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.

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.

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

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.

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

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 Battleship Lake Section looking towards Mt Washington Resort

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.

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 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.  

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.

Here are some photos of the cleanup:

Duncan Bay Logging Road Cleanup

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 

 

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:

Campbell River Recycles

Mid Island Recycling Directory 

When a Hint isn't a Hint

When a hint isn't a hint.

Groundspeak lists hints as "A hint is meant to be decrypted at the cache site, after a search has failed and a further clue is needed. It should give additional information about the cache or its location"
So how many of us get upset when we see..."not now" maybe later"?
There is a lot of chatter on the forums and elsewhere about this subject.
For me a hint is a statement conveying information in an indirect fashion; a clue.
Yes as a newbie I have put stupid hints but I hope that I  have fixed them to better reflect  the need.
Because I live and cache in the great outdoors, I do not want to see an area getting thoroughly thrashed. I don't want to see moss pulled off of stumps and trees. I do not want to see our fragile ecosystem destroyed in the name of geocaching. I do not want to see our game banned.

Encrypting Cache Logs

I imagine that this topic will get a lot of views because I am well aware that there are a lot of cachers viewing my blogs but not bothering to comment online. 

Back to the topic at hand.   Encrypting cache logs.  Going through the GC Forums and found some topics about encrypting " It's not to create a note that only you can read. It's to prevent someone from accidentally reading spoiler info. If they want to read it, they have to perform an action to do so."  That makes sense.  After all as a cacher and a CO there are somethings we don't want everyone to see.  It's another way of hiding spoiler info, etc without causing someones feelings to get hurt by say, deleting their log.   "The value of encryption is debatable anyway. I think seeing an encrypted log might even attract people to check it out out of curiosity." 

So what is this all about?  Well for some time a CO has been encrypting my logs on their caches.  This amuses me to no end because like me, there are a lot of other cachers who also decrypt to see what is what. I know when see an encrypted log I have to wonder what is so important about it. "Oooh, it's encrypted... there must be something juicy here, I will see what it says." 
Encrypting actually brings a lot of attention to the cache log and mine in particular.

I often get asked why I always encrypt my logs on the CO's caches.   I tell them I don't and that the CO is encrypting them.  They mention that there appears to be no reason to encrypt my logs.  The majority of the logs are quite pleasant and occasionally complimentary.  

Which brings me to why?  Who knows? Who cares? If their goal is to deter me from finding their caches then it is not going to work. A CO cannot stop someone from finding their cache  Put them on my ignore list? What for? Caches are placed to be found by everyone and not a select few.

So your Cache Needs Maintenance

So you have a few (or more) hides and everything is going along nicely.  And then, you get an email stating that someone has posted a "Needs Maintenance" log on your cache.  Hopefully you will read it and see what they have to say and if necessary go out and fix the problem ASAP.
Or are you one of those owners that ignore the note and hope that someone else will fix the problem?
One of the things about being a cache owner is the constant maintenance of what you hide.  It is not the responsibility of other cachers to constantly maintain your caches.  If they are prepared or asked in advance then they may do the maintenance for you.  However, you are still responsible. 
When another cacher places a needs maintenance note on your cache then you will receive notification of such.  From that point forward there will be a "Red Wrench"  beside your cache listing for all to see.  Now I have seen that and sometimes gone prepared and replaced logs, dried out caches, removed some pretty ugly stuff, and in some instances replaced the cache container. 
But, even when this has happened and I have posted a note saying the maintenance has been done or the CO has done it, the "Red Wrench" is still there.  Why? Well the CO has to actually post an "Owner Maintenance" log on the cache.  Just enabling it or ignoring it will not do the trick. 

Statistics

I try to keep my geocaching stats accurate so that my milestones are where they belong.  I generally use GSAK and run the "Check Multiple Finds" Macro.  Whenever I find a discrepancy I go looking for it and correct it.
Recently I was emailed and informed that one of my caches had a duplicate log on it.  Now I want my own caches to correctly reflect their finds as well  so I went ahead and deleted the double log and informed the cacher what I had done and why.
Apparently this was the wrong way to go about it.  I get accused of a hatred so deep I delved into the bowels of the cache logs until I came up with someway to screw up their stats. Said cacher hides his stats so there was no way of even knowing what I had done.  Yes, at some point I realized that it was a possibility but by then it was too late.  Said cacher decided to try to roast me in the forums once again.  Once again said cacher did not receive the support that he felt he deserved.  
On that note I did download and run the "Duplicate Found Logs" Macro.  I discovered a few more and proceeded to delete them as well.  Now I have discovered that there is another online program called Project-gc.com  Wow even GSAK has missed some of my duplicates.  Something to work with over the next few days to make corrections and inform the cachers.

A New Year

So much has happened in the past year. Some cachers took exception to my views on geocaching guidelines and how they should be approached.  Well everyone is entitled to their opinion. I believe we must strive to be the best we can every day. It's hard and sometimes petty thoughts and deeds come to mind but I do try to squelch them as much as possible. 

So here is my caching to do list for the next year:

1. I will smile and greet all those I meet on the trails 
2. I will ignore being ignored, the stares, the whispers, and the glares
3. I will not make any comment I feel is inappropriate on your cache page
4. I will answer any email I get regarding my caches, it is up to you to take me off your ignore/block list and answer in a mature and calm manner
5. If I have a concern about your cache I will email you first,  it is up to you to take me off your ignore/block list and answer in a mature and calm manner

This is pretty basic stuff and I am hoping all that I meet and know will do the same