Saturday, December 28, 2013
Arkansas run
Not have a lot of goals for this caching year, I have recently focused on coloring in counties that are within 120 miles from home. Made a quick run, almost all were the P&G type through Poinsett and Craighead counties. Next year, I will made attempts for a couple of other counties in Arkansas and 3 in Mississippi.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Light run though Crittendon and Hardin counties
Yesterday was a very nice day, where minnie mouse and myself hit the road to grab some caches in other counties. Wanted to find caches in Hardin County, IL and Crittendon County, KY. Day began with 3 DNF's in a row and that would frustrate me throughout the day. But in the end, we did some good caches and also crossed the Ohio River on a ferry that minnie mouse really enjoyed.
Cache find for Crittendon County as Have gun will travel, cache is located at a gun shop. Not in the market right now for any new weapons, I am happy to carry a Glock 17 when caching.
We crossed the river and found a great earthcache, Carerne dans Le Roc. We spent some time at this state park taking a lot of pictures so that Minnie Mouse could use as a Science project.
Another interesting find was Tower Rock, it was a rough climb to the top but glad we came after this cache. Location had some awesome views.
Re-crossed the river on the ferry and found FERRY 4 IT. I was very concerned that we would not find it due to the high number of recent DNF's, but I continued to feel around and spotted the nano.
Our last find was River View, a quiet park with a nice view of the Ohio River.
Cache find for Crittendon County as Have gun will travel, cache is located at a gun shop. Not in the market right now for any new weapons, I am happy to carry a Glock 17 when caching.
We crossed the river and found a great earthcache, Carerne dans Le Roc. We spent some time at this state park taking a lot of pictures so that Minnie Mouse could use as a Science project.
Another interesting find was Tower Rock, it was a rough climb to the top but glad we came after this cache. Location had some awesome views.
Re-crossed the river on the ferry and found FERRY 4 IT. I was very concerned that we would not find it due to the high number of recent DNF's, but I continued to feel around and spotted the nano.
Our last find was River View, a quiet park with a nice view of the Ohio River.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Run through southern IL
Continued my efforts for the 5-state Travelers Challenge. Began the day needing 9 finds and an icon for the state of IL and would accomplish that mission. Drove to Vienna, IL, a location that I attempted to make finds when I made visits to the VA center in Marion, IL. Back then I had no luck making any finds. Today, it was much easier, first find a light pole. Second find was an interesting park at Vienna Old Depot, learned that this site was part of the Trail of Tears. Left Vienna and went after the cache I really wanted, Wildcat Cemetery Rd.. GPS took me to an isolated area to a small cemetery. There were a few Union Civil War veterans buired here. Later, as I visited more cemeteries, I would find many more Union veterans. Finding the puzzle cache gave me my 5th icon for the state of IL.
Spent the rest of the day making easy finds. Will note that my stop at Kingston was a little different. GPS took me to a cedar tree and the geo-trail was very worn. Called a friend of mine and re-directed to another location. Searched that location and came up empty. Gave up on the cache and walked around the cemetery and over 100 feet from post coordinates I found the container with many bite makes. Small animals had found the cache and had moved it. I replaced the cache where the PAF told me to look.
Spent the rest of the day making easy finds. Will note that my stop at Kingston was a little different. GPS took me to a cedar tree and the geo-trail was very worn. Called a friend of mine and re-directed to another location. Searched that location and came up empty. Gave up on the cache and walked around the cemetery and over 100 feet from post coordinates I found the container with many bite makes. Small animals had found the cache and had moved it. I replaced the cache where the PAF told me to look.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Night caching with friends
Tiger130 posted that she intended to find Will o' the Wisp to coloring in her 366 day geo-calender. I knew my schedule would be tight with family activites coming up that weekend. Got ahead of the curve with home front work and cleared my Friday to set out for Shelby County. Since I was traveling the longest distance, I posted that I would be at Huey's in Collierville prior to the cache run for dinner. Five cachers joined me for a nice dinner and fellowship. We also chatted about what direction to take for next year's cachepedition.
During dinner, I was informed that we would be near Mission Improbable and advised that I should complete this mission. After dinner, I followed bitbrain and Tiger130 to the first stage of Mission Improbable. We separated on the highway going towards Will o' the Wisp and was one of the to arrive. My autorouting was not working for me and I had to guess, which road to take to the parking area. Arrival at the parking area, it was pitch black and it was hard for me to make out who was who in the crowd. While standing around, I gave Tiger130 one of my combat shirts that was issued to me during my deployment in 2010.
We set out for the cache with Tiger130 in the lead. After some hiking we arrived at the reference point. This night cache was not the typical follow reflectors but was very innovative. After a long search the cache was found and signed by everyone. We hiked back to the parking area and I found the micro at that location.
Getting late, I went to the final state of Mission Improbable and started this cache alone. Found first couple of sets of reflectors and then saw the cache is in need of work with some reflectors mission. Cache ownered joined me and I finished the cache.
Saw where I had a specific mission of having my photo taken at a playground slide, that that was unusual, I guess I had a log of a cache in a playground that brought up some interest. It would be a few days before I had my photo taken at a slide and later uploaded onto the cache page.
During dinner, I was informed that we would be near Mission Improbable and advised that I should complete this mission. After dinner, I followed bitbrain and Tiger130 to the first stage of Mission Improbable. We separated on the highway going towards Will o' the Wisp and was one of the to arrive. My autorouting was not working for me and I had to guess, which road to take to the parking area. Arrival at the parking area, it was pitch black and it was hard for me to make out who was who in the crowd. While standing around, I gave Tiger130 one of my combat shirts that was issued to me during my deployment in 2010.
We set out for the cache with Tiger130 in the lead. After some hiking we arrived at the reference point. This night cache was not the typical follow reflectors but was very innovative. After a long search the cache was found and signed by everyone. We hiked back to the parking area and I found the micro at that location.
Getting late, I went to the final state of Mission Improbable and started this cache alone. Found first couple of sets of reflectors and then saw the cache is in need of work with some reflectors mission. Cache ownered joined me and I finished the cache.
Saw where I had a specific mission of having my photo taken at a playground slide, that that was unusual, I guess I had a log of a cache in a playground that brought up some interest. It would be a few days before I had my photo taken at a slide and later uploaded onto the cache page.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
GOWT/RVG Social
An event that was orginally planned in August was re-scheduled in September. I hosted the GOWT/RVG Social at the disc golf course in Martin, TN. It was a very fun event with cachers visiting from many different locations, even one from Australia, CPWanderer. Later we divided into 4 teams where team captains were the ones experienced in this game. My team did come in second place and I was pleased with the score.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Project GC
Several weeks ago a Memphis cacher placed a link about Project GC on the GOWT Facebook group. At first, I didn't find the site easy to use. After more research on the site, I am amazed of the capabilities.
For example:
1) Anyone working towards the Well-Rounded Cacher can do a search under the Maps section to view what caches they need to color in the 81 D/T grid. The profile stat also documents the caches en-route to the 81 grid.
2) People working on county challenges can bring up a map of caches in a certain county. That would take out the guess work since the map on geocaching site does not include county lines.
3) If one is working on a team cache run; there is a feature to compare what caches team members have already found.
For now, I have discontinued my GSAK stats on my geocaching profile and using the Project GC stats.
For example:
1) Anyone working towards the Well-Rounded Cacher can do a search under the Maps section to view what caches they need to color in the 81 D/T grid. The profile stat also documents the caches en-route to the 81 grid.
2) People working on county challenges can bring up a map of caches in a certain county. That would take out the guess work since the map on geocaching site does not include county lines.
3) If one is working on a team cache run; there is a feature to compare what caches team members have already found.
For now, I have discontinued my GSAK stats on my geocaching profile and using the Project GC stats.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Getting the kayak out
There have been two caches near my home that require watercraft and has usual with 5-terrain caches, teamwork is needed and logistical support. Since the purchase of a 2013 Nissan Frontier and no longer have a topper to hold my kayak, I did manage to secure the boat in my short bed pickup.
I teamed up with pcsenn and met at the E.W. James parking lot in Dresden; from there we headed to Hydrology 1. We arrived at the cache owner's grandfather's home to place pcsenn's kayak onto my truck. We traveled the short distance to the launch location. We had to park a couple of hundred feet way and carry the boats to the water. We selected a launch area, I got in OK for the most part. Pcsenn was not as lucky, he turned over going face first into the water. He re-grouped and found the cache a few minutes later, being FTF. We returned to the launch location and the cache owner was at the bridge to give us a hand. We selected a different area to recover and no one tipped over.
Then we set our sights onto Carroll Lake Multi; which was much easier in launching and recovering of the kayaks. Multi was a few stages, couple of the stages were very difficult being the cache owner placed the containers while on a john boat and we were not able to reach very high from inside a kayak. At one stage, I pulled a limb down and brought the container down to within reach. At the final, we debated how to retrieve the container. Finally, I secured my kayak, got out and walked to the container with water being knee high. One reason, I wear dive boats!
I teamed up with pcsenn and met at the E.W. James parking lot in Dresden; from there we headed to Hydrology 1. We arrived at the cache owner's grandfather's home to place pcsenn's kayak onto my truck. We traveled the short distance to the launch location. We had to park a couple of hundred feet way and carry the boats to the water. We selected a launch area, I got in OK for the most part. Pcsenn was not as lucky, he turned over going face first into the water. He re-grouped and found the cache a few minutes later, being FTF. We returned to the launch location and the cache owner was at the bridge to give us a hand. We selected a different area to recover and no one tipped over.
Then we set our sights onto Carroll Lake Multi; which was much easier in launching and recovering of the kayaks. Multi was a few stages, couple of the stages were very difficult being the cache owner placed the containers while on a john boat and we were not able to reach very high from inside a kayak. At one stage, I pulled a limb down and brought the container down to within reach. At the final, we debated how to retrieve the container. Finally, I secured my kayak, got out and walked to the container with water being knee high. One reason, I wear dive boats!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Cachin' in August Part 5
August 24: Back at home after a few days in Missouri, we got up early for a breakfast event at Ryan's in Union City to celebrate Comet Clover achieving the 1,000th find.
August 25: After church, minnie mouse and I went to Union City for lunch at Arby's and pick up caulking at Lowe's. While in town, we found Monster in the Bushes!, a unique style of hide.
August 26: Business run into Gibson County and visit to Medina. Since I had time, I left the easy one in town alone and went out of my way for 3 cachers that were out of town. Spring Creek Bottom, a regular size cache at a TWRA hunting area. Appears this area get a lot of dumping too. dont TRIPP, had concerns if I would find this one, but quick search, it was there. Ready to Launch, almost regretted coming after this cache. Easy guard rail, but parking is an issue, traffic was heavy and came close to my new truck sliding into the guard rail.
August 27: Another business trip to Henry County. Being that I have no cases in placement, it has been to my advantage to have cases in Weakley, Gibson and Henry counties at this geo-time. Returned to Memorial Park in Paris to grab 2A's, B, C & D #1, coordinates are off by 57 feet. Guess another phone cacher?
August 28: Travel to caches to grab cache days in this month getting a little tiresome. Another run to Union City to grab One More Time-Which Way-NOT!!! WARNING!!!
August 29: Made another trip to Union City, this time ignoring the new 3 caches, 2 of which I drove past to pick up, DA PLANE!! DA PLANE!!DA PLANE!!. An easy P&G near the airport. Afterwards, I was catching up on Facebook and read where LSUMonica had passed away. I edited my log to reflect this loss to our geocaching community and made the find to this great cacher and friend of mine. She fought a hard fight against cancer.
August 30: Had business in Gibson County, visited a small park on the older part of Medina, Medina Little League, where I also signed the name of LSUMonica who lost her 4-year battle with cancer this week.
August 31: Last day of cachin' in August and picked up two new caches, UC Bound 1 and UC Bound 2.
In conclusion, I was not able to log a find every day and none of the finds were in my home county, I had to travel several miles. I did observe that a few cachers who were out of the game or no longer competitive, did revive for this streak.
August 25: After church, minnie mouse and I went to Union City for lunch at Arby's and pick up caulking at Lowe's. While in town, we found Monster in the Bushes!, a unique style of hide.
August 26: Business run into Gibson County and visit to Medina. Since I had time, I left the easy one in town alone and went out of my way for 3 cachers that were out of town. Spring Creek Bottom, a regular size cache at a TWRA hunting area. Appears this area get a lot of dumping too. dont TRIPP, had concerns if I would find this one, but quick search, it was there. Ready to Launch, almost regretted coming after this cache. Easy guard rail, but parking is an issue, traffic was heavy and came close to my new truck sliding into the guard rail.
August 27: Another business trip to Henry County. Being that I have no cases in placement, it has been to my advantage to have cases in Weakley, Gibson and Henry counties at this geo-time. Returned to Memorial Park in Paris to grab 2A's, B, C & D #1, coordinates are off by 57 feet. Guess another phone cacher?
August 28: Travel to caches to grab cache days in this month getting a little tiresome. Another run to Union City to grab One More Time-Which Way-NOT!!! WARNING!!!
August 29: Made another trip to Union City, this time ignoring the new 3 caches, 2 of which I drove past to pick up, DA PLANE!! DA PLANE!!DA PLANE!!. An easy P&G near the airport. Afterwards, I was catching up on Facebook and read where LSUMonica had passed away. I edited my log to reflect this loss to our geocaching community and made the find to this great cacher and friend of mine. She fought a hard fight against cancer.
August 30: Had business in Gibson County, visited a small park on the older part of Medina, Medina Little League, where I also signed the name of LSUMonica who lost her 4-year battle with cancer this week.
August 31: Last day of cachin' in August and picked up two new caches, UC Bound 1 and UC Bound 2.
In conclusion, I was not able to log a find every day and none of the finds were in my home county, I had to travel several miles. I did observe that a few cachers who were out of the game or no longer competitive, did revive for this streak.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Cachin' in August Part 4
August 23: Disaster Relief Mission coming to an end and due to prior engagement, myself and 3 mission workers are heading towards home. I did get to meet docbaker57, who was in my camp the entire time and he was caching in the evenings. We returned a different route going through the Ozarks and since I had a muggle entourage with me, I generally wanted to keep to interesting caches. We stopped at Privy , one of the best containers I've seen in my 8 years of geocaching. Next stop was Houston Always, at a Wal-Mart shopping center. Good opportunity for restroom break. Then we headed south towards Highway 60 and we stopped at Willow Series 1, I made this harder than it was, but found the cache. We drove on Highway 60 and I was pleasantly surprised the road is now a 4-lane. Back in 1991, I traveled to Springfield, MO on Highway 60 and was a winding, slow 2-lane. Heading West, we stopped at Big Spring. I visited this location in 1991. We continued west along Highway 60, finding Eagle Scout Project Bat Boxes, a really cool location of a bat box above the cache. At this point, I wanted to connect counties from Poplar Bluff, MO to Sikeston, MO. We made are final stops at Zebra One and Crossroads of Southeast Missouri. The last cache was on my bucket list for another reason, the cache owner has twice visited Weakley County and I wanted to return the respect by finding one of her caches.
With the mission to Missouri, I've found enough caches for one part of The Traveler's 5-State Challenge
With the mission to Missouri, I've found enough caches for one part of The Traveler's 5-State Challenge
Monday, August 26, 2013
Cachin' in August Part 3 (Disaster Relief)
After completion of the 50+ run of Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky, I was driving around Martin and when stopped looked at my gmail on my smartphone and informed of a Disaster Relief Mission with Southern Baptist. I was aware of the high possibility of deployment but have experienced stand-downs when advised of a pending mission.
August 18: Made a quick slip north of Fulton, KY and grabbed On the Rail ~HWY 51S, an easy guard rail cache.
August 19: Met up with disaster relief team members in Martin and Dyersburg. I was asked to take my own vehicle due to that I was scheduled to do something the coming Saturday. Prior to meeting folks in Martin, I quickly found Which Way Again in Union City. We left Martin, to Dyersburg and then participated in a 2-vehicle convoy towards Waynesville, MO. On the way, we stopped for a bite to eat and I picked up: Rt66 Mo-Diamonds Are Forever, a cache in reference to the famous Route 66 that runs from LA, California to Chicago, IL.
August 20: On mission demolishing a mobile home. Went into town and grabbed, Wire Road Stop, a nice virtual. Road with local police officer and he knew of geocaching and the virtual. Later, I returned to town and found Treasured History, a good ammo can at an antique store.
August 21: Was given a mission to grab supplies in town and quickly found Yummy Fun at a McDonald's. We started at the work site and I really got to know all about Flood Recovery, the art of tearing our sheet rock and flooring. It was a hot day and didn't wanted to cache due to not feeling well, but decided to go after, Roubidoux Spring Earthcache. It was good that I went after this cache, I splashed the very cold water on my face to which that helped me. Everyone on my team did the same, one lady took her boots off to soak her feet.
August 22: Since I knew we would complete our current job this morning, going to another job and plans to go out to eat, I got up before everyone else and made a before sunrise find at Waynesville/St Robert I-44 Travel Bug Hotel. While not a hard find, it was tough in the dark even using my Surefire tactical light.
August 18: Made a quick slip north of Fulton, KY and grabbed On the Rail ~HWY 51S, an easy guard rail cache.
August 19: Met up with disaster relief team members in Martin and Dyersburg. I was asked to take my own vehicle due to that I was scheduled to do something the coming Saturday. Prior to meeting folks in Martin, I quickly found Which Way Again in Union City. We left Martin, to Dyersburg and then participated in a 2-vehicle convoy towards Waynesville, MO. On the way, we stopped for a bite to eat and I picked up: Rt66 Mo-Diamonds Are Forever, a cache in reference to the famous Route 66 that runs from LA, California to Chicago, IL.
August 20: On mission demolishing a mobile home. Went into town and grabbed, Wire Road Stop, a nice virtual. Road with local police officer and he knew of geocaching and the virtual. Later, I returned to town and found Treasured History, a good ammo can at an antique store.
August 21: Was given a mission to grab supplies in town and quickly found Yummy Fun at a McDonald's. We started at the work site and I really got to know all about Flood Recovery, the art of tearing our sheet rock and flooring. It was a hot day and didn't wanted to cache due to not feeling well, but decided to go after, Roubidoux Spring Earthcache. It was good that I went after this cache, I splashed the very cold water on my face to which that helped me. Everyone on my team did the same, one lady took her boots off to soak her feet.
August 22: Since I knew we would complete our current job this morning, going to another job and plans to go out to eat, I got up before everyone else and made a before sunrise find at Waynesville/St Robert I-44 Travel Bug Hotel. While not a hard find, it was tough in the dark even using my Surefire tactical light.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Cachin' in August Part 2 (August 17)
As I continue to work on The Traveler's 5-State Challenge, I teamed up with dhrnrcpa and Pharmd93 with a 50+ find sweep of southern Illinois and a few caches in Kentucky. We picked August 17, a Saturday and was also International Geocaching Day. During the trip, I colored in Pulaski County, in Illinois, which was my first ever trip to that county. Almost all the caches were of the Park and Grab variety, We would visit over a dozen cemeteries, a few guard rails and many fire hydrants.
The most significant caches we found were: Bird Man which we would read it was the grave of the Birdman of Alcatraz. I also completed, once again, the What's Shaking Series with the new cache in Paducah. Another interesting cache was: Kimball's Granite Sphere & Xenoliths an earthcache.
We cached for several hours in the heat and humidity. We also had to deal with rain showers from time to time.
Cachin' in August Part 1
Groundspeak is offering souvenirs for finds on any day in August; pushing the agenda to have a 31-day streak. My personal best streak of 18 days was set in August 2010 when on R&R leave from Operation Iraqi Freedom. With caches being 20 or more miles from home, I would not be able to complete the streak, but am enjoying the time getting out and seeing different places.
August 1: Trip on business to Paris and grabbed West Fam #1, looked closely at the back 9 of the disc golf course.
August 2: Duties in the office and home prevented any trips on this day.
August 3: Planned to attend a CITO on the Land Between the Lakes, while on the way, my truck developed mechanical problems. Problem was a blown head gasket and this cacher limped the truck back home with no cache finds.
August 4: Stayed near home, out looking for a new vehicle.
August 5: Planned trip to Nashville airport, during my lunch hour, I picked up: Here's to You!, #9, #9 (Your tax dollars at work), Two Grand for Tennessee, Music City Travel Bug Hotel.
August 6: Took a day off to find a new vehicle. After purchase of a 2013 Nissan Frontier, I grabbed Welcome to Union City #2
August 7: New caches popping up on Union City, side trips are being made. Found Which Way?
August 8: Trip to Paris and found 2 A's, B, C & D #3
August 9: Another trip into Henry County and found John, the closest cache to my home and only one within 20 miles.
August 10: Attended Disaster Relief Training with Southern Baptist in Union City. Prior to class, I drove to Hickman and found Hickman Bluff Project
August 11: Yard work at home, no time to cache.
August 12: Side trip to Union City, once again, found Veteran's Park Pavilion
August 13: Business took me to Gibson County and picked up Go Hornets! and Medina Micro
August 14: A return trip to Union City, Veteran's Park Pine. Took a walk around the trail.
August 15: Business in Paris and found 2A's, B, C & D #5, this one was difficult.
August 16: Visit to Milan and grabbed Field of Dreams.
More to follow......
August 1: Trip on business to Paris and grabbed West Fam #1, looked closely at the back 9 of the disc golf course.
August 2: Duties in the office and home prevented any trips on this day.
August 3: Planned to attend a CITO on the Land Between the Lakes, while on the way, my truck developed mechanical problems. Problem was a blown head gasket and this cacher limped the truck back home with no cache finds.
August 4: Stayed near home, out looking for a new vehicle.
August 5: Planned trip to Nashville airport, during my lunch hour, I picked up: Here's to You!, #9, #9 (Your tax dollars at work), Two Grand for Tennessee, Music City Travel Bug Hotel.
August 6: Took a day off to find a new vehicle. After purchase of a 2013 Nissan Frontier, I grabbed Welcome to Union City #2
August 7: New caches popping up on Union City, side trips are being made. Found Which Way?
August 8: Trip to Paris and found 2 A's, B, C & D #3
August 9: Another trip into Henry County and found John, the closest cache to my home and only one within 20 miles.
August 10: Attended Disaster Relief Training with Southern Baptist in Union City. Prior to class, I drove to Hickman and found Hickman Bluff Project
August 11: Yard work at home, no time to cache.
August 12: Side trip to Union City, once again, found Veteran's Park Pavilion
August 13: Business took me to Gibson County and picked up Go Hornets! and Medina Micro
August 14: A return trip to Union City, Veteran's Park Pine. Took a walk around the trail.
August 15: Business in Paris and found 2A's, B, C & D #5, this one was difficult.
August 16: Visit to Milan and grabbed Field of Dreams.
More to follow......
Friday, August 2, 2013
Virtues
Saw a new series pop up called the 7 Heavenly Virtues. Having a light day, I hit the series. Did have two DNF's, but at one location, I didn't feel comfortable and selected it would be better to return another day. Was a good series and completed some of the caches in the rain. Despite, I didn't find two of the caches, I was able to determine the coordinates. Arrived at the final stage and rain was much more steady. Found and signed the cache when a bolt of lightening hit very closed. With storm on top of me, it was best to end caching for the day.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
St. Louis trip
Debating of where to go on vacation, we bounced ideas around and settled on St. Louis since it was only 4 hours from home verses 8 hours to go to the Gulf in Mississippi. My agenda was to find caches along the Mississippi River counties in Missouri to St. Louis. I failed in that mission when I did not get any finds in St. Louis County. However, I plan to return next year for Geo-Woodstock and should grab that county and St. Charles. To my readers, I have no plans to complete any Missouri county or Delorme challenges, I don't know that state too well and if I were go go after another state, it would be Mississippi, it's flat!!!
The trip's purpose was a family outing and caching was not a high priority, we did visit the St. Louis Arch, Zoo, Art and History museums. We also wanted to look at the area and decided we would stay closer to St. Charles when we return next year.
There was one cache (Iron Curtain) in Fulton, Missouri that I really wanted to visit. I had heard of the place long prior to geocaching and was worth the time to visit.
Other interesting caches:
St. Louis Arch Virtual Cache, maybe one of the most difficult virtuals I ever completed. Very crowded in the museum and thankfully, I pulled some of the information online before our trip.
Firefighters Memorial, very nice place.
Schnurbusch Karst Window, relaxing location and encourge those from West TN on the way to Geo-Woodstock next year to take the time and visit.
Flying Rolls, been to this place 20 years ago and finally returned. Good meal and have a chance to catch or get hit by a roll.
The trip's purpose was a family outing and caching was not a high priority, we did visit the St. Louis Arch, Zoo, Art and History museums. We also wanted to look at the area and decided we would stay closer to St. Charles when we return next year.
There was one cache (Iron Curtain) in Fulton, Missouri that I really wanted to visit. I had heard of the place long prior to geocaching and was worth the time to visit.
Other interesting caches:
St. Louis Arch Virtual Cache, maybe one of the most difficult virtuals I ever completed. Very crowded in the museum and thankfully, I pulled some of the information online before our trip.
Firefighters Memorial, very nice place.
Schnurbusch Karst Window, relaxing location and encourge those from West TN on the way to Geo-Woodstock next year to take the time and visit.
Flying Rolls, been to this place 20 years ago and finally returned. Good meal and have a chance to catch or get hit by a roll.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
KTAG event
While looking for nearby events, I noticed KTAG "I Scream" Social and made plans to attend. It was a fun event and the type of event that I like the most where I can mingle from one cacher or group to another. Weather turned out good for the event, not too hot and no rain. While at the event, I went after The Iconic Multi State Challenge (Sapper Style). I made my leave from the event and proceed the trails and then found the area 70 feet from GZ to be logged out. Apparently, the cache is located on private property, I attempted to find the cache and got no where and went back to the event empty handed. At the event, I expressed my disappointment and then other cachers told me it was there and scoutpaddle drove me to another location making the hike much shorter and I found the cache.
This challenge type was difficult to me since I normally don't make big sweeps of an area, I typically go a few, usually not more than 4 caches on a trip, much less getting several icons in one day.
This challenge type was difficult to me since I normally don't make big sweeps of an area, I typically go a few, usually not more than 4 caches on a trip, much less getting several icons in one day.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
South East Missouri Cache run
With my re-newed focus on the game, I, along with pcsenn and dhrncpa set out for South East Missouri to grab numbers for The Traveler's 5-State Challenge that I intend to find in May 2014. The cache run netted 29 total finds, 26 in the state of Missouri, bring my total for that state to 78 finds. I have a trip to St. Louis in July and being that I will be with my family that is not overly interested in geocaching, I will aim for about a dozen or so finds, my agenda being to grab the counties of: Perry, Ste. Genevieve, Jefferson, St. Louis city and county. This agenda is to color in the counties on my GSAK map but I have no intention of working towards a Missouri County or Delorme Challenge.
Pcsenn already found all the caches in the bootheel of Missouri and I invited dhrnrcpa to come along. He enjoys any cache run and does not have opportunties to cache as often as he would like.
The majority of the caches found were of the park and grab type and not many were that special. There was one cache, a multi stage that looked interesting, The Key to the Mystery. I was very disappointed that, despite the owners of the cache reside near the first stage and final stage is at their residential property, the key was missing and there was not way to open the final stage.
Pcsenn already found all the caches in the bootheel of Missouri and I invited dhrnrcpa to come along. He enjoys any cache run and does not have opportunties to cache as often as he would like.
The majority of the caches found were of the park and grab type and not many were that special. There was one cache, a multi stage that looked interesting, The Key to the Mystery. I was very disappointed that, despite the owners of the cache reside near the first stage and final stage is at their residential property, the key was missing and there was not way to open the final stage.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
New Goals?
I have been playing the Geocaching game for over 8 years, found over 4,000 caches in several states and 4 countries. Unlike other years, I really didn't have any goals in mind other than hit the 4,000 find milestone. Over the past 3 years, I have passed or re-passed or going to pass, a number of cachers in the numbers department, to include BigDaddyD, cgeek, pronotpup, Abiecto, Mackheath, just to name a few. Some have quit playing all together, some are playing differently or far less often. Lately, I have been calling the game of geocaching.....The game of guardrails. It does appear the game is going to power trails; and while I don't mind a hiking power trail, the majority are those along 4-lane highways and utilize the emergency shoulder to stop and find a cache.
With intention of attending Geo-Woodstock XII near St. Louis next year, I saw a cache called The Travler's 5-State Challenge that caught my attention. Most challenge caches that I found in the Jackson, TN area, I had little to work on, in that I had accomplished the requirements just playing the game over the last few years. This one had me study my caching profile and decided that if I had completed 3 states, I would pick out 2 and set out my course. After much review, I easily had Tennessee and Kentucky, to my surprise, I met the requirements for a 3rd state, that being Mississippi. Then I looked at others, like Arkansas, where I have 64 finds of the 100 required, but I only have 2 icons. Thus, I crossed off that state. Missouri, I have the icons (which is the most difficult part) and 52 founds. A good run of the boothill and vacation to St. Louis next month, I would be able to close in that number. Finally, what is the 5th state to work on? Indiana, I have the icons, but only 38 finds, however the state is too far for repeated cache runs. My sights will be set on Illinois, where I have 4 icons and need 48 finds. I am considering a 2-day trip to Rend Lake, north of Benton, IL to accomplish that requirement.
With intention of attending Geo-Woodstock XII near St. Louis next year, I saw a cache called The Travler's 5-State Challenge that caught my attention. Most challenge caches that I found in the Jackson, TN area, I had little to work on, in that I had accomplished the requirements just playing the game over the last few years. This one had me study my caching profile and decided that if I had completed 3 states, I would pick out 2 and set out my course. After much review, I easily had Tennessee and Kentucky, to my surprise, I met the requirements for a 3rd state, that being Mississippi. Then I looked at others, like Arkansas, where I have 64 finds of the 100 required, but I only have 2 icons. Thus, I crossed off that state. Missouri, I have the icons (which is the most difficult part) and 52 founds. A good run of the boothill and vacation to St. Louis next month, I would be able to close in that number. Finally, what is the 5th state to work on? Indiana, I have the icons, but only 38 finds, however the state is too far for repeated cache runs. My sights will be set on Illinois, where I have 4 icons and need 48 finds. I am considering a 2-day trip to Rend Lake, north of Benton, IL to accomplish that requirement.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Obion River CITO
After much delay and schedule conflicts, the Obion River Blueway CITO was held this past weekend. There was good turnout, despte concerns the river would be high again after recent rain. However, the river had gone down several feet and after first glance did not look much different than the day in March when caches were placed on the river.
Coordination was made with TeamKC, where 1/2 of that team aided in transportation of cachers from recovery to the launch location. Without that assistance, the CITO would have been hampered. Departure was about an hour behind and we were underway around 11:15 am. The landing at the launch area was full of mud and made placing kayaks in the water really difficult. As an experienced kayak/cachers, I wore my SCUBA diving boots and I recommend those type of boots for all cachers who kayak since our game does sometimes require getting in and out of the boot and no need to mess up a good pair of hiking boots. The mud came up to nearly the top of the boots. I did not look forward to the muddy conditions of the recovery area.
Current was a little swift at the beginning and only required light paddling. I clocked myself going 2.0 MPH just letting the current take me along. We stopped along the way for caches and I really got out of the boat. I did observe the terrain at most the cache locations was very difficult with mud either being very slippery or would sink upon stepping on it.
As we neared Highway 45 West north of Kenton, I observed the current was not nearly as fast as when he departed. Thus requiring more paddling. All the caches on the river were found, one needing some attention and I had brought extra log books with me.
Met cachers during the event that I had not met prior, Geo-Huff whom we had emailed each other since I began playing in 2005 and looknaround. As seen in other CITO's and kayak runs, cachers always get things done, work together and over come obstacles to achieve their goals.
Coordination was made with TeamKC, where 1/2 of that team aided in transportation of cachers from recovery to the launch location. Without that assistance, the CITO would have been hampered. Departure was about an hour behind and we were underway around 11:15 am. The landing at the launch area was full of mud and made placing kayaks in the water really difficult. As an experienced kayak/cachers, I wore my SCUBA diving boots and I recommend those type of boots for all cachers who kayak since our game does sometimes require getting in and out of the boot and no need to mess up a good pair of hiking boots. The mud came up to nearly the top of the boots. I did not look forward to the muddy conditions of the recovery area.
Current was a little swift at the beginning and only required light paddling. I clocked myself going 2.0 MPH just letting the current take me along. We stopped along the way for caches and I really got out of the boat. I did observe the terrain at most the cache locations was very difficult with mud either being very slippery or would sink upon stepping on it.
As we neared Highway 45 West north of Kenton, I observed the current was not nearly as fast as when he departed. Thus requiring more paddling. All the caches on the river were found, one needing some attention and I had brought extra log books with me.
Met cachers during the event that I had not met prior, Geo-Huff whom we had emailed each other since I began playing in 2005 and looknaround. As seen in other CITO's and kayak runs, cachers always get things done, work together and over come obstacles to achieve their goals.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Plans to attend Geowoodstock XII
Next year's Geowoodstock XII was released and I do make plans to attend. The event will be held in St. Charles, MO, which was the launch location of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This blogger was surprised to hear that GWXII would be in the St. Louis area, figuring since most of the events have been held in the eastern part of the United States. I looked more into the decision and sum that the area does have strong geocaching groups in the region that can assist in the huge event, it also in the region of the geographic center of the United States.
Prior to the announcement, we had already made plans to visit St. Louis in July and a side-trip to Hannibal, MO. I added the virtual near GWXII to the vacation bookmark and maybe have the opportunity to visit the area prior to the mega event. My entourage attended GW X in Sellersburg, IN and we did not know the area and made the mistake of staying in Louisville, KY which was resulted in back and forth trips across the Ohio River.
Over the next few months, I will obseve the activities of the mega event and may have an agenda to either increase my icons in day (which stands at 6) or attempt to add the states of Iowa or Kansas to my geocaching stats.
Prior to the announcement, we had already made plans to visit St. Louis in July and a side-trip to Hannibal, MO. I added the virtual near GWXII to the vacation bookmark and maybe have the opportunity to visit the area prior to the mega event. My entourage attended GW X in Sellersburg, IN and we did not know the area and made the mistake of staying in Louisville, KY which was resulted in back and forth trips across the Ohio River.
Over the next few months, I will obseve the activities of the mega event and may have an agenda to either increase my icons in day (which stands at 6) or attempt to add the states of Iowa or Kansas to my geocaching stats.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
4,000th find
Life and work has been keeping me closer to home, more than usual, which is abnormal for me. On the homefront, I hve been preparing a section of the backyard for 26 chickens. To add to the matter, my 3-year old MTD riding mower had engine problems, requiring a new engine. I wanted nothing of that and sold the mower as is for $200 and purchased a walk behind self-propelled mower. Since mowing of my yard will take twice and long and be much more physically demanding, my time for caching has been reduced.
As I neared the 4,000 find mark, I was frustrated with my latest run in Henry County where I found one cache out of four attempts. This past Saturday morning, I had all work chores caught up and had Saturday morning to grab some caches. I drove up north of Mayfield, KY and grabbed three Miles of Smiles caches and then selected Candy Apples, Cotton Candy & Funnel Cakes as my 4,000th find. I selected this cache as my milestone since it was regular size.
As I neared the 4,000 find mark, I was frustrated with my latest run in Henry County where I found one cache out of four attempts. This past Saturday morning, I had all work chores caught up and had Saturday morning to grab some caches. I drove up north of Mayfield, KY and grabbed three Miles of Smiles caches and then selected Candy Apples, Cotton Candy & Funnel Cakes as my 4,000th find. I selected this cache as my milestone since it was regular size.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Henry County
Currently, have reached a slow down in my caching. Reviewing my stats from previous April months; I don't rack up number despite the warmer weather. Reflecting, April is a time of yard work and other non-caching distractions. This year, I have a daughter graduating from high school. Rain and thunderstorms on weekends have also dampered my caching exploits.
With no desire to make a long trip, I have focused my energies on caching Henry County since it's my neighboring county and has the numbers to reach my 4,000th find. Highway 79 between Paris and Dover is quickly becoming a power trail like those I have expereinced in Selmer and Colunbia, TN. It appears the game is becoming a stopping at guard-rails. This past Saturday, I couldn't do anything at home, so I cleared the highway between Paris and Paris Landing. I also wanted to clear those caches before the summer tourist season is in full swing and the highway become very busy.
On other days, I have been grabbing a cache or two on each trip. There were a few that I liked.
Have you seen my lunch?, it's simple grab at a diner, I was impressed the cache owner placed a regular sized cache.
IS THIS A JOKE????, the challenge was finding the correct way to get to the cache. I parked at a nearby church and walked across the field. Turns out this is some type of rest stop and took me a while to locate the cache, since experience told me to check the wagon and I should have relied more on my GPS.
Helping Hand, this cache is a regular size and was closest non-found cache to my home. I knew from the map it was located near a bridge, therefure I was concerned about water due to recent heavy rain. I also was cocerned about parking since previous cache seeker made comments about lack of parking. I arrived near the posted coordinates and turned up a nearby road to park. I was just 75 feet from posted coordinates. Took a little time to think about the situation and grabbed my hiking pole. About that time, two people in a beat up 2-door car drove up and they decided to make the turn up the road where I was parked. They kept going, I went onto the cache. Found the cache after a short search, getting to it took some effort. As I was signing the log, I heard that same car come back by. I didn't look at them, but kept my ear to them. They continued north, opposite where they came from when I arrived. I had little doubt they were scoping me out for a robbery. I figured, they would head north just a bit to turn around and on the 3rd trip make the strike. With my mission complete, I headed to my unlocked truck and open window. (I sometimes don't lock my vehicle when I am all alone and will be in full view and less than 100 feet of it during the cache hunt) I have a handgun carry permit and had a 9mm Glock 17 loaded with a 17-round magazine. Following one of the rules of handgun carry is to avoid the confrontation in the first place, I immediatly drove away in the opposite direction away from the people that were scoping me out.
With no desire to make a long trip, I have focused my energies on caching Henry County since it's my neighboring county and has the numbers to reach my 4,000th find. Highway 79 between Paris and Dover is quickly becoming a power trail like those I have expereinced in Selmer and Colunbia, TN. It appears the game is becoming a stopping at guard-rails. This past Saturday, I couldn't do anything at home, so I cleared the highway between Paris and Paris Landing. I also wanted to clear those caches before the summer tourist season is in full swing and the highway become very busy.
On other days, I have been grabbing a cache or two on each trip. There were a few that I liked.
Have you seen my lunch?, it's simple grab at a diner, I was impressed the cache owner placed a regular sized cache.
IS THIS A JOKE????, the challenge was finding the correct way to get to the cache. I parked at a nearby church and walked across the field. Turns out this is some type of rest stop and took me a while to locate the cache, since experience told me to check the wagon and I should have relied more on my GPS.
Helping Hand, this cache is a regular size and was closest non-found cache to my home. I knew from the map it was located near a bridge, therefure I was concerned about water due to recent heavy rain. I also was cocerned about parking since previous cache seeker made comments about lack of parking. I arrived near the posted coordinates and turned up a nearby road to park. I was just 75 feet from posted coordinates. Took a little time to think about the situation and grabbed my hiking pole. About that time, two people in a beat up 2-door car drove up and they decided to make the turn up the road where I was parked. They kept going, I went onto the cache. Found the cache after a short search, getting to it took some effort. As I was signing the log, I heard that same car come back by. I didn't look at them, but kept my ear to them. They continued north, opposite where they came from when I arrived. I had little doubt they were scoping me out for a robbery. I figured, they would head north just a bit to turn around and on the 3rd trip make the strike. With my mission complete, I headed to my unlocked truck and open window. (I sometimes don't lock my vehicle when I am all alone and will be in full view and less than 100 feet of it during the cache hunt) I have a handgun carry permit and had a 9mm Glock 17 loaded with a 17-round magazine. Following one of the rules of handgun carry is to avoid the confrontation in the first place, I immediatly drove away in the opposite direction away from the people that were scoping me out.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Using a smartphone for cachin'
Prior to my deployment in 2009/2010, I observed several cachers using smarthphone for geocaching. Being an owner of many caches, I noticed that emails for cache finds come during the day, instead in the evening when cachers return home from a cache run. I wondered if I should make the dive to the smartphone. With my retirement from the National Guard and a VA disability, I have the funds for the date package and invested in an Android phone. I browsed and downloaded the C : Geo, a free application for geocaching. It did come in useful when I stopped at a reststop on I-24 outside of Chattanooga and didn't have the caches on my pocket query. -boatman- began using an iPhone more than a year before I went to the smartphone and he reported that the smartphone application is very useful when one finds themselves with an opportunity to cache that was not planned. I quickly found that to be a reality.
This past weekend, my oldest daughter used my laptop for a research paper, so I did not have access to GSAK, so all I had was the phone. I also didn't know the exact plan and with a phone, I could just find caches of opportunity. In which, we found one in Dover, TN, (Battlefield....Dead End Series Continued).
Advantages:
Very useful when out and have unplanned time and opportunity to cache.
Everything is on one device, cache page, logs and GPS arrow.
Log the find after signing the log.
Disdvantages:
Phone is not as rugged as a Garmin handheld, not a good idea to use on or near water or rock terrain.
GPS feature on the phone uses battery charge quickly.
Using applications for a long period will use up the data package.
This past weekend, my oldest daughter used my laptop for a research paper, so I did not have access to GSAK, so all I had was the phone. I also didn't know the exact plan and with a phone, I could just find caches of opportunity. In which, we found one in Dover, TN, (Battlefield....Dead End Series Continued).
Advantages:
Very useful when out and have unplanned time and opportunity to cache.
Everything is on one device, cache page, logs and GPS arrow.
Log the find after signing the log.
Disdvantages:
Phone is not as rugged as a Garmin handheld, not a good idea to use on or near water or rock terrain.
GPS feature on the phone uses battery charge quickly.
Using applications for a long period will use up the data package.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Signed logs in every county in Tennessee
With another trip to East Tennessee, I left home around 3:30 am and swept through Pickett, Scott and Morgan Counties to complete the requirements for the Tennessee County Challenge.
Left I-40 at Cookeville and headed north to Stay the Night - TB Hotel in the snow where there was about one inch on the ground. After Pickett County, I headed east and even though I had Fentress County, I could not pass up Sgt. Alvin C. York // Hero // Statesman. Cache is located at the home of the Congressional Medal of Honor Winner. After finding the cache, I drove to the cemetery about 1/2 mile away to visit the Sgt's grave and pay my respects. Went onto Scott County and decided to go after a regular size cache in the snow at Robbins Park Cache, this was a quality cache and thanked myself for going after this cache instead of the guard rail series north of this location. I have determined that the game is turning into a game of going from guard rail to guard rail. Drove onto Morgan County and found an earthcache called Potter Falls, even though earthcaches do not quality for the county challenge. I really wanted to find the nearby physical cache, however it has a 4.5 terrain rating and 4 difficulty. The odds of a DNF were high and also noted it was snowing, rocks has ice and the chance of an injury would also be high. I continued to head south towards Knoxville and found smokey's tour and with that find, I have completed the requirements for the Tennessee County Challenge.
Left I-40 at Cookeville and headed north to Stay the Night - TB Hotel in the snow where there was about one inch on the ground. After Pickett County, I headed east and even though I had Fentress County, I could not pass up Sgt. Alvin C. York // Hero // Statesman. Cache is located at the home of the Congressional Medal of Honor Winner. After finding the cache, I drove to the cemetery about 1/2 mile away to visit the Sgt's grave and pay my respects. Went onto Scott County and decided to go after a regular size cache in the snow at Robbins Park Cache, this was a quality cache and thanked myself for going after this cache instead of the guard rail series north of this location. I have determined that the game is turning into a game of going from guard rail to guard rail. Drove onto Morgan County and found an earthcache called Potter Falls, even though earthcaches do not quality for the county challenge. I really wanted to find the nearby physical cache, however it has a 4.5 terrain rating and 4 difficulty. The odds of a DNF were high and also noted it was snowing, rocks has ice and the chance of an injury would also be high. I continued to head south towards Knoxville and found smokey's tour and with that find, I have completed the requirements for the Tennessee County Challenge.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Obion River Float
With the upcoming Obion River Blueway Caches CITO, the cache owner asked me to go along and assist in placement of caches along the river. I helped out with four ammo cans. Typically, I don't get much of a work out placing caches; this one worn me out. Due to schedule conflict, we elected to set out on the river this past Friday. I arrvied at the launch location about a half-hour before the CITO cache owner. Took the time to hike east of the parking area and could see the potention for a nice walking power trail.
CITO owner arrived with a powered john boat. We unloaded the boat at the water and then hooked his trailer to my truck. We set out for the recovery area, leaving the CITO owner's wife at the boat. She and a Tauras remained at the boat until our return about 45 minutes later.
We set out on the boat for my first real experience floating the Middle Fork of the Obion River. It was a calm and peaceful float. The weather turned cold once again and rain continued until we reached the recovery area. By the time we reached the end, I was soaking wet, my legs from knees down were drenched due to falling in once. My chills continued until I arrived home to take a hot shower.
I placed four cachers and the caches were in honor of cachers who are willing to do the extreme terrain caches and no stranger to the water.
James Brown
Adventuretrekker
Davy Crockett and soldier and stateman.
Kodiak_62
Davy Crockett
Chimps8mybaby
Jacob Mullory
GeoYakr
It doesn't pay to be a ladies man
CITO owner arrived with a powered john boat. We unloaded the boat at the water and then hooked his trailer to my truck. We set out for the recovery area, leaving the CITO owner's wife at the boat. She and a Tauras remained at the boat until our return about 45 minutes later.
We set out on the boat for my first real experience floating the Middle Fork of the Obion River. It was a calm and peaceful float. The weather turned cold once again and rain continued until we reached the recovery area. By the time we reached the end, I was soaking wet, my legs from knees down were drenched due to falling in once. My chills continued until I arrived home to take a hot shower.
I placed four cachers and the caches were in honor of cachers who are willing to do the extreme terrain caches and no stranger to the water.
James Brown
Adventuretrekker
Davy Crockett and soldier and stateman.
Kodiak_62
Davy Crockett
Chimps8mybaby
Jacob Mullory
GeoYakr
It doesn't pay to be a ladies man
Monday, March 11, 2013
Selmer to Adamsville
In December 2011, a large batch of caches around Selmer, Tennessee were developed, becoming a power trail like the on around and through Columbia, Tennessee.
A positive note about the power trail around Selmer is that the cache owner noted the direction of the caches, such as East Bound or West Bound. While these types of power trails are not my favorite, I decided to knock out one leg.
Having a business trip to Middleton; I decided to go by the way of Highway 22 to Adamsville thus avoiding Jackson and it's traffic problems. I grabbed a few caches along Hwy 64 to Selmer that were located on the west bound lane. After conclusion of business, I went after the power trail. I set a new solo record of 34 finds in one day. I had three DNF's on the power trail. Turns out the caches were there, but going solo, I didn't want to spend any time at cache searching. I figured out that some of the film canisters were on the ground.
I have plans to knock out the the other legs of the Selmer power trail and decided a way to make more use of my time is to pre-print and sign the cache logs, only having to place in a new log.
A positive note about the power trail around Selmer is that the cache owner noted the direction of the caches, such as East Bound or West Bound. While these types of power trails are not my favorite, I decided to knock out one leg.
Having a business trip to Middleton; I decided to go by the way of Highway 22 to Adamsville thus avoiding Jackson and it's traffic problems. I grabbed a few caches along Hwy 64 to Selmer that were located on the west bound lane. After conclusion of business, I went after the power trail. I set a new solo record of 34 finds in one day. I had three DNF's on the power trail. Turns out the caches were there, but going solo, I didn't want to spend any time at cache searching. I figured out that some of the film canisters were on the ground.
I have plans to knock out the the other legs of the Selmer power trail and decided a way to make more use of my time is to pre-print and sign the cache logs, only having to place in a new log.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Trip to Middleton
With my 17 years with the state and 8 years of geocaching there are very few places in West Tennesse that I had never been to, Middleton is one of the exceptions.
Made the trip to Middleton by going through Jackson, I stopped in Medon in an area with several ponds for sport fishing. I had not seen this spot before, despite that I had found a cache less than 1/4 mile. At the location, I found four caches. water-water-water-water-WATER!!, an easy find. Surprised it was there since it was so open. Top was missing along with all contents. ...at your own risk!!, didn't want to pass this one up since it was a 3.5 terrain. Made the find, even with dress shows. Thankfully, it was not very wet.
DEATH of "the ponds"? Earthcache, an easy earthcache and parked at the cordinates. Recently, I have begun using a smartphone and in the past I have rarely taken pictures with a camera phone. But I left my usual camera at home and had to use the smartphone. While returning from ....at your own risk!! cache, I figured out my camera and was able to take the pictures required. Last cache was come & VISIT SANTA!, getting to this cache was difficult with the high amount of thorns and maybe why the cache has not disappeared. It was a cool display.
Went onto Middleton and after wrapping up business, grabbed a few in the area. Most were park and grab type, couple of them were on railroad property. There were two caches that I liked: WALL OF HONOR, a monument for all veterans from Middleton. It is located in front of city hall and I assume that the cache owner notified the city officials. I had no problems and enjoyed the monument. My last find was number 3,900, IT"S GOING...IT"S GOING...IT"S GONE, my auto-routing was no help since my Nuvi wanted to take me onto a road that was closed. With the name, I figured it was a park and browsed the streets until I came to a park. An employee was busy tending to the field, I will remark the field was very green. Took me a minute to get a bearing of the cache location and to get around the locked gate. I re-grouped and walked the boundary of the ballfield. Arrived at the coordinates and spent 15 minutes searching, the coordinates were off by nearly 40 feet. Found the cache and felt rain drops. I had left home during a winter storm advisory and concerned I would go home in an ice storm. I pulled up the weather radar on my phone and decided it was time to go!
Made the trip to Middleton by going through Jackson, I stopped in Medon in an area with several ponds for sport fishing. I had not seen this spot before, despite that I had found a cache less than 1/4 mile. At the location, I found four caches. water-water-water-water-WATER!!, an easy find. Surprised it was there since it was so open. Top was missing along with all contents. ...at your own risk!!, didn't want to pass this one up since it was a 3.5 terrain. Made the find, even with dress shows. Thankfully, it was not very wet.
DEATH of "the ponds"? Earthcache, an easy earthcache and parked at the cordinates. Recently, I have begun using a smartphone and in the past I have rarely taken pictures with a camera phone. But I left my usual camera at home and had to use the smartphone. While returning from ....at your own risk!! cache, I figured out my camera and was able to take the pictures required. Last cache was come & VISIT SANTA!, getting to this cache was difficult with the high amount of thorns and maybe why the cache has not disappeared. It was a cool display.
Went onto Middleton and after wrapping up business, grabbed a few in the area. Most were park and grab type, couple of them were on railroad property. There were two caches that I liked: WALL OF HONOR, a monument for all veterans from Middleton. It is located in front of city hall and I assume that the cache owner notified the city officials. I had no problems and enjoyed the monument. My last find was number 3,900, IT"S GOING...IT"S GOING...IT"S GONE, my auto-routing was no help since my Nuvi wanted to take me onto a road that was closed. With the name, I figured it was a park and browsed the streets until I came to a park. An employee was busy tending to the field, I will remark the field was very green. Took me a minute to get a bearing of the cache location and to get around the locked gate. I re-grouped and walked the boundary of the ballfield. Arrived at the coordinates and spent 15 minutes searching, the coordinates were off by nearly 40 feet. Found the cache and felt rain drops. I had left home during a winter storm advisory and concerned I would go home in an ice storm. I pulled up the weather radar on my phone and decided it was time to go!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Jasmer Challenge
The Jasmer Challnege is to find caches placed each month back to May 2000. Tiger130 is one the very few to complete the challenge. In my opinion, the Jasmer Challenge is far more difficult to complete than the Well Rounded Cacher. Tiger130 and bitbrain made a special trip to Chicago, IL to complete this challenge. The cache they needed was Berverly. Thiis cacher applaudes the efforts by this caching team in their efforts.
I have not been active in completion of the Jasmer. I have colored in all months from January 2001 to last month. I did make a trip to Mountain, Arkansas to grab a cache placed in year 2000.
I have toyed with the idea of taking an Amtrak trip from Fulton, KY to Chicago, IL rent a vehicle and go after Berverly and while there, grab caches in Wisconsin and Iowa to add more states to my profile. At this time, this is only an idea.
I have not been active in completion of the Jasmer. I have colored in all months from January 2001 to last month. I did make a trip to Mountain, Arkansas to grab a cache placed in year 2000.
I have toyed with the idea of taking an Amtrak trip from Fulton, KY to Chicago, IL rent a vehicle and go after Berverly and while there, grab caches in Wisconsin and Iowa to add more states to my profile. At this time, this is only an idea.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Tennessee County Challenge
With trips to the Northeast section of Tennessee, I have been working on the Tennessee County Challenge. Two trips have colored in 10 counties, leaving me with only three to complete the goal.
Recent counties I have visited, all of which, where my first ever trip into the county; Washington, Johnson, Carter, Unicoi, Hawkins, Union, Hancock, Grainger, Claiborne and Campbell. Most of the caches are park and grabs since my time is limited and have a lot of area to cover.
Some interesting finds along the way:
In plain view, quiet little town, relaxing walking track.
Davy Crockett Trilogy- Forefathers, a cool virtual taking me to where Davy's grandparents are buried, whom were massacred by Indians.
Cove Lake Dam, required a good hike on rough terrain. Hiked into the cold wind and it as snowing.
Recent counties I have visited, all of which, where my first ever trip into the county; Washington, Johnson, Carter, Unicoi, Hawkins, Union, Hancock, Grainger, Claiborne and Campbell. Most of the caches are park and grabs since my time is limited and have a lot of area to cover.
Some interesting finds along the way:
In plain view, quiet little town, relaxing walking track.
Davy Crockett Trilogy- Forefathers, a cool virtual taking me to where Davy's grandparents are buried, whom were massacred by Indians.
Cove Lake Dam, required a good hike on rough terrain. Hiked into the cold wind and it as snowing.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Frozen Dozen: Day 4
On Monday, January 21 was the departure day. Since I drove alone; I headed back alone. That morning, I took the time to admire the cabin that Nelms3 reserved. I was still in awe of the planning and operations executed by GeoYakr and Tiger130. I have led a few cache runs, but nothing of this magnitude. It was best, that I offered nothing in an agenda since my knowledge of the area was vague. I trusted the planners and I was not disappointed.
I picked up three caches on the way home. The caches on the return trip were on my Nuvi, however, when I added the Chattanooga pocket query, it over-wrote the pr-exiting query. However, I was not alarmed since I had begun using an Android smartphone with the C GEO free application.
First find, and officially my first find using a smartphone was New York Infantry. Being that I have a friend who is a Civil War buff and resides in New York; I took a few photos to send to him. Took a break on to of Monteagle and grabbed Westbound over Mt. Eagle. My last find on the trip was a huge travel bug hotel, Team Trunk Monkey's XXL Travel Bug Wishing Well. Of all the private property caches I have found, this one was the best. I admire the work to create this cache.
I picked up three caches on the way home. The caches on the return trip were on my Nuvi, however, when I added the Chattanooga pocket query, it over-wrote the pr-exiting query. However, I was not alarmed since I had begun using an Android smartphone with the C GEO free application.
First find, and officially my first find using a smartphone was New York Infantry. Being that I have a friend who is a Civil War buff and resides in New York; I took a few photos to send to him. Took a break on to of Monteagle and grabbed Westbound over Mt. Eagle. My last find on the trip was a huge travel bug hotel, Team Trunk Monkey's XXL Travel Bug Wishing Well. Of all the private property caches I have found, this one was the best. I admire the work to create this cache.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Frozen Dozen: Day 3
On Sunday, the Notorious Nine went in different directions working on specific agendas; for me, I had no agenda and handed out with peanutpapa and GeoYakr. We went after Mushroom Rock, an earthcache and decided to park on a highway about 1/2 mile away so as to cross a suspension bridge. I soon realized that our hike would be a tremendous journey when I observed many close contour lines looking at the topographical map. We ended up hiking up one hill, down another and then up another. It would take us two hours to hike to Mushroom Rock. Along the way we stopped at the suspension bridge and took many pictures. As we approached our goal, we could hear small children and quickly realized that they did not travel the same way we did. Turned out, those two families hiked in from a soccer field that was not far away. We did find The Mushroom "Traditional Ammo Can" very close to the earthcache. We found out that the people we ran into know about geocaching and they found the cache as well.
We had lunch at the rock and the kids showed us where they found a cave nearby.
We made the trek down the hill and our journey back didn't seem to take as long as it did on the way there. At our next stop, we would get together with bitbrain, endorrider and Hoot Owl.
We first tackled Help Me Find My Keys, and We'll Drive Out!, one of the very few micros we would complete as a team. This was a cool site for a cache, since it appears to be a wrecked vehicle that was never retrieved due to the steep hill.
Our next cache was Hibernation, which took a very long time. From there, we bushwacked across the same elevation to Hawg where a lot of effort was made to locate that cache. I'll not that they cache is 12 years old! We stayed on the trail for one more cache, Hogskin, despite we were loosing daylight and temperatures were dropping. Hogskin was another old cache. We hiked back to the parking area and found Lost in Wilderness. There was some discussion to go after another cache, however, peanutpapa, GeoYakr and myself retired back at the cabin where peanutpapa make a great Cajun bowl for dinner.
We had lunch at the rock and the kids showed us where they found a cave nearby.
We made the trek down the hill and our journey back didn't seem to take as long as it did on the way there. At our next stop, we would get together with bitbrain, endorrider and Hoot Owl.
We first tackled Help Me Find My Keys, and We'll Drive Out!, one of the very few micros we would complete as a team. This was a cool site for a cache, since it appears to be a wrecked vehicle that was never retrieved due to the steep hill.
Our next cache was Hibernation, which took a very long time. From there, we bushwacked across the same elevation to Hawg where a lot of effort was made to locate that cache. I'll not that they cache is 12 years old! We stayed on the trail for one more cache, Hogskin, despite we were loosing daylight and temperatures were dropping. Hogskin was another old cache. We hiked back to the parking area and found Lost in Wilderness. There was some discussion to go after another cache, however, peanutpapa, GeoYakr and myself retired back at the cabin where peanutpapa make a great Cajun bowl for dinner.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Frozen Dozen 2013: Day Two
Developing this blog, I decided to begin Day Two on the late night of Day One. After attending the event, peanutpapa and myself drove to the cabin. The large cabin was reserved by Nelms3 and this cacher thanks him for going above and beyond with the reservation.
All the others arrived later that evening. I had not been involved in the planning stage of this cache run, but I do have a lot of experience in developing and leading cache runs. I figured it would be best to stay out of the planning since I had no agenda. That evening and early morning hours, I observed Tiger130 and GeoYakr go after the maps and what were going to be caches in the target list. They knew what they were doing and felt best that in the morning; I would load up into someone else's vehicle and not drive, a decision that would pay dividends later. I went to bed and awaiting tomorrow's adventure.
Our first find was actually a park and grab, Babble on and on, situated next to a large parking area, the hike was not much more than 100 feet. Cache was difficult to get to and hard to retrieve. Cache was on the target list so as endorider could color in a grid for the Well Rounded Cacher.
From there, the majority of the rest of the day would be spend in the Prentice Cooper area and some hard hiking. Our first stop was Half Way to the Rock. On the same trail was one of the best views in Tennessee, Tennessee's Grand Canyon. After logging this cache, I questioned why a cache that was about 5 years old had such few finds. Our stay was long due to taking many pictures and gather information for our next cache, Snoopers Rock. Getting to Snoopers Rock was difficult to say the lest; having to backtrack and re-route onto another trail. This is where I began to observe GeoYakr's mountain goat skills and wondered if he actually had feet or hooves. On the way to these caches, we stopped at a Wal-Mart where GeoYakr purchased high rubber boats that he wore the entire caching trip. I questioned the wisdom of wearing new boats for long hike and not made for hiking. However, to my amazement, GeoYakr knew what he as doing and I attempted to just keep up.
Next cache was maybe the most difficult, Size Matters. This cache was down a 4X4 trail and took a lot out of me to get there and back. I could feel my knees popping and crunching this entire hike. Thankfully, I had my bottle of Advil with me. The area is very scenic. This cache didn't surprise me with its low number of finds. Our next stop was at Indian Rockhouse. This area near this cache reminded me of my caching in the Shawnee National Forest. This cache was difficult to find, despite that at least four of us either stepped on or stepped next to this cache.
We left Prentice Cooper area and headed towards Signal Mountain. On the way, we pulled over to grab Indian Ammo #50. Again, GeoYakr's mountain goat skills came in handy. We found the remains of this cache, did some maintenance and headed on our way. We went up Signal Mountain and found a lonely virtual Cypher Point Cacher. The views were great and took pictures. This overlook was used by Union soldiers as a communications station.
Our last cache find of the day was after dark at Ruby Falls Earthcache which provided maybe our best group photo. Once we toured Ruby Falls, we drove back to the cabin, where endorider made outstanding venison chili.
All the others arrived later that evening. I had not been involved in the planning stage of this cache run, but I do have a lot of experience in developing and leading cache runs. I figured it would be best to stay out of the planning since I had no agenda. That evening and early morning hours, I observed Tiger130 and GeoYakr go after the maps and what were going to be caches in the target list. They knew what they were doing and felt best that in the morning; I would load up into someone else's vehicle and not drive, a decision that would pay dividends later. I went to bed and awaiting tomorrow's adventure.
Our first find was actually a park and grab, Babble on and on, situated next to a large parking area, the hike was not much more than 100 feet. Cache was difficult to get to and hard to retrieve. Cache was on the target list so as endorider could color in a grid for the Well Rounded Cacher.
From there, the majority of the rest of the day would be spend in the Prentice Cooper area and some hard hiking. Our first stop was Half Way to the Rock. On the same trail was one of the best views in Tennessee, Tennessee's Grand Canyon. After logging this cache, I questioned why a cache that was about 5 years old had such few finds. Our stay was long due to taking many pictures and gather information for our next cache, Snoopers Rock. Getting to Snoopers Rock was difficult to say the lest; having to backtrack and re-route onto another trail. This is where I began to observe GeoYakr's mountain goat skills and wondered if he actually had feet or hooves. On the way to these caches, we stopped at a Wal-Mart where GeoYakr purchased high rubber boats that he wore the entire caching trip. I questioned the wisdom of wearing new boats for long hike and not made for hiking. However, to my amazement, GeoYakr knew what he as doing and I attempted to just keep up.
Next cache was maybe the most difficult, Size Matters. This cache was down a 4X4 trail and took a lot out of me to get there and back. I could feel my knees popping and crunching this entire hike. Thankfully, I had my bottle of Advil with me. The area is very scenic. This cache didn't surprise me with its low number of finds. Our next stop was at Indian Rockhouse. This area near this cache reminded me of my caching in the Shawnee National Forest. This cache was difficult to find, despite that at least four of us either stepped on or stepped next to this cache.
We left Prentice Cooper area and headed towards Signal Mountain. On the way, we pulled over to grab Indian Ammo #50. Again, GeoYakr's mountain goat skills came in handy. We found the remains of this cache, did some maintenance and headed on our way. We went up Signal Mountain and found a lonely virtual Cypher Point Cacher. The views were great and took pictures. This overlook was used by Union soldiers as a communications station.
Our last cache find of the day was after dark at Ruby Falls Earthcache which provided maybe our best group photo. Once we toured Ruby Falls, we drove back to the cabin, where endorider made outstanding venison chili.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Frozen Dozen 2013: Day One
Over the past few years, a cachepedition, normally led by bitbrain and Tiger130, is held on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in January. This cacher has missed out on previous cachepedition for one reason or another. This year, I finally attended and had a great time. I will post on this blog the experiences of each day as separate posts, so please stayed tuned.
Day One, was my travel day. Departed Dresden about 45 minutes after my daughter went to school. My first stop was not actually for a cache but at Outpost Armory located on Exit 89 on I-24. I stopped in to see the store where the Barrett sniper rifles are sold, even through, I will never purchase or own the rifle. I did browse for .223 and 9mm ammo, which were sold out....like many other places. Left the store and hit a few caches on the way and in Chattanooga. The only cache that required any real hiking was MTCBSA, ER Dist. Adventures of Scouting #5, a cache on the outskirts of Arnold Air Force Base in Manchester, TN. I picked up some park and grabs along the way. On top of Monteagle, I found I-24 EB Motel & Swag-Monteagle. Got back onto I-24 and got off at South Pittsburg, TN and headed into Alabama to grab some caches. My favorite on that swing was Teary-Eyed Trail. I wanted to grab some caches in Alabama since I only had one find in that entire state and that was in 2006. After a stop at Wal-Mart at Kimball, TN, I headed in the direction of Chattanooga. I intended to stop at Nickajack Lake rest stop, but was closed. As I traveled closer to Chattanooga, I ran up on another rest stop, that I did not bookmark for caches. The day prior, I upgraded to a smartphone and using C Geo application, I saw there were two caches nearby. Not completely understanding how the phone application really works, I brought up the cache page and entered the coordinates by hand to my Garmin 62s and found the caches: Welcome Expansion and Ya All Come Back, you hear!. Took a break and waited around, grabbed a couple of Munzee's, an application on a smartphone.
I arrived near the event in Chattanooga about an hour or so early. I walked around town and did find one cache in the dark without using any lights, Toujours Pret #1.
Settled in at the event and chatted with many local cachers. After the event, myself and peanutpapa drove to the cabin on the Georgia side of Lookout Mountain.
Day One, was my travel day. Departed Dresden about 45 minutes after my daughter went to school. My first stop was not actually for a cache but at Outpost Armory located on Exit 89 on I-24. I stopped in to see the store where the Barrett sniper rifles are sold, even through, I will never purchase or own the rifle. I did browse for .223 and 9mm ammo, which were sold out....like many other places. Left the store and hit a few caches on the way and in Chattanooga. The only cache that required any real hiking was MTCBSA, ER Dist. Adventures of Scouting #5, a cache on the outskirts of Arnold Air Force Base in Manchester, TN. I picked up some park and grabs along the way. On top of Monteagle, I found I-24 EB Motel & Swag-Monteagle. Got back onto I-24 and got off at South Pittsburg, TN and headed into Alabama to grab some caches. My favorite on that swing was Teary-Eyed Trail. I wanted to grab some caches in Alabama since I only had one find in that entire state and that was in 2006. After a stop at Wal-Mart at Kimball, TN, I headed in the direction of Chattanooga. I intended to stop at Nickajack Lake rest stop, but was closed. As I traveled closer to Chattanooga, I ran up on another rest stop, that I did not bookmark for caches. The day prior, I upgraded to a smartphone and using C Geo application, I saw there were two caches nearby. Not completely understanding how the phone application really works, I brought up the cache page and entered the coordinates by hand to my Garmin 62s and found the caches: Welcome Expansion and Ya All Come Back, you hear!. Took a break and waited around, grabbed a couple of Munzee's, an application on a smartphone.
I arrived near the event in Chattanooga about an hour or so early. I walked around town and did find one cache in the dark without using any lights, Toujours Pret #1.
Settled in at the event and chatted with many local cachers. After the event, myself and peanutpapa drove to the cabin on the Georgia side of Lookout Mountain.
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