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
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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?
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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



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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!

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GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
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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


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HeadHardHat Reviews: The Unofficial Field Manual to Geocaching

HeadHardHat Reviews The Unofficial Field Manual to Geocaching

Out in the information universe there are a growing list of books about the game, sport and obsession known as geocaching. Whether the writing styles are to one person's liking or not all have nuggets of value which can help a geocacher enjoy geocaching better. I recently read The Unofficial Field Manual to Geocaching by Robyn C. Broyles and it is a fine assortment, even if it is unofficial, of geocaching information.

The book itself is of standard paperback size and lightweight at 96 pages. It is designed to be a handy reference guide to be used while out in the field. It should fit just fine in your favorite geocache pack.

Within it's covers a reader can find many general useful tid-bits a geocacher may need as they gain their geo-sense abilities. Many of the basic aspects of geocaching are touched upon and one in particular of note is a rather extensive section about GPS coordinates and conversions. What I also enjoyed was the emphasis on good geocaching practices sprinkled within all the geocaching facts and terminology.

This field manual would be very beneficial to geocachers who are just starting out and need a quick heads up when confronting new geocaching concepts. It also makes a great refresher to geocachers who want to renew themselves with the basics.

You can get The Unofficial Field Manual to Geocaching either in paperback or Kindle version here: http://www.geocachingmanual.com/.


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


If you would like the HeadHardHat to review a geocaching related product for you. Send information to headhardhat@gmail.com.

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GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
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It's Coming!

It's a masterpiece of insights and design. It's Limited Edition and Trackable.

From Master Geocoin Designer Chris Mackey.

Available in the next few days. Stay tuned to this blog for more details.

L.E.I.F. 2012 - Geocache In Space Video Is Now Live

Actual Shot From LEIF Video

The L.E.I.F. Geocache In Space Video is now Live on YouTube!  Come and see an alien eye view of Earth just as the Geocache sent by Echo Six Charlie.

Check it out!



If the video is not visible in this post you can see the entire video right here:
http://youtu.be/5MOyJWQK9YM

Enjoy!

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GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
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Wanna See Some Geocache Photos From Space?

My legs are torn up like I had a loosing fight with a box of razor blades but it was all worth it. I attended, videoed and bushwacked like never before when I attended todays: Geocache in Space "L.E.I.F." MMXII Launch Party! What an adventure I will not soon forget! Here are some of the highlights.

Scott aka E6C (Echo Six Charlie) with weather balloon.

Arrived at the correct coordinates for the LEIF Launch Party and found E6C filling up the weather balloon that would be used to propel the geocache, camera box, and tracker into low earth orbit for as long as the weather balloon would allow before coming back to Earth via parachute.

Andy HeadHardHat Smith just before takeoff

 It was so exciting as countdown approached. I was also very pleased to meet fellow geocacher and good friend Dave DeBaeremaeker. Dave is a good friend of my TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)

Dave (DeBear) and HeadHardHat at Event

Here you see the geocache just before takeoff. If you look closely you can spot the parachute just below the balloon, then the camera box with tracker and the very bottom is the small ammo box geocache.

10...9...8...7...6...5...  ...

Here is the money shot from low earth orbit. We don't have the actual information back yet as to how high the geocache went but we figure any where to 200,000 feet or higher. Will let you know once we find out.

A geocache with an alien's eye view of our wonderful Earth

Then came the painful part. Finding the geocache after it landed. We all took different routes looking for it. Mine in particular was bushwacking through .25 of a mile through extremely painful briars. Long story short my legs have been terribly razor bladed by thorns... Owie.. Even with the painful excursion we found the geocache intact and some breathtaking footage from way, way up there.

So after going through a major thunderstorm (trees and branches down everywhere) we managed to have an incredible adventure today. Will fill you in on all the details once we get them all and you will be seeing some really great videos coming out real soon. Not to mention I will be having Scott (E6C) on Geocaching World in the next few weeks.

Who said geocaching wasn't cool...?

-HHH
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GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
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Found Some Geocaches in Carthage, NC

Well I am in Carthage, North Carolina taking a quick rest from the 90+ degree heat and taking my own advice by hydrating. There were a couple of nice Geocaches in a nearby park so that was a lot of fun but the reason I am here is of course the Geocache In Space Event that will be going on in about an hour. More details and photos coming. watch as we do this live from take off to recovery.

Stay Tuned.

Geocaching In Hot Weather - Hydrate

Hiking Water Pack

When it comes to the game, sport and obsession of Geocaching there is one precaution that every geocacher must adhere to and that is to stay hydrated. In the Northern Hemisphere we are heading straight into Summer which means hot, sunshine filled Geocaching adventures. Be sure to save yourself a lot of unneeded grief and make sure you have plenty of water with you while you are out in the wilds and in your cache mobile.

Aww HeadHardHat, isn't that a lot of extra weight we have to lug around? Well let me ask you this. Would you rather carry around a extra few water bottles in your back pack or spend a day or three in the hospital? In some cases of heat exhaustion you can even die from it so my answer fellow hunters of plastic - YES it is worth the little extra weight. 

Besides there are a lot of ways to distribute the rations. For example make sure you have enough water for everyone going out Geocaching. Don't forget to include enough for your pets too! If you find yourself on a fairly substantial hike spread the beverages between several people in the group. Don't forget that your pooch if large enough can wear a dogie pack as well. 

Another great option are water packs or water bladders which usually are placed in backpacks with a flexible straw that you can partake while you are walking. They usually only weigh a pound or two and you really can appreciate having them when needed.

The important thing to remember is to not overheat yourself and keep drinking water. Some libations can actually be a dehydrate so make sure what you are drinking something that hydrates instead on taking water from your system.

Just as a final note also remember that even though you may go Geocaching during the winter months you are just as susceptible to dehydration as in the hot months. So keep those liquids with you any time of the year and be safe out there.

- Andy HeadHardHat Smith

Puzzle and Mystery Geocaches... Do You Do?

It has always been interesting to me how there is such a difference between the United States and say for example Europe when it comes to Mystery and Puzzle Geocaches.  

In many other countries besides the US a good ole' Mystery cache is craved to be discovered and yet in the USA I have seen the exact opposite. Now I am not talking in absolutes here. There are plenty of geocachers in the US that love to pursue Puzzle Geocaches but as a norm, not so much. We tend to like the traditionals while the rest of the geocache types are found with much less frequency.

I am curious as to why. Do we as geocachers prefer the quick and easy instead of actually having to use our brains? Is it intimidating to have to solve a logic problem or heaven forbid a mathematic formula? As a joke I have stated in many a conversation, "How do you stop 30 geocachers in their tracks..? Give them a math problem :)". It would be sad but I have actually been there during an event and never saw so many blank faces pop up during a puzzle cache we were all trying to resolve. So is that it, we give up or don't try because we are intimidated? I will be straight out and say there are Geocaches in the Raleigh, NC area that I just stand their and shake my head. We have six or seven major colleges here and a lot of the professors are geocachers. I don't stand a chance but I do try. At least if I can't do some of the more complicated mathematical ones I do love the other problem solving ones. 

How do you feel about Mystery and Puzzle Geocaches in your area? Are you a save them for a rainy or snowy day kind of geocacher or do you even try at all? Are you a mystery guru and eat them up? What are your favorite types? I would really like to know what you think.

-HHH

Oh That Is Just Not Fair - Message From Geocoin Designer Chris Mackey

Geocoin Design Guru Chris Mackey and HHH

Man I love the world of Geocaching. I mean really how else can a person talk and get to know so many cool people around the world. There really is no limit to the amount of acquaintances and down right friendships someone can develop just being a part of the geocaching community.

Well I just received a message from a good friend and in my humble opinion THE leading expert in geocoin design Chris Mackey and it just has me all giddy like a you would not believe. Yes a big guy like me can get giddy like it was Christmas morning when the conditions are right... but I digress.

Anywho my buddy Chris sent me a cryptic message that he is sending me something in the mail that he wants me to see...  That's it... I know it must be geocoin related or at the very least is something on the scale of 15 from a max of 10 in coolness and now I have to wait... Arghhhhhhhh! Torture I tell you - pure torture...

Ah well, will let you all know what I get... If I am allowed to tell anyways and then I will just tease all of you like you know I can, muhahahahaha. Yep, loosing it...

If you would like to check out Chris's work be sure to go here:

Facebook Page

Aura Design Group

Gxproxy.com

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GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
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On Your Mark, Get Set -- Geocaching Travel Bug Races!

You can almost feel the anticipation when ever this one particular style of geocache racing is about to begin. Each of the racers are poised for the start and all eager to be the first to the finish line. Get Ready.. Set.... GO!


No I am not referring to going down to your local speedway where you can smell the exhaust and feel the sound of the cars as they wiz past. Instead I am talking about a Geocaching race using travelers better known as Travel Bugs thus a travel bug race. 

Over the years I have participated in several travel bug races and they can have all the spills, chills and thrills as the auto ones. So how do they work?

The concept is simple with some variants depending on who are actually running them. In a nutshell all you need are a bunch of geocachers who are willing to enter their own travel bug for the race itself. A race can be tracked by distance in an allotted amount of time, point system which can be calculated until a certain point amount is achieved or the most points based on an amount of time or a combination of the above.  The idea is an official starting date begins the race and a finishing goal ends it. Who ever achieves the goal the best- wins.

Depending on how the race starts there can either be all the racers begin in the same geocache at once or they must be registered into a geocache somewhere on a particular date. Then it is up to other geocachers to find them and move them from geocache to geocache. It can be a lot of fun to watch and also a bit frustrating at times. Just like any race things happen. Your racer could be held for an extended period of time by a geocacher who doesn’t realize it is in a race. It can go the wrong way instead of what the goal states. They can be lost, forgotten or misplaced. On the flip side a geocacher can take the racer to a distant country tacking on big miles. You just never know. Either way I highly recommend starting or participating in a travel bug race when you get a chance. At the very least it is a great way to meet fellow geocachers. At best, them be some great bragging rights!
I you have any questions about travel bug races be sure and email me. I will be glad to tell you what I know.

- HHH


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GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
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Where Have All The Geocaching FTF (First To Find) Hounds Gone?

HeadHardHat Back in 2008

I have been recently going through my blog's (GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?) archives and found myself all the way back to 2008 where I found a post of my first FTF or in geocaching terminology a First To Find.

How exciting it was learning of the new posting and actually getting to the geocache before anyone else. I remember opening the geocache with my heart pounding in my chest. Nervously examining the log book and realizing that there were no other signatures - CLEAN SHEETS - oh joy, rapture! Then to discover the coolest of the cool, a FTF Prize, which consisted of a bunch of military navy memorabilia that I still hold dear as a collectible.  How cool is that?!?  As my obsession grew with FTFs I had incorporated alerts which immediately went to my email if a new geocache was published in my area. Then an assessment had to be made of me actually getting there first and what the consequences would be if I left at that moment to obtain it. For example, how mad my wife would be because it was 1:30am or my boss because it was during a work day; decisions, decisions. I can't tell you how many times I have bumped into law enforcement officers in the wee hours of the night with flashlight in hand and looking in small crevices via strange locations. All part of the the FTF fun.

 Then there were the FTF hounds. Those are the dozen or so geocachers in a local area that all love getting the FTF before anyone else. Which then makes it a race and potential bragging rights for the winner and sad disappointment for the rest - nanners. Of course that just added a whole new level of excitement for FTFs.

Those were the days.

Now in 2012 I really don't hear so much anymore about FTFs, at least not with the same fervor I used to. In my career I have over 100 under my belt but I have to admit they have lost the sparkle they once had for me and I am curious if that is the same for the geocaching community or is it just my perspective?

In years past FTFs for many it was a competition for bragging rights in the geocaching community but if it has lost it's zing then why? I don't hear about FTF prizes anymore either. For many of the geocaches that I have placed I would always have some sort of FTF prize waiting. Even purchased FTF geocoins to go to the winner. As stated, don't hear about them as much anymore - pity.

So the big question is how do we get people motivated again for FTFs? Why are FTFs loosing their appeal and how can we correct it? What are your views? Let me know so I can spread the word. Would love to hear from you.

-HHH



-------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
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Geocaching World is LIVE tonight at 6:30pm ET!

Geocaching World is LIVE tonight at 6:30pm ET! 

We want to know, what NOT to do when caching. Add your comments below. We will see you all tonight in that chat room: www.RVNewsNet.com/live
-------------------------------------------------------
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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Geocache Maintenance: Bison Tube O-Ring Replacement

Geocaching Bison Tubes

Many geocachers know that geocache maintenance is extremely important when it comes to the continual fun and overall satisfaction of the geocaching experience.

Why you may ask?

Debate-ably if a geocache owner takes responsibility for their geocache hides and checks on them on a regular basis then this can improve the chances that a geocache is in the best condition possible. For example, bison tubes. Those crafty micro geocaches have been a staple and bane of geocachers for many years. The biggest complaint is usually a soggy log book and we know what the main cause is. Bad o-rings.

Bison Tube O-Rings

The one part of a bison tube that requires maintenance is the o-ring which helps seal the cap from the body. Because of age and the influence of the outside elements, the o-rings become brittle and fail. This then allows a better chance for moisture to enter and play havoc on the log.

So it is highly recommended as part of your geocaching maintenance to check and if necessary replace the bison tube o-rings. This will help in avoiding a log book of goo and keep our fellow geocachers happy.

By the way this is a random website I found that sells bison tube o-ring replacements:
http://www.drivescachecloset.com/o-ringsforbisontubes.aspx

-Enjoy!

-------------------------------------------------------
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 Leaves This Week!

We are going to be following Expedition Mississippi for one because it is a really great project where a group of guys kayak from Indiana to the Gulf of Mexico via the mighty Mississippi and two they are including geocaching along the way. This concept was introduced to them by Producer/Co-Host Courtney Wallin via Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) and it has taken on by storm.

Long story short the adventure has begun! Be sure to keep up with us as we keep up with the Expedition Mississippi gang!

Here is the article showing the kick or is that paddle off.

http://expeditionmississippi.wordpress.com/2012/06/04/expedition-mississippi-leaves-wednesday/

-HHH

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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

What Is Geocaching To Headhardhat?

In a recent interview I was asked, "What is Geocaching to HeadHardHat?".  I have to admit that the question threw me off balance for a moment or two. You see normally I simply get asked, "What is Geocaching?" but this was what is Geocaching to me. That my fellow reader is quite the open question. Here is the jist of what I replied.

Geocaching to me has many faceted sides. There is the personal escape I love when Geocaching allows me the freedom to choose what type of adventure I wish to pursue that day. For example, if I want to explore a new place I have never been to before, all I have to do is look for Geocaches in that area. If I want to solve puzzles or use my cognitive skills to shake out the cobwebs there are tons of Geocaches hidden to do that. Then there is the walk in the woods for a few discoveries or go for the numbers and snag a bunch of park and grabs. It's all there for the finding.

One of my favorite facets to Geocaching has to be the outlet of making Geocaches to hide. I just love either seeing a technique used by another geocacher and thinking, "That is so cool but what if you do this..." or to come up with a cool concept and show it to other geocachers and watch how they take it and mold it to something even better. That always gives me a rush.  That is one of the reasons I make the GeoSnippits videos I do. Not to blow my own horn and say look at what I created but to plant the seed with a fellow Cacher and watch them go crazy with the idea. 

Another side of Geocaching for me is the huge social network that is available to geocachers around the world be it Twitter, Facebook, Google +, Geocaching forums, Geocaching events and just plain calling a local Cacher and saying, "Let's Go Geocaching". There are so many ways to communicate with someone in this game, sport and obsession that literally spands the globe.  I cannot tell you how many invitations I have received over the years from geocachers in other countries and within the United States that give out the welcome hand of friendship just because of this common bond for finding Tupperware in the Woods. It's amazing.

Finally there is the presence in the media where I can help spread the word about Geocaching. It all started making a YouTube video about bison tubes and the next thing you know GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorials was born. Now I have dozens of Geocaching information tidbits to help the Geocaching community enjoy our activity even more. Throw in an award winning blog "Geocache: I'm Not Obsessed... Right?" and after years of expressing my experiences and insights it has turned into a fountain of searchable information also geared to help the Geocaching community. 

Now I am co-host on the Geocaching Podcast a weekly talk show where myself, XpunkX and Darrylw4 bring up interesting discussions about our favorite past-time. Then there is the features of being on Michigan Magazine TV (RFD.tv) and now having my own TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) where co-host and fellow geocacher Courtney Wallin and I bring up our own experiences and helpful information each and every week. 

So from all of this and so much more, Geocaching to me is the cumulative blood, sweat and tears that makes Headhardhat get up each day and know something new is always just around the corner. It is a whole lot of work but a whole lot of fun as well and I wouldn't have it any other way. Geocaching is my life and for however long it lasts I am going to embrace the opportunities and adventures it gives me.

-HHH


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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

DNR: New Geocaching Program To Take Wing Saturday « CBS Minnesota

DNR: New Geocaching Program To Take Wing Saturday « CBS Minnesota

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

Tonight on Geocaching World - 6:30pm EST - Geocaching Burnout - What is it?

Tonight on Geocaching World - 6:30pm EST - Geocaching Burnout - What is it? How To Stay In The Geocaching Game and Why Some Geocachers Don't

CYA in our Chatroom or Circle me for the G+ Hangout.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rvnn-live

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

Geocaching.com Will Be Offering Google Maps To Premium Members

Eric Schudiske from Groundspeak just wrote to me..

We wanted you all to be among the first to know. After months of negotiations, Geocaching.com will soon be offering Premium Members the option to use Google Maps. We’re planning on enabling this feature for Premium Members during site maintenance on Tuesday, May 22. There will be no additional fee for Premium Members. Premium Members will be able to access Google Maps through the Beta Maps page.

More details will be available after the release on Tuesday May 22.

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

Geocaching World Meets Up With Expedition Mississippi To Include Geocaching On Their Adventure

Geocaching the Mississippi

Extreme Geocaching Kayak Adventure

On this episode we are joined by 1/2 of Expedition Mississippi!
They are Geocaching noobs seeking advice from HeadHardHat and our fans!
They’ll be kayaking the Mississippi for 2 months and are looking for a new hobby. We think we can help!

• Matt and Daniel, 1/2 of Expedition Mississippi, join us with their Geocaching questions!
• Expedition Mississippi Kickstarter Project End Saturday, May 12th!
• Prize Question: In American History Books; Who were the first noted people to explore along the Mississippi River?
• HeadHardHat and fans answer questions and give advice to these Geocaching Noobs!
• Expedition Mississippi has set up their Geocaching.com username ExpeditionMississip
• They need 5 backers at the $35 Geocaching level! Choose their Mississippi Cache!
• Follow their trip with MyCampMate
• Visit the Expedition Mississippi blog.
• HeadHardHat’s Award Winning Blog
• White River Cache suggestion from Nighthawk700 The Wall of Name Form the Past
• Nighthawk700’s Kayaking Cache Bealls Island, in the Potomac River, between MD and VA
• Geocaching World has a board on RVNN’s Pinterest
• Circle us on G+
• Give us a Thumbs up on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• RVNN is now on the Roku AND Boxee!

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

All in the Geocaching Find

A Recent Geocaching Ammo Box Find

Testing out my MMS sending abilities with Blogger. Seems to work for those quick "look what I am up to..." moments.  This is old school and for some reason it was not very reliable years past but we will see what happens again. Normally I email it out if in the field via my Android Phone, use my iPad app made for Blogger or send by carrier pigeon if needed (latter takes a bit longer). Any way you want it I do my best to get you out in the wild geocaching perspectives as best as possible.

See you our on the trails...

-HHH

This message has been sent using the picture and Video service from Verizon Wireless!

Geocaching and the Multi-Tool

Shy of a good pair of tweezers, I cannot think of a more useful tool for anyone's geocaching arsenal than the multi-tool. In fact many multi-tools come with tweezers; so there ya go.

Multi-tools allow a geocacher to open geocaches that are stubbern to open, remove a geocace from its hiding spot (pictured) and a great retriever of geocaching logs.

You can go very inexpensive with a basic tool or all the way with dozens of functions. Any way you go, having one of these handy dandy tools on you can be a life saver.