It's been some time since I posted. Life got busy, holidays, family, geocaching. You know, the regular stuff.
One of the things that I am working on is my Pathtag collection and designs. I don't profess to be terribly artistic but I do enjoy creating these little pieces of metal. Whenever I think of an idea I try to get a pathtag design out of it and save it. I have even been designing and helping other geocachers with their pathtags.
Spring cleaning, yard work, regular work, it never stops. Will I have time to geocache? You bet! Getting out and just enjoying the outdoors and the hunt is a great stress reliever. Being with the great friends I have made makes it all the better.
Got my vacation time so a trip east to Westcan 4 is being planned, as
well as some well deserved visits with friends and family.Will be traveling the western provinces and hoping to hit some border states as well.
It will be a toss up to see if this summer will be riding weather. Right now the BC coast is experiencing a very dry, mild winter. So while everyone rejoices in this weather I wonder if it will be a very dry, hot, summer with forest fires and water shortage or a wet, wet, summer. Hopefully the bike can hit the road for a couple of long weekends....caching on two wheels. Always fun.
So, for this, my first blog of the year, here's to everyone having a good year caching, enjoying friends and family, and staying safe!! And I hope to see you on the trails...
Sunday, 19 January 2014
Thursday, 5 September 2013
50th Parallel View
After caching every day in August completing the 31/31 challenge, one would think that it was time to take a break. But, it is really hard and I was getting antsy sitting at home. It was Sept 1st and at least one JR and I needed a walk. Finally after lunch I looked to see what cache would meet these requirements. I happened to notice that a cache west of me had not yet been found since it's publication 2 weeks ago. Being a Sunday I figured someone would go out and get it in the morning but the objective was to get out of the house anyway.
I set off around 1 pm knowing that I could only get so far with my car. I did manage to get as far as I thought I would so parked it off to the side so not to impede anyone else on the road.
Charlie, the "wee dog" was soooo excited to be going for a walk.. He charged up the hill with occasional stops to check back on me. I managed to huff and puff my way up at my speed, not his...
There was one spot on the road up that had a big mud puddle on it. I managed to find a way around it but Charlie had to go part way through it before he could get off to the side. Good thing he is not afraid of water! On the way back he followed my way around..
Once at the top I took the time to look around. I never tire of the views. Headed into the bush via a quad track and soon popped out onto the bluffs. I wasn't in any hurry to find the cache so sat for a bit and just relaxed.
Off to the cache! Found it pretty quick thanks to some great coordinates and clue.
I made sure I got some great pictures and then headed back down. The trip back was a tad faster of course.
Had a bit of a chuckle when after I got the car turned around I pulled over for a minute and this vehicle pulled up beside me and asked if I was ok. Guess he wasn't used to seeing a female out in the bush on a backroad to often. Nice of him to stop though.
I set off around 1 pm knowing that I could only get so far with my car. I did manage to get as far as I thought I would so parked it off to the side so not to impede anyone else on the road.
Charlie, the "wee dog" was soooo excited to be going for a walk.. He charged up the hill with occasional stops to check back on me. I managed to huff and puff my way up at my speed, not his...
Once at the top I took the time to look around. I never tire of the views. Headed into the bush via a quad track and soon popped out onto the bluffs. I wasn't in any hurry to find the cache so sat for a bit and just relaxed.
Off to the cache! Found it pretty quick thanks to some great coordinates and clue.
I made sure I got some great pictures and then headed back down. The trip back was a tad faster of course.
Had a bit of a chuckle when after I got the car turned around I pulled over for a minute and this vehicle pulled up beside me and asked if I was ok. Guess he wasn't used to seeing a female out in the bush on a backroad to often. Nice of him to stop though.
Tuesday, 20 August 2013
Day Hike in Strathcona Park
Strathcona Provincial Park is the oldest provincial park in the province. It was created in 1911. There are multiple access points, camping, and day use sites along the lower elevations. Trail access to the sub-alpine and alpine areas are through various trail systems from the lower elevation sites. One of the most accessible for the sub-alpine and alpine areas though is via Paradise Meadows Trailhead at the Strathcona Provincial Park Wilderness Centre. The trail around Paradise Meadows itself is designated the Barrier Free Centennial Trail. It is a meandering trail consisting of hard packed gravel and boardwalk that is fully accessible to everyone.
With several geocaches in mind including a multi we set off from the Parking lot at approximately 1030. As we traipsed along the boardwalk we stopped at each waypoint and recorded the numbers we would need for the multi final calculations as well as two other geocaches. We only went halfway before heading off towards Battleship Lake on another trail that was somewhat more rustic although wide and well traveled. We would gather the rest of the clues on our return when we rejoined the boardwalk.
The others found a geocache that I had found previously so I chatted with a few hiking groups that were on their way in/out of the alpine. Lots of day hikers but also a fair amount of campers taking advantage of the opportunity to get in some backcountry experience.
We then headed over to Lake Helen McKenzie where we stopped and had lunch and enjoyed the break and the views. No whiskey jacks (Grey Jays) at the lake today to mooch lunch but did have some farther down the trail and I pulled out some seed for some other hikers so that they too could enjoy the jays eating right out of their hands...
The trail down from Lake Helen McKenzie followed a stream for awhile as it traversed the hillside and boggie areas. Here too was boardwalk and stairs to alleviate the stress and wear and tear on some of these high traffic areas.
We rejoined the boardwalk and proceeded back towards the parking lot. The round trip with a couple of side trips for geocaches and a lunch stop took us 4 1/2 hours but we had a steady but slow pace.
 |
| On the start of the Battleship Lake section as we climb up, looking down at Paradise Meadows and the boardwalk |
With several geocaches in mind including a multi we set off from the Parking lot at approximately 1030. As we traipsed along the boardwalk we stopped at each waypoint and recorded the numbers we would need for the multi final calculations as well as two other geocaches. We only went halfway before heading off towards Battleship Lake on another trail that was somewhat more rustic although wide and well traveled. We would gather the rest of the clues on our return when we rejoined the boardwalk.
 |
| Battleship Lake |
 |
| Lake Helen Mckenzie |
We then headed over to Lake Helen McKenzie where we stopped and had lunch and enjoyed the break and the views. No whiskey jacks (Grey Jays) at the lake today to mooch lunch but did have some farther down the trail and I pulled out some seed for some other hikers so that they too could enjoy the jays eating right out of their hands...
The trail down from Lake Helen McKenzie followed a stream for awhile as it traversed the hillside and boggie areas. Here too was boardwalk and stairs to alleviate the stress and wear and tear on some of these high traffic areas.
 |
| Leafy Aster |
 |
| On the Battleship Lake Section looking towards Mt Washington Resort |
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
Electrical boxes..should I or shouldn't I?
OK I am guilty. Although I would never hide a cache on an electrical box, I have definitely found one there. On several occasions in fact. I am pretty sure I said "what a great cache/idea".
However, sometime ago I came across this blog Johnnygeo's Geocaching Electrical Safety. Opened my eyes to something that we should all be aware of. Never mind that it is private property, the danger in itself should be enough to keep us from poking and prodding looking for the elusive cache.
Apparently we as cachers just have to get that smiley even though we know the dangers and that it is private property. Myself included. It takes a strong person to say" No " and I know that I fail at that when it comes to caching. Sure, I have stood up and made my position clear on a lot of issues but sometimes even I hesitate to rock the boat.
Mostly this is because I am not sure how the CO will take it. I think as a CO we must be willing to look at criticism of our caches with an open mind. Why are they making negative comments? What is the real issue with this cache? Why am I taking this personally?
Now comes the issue as to why I don't say anything about this cache placement? Is it a popularity thing? Do I want to be part of the "in caching crowd" ?
Honestly? Sometimes I just get tired of being the "bad guy". Oh "that's the one that reported your cache", "that's the one that left the negative comment on your cache page".
Seriously? We have to get over ourselves. This is not about you and it's not about me..it is about safety and the guidelines.
However, sometime ago I came across this blog Johnnygeo's Geocaching Electrical Safety. Opened my eyes to something that we should all be aware of. Never mind that it is private property, the danger in itself should be enough to keep us from poking and prodding looking for the elusive cache.
Mostly this is because I am not sure how the CO will take it. I think as a CO we must be willing to look at criticism of our caches with an open mind. Why are they making negative comments? What is the real issue with this cache? Why am I taking this personally?
Now comes the issue as to why I don't say anything about this cache placement? Is it a popularity thing? Do I want to be part of the "in caching crowd" ?
Honestly? Sometimes I just get tired of being the "bad guy". Oh "that's the one that reported your cache", "that's the one that left the negative comment on your cache page".
Seriously? We have to get over ourselves. This is not about you and it's not about me..it is about safety and the guidelines.
Thursday, 18 July 2013
Geocache Rescue
So what is it? What is a geocache rescue?
To me, a geocache rescue is to do maintenance on a cache I come across that needs something. I might notice in the logs before I go that the logbook is wet, the container is broken, the CO has not been able to get to it. It may be a really old cache that needs saving. I always go prepared to rescue a geocache. I carry extra logs, towel, swag, pencils, etc.
I might contact the CO in advance and ask if he wants me to replace anything, fix it, etc. It is all part of being a conscientious geocacher. We take it upon ourselves to keep the caches in good shape for longevity, for the view, the adventure, or just because we feel it needs it.
Sometimes I have already found the cache but am going to be in the area so swing by to do some maintenance for the CO. It could just be a favor or because of the any reasons already listed.
Now there is something out there called GCRM - The GeoCache Rescue Mission Cooperative. I have seen this on log pages for a long time. Mostly put on power trails so that the finders know to do maintenance as they go. GCRL - Log-replacement-only - do not replace the container if there are any issues - just contact the owner by email or needs-maintenance log.
I don't mind replacing log books but I draw the line at replacing a cache and then claiming a find. Have I ever done that? Well with over 6000 finds I suppose anything is possible. I might have to go back and look at all my caches but if I don't then I am sure someone out there has time on their hands to waste looking for me. GCRM - Replace the log as needed or container if the cache container is broken or missing. Before you replace a missing container, you must spend a reasonable amount of time searching - at least 5 minutes per difficulty rating. The cache owner accepts that there is a chance that multiple containers could be at the site. Please remove duplicate containers if you find multiple caches at the site. Broken containers and full logs may be disposed of at will.
Remember - this way you can sign the log and have a valid claim while helping a cache owner with maintenance.
Sorry but I figure if it's not there then it's not a find and dropping another cache there is a hide. And seriously, how do you know where the CO hid it if you didn't find it? I think I will accept the green box in the middle of all the power trail of smilies first.
Remember that no one has the right to condemn because you don't play the game the way they do. The game of geocaching is evolving so fast it is hard to keep track of all the things we can do or not do. We make a decision based on the circumstances at the time and our past experiences. Also, something that was acceptable 5 years ago is no longer acceptable now. Do we go back? I prefer to go forward, learning from past mistakes. Are we wrong or are we right? Only we know ourselves and how we handle each situation is as individual as we are.
To me, a geocache rescue is to do maintenance on a cache I come across that needs something. I might notice in the logs before I go that the logbook is wet, the container is broken, the CO has not been able to get to it. It may be a really old cache that needs saving. I always go prepared to rescue a geocache. I carry extra logs, towel, swag, pencils, etc.
I might contact the CO in advance and ask if he wants me to replace anything, fix it, etc. It is all part of being a conscientious geocacher. We take it upon ourselves to keep the caches in good shape for longevity, for the view, the adventure, or just because we feel it needs it.
Sometimes I have already found the cache but am going to be in the area so swing by to do some maintenance for the CO. It could just be a favor or because of the any reasons already listed.
Now there is something out there called GCRM - The GeoCache Rescue Mission Cooperative. I have seen this on log pages for a long time. Mostly put on power trails so that the finders know to do maintenance as they go. GCRL - Log-replacement-only - do not replace the container if there are any issues - just contact the owner by email or needs-maintenance log.
I don't mind replacing log books but I draw the line at replacing a cache and then claiming a find. Have I ever done that? Well with over 6000 finds I suppose anything is possible. I might have to go back and look at all my caches but if I don't then I am sure someone out there has time on their hands to waste looking for me. GCRM - Replace the log as needed or container if the cache container is broken or missing. Before you replace a missing container, you must spend a reasonable amount of time searching - at least 5 minutes per difficulty rating. The cache owner accepts that there is a chance that multiple containers could be at the site. Please remove duplicate containers if you find multiple caches at the site. Broken containers and full logs may be disposed of at will.
Remember - this way you can sign the log and have a valid claim while helping a cache owner with maintenance.
Sorry but I figure if it's not there then it's not a find and dropping another cache there is a hide. And seriously, how do you know where the CO hid it if you didn't find it? I think I will accept the green box in the middle of all the power trail of smilies first.
Remember that no one has the right to condemn because you don't play the game the way they do. The game of geocaching is evolving so fast it is hard to keep track of all the things we can do or not do. We make a decision based on the circumstances at the time and our past experiences. Also, something that was acceptable 5 years ago is no longer acceptable now. Do we go back? I prefer to go forward, learning from past mistakes. Are we wrong or are we right? Only we know ourselves and how we handle each situation is as individual as we are.
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
To Power Trail or not!
A few years ago if one of us tried to publish consecutive caches every 165 m we would have been shut down and informed that we were building a "power trail". Such trails were discouraged because the "quality" of the hides were diminished.
With the advent of the "ET Highway" and others, power trails are popping up everywhere.
Now power trails are not for everyone and I have done some smaller ones here on the island but I personally don't see the draw in spending 24 hours or more grabbing a film canister every 165 m. Don't get me wrong. Power trails have their own attraction for a lot of cachers. For me I want to be brought somewhere, to maybe find a new special place, a view, or just explore new areas...I want to "stop and smell the roses" without thinking about the next cache ahead.
I will continue to get the power trails here but probably not all at once. When I am in the area of one then I will make a point of pursuing some of them. I mean, if I am going to drive by them then I see no reason not to find them. Or if there is a chance at some FTF's? Well I think you all know that I am there...
Caches set up on trail systems such as the Trans Canada Trail or the Cowichan Valley that have caches with a mixed bag of hides and sizes make for a pleasurable caching experience...For those that like to "park and grab" a cache then they are accessible from multiple access points along the trail.. For others they can bike or walk the trail and enjoy all that the trail system has to offer. The Iron Horse Power Trail looks interesting because it is not a driveable power trail. That is, it is not on a highway. You can use Quads, bicycle, horse, or snowmobile.Walk it or x-country ski. Sounds like a lot of fun to me..
We all have our preferences. I know that there are those cachers that are going to slam me for stating my opinion on this but we all play the game differently. Just because I don't play it the way some do does not make it wrong.
With the advent of the "ET Highway" and others, power trails are popping up everywhere.
Now power trails are not for everyone and I have done some smaller ones here on the island but I personally don't see the draw in spending 24 hours or more grabbing a film canister every 165 m. Don't get me wrong. Power trails have their own attraction for a lot of cachers. For me I want to be brought somewhere, to maybe find a new special place, a view, or just explore new areas...I want to "stop and smell the roses" without thinking about the next cache ahead.
I will continue to get the power trails here but probably not all at once. When I am in the area of one then I will make a point of pursuing some of them. I mean, if I am going to drive by them then I see no reason not to find them. Or if there is a chance at some FTF's? Well I think you all know that I am there...
Caches set up on trail systems such as the Trans Canada Trail or the Cowichan Valley that have caches with a mixed bag of hides and sizes make for a pleasurable caching experience...For those that like to "park and grab" a cache then they are accessible from multiple access points along the trail.. For others they can bike or walk the trail and enjoy all that the trail system has to offer. The Iron Horse Power Trail looks interesting because it is not a driveable power trail. That is, it is not on a highway. You can use Quads, bicycle, horse, or snowmobile.Walk it or x-country ski. Sounds like a lot of fun to me..
We all have our preferences. I know that there are those cachers that are going to slam me for stating my opinion on this but we all play the game differently. Just because I don't play it the way some do does not make it wrong.
Tuesday, 18 June 2013
Logging Road Dumping and a BIG clean Up!
Some time ago I started a Facebook Page/Group called Shame The Logging Road Dumpers. This group is to expose dumping on Logging Roads, etc in YOUR backyard, in YOUR outdoor playground, in YOUR parks..
The group started out small, a few friends here and there. We started posting some pictures of backroad dumping and where they where. A new member to the group started to map the sites on Google. Although cleanup was discussed nothing got organized but some awareness was happening. A blurb in the Comox Valley newspaper last year garnered some attention.
Then this spring just as I returned from my holidays at the end of May, my sister sent me a link to a YouTube video about the garbage on a certain section of Duncan Bay Logging Road. Illegal Dumping On The Duncan Bay Logging Rd, Campbell River BC I watched it and realized that what I was doing was the tip of the iceberg. After contacting the owner of the video he proceeded to join the FB group and from there the exposure snowballed. As of now June 18, 2013 the group has grown to 168 members, including members of the media. These media members have put us on CHEK TV and The River radio station. There is going to be an article in the local paper this week.
This past weekend a clean up was organized on the portion of road from the original video. On June 15 & 16, 2013 numerous people came out and gave it their all. Over 17 TONS of garbage was collected and cleaned up. Our Regional District waived the tipping fees, containers were donated as well as tools, garbage bags, gloves, tools, etc.
The people that organized this clean up and donated their time and equipment are an amazing group and I am proud to have met them all.
However, we will not stop at this one cleanup. The section of road still has some sites that need to be cleaned and that will continue through next weekend, June 22, 2013. After that some other sites will be chosen for future clean ups.
You can get involved. Be proactive. Keep you eyes out for illegal dumping and that includes yard waste. Take pictures and report to RAPP
The group started out small, a few friends here and there. We started posting some pictures of backroad dumping and where they where. A new member to the group started to map the sites on Google. Although cleanup was discussed nothing got organized but some awareness was happening. A blurb in the Comox Valley newspaper last year garnered some attention.
Then this spring just as I returned from my holidays at the end of May, my sister sent me a link to a YouTube video about the garbage on a certain section of Duncan Bay Logging Road. Illegal Dumping On The Duncan Bay Logging Rd, Campbell River BC I watched it and realized that what I was doing was the tip of the iceberg. After contacting the owner of the video he proceeded to join the FB group and from there the exposure snowballed. As of now June 18, 2013 the group has grown to 168 members, including members of the media. These media members have put us on CHEK TV and The River radio station. There is going to be an article in the local paper this week.
This past weekend a clean up was organized on the portion of road from the original video. On June 15 & 16, 2013 numerous people came out and gave it their all. Over 17 TONS of garbage was collected and cleaned up. Our Regional District waived the tipping fees, containers were donated as well as tools, garbage bags, gloves, tools, etc.
The people that organized this clean up and donated their time and equipment are an amazing group and I am proud to have met them all.
Here are some photos of the cleanup:
You can get involved. Be proactive. Keep you eyes out for illegal dumping and that includes yard waste. Take pictures and report to RAPP
Join the FB group and help us stop dumping and clean up what is out there. When you are out and about pick up some garbage and drop it off at the dump.
Here are some links:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)