Keyholder Munzee Find

Was out running some errands and found some Munzees in the area.

Geocaching will always be my first love but sometimes it's nice to just click and score.

Sent from my phone. Please pardon my autocorrect.

Signature Geocaching Items: Wooden Nickels

I would like to thank Cache Gator and Catlady for sending me this fine geocaching signature item. Which is one of my favorite items I like to collect, that is wooden nickels. They heard me recently mention wooden nickels as we recorded the Geocaching Podcast and sent me one of theirs. Thank you so very much.

Headhardhat

Geocachers - Time To Get Discovered!

Discovered an amazing book by Chris Mackey

We had mentioned a while back about an amazing book by geocoin designer extraordinaire Chris Mackey and what a book it is. It's titled Discovered Memoirs of a Geocoin Designer and in my not so humble opinion, it's a 'bute.

For starters let me tell you about the book first. It's hard covered and beautifully illustrated. It's limited edition and get this it's trackable at geocaching.com. So if you have any interest in geocoins, how they are made or just want to enjoy the beautiful full color example of art that Chris Mackey has originated this book is for you.

Chris Mackey and HeadHardHat

I will tell you how to go purchase one (while they last) at the end of this post but first WAIT - Don't go anywhere yet!!! Chris and the fine people at GxProxy have donated a copy of DISCOVERED for one lucky person to win.

Which means we are going to have a contest which will officially be starting Tuesday, August 28th, 2012. All details will be given first on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) when we record LIVE at 6:30pm ET. You will want to be in our chatroom or G+ hangout that night because you will have the opportunity of getting an extra chance to the final drawing to win the book. Essentially doubling your chances! So be sure to click the Geocaching World link at the top right of this blog to get to the RVNN Ustream Chatroom (don't forget to book mark it) then we will all meet up on Tuesday night for ALL the details.

Now if you want to learn more about Chris's amazing book and purchase one for yourself. Go to the GxProxy website and click on the graphic. Enjoy. Did I mention there are only so many left???
www.GxProxy.com


-------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
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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Random geocaching tidbit for the day: Adopt A Geocache

HeadHardHat and Geoness working on newly adopted geocaches

Random geocaching tidbit for the day: Adopt A Geocache

When adopting a geocache requires a bit of forethought. No the actual process of adopting a geocache is only a couple of clicks between the geocache owner and the adoptive owner. I am talking about the question of "Should this geocache continue on or should it have a natural death so that a better geocache can be put in it's place?"

Over the years I have adopted about 50 geocaches. Usually from established geocachers who could no longer continue on with the game. Many of them I still have to this day while others I have archived for better replacements. It's a judgement call for each of us but definitely something to consider. Below is a link to three separate posts about adopting a geocache. I hope you find it useful in your geocaching adventures as a cache owner.

Below is a link to the complete post I did on the subject. Enjoy.

Check out the post in it's entirety here ->
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/2010/03/keeping-geocache-alive-by-adopting-it.html

Each day we will pull an interesting geocaching tidbit from HeadHardHat's Blog - Geocache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right? With over five years of information you can search your geocaching questions as well.


-------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
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Google+
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Random geocaching tidbit for the day: Ammo Box Geocaches

Random geocaching tidbit for the day: Ammo Box Geocaches

Geocachers do love the "treasure hunting" aspects of geocaching. Even though we do not find pirates chests filled with gold doubloons (usually). We do get to search for the next best thing and that is ammo boxes. Even if you are not into the assortment of swag that can be found in one. The sheer fun of looking for them can be very exhilarating. Don't think so? Look on the faces of children (at any age) as they go a hunting...

So regardless of your geocaching expertise check out the following article I wrote about ammo boxes and then try not to think about finding your next one for the rest of the day. I personally can't wait.

Below is a link to the complete post I did on the subject. Enjoy.

Check out the post in it's entirety here ->
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/2011/05/hhhs-gotd-ammo-boxes.html

Each day we will pull an interesting geocaching tidbit from HeadHardHat's Blog - Geocache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right? With over five years of information you can search your geocaching questions as well.

-------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
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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Random geocaching tidbit for the day: Evil Resin Nano Geocache

Random geocaching tidbit for the day: Evil Resin Nano Geocache

Want to drive geocachers crazy? Looking for an EVIL geocache to create to show your neighbors and amaze the kids? Well look no further as I demonstrate and at no time does my fingers leave my hand...Presto!

HeadHardHat's Evil Resin Nano Geocache. Learn how to make then adapt and design your own clever hide. Go for it. You know you can.

Below is a link to the complete post I did on the subject.  Enjoy.

Check out the post in it's entirety here ->
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/2010/07/headhardhats-resin-clump-o-dirt-nano.html

Each day we will pull an interesting geocaching tidbit from HeadHardHat's Blog - Geocache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right? With over five years of information you can search your geocaching questions as well.


-------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
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Google+
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Tonight 6:30PM ET on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) we discuss Earth Geocaches plus So Much More

Tonight 6:30PM ET on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) we discuss Earth Geocaches plus International Geocaching Day, Dave (DeBaer) DeBaeremaeker, and Courtney's current geocaching finds?!?

AND a brand new contest to win a limited edition, numbered, trackable book from Geocoin Designer Chris Mackey! Come join us to get all the geocaching greatness.

Meet up in our Ustream chatroom http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rvnn-live or Circle me +Andrew Smith and join us in our G+ hangout! See you tonight!

-------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
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Google+
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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Everything You Wanted Know About Geocaching Swag

Random geocaching tidbit for the day: Everything You Wanted Know About Geocaching Swag

Ahh Swag, the "treasure" in geocaching treasure hunting. Sometimes you can find some really cool stuff in a geocache. Sometimes not so much. Just remember that value is in the eye of the beholder. Also in the beholder that knows what they are looking at. There are plenty of examples of real treasures being found. Just to remember to trade for equal or better value to keep the tradition of swag going. If you want to find out what all the attraction to swag is then please read on.

Below is a link to the complete post I did recently on the subject. Enjoy.

Check out the post in it's entirety here -> http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/2009/09/everything-you-want-to-know-about.html

Each day we will pull an interesting geocaching tidbit from HeadHardHat's Blog - Geocache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right? With over five years of information you can search your geocaching questions as well.

-------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
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Google+
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Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
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A 35mm Geocaching Find

I don't know how many more geocaches I'm going to be able to get today cuz it looks like the storms are starting to move in but I sure did have fun geocaching on international geocaching day.

Sent from my phone. Please pardon my autocorrect.

Nothing like geocaching in the woods

I needed to get some geocaching in today before the storms hit this afternoon. Right now it is absolutely gorgeous out.

Sent from my phone. Please pardon my autocorrect.

It's International Geocaching Day.

It's international geocaching day and I'm going out to get me some geocaches hope you are too

Sent from my phone. Please pardon my autocorrect.

Random geocaching tidbit for the day: How To Convert Mapping Coordinates

Random geocaching tidbit for the day: How To Convert Mapping Coordinates to GPS Coordinates

There are now many different apps out there that do map conversions. You know the geocaching situations where you have to either put data into your GPSr but the coords are in decimal or vice versa. Mystery and puzzle caches are notorious for conversions. Having an app like GCC (The Geocache Calculator -http://gcc.eisbehr.de/) is great but what happens in those situations when you don't? There are ways my geocaching friends and today's tidbit goes over a multitude of mapping conversions that you can do quickly.

Below is a link to the complete post I did recently on the subject. I find it very useful at times. Especially if I do not have my geocaching applications with me. Be sure to bookmark after you visit.. Enjoy.
Check out the post in it's entirety here ->
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/2010/02/how-to-convert-coordinates-to-gps.html

Each day we will pull an interesting geocaching tidbit from HeadHardHat's Blog - Geocache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right? With over five years of information you can search your geocaching questions as well.

-------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
Twitter me at
@headhardhat

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

Random geocaching tidbit for the day: Bison TubesBison, Bison who has the Bison?

Random geocaching tidbit for the day: Bison Tubes


Bison, Bison who has the Bison. I actually have a geocache called Bison, Bison Everywhere in which you find a bison tube right next to a field that holds (you guessed it) live bison. Talk about your point of interest. I get a lot of compliments on that one because there are not too many areas in North Carolina that have them... but I digress.

Below is a link to the complete post I did recently on the subject. It has some really great tidbits that you may or may not know about bison tubes. Enjoy.

Check out the post in it's entirety here ->
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/2012/06/geocache-maintenance-bison-tube-o-ring.html

Each day we will pull an interesting geocaching tidbit from HeadHardHat's Blog - Geocache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right? With over five years of information you can search your geocaching questions as well.
-------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
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
http://www.geosnippits.com

Learning My Waze Around Town

Over the years I have tested and utilized many different GPSr units, GPSr software and mobile applications. Some were not all that great and others had some really nice functionality. One mobile application that is available for Android and iOs and is in my book a real winner called WAZE. Their catch phrase is "Outsmarting traffic. Together" and they have the right idea.

What would you say if I told you that Waze is an interactive driving tool that not only gives you up to the minute traffic conditions as you drive but also is built to find you the quickest route to wherever you are going? Sounds good right off the bat doesn't it? How about this same utility can tell you were there are hazards in or next to your route that may effect your driving time? What if you could be alerted of a speed trap or police sighting real time? It even allows the map to have speed limit warnings and just about any type of traffic situation you can think of? Waze is that cool.

The idea is simple, there are already tons of Wazers already using the application. As you use the application you can very easily notify others of a hazard or situation like heavy traffic. It immediately goes live and you are limited to what you can put because it wont let you type if you are driving. I was pleasantly surprised just from my ride home at how many we're on the road right there with me and all the different things going on I should be aware of. Everything from cars on the side of the road to a half bag of mulch that was in my lane a few miles down. Keep in mind this is not just for highway or interstate travel. It works great for any road. I was heading to my subdivision and someone told of a cop waiting near the entrance. I waved as I passed by.

On the way to work today there was a large back up from an accident I was unaware of. Waze automatically found me the fastest route around it in a way I never even knew existed. I kept thinking to myself, "Where is this thing taking me?" and then when I got around all of the backup I realized what it had done and was completely blown away. This application is made for finding alternate routes. Awesome!

So yes this is an interactive driving tool you are going to want to use daily. Not to find your way home, rather to find your best way home. There are a lot of extras like points for participating, great info like gas stations with the best prices, a meet up function and so much more... Did I mention it is FREE? Yeppers it's free and I will be honest in that I would pay good money for it even if I had to... But I don't it's FREE...

So give WAZE a try, you will be glad you did.

FYI - thanks to all my friends on Google+ and Twitter who let me know about this great app!

- Andy Headhardhat Smith

Random geocaching tidbit for the day: Geocaching Traveler Buddies

Random geocaching tidbit for the day: Geocaching Traveler Buddies

Geocachers love their Traveler Buddies.. No I am not referring to travel bugs per say. Meaning not the ones that are the game pieces that travel from geocache to geocache. Rather one that as a geocacher we create and keep with us during our travels. For example HHH's Mutant Mantis here.

MM has been hanging on my rear view mirror since 2008. It is my geocaching companion and has traveled well over 225,000 miles in my cache-mobile alone.

Do you have a special traveler or geocoin you keep with you all the time? Tell us about it.

Below is a link to one of the early introductions to Mutant Mantis. Enjoy.

Check out the post in it's entirety here ->
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/2008/07/mutant-mantis-attacks-pilot-mtn-nc.html

Each day we will pull an interesting geocaching tidbit from HeadHardHat's Blog - Geocache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right? With over five years of information you can search your geocaching questions as well.

-------------------------------------------------------

GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
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
http://www.geosnippits.com

Random geocaching tidbit for the day: Poke It With A Stick

Random geocaching tidbit for the day: Poke It With A Stick

This is HeadHardHat's number one rule so you would be wise to listen. Geocachers can be seriously hurt if they are not careful . Be safe out there!

Check out the post in it's entirety here ->
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/2011/04/hhhs-gotd-geocaching-rule-1-poke-it.html


Each day we will pull an interesting geocaching tidbit from HeadHardHat's Blog - Geocache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right? With over five years of information you can search your geocaching questions as well.


-------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
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

Random geocaching tidbit for the day: Geocaching With A Mirror

Random geocaching tidbit for the day: Geocaching With A Mirror

Each day we will pull an interesting geocaching tidbit from HeadHardHat's Blog - Geocache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right? With over five years of information you can search your geocaching questions as well.
Check it out! --> http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/2009/12/geocaching-with-mirror.html
-------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
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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Geocaching World - We will be talking with Richard Dolesh at NRPA

Geocaching World - Tomorrow - 6:30pmET - We will be talking with Richard Dolesh who is the Vice President for Conservation and Parks at NRPA. As Geocachers or vacationing travellers. Send us your questions so we can ask somebody with the pulse on the National Parks.

Join us in the chatroom here -> http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rvnn-live
or circle me +Andrew Smith and join us in the hangout.

See you there!

HHH
-------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
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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The Seven Inch Tablet May Make Me A Believer - Almost

I have in my hot little hands a Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 and an intended purpose to see if the smaller tablets are to my liking than the 10 inch iPad2 I normally use when I am out blogging or geocaching. My conclusions are mixed.

When I opened the box and compared the size between the Tab 2 and my brand spanking new Samsung Galaxy S3 I rolled my eyes. It's only a couple of inches difference in length and width between both. The first thoughts that came to mind was what is a couple of inches going to matter? Never mind the obvious pun, there are some niceties and still some drawbacks.

Let's start with some of the good stuff. As I have read in other articles, the 7 inch tablet's feel and weight has a very comfortable feel when you hold it. I agree completely when I held the Tab 2.  Ìn contrast I have found certain situations like being in the car, standing in line or sitting in a chair, a 10 inch tablet is clumsy to hold. This is most apparent when doing certain apps let alone trying to take a photo when the opportunity arises. The 7 inch does not give that fatigued finger stress point feeling like it's 10 inch cousin.

As far as functionality goes I am just as much in Android app heaven with my tablet as my phone. This particular unit is the 8 gig model with a 16 gig sd card added extra. I plan on keeping the Tab 2 in the family room for all those "I need a computer but don't want to go get my laptop" moments. It doesn't hurt to have a built in TV remote which is built in with the Tab 2. So as far as being a handy gizmo to have sitting nearby a 7 inch tablet is a sweet nice to have.

Now with some of the negatives that thou will want to consider. First the Asher size of the 7 inch tablet makes typing more than a quick email or note a complete nightmare. Just the same as attempting to do a blog on my phone the keypad is just too small. Don't get more started with the auto correct. I had to do some adjustments just to keep my sanity and even after spelling words correctly it still puts in a different word while putting there actual word I wanted four or five words shown the list. I spend more time correcting the auto correct and that is mind numbing.

As far as geocaching goes the 7 inch tablet fits nicely in your pack or pocket. It is still not made to be outside in the elements. I wouldn't recommend taking one out in the wild any more than a 10 inch tablet. Not unless you bought insurance.

So my final conclusions, the 7 inch tablet is a sweet gizmo to have if you have a lot of WiFi access and want to give your mobile smartphone a rest but if you do a lot of typing stick with the bigger 10 inch tablets. Typing this shirt post gave now a headache.

Just saying...

HHH

Tonight on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) - Viewer Request: Puzzle and Mystery Geocaches

Join Us Tonight 6:30pm EST LIVE on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) a Viewer Request : Puzzle and Mystery Geocaches.

Many geocachers absolutely love these mind boggling geocache types while others won't give them a second glance. Where in the world are they popular and where not? What is an example of your favorite types and why?

Let us know your thoughts and we get them on tonight's show. You can view the show LIVE either on the Ustream chat room here - > http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rvnn-live  or my personal Google + Hangout. Just follow  +Andrew Smith here -> https://plus.google.com/u/0/100208679823468674324/posts

See you tonight.

HHH

-------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
Twitter me at
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Friend me at Facebook
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Get Wild - July is National Park and Recreation Month!

Okay this year the notice is coming out late but there is still time to check out all the events and activities going on right now because July is National Park and Recreation Month. The National Recreation and Park Association has a number of programs in local parks that emphasize the benefits of health and exercise while also encouraging individuals to participate in our geocaching contests.

Here is the information that came directly from their press release -  Check it out Geocachers!

Almost one year after Americans across the country “rocked their parks” with celebratory flashmobs, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) wants everyone to show how wild they are about parks and recreation this July.  NRPA is pleased to announce this year’s Park and Recreation Month program of activities.

The 2012 theme of “Get Wild” encourages individuals, families, friends, and park-lovers everywhere to venture to their local parks and recreation areas to experience the many benefits they offer, such as programs to inspire healthy, active lifestyles and activities to appreciate nature and the environment.  

“Park and recreation agencies promote health and wellness and significantly contribute to the greater good of a community,” says Barbara Tulipane, President and CEO of NRPA. “The obesity epidemic rages on, physical activity levels remain low and more than ever kids are staying indoors and behind electronic media.  Park and Recreation Month is a great time to take a stand against these trends by going to your park, getting active and of course, getting wild!”

Nationwide, park and recreation agencies will be helping their community “get wild” through a variety of fun initiatives, events, and activities. One such activity is the Get Wild Geocache contest.  Geocaching is a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game, where players locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices or mobile phones and then share their experiences online. During Park and Recreation Month, people can hunt for geocaches in their local parks and recreation areas and submit their treasure hunting stories or photos to NRPA through Facebook to be entered into a contest.  

Along with the geocaching initiative, NRPA encourages people to take the Get Wild pledge and show their “wild” side with the official Get Wild social media poster.

To learn more about how to get wild in parks and recreation areas across the country during Park and Recreation Month, visit www.NRPA.org/july.

Through efforts by NRPA, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an official resolution to create Park and Recreation Month in 2009.  The Association supports the national park and recreation community and the general public by advocating for federal support for park and recreation programs and legislation.   

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people.  Through its network of 20,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources.  For more information, visit www.NRPA.org.  For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.

America's Backyard was launched in 2010 by the National Recreation and Park Association to draw major public attention to the powerful and essential role of parks and recreation in America. The initiative seeks to educate citizens on the American park and recreation landscape, support and encourage national advocacy for the field, and leverage funding and resources for national programs that benefit local communities. For more information, visit www.americasbackyard.org. 

I personally plan on talking with some of the top people at the NRPA and am in the process of getting them on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) hopefully this next week so stay tuned!

-HeadHardHat
-------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
Twitter me at
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Friend me at Facebook
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Did you know that July is National Park and Recreation Month?

Did you know that July is National Park and Recreation Month?

It looks like I will be speaking soon with the Senior Executive of the NRPA. Will let you know what I find out and their interest with getting geocachers involved.. Stay tuned!

Now where did I put my ultra best tie dye shirts?
-------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
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
http://www.geosnippits.com

Planning a Geocaching Camping Trip

It's summertime in the US of A and that means it is time for heading out on the road and enjoying all the wonders this land has to offer. Now that I think of it I shouldn't be so localized in my thinking. We have readers all around the world so let's change it for everyone in the Northern Hemisphere - better? No matter where you are on this planet there will be a time you are going to want to go camping and I have a few thoughts that might be helpful for you as you plan your geocaching adventure.


First off it is very important to know all the destinations you are going to want to visit on your trip. Places like historical, scenic, hiking, biking, boating, etc. There will also be the actual camping areas and also all the side trips as well. Make a list of where they are and how far around those areas you are going to want to venture. Then check out your favorite geocaching listing site and generate the needed .gpx files for each of those areas. For those who don't know a .gpx file is a collection of GPS data that can be incorporated into different devices like GPSr units, computers and smartphones showing where individual geocaches are hidden. Here are a few listing sites you might want to check out.

Geocaching Listing Sites:
     - Geocaching.com - Pocket Queries
     - Opencaching.com - .gpx files
     - Opencaching.us - gpx files - multiple formats

Now that you have your geocache ducks in a row for areas you are going to visit during your trip you might also want to figure out where some geocaching finds are while on the road getting to your camping destination. To do that you need to plan some routes.

How this works is pretty simple. You have the route, which is the road you are travelling on. You can set the route to find geocaches that are close to the road, say half a mile for example. A .gpx file is created with all those geocaches that then can also be loaded into GPSr units, computers and smart-phones as well. That way while you are going from point A to point B you can pick up geocaches along the way. Below are some ways you can plan geocaching routes.


Plan Routes
     - Geocaching.com
     - GSAK  (Geocaching Swiss Army Knife) -  http://www.gsak.net/   
     - GPS Mapping Software

Plus don't forget that with many of the modern, fancy-dancy technology out there you can do real-time geocaching. Simply by using your smart phones and tablets with cellular capabilities you can be anywhere that has a signal and go geocaching.

Some favorite spots during a trip could include:

Geocaching on the Spot (Unplanned Geocaching)
     - Rest Areas
     - Places of Interest
     - Getting supplies in a nearby town

So no matter if your travels takes you to private campgrounds, RV parks, State Parks of just out on the open road. Geocaches are bound to be close by for your geocaching pleasure.

Be safe out there and see you out on the trails.

-HHH



-------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
Twitter me at
@headhardhat

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

The Geocachers Creed

The Geocachers Creed is a voluntary set of guidelines that describes how geocachers in general should act.

Below is the Geocachers Creed highlighted in bold and some general thoughts for each point. If you have more I would love to hear your insights.

The Geocachers Creed

When placing or seeking geocaches, I will:

Not endanger myself or others. 
- placing a geocache in an area or situation that could hurt or possibly hurt someone else
- knowing your limits and not exceeding them while Geocaching
 - using the proper equipment when needed

Observe all laws & rules of the area.
- you do not have the right to break the law or enforced guidelines
- parking where not allowed
- trespassing is wrong
- out of bounds or during posted times (parks) - sunrise, sunset.

Respect property rights and seek permission where appropriate.
- No Trespassing means No Trespassing
- Landscaping and muggle trails
- Get written permission from land owner

Avoid causing disruptions or public alarm.
- bomb like Geocaches or caches that may seem suspicious
- looking suspicious when Geocaching
- speeding away from the area

Minimize my and others' impact on the environment. 
- Leave No Trace
- Muggle Trails
- Think Before You Search

Be considerate of others. 
- The Golden Rule

Protect the integrity of the game pieces.
- Protect travel bugs and geocoins
- Clean inappropriate materials from caches
- Repair when broken or full - Emergency Geocache Repair Kit

Most if not all of these are guidelines we can easily apply to not only geocaching but our everyday lives as well. I hope you found them useful.

See you out on the trails!

-------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
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

Expedition Mississippi Update: Didn't Quite Make It

Read a blurb on Facebook from the Expedition Mississippi crew. This is where four guys were to ride kayaks from Indiana to the Gulf of Mexico. We were adding some geocaching aspects to their adventure as well and it turns out The Great Mississipp was just a bit more of a challenge than expected. Here is what was told.

"Shorter journey than we anticipated, but still no less of an amazing adventure. We're sorry to tell you that yesterday marked the end of Expedition Mississippi...we just got back into Bloomington.

There were several factors that played into our decision to get off the water. We'll go into detail about this in the film and maybe in an upcoming blog post, but in a nutshell the record breaking heat PLUS record breaking low water/current levels stopped us from making the progress we anticipated. The last couple weeks especially, we would go all out and maybe get 10 miles done, where we really needed to be doing 20 or more per day.

By the end, it became clear to us that we wouldn't meet the goal, even if things got better. ...we thought we made the best of the situation, but we decided it no longer made sense for us to push on at this point.
On the bright side, we still had an amazing adventure and got more than enough footage to put together an awesome film!! Thanks again for all your support, it wouldn't be possible without you. Stay tuned for further updates about the movie and other things......"

Better luck next time guys and I still am very interested in seeing your film.

-HHH


-------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
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