Sunday, August 28, 2011
Pictures
Decided it was about time to add some pictures from my trip to Denio and Fields. See my blog on Jun 25.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Camping
I went camping with the family this weekend. Took our usual trip to Waldo Lake. Found a few caches in the Union Creek area. Only looked for one at Waldo which I did not find. There are a lot around there, just not enough time to get them all. A couple of them are on small islands. Someday I'll come with a boat and time.
Then We went on a brief trip to Odell Lake and to Salt Creek Falls. Found a couple more caches and called it a trip
Caches for the trip were:
Road to Mill creek
Old Hat
Cachers Camp
Broken Tree
Old Ugly Snag
Mt. Mazama Viewpoint
Mt. Thielsen Wayside
Odell Troll
Afraid of Heights?
Then We went on a brief trip to Odell Lake and to Salt Creek Falls. Found a couple more caches and called it a trip
Caches for the trip were:
Road to Mill creek
Old Hat
Cachers Camp
Broken Tree
Old Ugly Snag
Mt. Mazama Viewpoint
Mt. Thielsen Wayside
Odell Troll
Afraid of Heights?
Saturday, August 13, 2011
The story of a Cache
Its been almost 6 years since I hid my cache Haines Apple Tree. I hid it with SallyC just before Iseek's (once) annual Wilderville event.
When I first started geocaching this was the first place I wanted to hide a cache. My grandpa had shown me this location years ago and its the kind of out of the way historical item that makes geocaching so much fun at times. However at the time it was already the location of a virtual called They Didn't See it Coming. J-Freaks who hid that cache had quit the hobby by the time I started. I spent a lot of time looking for a few of their missing caches. One of these caches was called Over the River and Thru the Woods. It was a multi cache and after confirming the final was gone I collected the first two stages which were mint tins. I used one of these tins for this cache after the virtual was archived.
Despite a recent DNF it is still there pretty much in the same spot SallyC and I left it. The marker itself is a bit crooked and the site is as overgrown as ever. Without giving away the details the apple tree itself is generally considered the second oldest in Oregon being planted somewhere around 1852-54... and it still has apples...
When I first started geocaching this was the first place I wanted to hide a cache. My grandpa had shown me this location years ago and its the kind of out of the way historical item that makes geocaching so much fun at times. However at the time it was already the location of a virtual called They Didn't See it Coming. J-Freaks who hid that cache had quit the hobby by the time I started. I spent a lot of time looking for a few of their missing caches. One of these caches was called Over the River and Thru the Woods. It was a multi cache and after confirming the final was gone I collected the first two stages which were mint tins. I used one of these tins for this cache after the virtual was archived.
Despite a recent DNF it is still there pretty much in the same spot SallyC and I left it. The marker itself is a bit crooked and the site is as overgrown as ever. Without giving away the details the apple tree itself is generally considered the second oldest in Oregon being planted somewhere around 1852-54... and it still has apples...
Sunday, July 17, 2011
The Great Amazing Cache
Yesterday was the first Great Amazing Cache event. This has been in the planning for a long time. I don't remember when I first heard about it, but it was at least January. I have to admit that a very secret event put on by two very new geocachers didn't get me excited. Often new cachers have grand ideas that never come to pass.
Sunday I got a call from Biggieet_al asking if I'd like to join a team with Daveydude and Golden Ace for this event. I didn't see any reason not to try it.
FatNinjuh and HsSrvnt put on a great event. The event, as it turns out, was a competition to complete a new 15 stage multi. Fastest time as well as a "closest time" to a secret preset number. Normally a 15 stage multi would hit my ignore list. In a group environment at the event it turned out to be a lot of fun. They had lots of prizes and trophies.
A lot of newer geocachers were in attendance. I am really going to need to start learning some of these names. Those I did know I had fun talking to. I've been pretty slow at caching but maybe I'll come up with some reasons to grab a few.
Sunday I got a call from Biggieet_al asking if I'd like to join a team with Daveydude and Golden Ace for this event. I didn't see any reason not to try it.
FatNinjuh and HsSrvnt put on a great event. The event, as it turns out, was a competition to complete a new 15 stage multi. Fastest time as well as a "closest time" to a secret preset number. Normally a 15 stage multi would hit my ignore list. In a group environment at the event it turned out to be a lot of fun. They had lots of prizes and trophies.
A lot of newer geocachers were in attendance. I am really going to need to start learning some of these names. Those I did know I had fun talking to. I've been pretty slow at caching but maybe I'll come up with some reasons to grab a few.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Some geocaching backlog
Earlier this month I went with family on a trip to parts of Eastern Oregon. Are first stop was just for a night in Lakeview. In my quest for the State of Jefferson Counties Challenge we went a few miles out of the way south to grab a cache in Modoc County
Steep Grade
The next morning we drove east. Going through Adel, Oregon and then down to Denio, Nevada. There aren't many geocaches on this stretch of highway, but I found a few
Breadcrumbs #4... Pride
Breadcrumbs #6... Glider
Take ten at the Border
Warmth from within
Breadcrumbs #11... Denio
Many of these were hidden by a local Southern Oregon cacher 2trax. He had some more, but they were archived for being in the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge even though they were right off the highway... one of them in a rest area. It would have been nice to have one in the rest area for sure. The refuge is nice. I saw a number of wild burros, horses and pronghorn but I can't see how a geocaching in the fenced rest area on the highway was a concern for the environment.
There is not much in Denio Junction. A store, gas station and small motel. The store had a cafe with pretty good food though. The hotel is commonly full from what I hear. There are many commercial opal mines in the area. Many of them let you pay to mine. I didn't try it Prices seemed to be $60-$150 depending on the mine and what you wanted to dig in.
Our destination was a bit further north to Fields, Oregon. Fields is about the same as Denio Junction. Just a store and gas station. There is a small motel and the Alvord Inn where we stayed. The store has world famous Hamburgers and Milkshakes. Our plan was just to look at wildlife and go to the several hot springs in the area. However they have had more water then anytime in the past 30 years. What is usually called the Alvord Desert was a lake. Many of the hot springs were unreachable due to the muddy road conditions. We still had fun and I found a recently hidden cache in town.
Stagecoach Roadhouse
The next part of our trip was to Summer Lake Hot Springs. This hot spring is private and has a several cabins and camp spots. The spring itself is fed into a large pool in a bathhouse. The pool is very nice but you run into a lot of weird people. There was a cache at the entrance
Hot Pools & Healing Waters
It was a fun trip. Maybe I'll get out for some more geocaching soon.
Steep Grade
The next morning we drove east. Going through Adel, Oregon and then down to Denio, Nevada. There aren't many geocaches on this stretch of highway, but I found a few
Breadcrumbs #4... Pride
Breadcrumbs #6... Glider
Take ten at the Border
Warmth from within
Breadcrumbs #11... Denio
Many of these were hidden by a local Southern Oregon cacher 2trax. He had some more, but they were archived for being in the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge even though they were right off the highway... one of them in a rest area. It would have been nice to have one in the rest area for sure. The refuge is nice. I saw a number of wild burros, horses and pronghorn but I can't see how a geocaching in the fenced rest area on the highway was a concern for the environment.
There is not much in Denio Junction. A store, gas station and small motel. The store had a cafe with pretty good food though. The hotel is commonly full from what I hear. There are many commercial opal mines in the area. Many of them let you pay to mine. I didn't try it Prices seemed to be $60-$150 depending on the mine and what you wanted to dig in.
Our destination was a bit further north to Fields, Oregon. Fields is about the same as Denio Junction. Just a store and gas station. There is a small motel and the Alvord Inn where we stayed. The store has world famous Hamburgers and Milkshakes. Our plan was just to look at wildlife and go to the several hot springs in the area. However they have had more water then anytime in the past 30 years. What is usually called the Alvord Desert was a lake. Many of the hot springs were unreachable due to the muddy road conditions. We still had fun and I found a recently hidden cache in town.
Stagecoach Roadhouse
The next part of our trip was to Summer Lake Hot Springs. This hot spring is private and has a several cabins and camp spots. The spring itself is fed into a large pool in a bathhouse. The pool is very nice but you run into a lot of weird people. There was a cache at the entrance
Hot Pools & Healing Waters
It was a fun trip. Maybe I'll get out for some more geocaching soon.
Sunday, May 08, 2011
March for Babies
Thank you to everyone who donated to the March of Babies this year, or have donated in the past. Despite a late start and the rough economy we managed to raise over $3000. The weather for walking was good and it was a fun time had by all. Many children were there that in the past probably wouldn't have survived so you can see the progress being made.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
A new project... not geocaching related
A while back I saw a blog about refurbishing an old Telephone bench. I liked the idea a lot as I enjoy old things, and I remember my grandparents having one. Today the idea of having a desk and chair devoted to your telephone seems very strange. I don't even have a home phone... just my cell.
So I was looking for something about the same style as my grandparents had and finally found one on craigslist... but it was in Corvallis. I had a friend of mine buy it, and used it as a good excuse to go visit.
Initially I sanded it and tried to stain it a bit darker. Because it was made of two different kinds of wood this looked very uneven. So I ended up painting it black and recovered the seat. Add in an old rotary phone and this is how it looks now
So I was looking for something about the same style as my grandparents had and finally found one on craigslist... but it was in Corvallis. I had a friend of mine buy it, and used it as a good excuse to go visit.
Initially I sanded it and tried to stain it a bit darker. Because it was made of two different kinds of wood this looked very uneven. So I ended up painting it black and recovered the seat. Add in an old rotary phone and this is how it looks now
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Event and State of Jefferson Challenge
Today was the April Geocaching Fools Party. Nice to have another event. We use to have them a bit more regular.
I talked to the "Evil" DrDan52000 and he was asking about the State of Jefferson Counties Challenge. This is a map of the Counties you must complete
All caches must be found after 06/17/2009.
I talked to the "Evil" DrDan52000 and he was asking about the State of Jefferson Counties Challenge. This is a map of the Counties you must complete
All caches must be found after 06/17/2009.
Monday, March 28, 2011
March for Babies
Once again this year I will be participating in the annual March for Babies on April 30th. This is year 4 and its still my charity of choice because it has a big positive impact on young lives. These babies may be screwed up by their parents or society later, but at least we can give them a positive and healthy beginning. To the right ----> is a link to my page. Anything you can donate would be appreciated.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Actual Geocaching
A few weeks ago I decided it was time to complete another challenge cache. I had lots of fun with the Oregon DeLorme Challenge and even the ABC Challenge. The one I picked has been on my list for a while.
State of Jefferson Counties Challenge
The State of Jefferson being a proposed state made up of parts of Oregon and California. 19 counties total to find caches in. No problem except gas is nearing $4 a gallon and there is a lot of ground to cover.
All caches have to be found since the challenge was created. So I figured I could take my time. I quickly marked off Josephine, Jackson and Curry counties as those are the nearest to me. Over the course of the 2010 I found the remaining counties in Oregon (Douglas, Coos, Klamath, and Lake) but I still had none of the 12 I needed in California. I just don't get to California very often.
When a chance came up to visit a friend down around the bay area I decided to make this challenge an extra reason just to get up and go.
I took vacation days on Thursday and Friday and took off late the morning of the 17th. My goal was a simple 3 caches in Del Norte, Humboldt and Trinity Counties. Trinity county being a good 80 miles out of the way round trip. Despite a lot of rain I managed these three
Collier Tunnel Rest Area
Willow Creek Rock Pile
BIG BEAR WHERE ARE YOU
I stayed the night in Eureka and took off the next day. I only had Mendocino County on my path. It was raining even worse but I chose a cache I could just about drive right up to.
Andersonia
After spending a day with non-geocaching friends I took off for I-5. I found caches in Glenn and Butte Counties in heavy rain. It let up a bit for my find in Tehama County. Then the rain really drenched me in Shasta County. I decided to head for home that night and try searching for a Siskiyou County cache in the dark. Then I hit heavy snow. Going 20MPH with a white knuckled grip on my steering wheel made me forget about caches. I stopped in Yreka not ready to face the possibility of more snow over Siskiyou Pass. The next morning was cold and just a bit of rain. The nearest cache to my hotel had several DNFs so I decided that I'd find one later. So these were my last finds of the trip
Farmer Dwayne
Gianella Bridge
Gyle Rd Cache
Diamond in the Rough
Now I have Siskiyou, Modoc, Lassen and Plumas counties to complete. In June I have a planned trip to Eastern Oregon. A side trip to Modoc County could happen. The last 3 I could take out in a day trip or weekend trip to Reno. We'll see...
State of Jefferson Counties Challenge
The State of Jefferson being a proposed state made up of parts of Oregon and California. 19 counties total to find caches in. No problem except gas is nearing $4 a gallon and there is a lot of ground to cover.
All caches have to be found since the challenge was created. So I figured I could take my time. I quickly marked off Josephine, Jackson and Curry counties as those are the nearest to me. Over the course of the 2010 I found the remaining counties in Oregon (Douglas, Coos, Klamath, and Lake) but I still had none of the 12 I needed in California. I just don't get to California very often.
When a chance came up to visit a friend down around the bay area I decided to make this challenge an extra reason just to get up and go.
I took vacation days on Thursday and Friday and took off late the morning of the 17th. My goal was a simple 3 caches in Del Norte, Humboldt and Trinity Counties. Trinity county being a good 80 miles out of the way round trip. Despite a lot of rain I managed these three
Collier Tunnel Rest Area
Willow Creek Rock Pile
BIG BEAR WHERE ARE YOU
I stayed the night in Eureka and took off the next day. I only had Mendocino County on my path. It was raining even worse but I chose a cache I could just about drive right up to.
Andersonia
After spending a day with non-geocaching friends I took off for I-5. I found caches in Glenn and Butte Counties in heavy rain. It let up a bit for my find in Tehama County. Then the rain really drenched me in Shasta County. I decided to head for home that night and try searching for a Siskiyou County cache in the dark. Then I hit heavy snow. Going 20MPH with a white knuckled grip on my steering wheel made me forget about caches. I stopped in Yreka not ready to face the possibility of more snow over Siskiyou Pass. The next morning was cold and just a bit of rain. The nearest cache to my hotel had several DNFs so I decided that I'd find one later. So these were my last finds of the trip
Farmer Dwayne
Gianella Bridge
Gyle Rd Cache
Diamond in the Rough
Now I have Siskiyou, Modoc, Lassen and Plumas counties to complete. In June I have a planned trip to Eastern Oregon. A side trip to Modoc County could happen. The last 3 I could take out in a day trip or weekend trip to Reno. We'll see...
Friday, March 04, 2011
The Great War
I'm a little slow on my news these days I guess. Only today did I hear that Frank Buckles, the last US Veteran of World War I had died.
He lied about his age and enlisted at 16 serving as a ambulance driver. During World War II as a civilian working in the shipping business he was captured by the Japanese and helpd in a prison camp for nearly 4 years. Yet to all this he lived to the age of 110 and dedicated his last years to creating a national memorial for those who served in "the Great War" A memorial he never got to see built.
Born when William McKinley was president, his life spanned nearly the whole 20th Century. Its hard to imagine the world as it had changed to him. Everything we take for granted today such as cars, airplanes, computers, cell phones and GPS all invented in his lifetime.
When I was young I remember WWI veterans in the Memorial Day parade riding in a truck. Each year their numbers got smaller... and then one year there were none. Now that is true for all time, Frank was the last one. Thanks to an exception to the normal rules he will be burried at Arlington National Cemetery. Sadly, a bill to allow him to lay in state at the Capital was denied.
http://www.wwimemorial.org/
He lied about his age and enlisted at 16 serving as a ambulance driver. During World War II as a civilian working in the shipping business he was captured by the Japanese and helpd in a prison camp for nearly 4 years. Yet to all this he lived to the age of 110 and dedicated his last years to creating a national memorial for those who served in "the Great War" A memorial he never got to see built.
Born when William McKinley was president, his life spanned nearly the whole 20th Century. Its hard to imagine the world as it had changed to him. Everything we take for granted today such as cars, airplanes, computers, cell phones and GPS all invented in his lifetime.
When I was young I remember WWI veterans in the Memorial Day parade riding in a truck. Each year their numbers got smaller... and then one year there were none. Now that is true for all time, Frank was the last one. Thanks to an exception to the normal rules he will be burried at Arlington National Cemetery. Sadly, a bill to allow him to lay in state at the Capital was denied.
http://www.wwimemorial.org/
Friday, February 25, 2011
Concert for George
Today would have been George Harrison's 68th birthday. To celebrate all day they are streaming the Concert for George free. You can hear Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Billy Preston, Ringo Star, Paul McCartney and others sing some of George's songs. A good mix of what he did with the Beatles and solo. It starts with an Indian music section just to make you feel worldly. Makes for great office listening on this cold, but sunny, Friday.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Busy times... and an upcoming event
Had a major system conversion at work this weekend. I can finally breath easy for a bit. Worked a lot of extra hours and a holiday. Seems to be going well. Getting this final step out of the way should mean more free time for geocaching.
Besides the Roseburg event in my last blog the annual Coos Bay event is coming up
"Cache the Coast" - Wintertime Fun-1 #5
This is always a fun one and I hope to attend again.
Besides the Roseburg event in my last blog the annual Coos Bay event is coming up
"Cache the Coast" - Wintertime Fun-1 #5
This is always a fun one and I hope to attend again.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Discover Roseburg
Daveydude mentioned this event cache to me today
Discover Roseburg
They give you a passport and you visit spots around town. It sounds like lots of fun and unless I-5 is closed by snow I'll try to attend.
They had something a lot like this in Salt Lake City for Geocoinfest (which I thought about attending but ended up in Las Vegas instead.) They hid caches along the light rail line and you had a passport to complete.
Last year I planned to do something a lot like this. I bought a bunch of rubber stamps to prepare a "Southern Oregon Passport" series. I think the main reason I didn't complete it was because I was torn between making the caches difficult (nothing I hide is very hard, but I'm talking "hiking required") or making the caches easy so that more people would find it. I still have the stamps and containers so maybe this will still happen.
Discover Roseburg
They give you a passport and you visit spots around town. It sounds like lots of fun and unless I-5 is closed by snow I'll try to attend.
They had something a lot like this in Salt Lake City for Geocoinfest (which I thought about attending but ended up in Las Vegas instead.) They hid caches along the light rail line and you had a passport to complete.
Last year I planned to do something a lot like this. I bought a bunch of rubber stamps to prepare a "Southern Oregon Passport" series. I think the main reason I didn't complete it was because I was torn between making the caches difficult (nothing I hide is very hard, but I'm talking "hiking required") or making the caches easy so that more people would find it. I still have the stamps and containers so maybe this will still happen.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Last Day of 2010
The last day of 2010. It has been a very up and down year. Geocaching wise it was my slowest ever, but it did have some memorable moments. Geocaches in Las Vegas, the Oregon Coast, and even a trip up the Willamette Pass Resort gondola to find caches on Eagle Peak. And of course a bunch of great caches at home. Some of us locals even spent a day introducing kids to geocaching at a local science fair. Some highlights for the year include:
- The Super Science Saturday event (sadly my only "hide" this year)
- Reached the 1900, 2000, and 2100 cache milestones
- Found 29 & 31 caches on February 13 & 14
- Found 32 caches on July 4th (with 11 DNFs)
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Another year down
I think it is safe to say now that I won't be doing any geocaching the rest of the year. I opened my garage door this morning to leave for work and was quite surprised to see snow falling. Unless I want to find night caches in the snow.
So I will end with 221 finds for 2010. By far my worst year ever. It doesn't help that I have had a lack of enthusiasm for the sport. Let alone the whole FDIC takeover thing at work.
I have had a bit of the geocaching bug lately so that might help 2011 be a little bit better. Also now it may be easier to find quality caches for the weekend with the cache favorite system recently put in. If more people will take the time to mark some of their favorites then it will be a good system. That way you could find a cache with a few votes and plan a trip to get it... and get a few others in the area and on the way that maybe don't have votes but you might as well grab. Last year one of my goals was to be more "picky" about the caches I'd seek. What I really ended up doing was not going out to find any. Maybe this will help.
I am a bit dissapointed that my favorite personal hide doesn't have a favorite vote. My top vote getters are Mt. Ashland Outcropping which is a cache Sally and I hid. I adopted it from her, but the outcropping was a place I picked out to hide a cache. Tied with it is Roxy the oldest cache in Southern Oregon which I also adopted. Roxy had a dificulty and terrain of 1-1.5 when I went to find it. I thought that was a little low so I adopted it and changed it.
Look for my final 2010 write up on Friday.
So I will end with 221 finds for 2010. By far my worst year ever. It doesn't help that I have had a lack of enthusiasm for the sport. Let alone the whole FDIC takeover thing at work.
I have had a bit of the geocaching bug lately so that might help 2011 be a little bit better. Also now it may be easier to find quality caches for the weekend with the cache favorite system recently put in. If more people will take the time to mark some of their favorites then it will be a good system. That way you could find a cache with a few votes and plan a trip to get it... and get a few others in the area and on the way that maybe don't have votes but you might as well grab. Last year one of my goals was to be more "picky" about the caches I'd seek. What I really ended up doing was not going out to find any. Maybe this will help.
I am a bit dissapointed that my favorite personal hide doesn't have a favorite vote. My top vote getters are Mt. Ashland Outcropping which is a cache Sally and I hid. I adopted it from her, but the outcropping was a place I picked out to hide a cache. Tied with it is Roxy the oldest cache in Southern Oregon which I also adopted. Roxy had a dificulty and terrain of 1-1.5 when I went to find it. I thought that was a little low so I adopted it and changed it.
Look for my final 2010 write up on Friday.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas
Every year since I started geocaching I have made an effort to find a cache or 2 on Christmas. Its a nice time to go out because things are pretty quiet. Today I lined up 4 caches and found them all. The last was # 2100 for me.
Look but Don't Leap
big trouble IN river city
Fed Up with Power & Phone
Remembering the past
I hope everyone had a good Christmas. Soon I'll be wrapping up 2010 with my list of favorite caches and other bits of useless info.
Look but Don't Leap
big trouble IN river city
Fed Up with Power & Phone
Remembering the past
I hope everyone had a good Christmas. Soon I'll be wrapping up 2010 with my list of favorite caches and other bits of useless info.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Geocache Ratings
Geocaching.com has introduced a new ratings system. I'm not sure if only premium members can see it. But the idea is that you have so many votes (1 for every 10 cache finds) and you marke caches as your favorite. The more votes they have the better the cache (in theory anyway) so far the top caches in this area:
Rainie Falls
Oregon DeLorme Challenge
Chief Sam's bluff
Safe House
BIGFOOTS LAIR
Bigfoot Cache Revisited
Waldo Cemetery Cache
Steps of Stone
Pyramid Rock
While I haven't found the last 2 on the list I think its safe to say that all of these caches are good ones. Now those are on my "to do" list and I otherwise might not have known. I encourage you all to rate some of your favorites. I've gone through and put in votes for about 40 caches and will probably do a few more. I think this could be especially useful when you want a "special" cache to mark a milestone.
Rainie Falls
Oregon DeLorme Challenge
Chief Sam's bluff
Safe House
BIGFOOTS LAIR
Bigfoot Cache Revisited
Waldo Cemetery Cache
Steps of Stone
Pyramid Rock
While I haven't found the last 2 on the list I think its safe to say that all of these caches are good ones. Now those are on my "to do" list and I otherwise might not have known. I encourage you all to rate some of your favorites. I've gone through and put in votes for about 40 caches and will probably do a few more. I think this could be especially useful when you want a "special" cache to mark a milestone.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Oregon loses
A tide of change... and Oregon sticks with the same old people. So sad that a governor can win a majority in just 7 of 36 counties and win the election. Perhaps the national change will be enough to see benefit for Oregon, but I doubt it. I think we have lost today.
Maybe we needed those marijuana distribution centers after all. I need something for the pain... and its really fun to run across booby trapped pot fields while you are geocaching.
Maybe we needed those marijuana distribution centers after all. I need something for the pain... and its really fun to run across booby trapped pot fields while you are geocaching.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
RIP Maurice Lucas
Trail Blazer great Maurice Lucas died today at age 58. The "Enforcer" was a big part of the 1977 championship team. I stood just a few feet from him in Las Vegas once and he was still intimidating... I couldn't say a word. He'll be missed. Hope the team can win tomorrow for big Luke.
Sunday, October 03, 2010
update
I actually found 2 caches today.
Irrigated Two
HOMERUN!!!
I tried a couple of others but one had smoking muggles and the other had a lady sitting in her car right next to the cache. Not sure what she was doing as she wasn't on her cell phone, or reading, or eating or anything else I could see. I could probably still go after those, but I'm being lazy again.
The next couple of weeks I'll be dog/house sitting for my former boss.
Since my last blog I also found 29 of 30 numbered caches on the bear creek greenway. Starting with Number One I won't link to then all but it was a fun ride. I went with my uncle John making him the latest family member I have drug geocaching. Our only DNF was Number Six.
Back in August I found some caches as well. Including a couple on Eagle Peak that you can take the Willamette Pass ski resort gondola up to. That was fun. Maybe I will create a back-blog for those.
I also have an event planned for the 23rd Super Science Saturday - The After Party. Before the event the Southern Oregon Geocachers will have a booth at a local science event for grade school and middle school kids. We'll teach kids about GPS technology and give them some temporary caches to find. I'll write more about this soon as well.
Irrigated Two
HOMERUN!!!
I tried a couple of others but one had smoking muggles and the other had a lady sitting in her car right next to the cache. Not sure what she was doing as she wasn't on her cell phone, or reading, or eating or anything else I could see. I could probably still go after those, but I'm being lazy again.
The next couple of weeks I'll be dog/house sitting for my former boss.
Since my last blog I also found 29 of 30 numbered caches on the bear creek greenway. Starting with Number One I won't link to then all but it was a fun ride. I went with my uncle John making him the latest family member I have drug geocaching. Our only DNF was Number Six.
Back in August I found some caches as well. Including a couple on Eagle Peak that you can take the Willamette Pass ski resort gondola up to. That was fun. Maybe I will create a back-blog for those.
I also have an event planned for the 23rd Super Science Saturday - The After Party. Before the event the Southern Oregon Geocachers will have a booth at a local science event for grade school and middle school kids. We'll teach kids about GPS technology and give them some temporary caches to find. I'll write more about this soon as well.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
What happens when the FDIC comes to town
Its been a long time between blogs. I've had like 9 finds though so it hasn't been all bad geocaching wise.
As many of you know I worked for Home Valley Bank the last 8 years and it was taken over by the FDIC on July 23. I didn't lose my job so to say, but I definitely have a much different one. I lost a fair amount of money in the process both in 401k and personal stock I had. Needless to say the last 90 days haven't been fun. The month of June hoping that nothing happens. The Month of July preparing for takeover. And the month of August spent digging through the ashes. Dreams, money and hard work all gone.
I took a couple of weekends off to escape, but sadly always came back to the same reality.
I didn't have a lot of time to look after my caches and had a couple of them archived on me. I almost pulled a LazyBoy and archive them all, but in reality even that would have taken more time then I had to dedicate. The only one I cared about though was my A Cool Stop cache. One of my favorite places. Now it has a new cache dedicated to a "crummy little trickle of water"... I guess at least its not a micro.
I have a few caches in need of repair, but if I do get out to them it will be to pull and archive. Perhaps I should wait until I'm in a better mood for some of them.
As many of you know I worked for Home Valley Bank the last 8 years and it was taken over by the FDIC on July 23. I didn't lose my job so to say, but I definitely have a much different one. I lost a fair amount of money in the process both in 401k and personal stock I had. Needless to say the last 90 days haven't been fun. The month of June hoping that nothing happens. The Month of July preparing for takeover. And the month of August spent digging through the ashes. Dreams, money and hard work all gone.
I took a couple of weekends off to escape, but sadly always came back to the same reality.
I didn't have a lot of time to look after my caches and had a couple of them archived on me. I almost pulled a LazyBoy and archive them all, but in reality even that would have taken more time then I had to dedicate. The only one I cared about though was my A Cool Stop cache. One of my favorite places. Now it has a new cache dedicated to a "crummy little trickle of water"... I guess at least its not a micro.
I have a few caches in need of repair, but if I do get out to them it will be to pull and archive. Perhaps I should wait until I'm in a better mood for some of them.
Monday, July 05, 2010
4th of July
Yesterday Daveydude and I went north to Roseburg to find a few caches. Little did the founding fathers know that 234 years later the British and Americans would get along and use Military satellites to find Tupperware hidden in the woods.
We started with Galesville Reservoir finding the newest caches there and deciding not to put my little inflatable raft in the water. Then on up the freeway. I found 32 caches, but had 11 DNFs. One cache we left a replacement so that was really a DNF as well. We had so many DNFs early that I almost said lets call it quits. Then we started finding caches and having fun again.
A while back I wrote the Southern Oregon Geocacher's Creed. 7 guidelines that I like to follow. Guideline #6 providing a useful hint might have made the day a little more enjoyable. Many caches had no hints, and unlike locals who might try 2 or 3 times I don't enjoy driving that far for nothing. Many of them may have been missing but with a useful hint we might have decided that a bit faster. I'll write more about this creed later.
These were the finds for the day
Guarding the Road to the Reservoir
Long Fibre
That Dam Cache
View From the Top
Kinkle Hendrickson Reunion 2009
Safe House (this one will make my best of 2010 list)
JUST BECAUSE I WANTED ONE HERE - THAT'S WHY
I Love You Too
Douglas County Numbers Blitz # 2
Jo has to work some
Whats Your Grind?
Cinco De Mayo
Tres De Mayo
Take the Safe Way Home
I needed some CACHE
Tractors R us
NOT A ROUND ONE
Quatro De Mayo
Can Freddy do an Ollie?
Troost Treasure!
Don't Pull Me Over
TYLER'S EAGLE PROJECT
MY FIRST CACHE IS SO LIGHT
I AM SO LONELY
I Love School and Good News #2
Trevor's Watching
Going Green
Physicians Parking Monday through Friday
I Love School and Good News #3
Hobbit Hole
I-5 stroll
Everyday Heroes
We started with Galesville Reservoir finding the newest caches there and deciding not to put my little inflatable raft in the water. Then on up the freeway. I found 32 caches, but had 11 DNFs. One cache we left a replacement so that was really a DNF as well. We had so many DNFs early that I almost said lets call it quits. Then we started finding caches and having fun again.
A while back I wrote the Southern Oregon Geocacher's Creed. 7 guidelines that I like to follow. Guideline #6 providing a useful hint might have made the day a little more enjoyable. Many caches had no hints, and unlike locals who might try 2 or 3 times I don't enjoy driving that far for nothing. Many of them may have been missing but with a useful hint we might have decided that a bit faster. I'll write more about this creed later.
These were the finds for the day
Guarding the Road to the Reservoir
Long Fibre
That Dam Cache
View From the Top
Kinkle Hendrickson Reunion 2009
Safe House (this one will make my best of 2010 list)
JUST BECAUSE I WANTED ONE HERE - THAT'S WHY
I Love You Too
Douglas County Numbers Blitz # 2
Jo has to work some
Whats Your Grind?
Cinco De Mayo
Tres De Mayo
Take the Safe Way Home
I needed some CACHE
Tractors R us
NOT A ROUND ONE
Quatro De Mayo
Can Freddy do an Ollie?
Troost Treasure!
Don't Pull Me Over
TYLER'S EAGLE PROJECT
MY FIRST CACHE IS SO LIGHT
I AM SO LONELY
I Love School and Good News #2
Trevor's Watching
Going Green
Physicians Parking Monday through Friday
I Love School and Good News #3
Hobbit Hole
I-5 stroll
Everyday Heroes
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Backlog of stuff
It has been a while since I blogged. I have a small backlog of cache, event and video
Last weekend was the A Salute to State of Jefferson Cachers event. Rock and Crystal put this one on for the second year in a row. I was able to attend this year, but last year it was on the day of my March of Dimes walk. It was a lot of fun to see everyone.
At the event Turner asked if I had found the cache outside my window yet. It seems someone hid one in the park behind the bank and I didn't even realize. So one day this week when it looked a bit sunny I went out and grabbed it Walk don't Run. This park can be pretty muggle heavy at times. I got lucky on the timing.
Last month I found my 2000th cache. I made a video of it, but never got around to putting the parts together until today. Enjoy
Last weekend was the A Salute to State of Jefferson Cachers event. Rock and Crystal put this one on for the second year in a row. I was able to attend this year, but last year it was on the day of my March of Dimes walk. It was a lot of fun to see everyone.
At the event Turner asked if I had found the cache outside my window yet. It seems someone hid one in the park behind the bank and I didn't even realize. So one day this week when it looked a bit sunny I went out and grabbed it Walk don't Run. This park can be pretty muggle heavy at times. I got lucky on the timing.
Last month I found my 2000th cache. I made a video of it, but never got around to putting the parts together until today. Enjoy
Monday, May 03, 2010
Reno
I got back from Reno yesterday. I didn't find a single cache. The only one I searched for was either missing or very well hidden
Souvenir Penny Cache
This cache was on or near the old Reno arch. It had another DNF the same day.
Besides that I had a lot of fun. Had a good weekend gambling. I entered a Omaha Poker tournament at the Peppermill. 18 players and they paid the top 3. It wasn't a no limit game, but none the less I was so short stacked when it got down to the last 6 players I ended up having to go all in several times. Somehow I managed to not only make it into the top 3 but to take the overall chip lead. After pushing chips back and forth we decided to split the money.
Souvenir Penny Cache
This cache was on or near the old Reno arch. It had another DNF the same day.
Besides that I had a lot of fun. Had a good weekend gambling. I entered a Omaha Poker tournament at the Peppermill. 18 players and they paid the top 3. It wasn't a no limit game, but none the less I was so short stacked when it got down to the last 6 players I ended up having to go all in several times. Somehow I managed to not only make it into the top 3 but to take the overall chip lead. After pushing chips back and forth we decided to split the money.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
A new look
You may have noticed that I changed my blog template again. I was still happy with the old one, but had to change it so that youtube HD videos would not be chopped off. Future geocaching videos will probably all be in HD so it had to change. I was not happy with the choices available, I finally settled on one of the most simple and changed the colors to something more geocaching appropriate then the default black and white.
Thursday I will be leaving for Reno. I am going with non-geocachers so I don't know if I will be able to get any caches, but I'll try my best to pick up a couple.
Thursday I will be leaving for Reno. I am going with non-geocachers so I don't know if I will be able to get any caches, but I'll try my best to pick up a couple.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Silver Lake
Kind of late on bloging my trip to Silver Lake. We went to have dinner at the Cowboy Dinner Tree for my dad's upcoming b-day. On the way over we found a few caches. Maybe later I'll post some pictures of the place.
These were the finds for the day:
TURNABOUT
ROCKPILE
SOL-MANS DASH2
A Brief Respite
Sand Creek Guard
Silver Creek
The "Desert Rose"
No guards today
What DO cattle guard?
These were the finds for the day:
TURNABOUT
ROCKPILE
SOL-MANS DASH2
A Brief Respite
Sand Creek Guard
Silver Creek
The "Desert Rose"
No guards today
What DO cattle guard?
Monday, April 12, 2010
The 2k pillow
Saturday was the Catch Duck-N-Deedy before they leave!!! event. Obviously Duck was there before they go to the coast later this month. It was a pretty good turnout and we had the cafe to ourselves. DrDan also handed me the beloved 2000 Find Pillow. I'm not sure how the pillow got started but it has been around a while. It has the names of all the Southern Oregon cachers to reach 2000 finds. I hope to pass it on soon.
After the event I ran into Beaver Lover, Peanuthead, and Iseek. So I tagged along with them for these finds.
The Deal
Wrapped IV
"Ivy" League Soccer
SPLIT
Wrapped III
After the event I ran into Beaver Lover, Peanuthead, and Iseek. So I tagged along with them for these finds.
The Deal
Wrapped IV
"Ivy" League Soccer
SPLIT
Wrapped III
Sunday, April 04, 2010
#2000
I found my 2000th cache today.
Hellooo !!
It was a nice hike in the Elk Trails system. Nice views all around and a good size cache. What more can you ask for. I hope more of my next 1000 can be like this.
Hope to have the video up soon.
Hellooo !!
It was a nice hike in the Elk Trails system. Nice views all around and a good size cache. What more can you ask for. I hope more of my next 1000 can be like this.
Hope to have the video up soon.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Gearing up for 2000
On Saturday I gave my uncle Duck a call hoping that he could help me get 20 caches to put me at 1999. It didn't take us too long to collect the caches needed. I had planned to find a good cache for number 2k and go for it today, but I had a lot of problems with gc.com this morning so I decided to hope for sunny weather next weekend and go out then. That give me a week to find a good cache. Anyone have sugestions?
These were my finds for Saturday.
Scenic Bayou?
ALF
Cee-Dar River
You've got mail
Venus Fly Trap
I.V.
4 some
Hand Made
No Fire in the Mountains
Read my meter
PWV
Another Door Open
One Shoe
Bundled
WALL*E
Western Express
Bo Peep
Steelhead?
Shari's
U hauled
These were my finds for Saturday.
Scenic Bayou?
ALF
Cee-Dar River
You've got mail
Venus Fly Trap
I.V.
4 some
Hand Made
No Fire in the Mountains
Read my meter
PWV
Another Door Open
One Shoe
Bundled
WALL*E
Western Express
Bo Peep
Steelhead?
Shari's
U hauled
Friday, March 26, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Albany, Roseburg and an old Highway
Saturday I got a call from my uncle Duck. He wonders if I'd like to join him on a trip to the "Got Cache!" event in Roseburg. And while we're at it why don't we drive up to Albany so he can get the ABC Challenge final. So of course I said "ok"
The drive to Albany included a brief stop for some cache maintainence and a few finds for me including
Just Past Heaven
Deedy Said So
Boat Ramp ?
Pipe Dream
Road Narrows 2
These are all great caches right along Quines Creek just off I-5 at the Heaven on Earth exit. Very nice series of easy caches on a good road.
On we went to Albany where after a bit of walking around we found the ABC final. Then back down the road to Sutherlin where we worked our way down Hwy 99 to Roseburg for the event. Good event... it did seem like out of town cachers outnumbered the locals. After the event we found a couple of caches and called it a day. These were our finds
Winter Ware
Which Way
Where is the whitevette?
BLAYZ BROILED
Desert Thunder
Memories of Old Highway 99 #7
Memories of Old Highway 99 #6
Memories of Old Highway 99 #8
Memories of Old Highway 99 #4
Memories of Old Highway 99 #3
The Slab
A Dutch View
The drive to Albany included a brief stop for some cache maintainence and a few finds for me including
Just Past Heaven
Deedy Said So
Boat Ramp ?
Pipe Dream
Road Narrows 2
These are all great caches right along Quines Creek just off I-5 at the Heaven on Earth exit. Very nice series of easy caches on a good road.
On we went to Albany where after a bit of walking around we found the ABC final. Then back down the road to Sutherlin where we worked our way down Hwy 99 to Roseburg for the event. Good event... it did seem like out of town cachers outnumbered the locals. After the event we found a couple of caches and called it a day. These were our finds
Winter Ware
Which Way
Where is the whitevette?
BLAYZ BROILED
Desert Thunder
Memories of Old Highway 99 #7
Memories of Old Highway 99 #6
Memories of Old Highway 99 #8
Memories of Old Highway 99 #4
Memories of Old Highway 99 #3
The Slab
A Dutch View
Monday, March 08, 2010
A better Dog
Yesterday was the A Better Dog -- 03/07/10 -- 2:00 event in Cave Junction. It was held at Taylor's Sausage Country Store one of the best places to eat in the whole world.
It was a good turnout, but it didn't seem like anyone stuck around for very long. After the event I went with Duck and Biggieet_al and we found these caches
Meander thru CJ 5 Junction Ave
Meander thru CJ 6 Sherwood
Meander thru CJ 4 Lindilu
Meander thru CJ 2 Burgundy Lane
Meander thru CJ 1 Cottage Park Rd
CJ North
IVFD Station Four
My Daddys worst fears realized
It was a good turnout, but it didn't seem like anyone stuck around for very long. After the event I went with Duck and Biggieet_al and we found these caches
Meander thru CJ 5 Junction Ave
Meander thru CJ 6 Sherwood
Meander thru CJ 4 Lindilu
Meander thru CJ 2 Burgundy Lane
Meander thru CJ 1 Cottage Park Rd
CJ North
IVFD Station Four
My Daddys worst fears realized
Friday, March 05, 2010
Las Vegas
Just got back from Las Vegas. This trip was with friends and was more about shows then gambling (although I did my fair share)
We drove out to the Hoover Dam and saw Jubilee!, Penn & Teller, and 'O'. Also rode the roller coaster at New York, New York. I didn't attempt the indoor skydiving, but I watched as another in my group did. Plus I found time for two caches.
Welcome to Las Vegas
Welcome To This Fabulous Cache
We drove out to the Hoover Dam and saw Jubilee!, Penn & Teller, and 'O'. Also rode the roller coaster at New York, New York. I didn't attempt the indoor skydiving, but I watched as another in my group did. Plus I found time for two caches.
Welcome to Las Vegas
Welcome To This Fabulous Cache
Monday, February 22, 2010
Backlog - February 14
In my next backlog it is the day after the event. Daveydude and I decided to spend most of the day geocaching in Coos Bay. We found a lot of geocaches in town and revisited a few old ones. A few old Berliner caches were archived, but then revived in their exact same hiding spots as new caches. It was kind of fun to revisit old hiding spots. Another cache on the way home was very near the location of a long archived cache. So it was a day of revisiting old locations. These were our finds for the day:
You can't get there from here!
BERLINERS FERRY PARK # 4
BERLINERS FERRY PARK # 2
BERLINERS FERRY PARK # 1
End of the Road (AKA Village Idiot)
CACHE A MOVIE
Roosevelt Elk
Connecticut Cache
Oregon Coast responds to Pearl Harbor
Home Run? or Foul Ball?
Express Yourself
Who's in charge here?
The King Lies In Slumber #1
Gargamel's Hut
Totem Pole Or Stump?
Muggle-iscious! Round 2
Brussels.........but not sprouts !
Drive-in Theater Motor-Vu
"Can you hear me now?"
RDRCK
Socket it me ??
Smurf Village
Kinney Kache
BERLINER'S MINGUS PARK # 2
BERLINER'S MINGUS PARK # 1
Dr. Bern #5
Bandon Crossings
Rock Me Gently, Rock Me Slowly
Old # 104
At the Cross
Canyon Creek TB Bed & Breakfast
We also looked for City Limits which is about .12 of a mile from my house. Yesterday Dave dropped by for a minute and we found it. I now sit at 1950 finds. Perhaps I'll be able to find a few in Las Vegas next week.
You can't get there from here!
BERLINERS FERRY PARK # 4
BERLINERS FERRY PARK # 2
BERLINERS FERRY PARK # 1
End of the Road (AKA Village Idiot)
CACHE A MOVIE
Roosevelt Elk
Connecticut Cache
Oregon Coast responds to Pearl Harbor
Home Run? or Foul Ball?
Express Yourself
Who's in charge here?
The King Lies In Slumber #1
Gargamel's Hut
Totem Pole Or Stump?
Muggle-iscious! Round 2
Brussels.........but not sprouts !
Drive-in Theater Motor-Vu
"Can you hear me now?"
RDRCK
Socket it me ??
Smurf Village
Kinney Kache
BERLINER'S MINGUS PARK # 2
BERLINER'S MINGUS PARK # 1
Dr. Bern #5
Bandon Crossings
Rock Me Gently, Rock Me Slowly
Old # 104
At the Cross
Canyon Creek TB Bed & Breakfast
We also looked for City Limits which is about .12 of a mile from my house. Yesterday Dave dropped by for a minute and we found it. I now sit at 1950 finds. Perhaps I'll be able to find a few in Las Vegas next week.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Backlog - February 13
As usually I am a bit behind on my blog. This last weekend Daveydude and I headed to Coos Bay for the "10 Years of Geocaching", Wintertime Fun-1 #4 event. This is the second year I have attended and for many it is a must do event. There were nearly 200 people in attendance. We found a lot of caches on the way over and the weather was great. I found my 1900th cache on this trip. Besides the event these were our finds:
Eat first then you end up with gas
Umpqua Winery & Vineyard Series #15
Suicidal Tendencies
Last of this Dorsey of Gnomes
Kumbaya
Middle Fork View
PARK N PLAY
ENDANGERED BEAR
!!T.G.I.F!!
Supply Stop
Roadkill Cache
Oregon Keychain Exchange
It's A Boat Time
Captanrdr's Big Bank
Winter Lake
Cold hard cache!
Just A Lil' In-Spire-d
IPS on the Pacific
Urban Camo #3 on the Pacific
Seek & you shall find...
Ode To Freddy's Deck REVISITED
Turn around here!
Drive-in Theater Bay
Only you can prevent Forest Fires
March Madness
Pit Stop!
BERLINER'S ANCHORS AWAY!
Blackberry Pie
Metric Eyeopener
Eat first then you end up with gas
Umpqua Winery & Vineyard Series #15
Suicidal Tendencies
Last of this Dorsey of Gnomes
Kumbaya
Middle Fork View
PARK N PLAY
ENDANGERED BEAR
!!T.G.I.F!!
Supply Stop
Roadkill Cache
Oregon Keychain Exchange
It's A Boat Time
Captanrdr's Big Bank
Winter Lake
Cold hard cache!
Just A Lil' In-Spire-d
IPS on the Pacific
Urban Camo #3 on the Pacific
Seek & you shall find...
Ode To Freddy's Deck REVISITED
Turn around here!
Drive-in Theater Bay
Only you can prevent Forest Fires
March Madness
Pit Stop!
BERLINER'S ANCHORS AWAY!
Blackberry Pie
Metric Eyeopener
Monday, February 08, 2010
Weekend caches
Well the Blazer game might not have been all that great, but I did get a few caches
Treasure by the Loo!
One Degree: N I-5 Rest
Rip City Rhapsody
GD Series #6 : Fire On The Mountain
Blue Star Memorial Highway
The puzzle on Rip City Rhapsody was a fun one, but you'll need the hint to get the right coords.
Next weekend Daveydude has some 60 caches lined up. Hope the weather is nice.
Treasure by the Loo!
One Degree: N I-5 Rest
Rip City Rhapsody
GD Series #6 : Fire On The Mountain
Blue Star Memorial Highway
The puzzle on Rip City Rhapsody was a fun one, but you'll need the hint to get the right coords.
Next weekend Daveydude has some 60 caches lined up. Hope the weather is nice.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Blazers game
Going up tonight to see the Blazers play the Lakers. Should be a good game. I've loaded up a handful of caches to find on the drive... to break it up a little.
Its been nice weather lately. Too bad I have been stuck at work with no time for geocaching. Next weekend however I am going with Daveydude to Coos Bay for the "10 Years of Geocaching", Wintertime Fun-1 #4 event. That should be a fun time.
Its been nice weather lately. Too bad I have been stuck at work with no time for geocaching. Next weekend however I am going with Daveydude to Coos Bay for the "10 Years of Geocaching", Wintertime Fun-1 #4 event. That should be a fun time.
Friday, January 22, 2010
March of Dimes time
Time to raise money for 2010. A lot of you donated last year and my team raised over $6000.
You might be asking what the money goes towards. A good portion goes into research. Some of it goes into programs to educate new mothers in ways to improve their odds of having full term pregnacies. And some is used to help support families whose newborns are in intensive care. When my cousin had her son someone from the March of Dimes visited every day.
Normally I don't bring politics into my blog, but I think this is an oppropriate time. There is a growing trend to "let the government deal with it." Letting politicians handle more and more issues with our tax dollars is not a good solution. I believe there are some things that the government just should not have a hand in. If we step up when we can and take care of our own we eliminate the need for the government, and their inefficiency, to step in.
You might be asking what the money goes towards. A good portion goes into research. Some of it goes into programs to educate new mothers in ways to improve their odds of having full term pregnacies. And some is used to help support families whose newborns are in intensive care. When my cousin had her son someone from the March of Dimes visited every day.
Normally I don't bring politics into my blog, but I think this is an oppropriate time. There is a growing trend to "let the government deal with it." Letting politicians handle more and more issues with our tax dollars is not a good solution. I believe there are some things that the government just should not have a hand in. If we step up when we can and take care of our own we eliminate the need for the government, and their inefficiency, to step in.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
I'm tired
I haven't had much time for geocaching or blogging. Last Wednesday I had a major router issue so I spent a whole night at that. Then the weekend was full of moving into our remodeled space. The new brach is all open... very few problems so that is good. If you have ever been in before you should stop back by just to have a look.
Monday, January 04, 2010
End of the run
I had a find everyday of 2010 going, but in the end I knew it would be hard to manage. I didn't get out of work until it was dark and had no desire to find a cache at that point. Oh well.
I probably won't have any finds this weekend as I have a major project to accomplish at work. Our newly remodeled branch should open this next Monday and I get to move all the PC's and get them hooked up this weekend. Should be a nice looking paycheck this month if nothing else.
I probably won't have any finds this weekend as I have a major project to accomplish at work. Our newly remodeled branch should open this next Monday and I get to move all the PC's and get them hooked up this weekend. Should be a nice looking paycheck this month if nothing else.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Walk around the Rose Garden
After last nights game we stayed the night in Portland. This morning we took a walk around the Rose garden to find the cache Blazers Rock. It was an easy find without many people around. I made a short video to test an editing program I might purchase... its a total spoiler of the cache, but have a look if you like.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Blazers Win!
Took a trip to Portland tonight to watch the Portland Trail Blazers take on the Golden State Warriors. After a poor first quarter the blazers won ever other and won the game 105-89.
Even saw fellow Southern Oregon geocacher Beaver Lover at the game. In fact we sat in the same section... small world.
Found two caches on the way up and will probably look for a couple on the way back tomorrow. Finds for the day included
Back in the Woods
Saginaw Inn
Even saw fellow Southern Oregon geocacher Beaver Lover at the game. In fact we sat in the same section... small world.
Found two caches on the way up and will probably look for a couple on the way back tomorrow. Finds for the day included
Back in the Woods
Saginaw Inn
Friday, January 01, 2010
Welcome 2010
I found my first cache of the new year today as the sun came through the clouds
Power Up Baby
Too close to home and too nice of a opportunity to pass up. If I were to decide to try the Days of the Year Challenge I would need to keep finding caches for a few days. I don't think I could keep it up, but I might try it through January. It gets easier after that.
Tomorrow I am going up to Portland for a Blazers game. Hope to find a couple on the way up and back.
Power Up Baby
Too close to home and too nice of a opportunity to pass up. If I were to decide to try the Days of the Year Challenge I would need to keep finding caches for a few days. I don't think I could keep it up, but I might try it through January. It gets easier after that.
Tomorrow I am going up to Portland for a Blazers game. Hope to find a couple on the way up and back.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Last Day of 2009
Another year has come and gone. Time flies when you are having fun... and even when you aren't. Its been an up and down year for geocaching, but a fun one none the less.
Highlights for the year include:
Thank you to all of you who have hidden the caches found this year. Happy New Year and I hope to see you all out on the trail in 2010!
Highlights for the year include:
- Hid just one cache
- Reached the 1700 and 1800 find milestones
- Tied my all time high of 53 finds 01/19/09
- Had 43 finds 04/04/09
- had 38 finds 10/24/09
Thank you to all of you who have hidden the caches found this year. Happy New Year and I hope to see you all out on the trail in 2010!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Is the year over?
It is just about time to do my end of the year write up. My geocaching this year has been spotty at best. Despite setting a lot of all time lows including Zero finds in July my total for the year was better then 2006 or 2007. That was mainly because of a handful of really big days including a tie for my all time high of 53 in a day.
I hope 2010 will bring a return of enthusiasm for the game. I have been itching to get out and find a few caches, but the winter weather and work have kept me in. As I stated before except for group find days when we are after numbers I plan to be picky and only seek out better caches... that should mean putting in a few extra driving miles and doing a lot more hiking.
The only real hike to a cache I did this year was to Nugget Butte with DaveyDude. The hike almost killed me, but I had forgotten how much I enjoy having to put effort into a cache. I'm not talking effort in finding it... I'm talking effort in getting there. Finding a well camoed micro in town might be a challenge, but its the physical challenge that I crave. Again this is not to an extreme... I won't be buying any climbing gear or risking my life... I'll stick to the trails.
I hope 2010 will bring a return of enthusiasm for the game. I have been itching to get out and find a few caches, but the winter weather and work have kept me in. As I stated before except for group find days when we are after numbers I plan to be picky and only seek out better caches... that should mean putting in a few extra driving miles and doing a lot more hiking.
The only real hike to a cache I did this year was to Nugget Butte with DaveyDude. The hike almost killed me, but I had forgotten how much I enjoy having to put effort into a cache. I'm not talking effort in finding it... I'm talking effort in getting there. Finding a well camoed micro in town might be a challenge, but its the physical challenge that I crave. Again this is not to an extreme... I won't be buying any climbing gear or risking my life... I'll stick to the trails.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas!
As is tradition I went out for a few Christmas Caches today. These were today's finds
Reserved for Doogie Howser, M.D.
ATM Tree
Alternate Entrance
I also tested out my new video cam. Here is a short and badly executed video of one of our finds.
Reserved for Doogie Howser, M.D.
ATM Tree
Alternate Entrance
I also tested out my new video cam. Here is a short and badly executed video of one of our finds.
Monday, December 14, 2009
December thoughts
It has been a slow time geocaching for me. I've been at it for almost 7 years now and I have always gone at my own speed. I think it would be easy to get burned out. Once upon a time very few caches bothered me... today I have more and more of a dislike for certain caches. Caches that are hard to find... in residential places... micros in the woods.
This next year I plan to be much more selective. I might go out for numbers with a group, but any caches I do on my own will be those that I think will be better then average. I purchased a new video camera and I plan to document these better caches on this site. I also plan to archive some of my old caches and really focus on hiding a few new quality caches. I've talked about it before... somehow I feel that this time it either happens or I join Lazyboy on the old retired cachers list.
This next year I plan to be much more selective. I might go out for numbers with a group, but any caches I do on my own will be those that I think will be better then average. I purchased a new video camera and I plan to document these better caches on this site. I also plan to archive some of my old caches and really focus on hiding a few new quality caches. I've talked about it before... somehow I feel that this time it either happens or I join Lazyboy on the old retired cachers list.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Monday, November 02, 2009
Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Found my first cache of November
ABC Challenge
This challenge required you to find a cache starting with each letter of the alphabet. It took me a while to collect all 26. Q, X, and Z are not super popular. Eventually all of them popped up in the local area for me to find. The final is in Albany. I was up there visiting my friend Dave and going to the Oregon State game. Made for a good excuse to stop for the cache.
ABC Challenge
This challenge required you to find a cache starting with each letter of the alphabet. It took me a while to collect all 26. Q, X, and Z are not super popular. Eventually all of them popped up in the local area for me to find. The final is in Albany. I was up there visiting my friend Dave and going to the Oregon State game. Made for a good excuse to stop for the cache.
Monday, October 26, 2009
All the way to Butte Falls
Saturday was the Come On Up To Butte Falls!! event.
Butte Falls is a small community in Jackson County known for having a lot of geocaches because it is the home of Lazyboy & Mitey Mite. Of course he was too lazy to show up.
Great turnout for an event so far up in the hills. Met a few new people and a bunch of old ones.
Found a handful of caches on the day
NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING!
ROCKY SIENNA
"I used to climb these!"
"1 HOT TREE"
Lady Of The River
IOOF Cemetery
...and crackers
Little Pine
lazyboy guardrail
WILD FLOWERS
Shampoo
Discover Butte Falls
Glad You Visited Butte Falls, Now Go Home
landing
Hey Another Guard Rail
Look It's a Guard Rail
SKELETON CACHE
Garlic?
Charbroiled & Singed
OK There's a Bus Barn In Butte Falls OK?
The Flume
Welcome To Butte Falls Flatlanders
Lazyboy's Backyard
Roots in the air
THE MAN CACHE
LADY CACHE (2)
lady cache (1)
Graveyard Goodies
Looking for the elk
Gold Ray
Lonely Fire Hydrant
Gold Hill Fun In The Sun
GH Cache N Dash
Cache Fishing
Madrone Forest
Already Logged
Old Stumpy 2
Butte Falls is a small community in Jackson County known for having a lot of geocaches because it is the home of Lazyboy & Mitey Mite. Of course he was too lazy to show up.
Great turnout for an event so far up in the hills. Met a few new people and a bunch of old ones.
Found a handful of caches on the day
NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING!
ROCKY SIENNA
"I used to climb these!"
"1 HOT TREE"
Lady Of The River
IOOF Cemetery
...and crackers
Little Pine
lazyboy guardrail
WILD FLOWERS
Shampoo
Discover Butte Falls
Glad You Visited Butte Falls, Now Go Home
landing
Hey Another Guard Rail
Look It's a Guard Rail
SKELETON CACHE
Garlic?
Charbroiled & Singed
OK There's a Bus Barn In Butte Falls OK?
The Flume
Welcome To Butte Falls Flatlanders
Lazyboy's Backyard
Roots in the air
THE MAN CACHE
LADY CACHE (2)
lady cache (1)
Graveyard Goodies
Looking for the elk
Gold Ray
Lonely Fire Hydrant
Gold Hill Fun In The Sun
GH Cache N Dash
Cache Fishing
Madrone Forest
Already Logged
Old Stumpy 2
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The ODC
On this day 3 years ago SallyC and I completed the Oregon DeLorme Challenge.
My how time flies. That was a lot of fun. Perhaps I need to find a new challenge cache to make things interesting again.
My how time flies. That was a lot of fun. Perhaps I need to find a new challenge cache to make things interesting again.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Finds by date
I was reading popop's blog today and say his post for a new challenge cache.
Days of the Year Challenge
Mike had nearly 90% I only have 64%... at least I do have a February 29 so I won't have to wait till 2012, but with the way I do things it will probably take even longer then that. I do have enough local caches saved up that I could potentially complete this, but the soonest would be October 2, 2010. Here is my chart.
Days of the Year Challenge
Mike had nearly 90% I only have 64%... at least I do have a February 29 so I won't have to wait till 2012, but with the way I do things it will probably take even longer then that. I do have enough local caches saved up that I could potentially complete this, but the soonest would be October 2, 2010. Here is my chart.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Another challenge complete
So I went and found a few caches today
OLD STUMP
Zigzag
one more
Z Trail
Teel
Very Near By
The first 4 were all in Cathedral Hills. There are a ton more there for me to find, but I went with my sister and her little dog and didn't want to drag them over every trail. I'll probably make multiple trips to get the rest. Teel is near where my parents live and is actually in the exact spot my sister had a cache hidden before. I decided to grab Very Near By later in the day so that I could complete the ABC Challenge. To complete this challenge you need to have found a cache whose name begins with each letter of the alphabet. V was my last letter. There are lots of caches around and I could have completed it a long time ago, but I was taking my time. Now I just need to get up to Albany to log the final. I have tickets for an OSU game Oct 31 so I'll probably be able to grab it then, but I might make it up there sooner.
Speaking of challenge caches I need to get over to Bend and log CCIO someday. I probably hold some sort of record for the longest time between completion and logging of a challenge cache.
OLD STUMP
Zigzag
one more
Z Trail
Teel
Very Near By
The first 4 were all in Cathedral Hills. There are a ton more there for me to find, but I went with my sister and her little dog and didn't want to drag them over every trail. I'll probably make multiple trips to get the rest. Teel is near where my parents live and is actually in the exact spot my sister had a cache hidden before. I decided to grab Very Near By later in the day so that I could complete the ABC Challenge. To complete this challenge you need to have found a cache whose name begins with each letter of the alphabet. V was my last letter. There are lots of caches around and I could have completed it a long time ago, but I was taking my time. Now I just need to get up to Albany to log the final. I have tickets for an OSU game Oct 31 so I'll probably be able to grab it then, but I might make it up there sooner.
Speaking of challenge caches I need to get over to Bend and log CCIO someday. I probably hold some sort of record for the longest time between completion and logging of a challenge cache.
Friday, October 02, 2009
October cache
Well it didn't take me long to get my first October cache. I made the short walk from my house to pick up
I Care & Eye Care 2
I might go and find a few caches this weekend. Cathedral Hills has a bunch that I haven't found. Maybe I'll get back into the groove of things faster then I expected... or maybe the rain will start sooner then expected and I won't find any... who knows.
I Care & Eye Care 2
I might go and find a few caches this weekend. Cathedral Hills has a bunch that I haven't found. Maybe I'll get back into the groove of things faster then I expected... or maybe the rain will start sooner then expected and I won't find any... who knows.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Well...
I only found 2 caches this month... one was an event... and the other I didn't have my GPS.
6th Annual Pizza by the Creekside
Under Cover
I briefly looked for another well hidden cache, but I didn't spend much time at it.
Work has kept me very busy, but I have had the time to go geocaching... just not the desire. I won't blame it on the hides in the area. While I don't particularly like some of what I am seeing there are still plenty of good caches to be found. Perhaps after a bit more time off I will come back more enthusiastic then ever.
6th Annual Pizza by the Creekside
Under Cover
I briefly looked for another well hidden cache, but I didn't spend much time at it.
Work has kept me very busy, but I have had the time to go geocaching... just not the desire. I won't blame it on the hides in the area. While I don't particularly like some of what I am seeing there are still plenty of good caches to be found. Perhaps after a bit more time off I will come back more enthusiastic then ever.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Coastal Caches
On Saturday I took off to the coast with my family. We stopped in Brookings for lunch after a short stop at the Lucky 7 Casino. I lost $20 but I got a cool water bottle. Anyway I also found a handful of caches. These were my finds for the day
Oversized
Do Bears......in the Woods?
YO ADRIENNE!
Holliday Inn Travel bug Hotel
Welcome to Brookings
Boat Launch
Oversized
Do Bears......in the Woods?
YO ADRIENNE!
Holliday Inn Travel bug Hotel
Welcome to Brookings
Boat Launch
Monday, August 17, 2009
Football
So DirecTV is pretty sneaky sometimes. They offer you free stuff and then if you don't cancel it they start charging you. Last year I got NFL ticket free. I didn't really watch it a lot and some of the games I did want to watch were blacked out... and the HD package cost more.
Well this year I am getting charged for it so I called to cancel. Instead they offered me a free upgrade to the HD pack and $10 off a month. Personally I'm not really sure it is worth it still, but now that I can get them in HD maybe I'll watch it more.
As for college football I am unsure if my Beavs will be any good. I have tickets to see them on Halloween (what a great day to wear orange) against UCLA.
Well this year I am getting charged for it so I called to cancel. Instead they offered me a free upgrade to the HD pack and $10 off a month. Personally I'm not really sure it is worth it still, but now that I can get them in HD maybe I'll watch it more.
As for college football I am unsure if my Beavs will be any good. I have tickets to see them on Halloween (what a great day to wear orange) against UCLA.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
A few caches
Today was a caching event in Selma
Walk in the Country Folks
I was unsure if I would attend or not. Its a long way out there and I am lazy... but in the end I decided to take the opportunity to find a few caches. With the event I ended up with 10. These were the caches for the day.
Drone Whole
Josiah Smokeater
Happy 150th Oregon from the Troll
Haze or Hays
Happy 150th birthday Oregon
Fairly Good Sized Pine
Many trunks
Xing
Rock Over
Walk in the Country Folks
I was unsure if I would attend or not. Its a long way out there and I am lazy... but in the end I decided to take the opportunity to find a few caches. With the event I ended up with 10. These were the caches for the day.
Drone Whole
Josiah Smokeater
Happy 150th Oregon from the Troll
Haze or Hays
Happy 150th birthday Oregon
Fairly Good Sized Pine
Many trunks
Rock Over
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Birthday caches
So yesterday was my birthday. I haven't found a cache on my birthday every year since I started caching but sometimes I make the effort. Since I hadn't found a cache in so long I decided to take the opportunity. These where the finds for the day
SPARCY II
High and Dry
General Polycrates
The first two were pretty easy. The third one was sneaky, but the coords were good. Its a neighborhood cache which I don't usually like hunting for... but it wasn't just dropped in a random neighborhood to leave neighbors wondering just what the hell you are doing... and that makes a big difference. I probably looked for 3 minutes so that wasn't too bad.
SPARCY II
High and Dry
General Polycrates
The first two were pretty easy. The third one was sneaky, but the coords were good. Its a neighborhood cache which I don't usually like hunting for... but it wasn't just dropped in a random neighborhood to leave neighbors wondering just what the hell you are doing... and that makes a big difference. I probably looked for 3 minutes so that wasn't too bad.
Monday, August 03, 2009
What happened to July?
Somehow I managed to go a whole month without finding a cache. The hot weather and working weekends contributed.
I went to Las Vegas on the 24th through the 27th. It was my first trip to Vegas without finding a cache. I still have a few virtuals to find (but none on the main part of the strip) and there are some micros along the strip (if I want to venture into dark parking garages). I did go downtown and was right on top of a virtual there, but didn't have my gps to figure out what I needed info from.
I'll find a cache today to end my no caching streak.
I went to Las Vegas on the 24th through the 27th. It was my first trip to Vegas without finding a cache. I still have a few virtuals to find (but none on the main part of the strip) and there are some micros along the strip (if I want to venture into dark parking garages). I did go downtown and was right on top of a virtual there, but didn't have my gps to figure out what I needed info from.
I'll find a cache today to end my no caching streak.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Totally not geocaching related
Every few years in Las Vegas they blow up a perfectly good casino and they build a new one on the top of it. It doesn't matter if they built it 10 years ago... if Elvis got married there... if its the oldest building left on the strip. There is nothing that will stop the progress (except the economy I guess.)
The internet is the same way. The old is occasionally imploded to make way for the new. Recently I got an email saying that Yahoo was going to close GeoCities. For those of you who don't know, GeoCities was a site where you could build a free webpage. I built a webpage there on July 17, 1997. It is still there, but I gave up on editing it long ago. Sometime in October it will be gone forever. At its peak GeoCities was the 3rd most visited site on the web, full of communities of personal webpages. It could have been the myspace or facebook of the day with the right vision. As it was many people like myself built simple websites and enjoyed their small place on the web.
So the old internet is disapearing.... making way for the new.
The internet is the same way. The old is occasionally imploded to make way for the new. Recently I got an email saying that Yahoo was going to close GeoCities. For those of you who don't know, GeoCities was a site where you could build a free webpage. I built a webpage there on July 17, 1997. It is still there, but I gave up on editing it long ago. Sometime in October it will be gone forever. At its peak GeoCities was the 3rd most visited site on the web, full of communities of personal webpages. It could have been the myspace or facebook of the day with the right vision. As it was many people like myself built simple websites and enjoyed their small place on the web.
So the old internet is disapearing.... making way for the new.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Off the top 100
With my lack of caching recently I have fallen off the list of the top 100 geocachers in Oregon. I am now ranked #101.
A couple really good cache outings will get me back up on the list, but I wouldn't be safe for too long. Too many cachers with more spare time to get big numbers. I guess it was inevitable that I'd be kicked off the list.
I'll see if I can't work my way back up the list this weekend... even if its just temporary.
A couple really good cache outings will get me back up on the list, but I wouldn't be safe for too long. Too many cachers with more spare time to get big numbers. I guess it was inevitable that I'd be kicked off the list.
I'll see if I can't work my way back up the list this weekend... even if its just temporary.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Happy 4th of July
I sure hear a lot of pops and bangs outside. I'm pretty sure 65% of them aren't legal.... hehe.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Backlog - May 10
This is my last backlog for a while. These events happened on May 10th... Mother's day.
My Dad told us about this waterfall he found while out quad riding so it was decided we'd have a picnic out there for Mother's Day. I decided it would be a good opportunity to hide a cache. The waterfall was nice and I found a good spot for a cache. I looked up the name of the creek... Little Craggy... so I called it Little Craggy Falls.
Later we went out to Applegate lake and decided to make the short hike out to the Bigfoot Trap. We found the following caches.
Bigfoot Cache Revisited
Collings Mtn. Trailhead
NOT FISHING LEAD
I also had a DNF on I B Lichen it! which was latter revised
My Dad told us about this waterfall he found while out quad riding so it was decided we'd have a picnic out there for Mother's Day. I decided it would be a good opportunity to hide a cache. The waterfall was nice and I found a good spot for a cache. I looked up the name of the creek... Little Craggy... so I called it Little Craggy Falls.
Later we went out to Applegate lake and decided to make the short hike out to the Bigfoot Trap. We found the following caches.
Bigfoot Cache Revisited
Collings Mtn. Trailhead
NOT FISHING LEAD
I also had a DNF on I B Lichen it! which was latter revised
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Backlog - May 2
I was being pretty lazy in may it appears. Found very few caches and I made even fewer blog entries. So we'll take the "wayback" machine all the way to May 2.
I was in Las Vegas again and it just happend to be the weekend of a flash mob event happening right on the strip WWFM V (Las Vegas) - Pirate's Booty. The idea was to stay away from Ground zero and try to blend in... then when the signal is given all group together. You weren't suppose to mingle with anyone till they made the call. I spotted a few cachers I had met previously on my trips and tried to stay away. I did say hi to a pair of cachers from Arizona as I walked to GZ... he asked how I knew he was a geocacher... I told him because of his geocaching t-shirt... hahaha. So we all grouped together and took some pictures. People on the strip looked at us like we were crazy. It was all good fun.
Just before the event I had stop to get a virtual cache
"The Presidential Suite"
A bit of interesting Las Vegas history.
I am currently reading two books about Las Vegas. Inside Las Vegas by Mario Puzo and The Green Felt Jungle by Ed Reid. One of these days I might even finish them.
I was in Las Vegas again and it just happend to be the weekend of a flash mob event happening right on the strip WWFM V (Las Vegas) - Pirate's Booty. The idea was to stay away from Ground zero and try to blend in... then when the signal is given all group together. You weren't suppose to mingle with anyone till they made the call. I spotted a few cachers I had met previously on my trips and tried to stay away. I did say hi to a pair of cachers from Arizona as I walked to GZ... he asked how I knew he was a geocacher... I told him because of his geocaching t-shirt... hahaha. So we all grouped together and took some pictures. People on the strip looked at us like we were crazy. It was all good fun.
Just before the event I had stop to get a virtual cache
"The Presidential Suite"
A bit of interesting Las Vegas history.
I am currently reading two books about Las Vegas. Inside Las Vegas by Mario Puzo and The Green Felt Jungle by Ed Reid. One of these days I might even finish them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)