geocacher by me was bit a year or two back by a copperhead. I also was told of two other geocachers in the state that were bit last year as well. It can happen to any of us if we are not careful. Also note that snakes love to stay around and under geocaches. Especially when they are made of metal like ammo boxes. The heat radiates longer from the metal so they keep close.
Spiders love LPC (Lamp Post Caches) hides. Not to mention guard rails, drainage grates and any other nook or cranny they can get into. Go ahead and feel around without looking, see what happens. Not a good thing to do.
My one big rule will always be Poke It With A Stick before reaching in any area you can not see clearly. It is important to stay safe out in our geocaching playground. You never know what might be sleeping nearby. Be careful out there.
Until tomorrows next geocaching adventure...
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Twitter me at
@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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Wednesday, April 20, 2011
HHH's GotD: Travelling Treasures - Geocoins
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| One of HHH's favorite personal geocoins |
Big thing to remember is that geocoins (unlike pathtags -which will be another post) are someone else's property. THEY ARE NOT SWAG! Geocoins are individual game pieces which move from one geocache to the next. Sometimes going from state to state and even country to country. It all depends on the geocacher that finds them and where they drop them off next. They are meant to be appreciated and enjoyed then back into the next geocache for someone else to discover.
So if you are fortunate enough to find one of these pieces of geo-art. Treat them with kindness and move them on as you would any other travel bug. Also be sure to check out their web pages as well. You will be amazed how far some of them have traveled and to where.Until tomorrow's geocaching adventure.
-HHH
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
http://www.geosnippits.com
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
HHH's GotD: The Lock N Lock Geocache
Geocachers for the most part love discussing about the different types of geocaching containers available. Everything from magnetic nanos to ammo boxes, bison tubes to the truly creatives. One of my favorite sayings when telling someone what geocaching actually is I usually use the phrase "Using a billion dollar satellite system to find Tupperware in the woods". That is sort of ironic now because we really don't use Tupperware anymore. The plastic containers we use now a days have improved dramatically. For example, the past few years I have been using Lock N Lock boxes. Here's why.
There are a couple of factors you want to consider if you are going to hide a geocache made of plastic. The first and foremost is of course the seal. Not only should you get a solid seal but is the plastic container heavy duty enough to withstand the outside elements of your environment. Note to all. Those inexpensive transfer containers, my advice, please don't use them. They are not durable enough to deal with the heat and moisture of being outside. Spend the dollar or two more and get something durable. Your fellow geocachers will appreciate it greatly.
There are a couple of factors you want to consider if you are going to hide a geocache made of plastic. The first and foremost is of course the seal. Not only should you get a solid seal but is the plastic container heavy duty enough to withstand the outside elements of your environment. Note to all. Those inexpensive transfer containers, my advice, please don't use them. They are not durable enough to deal with the heat and moisture of being outside. Spend the dollar or two more and get something durable. Your fellow geocachers will appreciate it greatly.
A final thought, so this does not seem like a Lock N Lock commercial. There are now many different brands of heavy duty plastic containers out there besides Lock N Lock. It's just in the geocaching community those style of geocaches have been associated to the name. My whole point is do your research before putting out a plastic based geocache. Make sure it is as waterproof as possible and that it will withstand the environment you are placing it in. Heat, cold and moisture is always a factor.
Until tomorrow's next geocaching adventure...
-HHH
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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Monday, April 18, 2011
HHH's GotD: Not All Geocache Containers Are The Same
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| Cami Peanut Butter Container Geocache |
Sure a peanut butter container may seem like a really good idea because it holds peanut butter just fine. The problem is that peanut butter is not the same liquid density as water or water vapor. It may keep your extra crunchy from oozing out but a good rain storm or continuous humid days that can create condensation - not so much. I personally won a complete geocache at an event a year or two back which consisted of a nicely camouflaged peanut butter container with log book and full of swag. I quickly placed it in a very nice gnome hole near a fishing stream and was amazed how quickly it went up for need of maintenance. Sure enough when I check on it there was a lot more water inside then I expected. Keep in mind this is in a gnome hole within a tree and a cover over the hole itself. Yet condensation became a key factor and a large amount of water accumulated quickly. Whoda Thunk?
This issue also happens with many other geocache containers as well. What I highly recommend doing before placing a hide is completing a "dunk test". If the environment you are going to place the geocache is prone to moisture then try this. Take a piece of tissue paper and put it in your geocache. Close the geocache normally. Then submerge it in a bucket of water for five to ten seconds (other people like to just hold it under the faucet for a longer period) then see what shape you paper is in. If it is wet then so your contents and logbook will be. Try it out, you will be amazed.
The key to all of this is to make sure your geocache is as waterproof as possible depending on the environment you are hiding it in. Do your homework first which will save you and your fellow geocachers some grief down the road.
Until tomorrow's next geocaching adventure.
-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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Thursday, April 14, 2011
HHH's GotD: I'm Not So Sure This Is A Good Idea
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| Agree or Disagree Let Me Know |
The following discussion is a spoiler. Please do not read if you wish to pursue finding this actual geocache. I will not state specifically which one it is or where with the knowledge that there are ways. I felt it was necessary for discussion purposes and apologize now to anyone who may not approve to my approach in this matter. It is my hope though to bring thought and discussion which keeps geocaching the game, sport and obsession it is.
Went on today's Geocache of the day and found a particular park and grab that has me questioning if the concept in the hide itself is such a good idea.
Let me set up the scenario. It is a realitively easy park and grab. You park into a nearby spot then wonder up a rather scenic little pine needle covered hill until you reach ground zero. Now for my GPS at the time the arrow was jumping a bit due to the heavy tree cover so I had to do some heavy checking of areas.
After a while ground zero settled near what appeared to be a Bell South utility cap. Now I don't know about you but when it comes to anything that deals with utilities I automatically discount them because I don't want to be touching things that are made to protect you from touching. This particular spot though wooded was across the street from a high muggle prone area and in these kinds of situations can bring on that uncomfortable should I or shouldn't I kind of feeling.
After a few moments of thought I took the plunge and low and behold the geocache was indeed inside. Now the base looks like it goes down rather deep so I don't know if this was an actual utility area and it was abandond or what but here it is. The cap that goes over everything looks like a legit South Bell utility cap. So my question to you fellow geocachers is this an acceptable placement for a geocache?
Comment below and let me know your thoughts because this easily could be a discussion for a future GeoSnippits or Geocaching Podcast discussion.
Until tomorrow's geocaching adventure...
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Twitter me at
@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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Monday, April 11, 2011
HHH's Geocache of the Day - Quick Park and Grab
Well folks it's Monday and today I wanted my lunch time geocache of the day to be quick and easy. So for once I did what I should be doing and stayed with a 1.5/1.5. Commonly known as a geocaching park and grab. Even though this one was near a muggle prone area the find was quick. The nice thing is I had plenty of time to write up this blog post, eat lunch and get back to work.
Until tomorrow's geocaching adventure.
-HHH
Until tomorrow's geocaching adventure.
-HHH
Friday, April 8, 2011
HHH's GotD - DNF's Are Not A Bad Thing
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| Heading for hide number one = DNF |
Okay I admit that I broke some of my own rules when it comes to lunchtime geocaching. One if you are on a lunch hour you really need to concentrate on the park and grabs. Meaning the 1.5/1.5 difficulty and terrains. You know the infamous LPC (Lamp Post Caches) aka Skirt Hides, that sort of thing. Geocaches that should take ten minutes tops so you can find and sign then get on to lunch. Today I went after yet another 2.5 geocache that I knew would take me a bit longer to get but still wanted to get out there and enjoy the springtime weather.
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| Heading for hide number two = FIND |
So did I go after the geocache that was only 400 feet off one way of a nature trail? Oh no, I went for the 2.5 which was half a mile down the other way. So what happened? I ended up spending 25 minutes looking for a regular that was "next to a log" in an area of about 40 logs. Needless to say I had to give up on this one and try it again some other time.
A big old DNF (Did Not Find) for me. Some geocachers do not log DNFs for some reason. Maybe they feel it is a bad mark that some how haunts them. Others may feel it is a sign of poor geocaching abilities. I don't really understand the logic but the fact is a DNF actually is a great thing to log. One it gives you that incentive to give it another try or maybe sometimes several tries. Another reason DNFs are good is because the geocache owner gets notice that maybe the geocache may be missing. So take it from your friendly neighborhood HHH and be sure to mark your DNFs. Believe me when I say that no one else is watching and if they are they need a new hobby.
So after all that, what was the conclusion to today's adventure? After I DNF'd the first attempt I went for another geocache that was nearby and found that one. I don't always have that luxury but this time it was there and I took the chance for a find. Glad I did.
Now I have only a few minutes to hit a nearby drive thru.
A big old DNF (Did Not Find) for me. Some geocachers do not log DNFs for some reason. Maybe they feel it is a bad mark that some how haunts them. Others may feel it is a sign of poor geocaching abilities. I don't really understand the logic but the fact is a DNF actually is a great thing to log. One it gives you that incentive to give it another try or maybe sometimes several tries. Another reason DNFs are good is because the geocache owner gets notice that maybe the geocache may be missing. So take it from your friendly neighborhood HHH and be sure to mark your DNFs. Believe me when I say that no one else is watching and if they are they need a new hobby.
So after all that, what was the conclusion to today's adventure? After I DNF'd the first attempt I went for another geocache that was nearby and found that one. I don't always have that luxury but this time it was there and I took the chance for a find. Glad I did.
Now I have only a few minutes to hit a nearby drive thru.
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| Cami Pill Bottle In Tree |
Till Monday's geocaching adventure...
-HHH
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Twitter me at
@headhardhat
Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/
Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
http://www.geosnippits.com
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