The Great TB Race 2011

Today marks the start of not just a new year, but a new Travel Bug race!   This is the first year my CacheDude and I are participating.  We each entered a TB, so we can have a little fun with some in-home rivalry.

My CacheDude’s TB has a bottle opener attached which features a Swedish flag.  It’s called “Drunken Swede TB Racer 2011“.   My own TB has a sparkly-eyed kitty attached to it and is called “Speedy Kitty TB Racer 2011”

The race has about 50 participants.   We all sent our TB’s to the starting point in Arizona.  From there, they are all going to be released into the wild today during the Kick-Off and New Year’s Party Event.   From there, our fate is in the hands off our fellow geocachers.

We will earn points based on the various experiences our TB’s experience throughout 2011.   There are points of varying amounts for visiting caches (via different cachers, not dipping), having photos added to the logs, traveling long miles and/or across state borders, attending events, etc.

These are the first TB’s my CacheDude and I have released, so hopefully we’ll have good experiences.  I’m prepared in case they disappear, as it seems that happens with trackables sometimes, but hopefully ours will have safe journeys.

If you happen to see one of our TB’s in the wild, please help us boost it’s points!

Here’s the full list of ways we earn points:

How to Earn Points

Point Values
Every cache visited
(once per cacher)		 1
Every 100 miles traveled 1
Crossing state lines or country borders
(in a straight line from A to B)		 2
Posting a picture
(one per cacher)		 5
Exchange with a TB/coin
(must name the other item in your log)		 10
Visiting a cache with a Difficulty
or Terrain greater than 2.5		 15
Attending an event 20
Attending a CITO event 30
Attending a MEGA event 40
Beating Our Spouse in this Race Priceless
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1 Comment by Cache Chick  /  January 1, 2011  /  Posted in: Adventures in Geocaching
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100th at the 1st – Geocaching Milestone

My CacheDude and I met our goal to complete our first 100 finds by the end of 2010.   We decided to make the milestone even more special by having it be Original Stash Tribute Plaque.

For those not familiar with this, it is the site where the very first geocache was placed in May 2000.   While the original bucket was accidentally destroyed by road crew machinery, there is still plenty to see.   The land owners allowed for a plaque to be placed there in it’s honor.  In addition, an ammo can is hidden nearby where the log and tradeables are kept dry and safe.

It took us about an hour to get out to the site, but it was worth it.  It was a great feeling to be at the historic place that started it all.

On our way home, we stopped at a nearby historic schoolhouse, which was also very cool to see.   So we actually got to 101 finds that day, just 4 days before the end of the year.

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2 Comments by Cache Chick  /  December 28, 2010  /  Posted in: Adventures in Geocaching
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Garmin Oregon 450 – Early Impressions

I’ve had my Oregon for a week or so now, and honestly I haven’t been able to put it to heavy use yet, but I have had some hands-on time with it on a few caches.

I really like that you can filter the geocache searches to certain types, sizes, difficulties, terrains, etc.   I have loaded about 5,000 geocaches of a wide variety around the Portland area into my unit, and depending on my mood I can narrow it town easily to find the type I’m looking for.

I also really like that when you log a cache as found (or not found) you can add a note.  On my blackberry, I could just put Found/NotFound .. so if I wanted to remember something special about it, or note what I traded, I had to keep that separate.  Here, I have a free text field where I can type in a comment.  I often put a couple of words about the location to help jog my memory of which one it was and what I traded (ex:  “park ducks – t pig l pirate”).  It’s not “pretty” and I will go back and clean it up when I log it in GC.com, but it’s enough to help me keep track in the field.

I subscribed to BirdsEye maps through Garmin, so I can download aerial views.  I really like this option.  They aren’t crystal clear, even in the higest resolution, but they definitely help.   The base map that comes with the unit is extremely basic.  It has major freeways and very few roads beyond that.   I have been trying out to see if the aerial view alone will be enough, but I think I will end up needing a better street map, as well.

One thing I’ve been doing is actually using BOTH my Oregon 450 and my Nuvi 1350T.   I have uploaded the same geocache lists into both.   I use the Oregon 450 to decide which one to target next (because of the filtering and ability to see them on the map together, etc.).  Once I decide, I pull it up on my Nuvi and let it give me driving directions.   Once I get to the area, I leave the Nuvi behind and rely on the Oregon to point me to GZ.   This approach is working out really well.

The irritations I have with the Oregon 450 so far are really minor.   The rubber flap on the bottom that protects the USB port is annoying and doesn’t close very easily.     The screen goes blank to save the batteries very quickly (which I can totally set to a longer time, but I’m not sure what the battery impacts of that will be).

The biggest thing I’ve had trouble with so far is that when you filter down geocaches to specific types or sizes, you can’t see just those on a map.  If you look at caches on a map view, you see ALL of them, not just your filter.   Again, that’s pretty minor and probably just something I’m not doing right.

I’m really enjoying the Oregon 450 and hope to get out over the holidays and put it to better use.   I’m hoping to get to 100 finds before the new year!

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No Comments by Cache Chick  /  December 23, 2010  /  Posted in: GPS - Oregon 450
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Cache Chick & GC Forum Rules

It came to my attention recently that my geocaching name on GC.com (CacheChick.com) was giving the impression that I was a vendor and not just an avid geocacher.    That certainly wasn’t my intention at all .. it was just that I was so excited about geocaching and starting up the new blog that I wanted to get the address out there.

I was actually banned on the GC.com forum for 3 days because I had posted something in the TB forum about a great deal I’d found on personalized engraved pet ID tags .. which I think would be awesome to write something custom and attach to a TB you are sending out into the world.   Apparently there are NO SALES ALLOWED.  When I tried to explain the innocence of my post, I was told that I was clearly a vendor from my name.

This was confusing to me because the GPS forums post deals all the time .. in fact, that’s how I learned about the deal when I picked up my new Oregon 450 GPS!   But apparently those are against forum rules and just haven’t been caught yet.

While I see why they wouldn’t want people spamming their own business advertising on the forums, it seems extreme to not allow folks to share deals.   I really appreciated the GPS deal, I never would have heard of it otherwise, and probably would have paid an extra $100 for it elsewhere.

Anyway, I’ve updated my GC.com name to just “Cache Chick” (with the space) … I don’t want to come across like I’m selling anything (yeah there’s a cheesy shop on this site where I point to some items I’d recommend, but certainly don’t plan to make any money from).

And lesson learned to all of us, is that if you find a good deal, don’t go sharing it on the gc.com forums.    (You can message me about it and I’ll put a blog post up, though .. I always appreciate with others share deals and would like to do the same!)

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No Comments by Cache Chick  /  December 22, 2010  /  Posted in: Adventures in Geocaching
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New Gadget: Garmin Oregon 450 GPS

I picked up a Garmin Oregon 450 new GPS on Black Friday special … and due to backorder, I finally received it yesterday!   I’m so excited to start putting it to use!

I wish there was a tutorial or something, particularly one catered to geocachers, for this specific unit.   In lieu of that, I’m thankful to have the Oregon wiki site as a reference point.  It’s already helped me through several points of confusion.

My first impression is that this is going to be an awesome and useful tool.  First of all, it’s rugged and I don’t have to worry about it constantly like I’ve had to with my nuvi and blackberry.   It is also very responsive and quick to process.

I have mixed feelings about the batteries.  It uses AA batteries.   I like the flexibility this allows, so if you’re out and about, and your battery dies, worst case would be going to a 7-11 or something and buying a couple.   On the other hand, I am awful about keeping batteries charged, so I’ll have to figure out a process for doing that with a couple of sets of rechargeable AA’s.

So far I’ve loaded in batteries, registered it, checked for updates (amazingly, it was already updated), and uploaded about 5000 geocaches.     Too bad work is going to interfere with my play schedule today!!!! :)

If you have any tips for an Oregon 450 newbie, I’d love to hear them!

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No Comments by Cache Chick  /  December 15, 2010  /  Posted in: GPS - Oregon 450
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Whip Those Winter Woes

I bought some waterproof boots with good tread today so I can get back out there and not let the mud and rain slow me down (or make me fall and get hurt).   My caching has definitely slowed down lately due to a number of common excuses:  bad weather, too dark too early, busy with work, busy with life in general.

Unlike most of the things I set out to do, I’m trying to not push myself with this hobby and let it happen as it does.  There’s no reason to stress myself out about making myself get out there and cache if I’m not in the mood.  Even so, I find myself craving the hunt and wanting to get back out there.   And one thing I can always rely on, is that once I’m out there on the trail .. rain or shine … it’s always fun and I am always energized when I make the find.   It’s a great feeling. :)

So if you are finding yourself over your stressed, pause all those holiday activities for just a few minutes and get out there and geocache.  You won’t regret it!   (Just make sure you aren’t stopping on a muddy trail when you’re all dressed up in your party clothes, then you might have some explaining to do ….)

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No Comments by Cache Chick  /  December 11, 2010  /  Posted in: Adventures in Geocaching
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Thanksgiving Hunt

Being a vegetarian, hunting a turkey isn’t anywhere near my to-do list .. but geocaches, now that’s another story. :)

My CacheDude had to work for a few hours this morning (crazy, right?), so I decided to go out on my own and tackle some caches in the area.

Mostly I focused on ones in urban parking lots that are usually full of muggles; since everything was closed today, it worked out great.

I also hit a couple of random trails and saw some beautiful scenery.   Along the way, I saw a tree with a unique exclamation point hole in it.  Also, I met a very beautiful owl, who kept watch over me as I searched all over for a cache (which turned out to be right out in plain sight). :)

I picked up a swag token that says “Life is Fun.  Live it with a smile.”  That seemed appropriate for Thanksgiving.

Happy Tofurky Day!

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No Comments by Cache Chick  /  November 25, 2010  /  Posted in: Adventures in Geocaching
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Caching in Canby, Oregon – Part Two

My Shiny New Geocoin - 2010 Canby Chamber of Commerce Geocoin Challenge

After spending a really nice day geocaching in Canby, I was a little disappointed that we were not able to complete the second of the two required caches (in addition to your choice of eight more) in Canby in order to earn the Canby Chamber of Commerce Geocoin.

Luckily, the note I had logged on The Plaque (GC2AQYR) about it missing was quickly responded to by Ornith, the cache owner and geocaching guru, who promptly replaced the missing cache and updated the coordinates accordingly.

My CacheDude and I were able to take a little drive back down to Canby, find The Plaque (GC2AQYR), and then hop over to the Chamber of Commerce and pick up this awesome coin.

We also took a few minutes to stop by the actual plaque of which the geocoin is a replica.

This is my very first geocoin that is my own (versus just passing others along from cache to cache), and a beautiful one at that!

Again, I’d like to recommend Canby highly if you’re in the area as a great place to go geocaching!   We’ve only scratched the surface of the many caches in that area, and plan to go back soon.  Maybe we’ll see you there!

Actual Plaque in Canby of which the Geocoin is a replica

The plaque in Canby is located just in front of the town's movie theater

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1 Comment by Cache Chick  /  November 16, 2010  /  Posted in: Adventures in Geocaching, Swag - Stories behind the items
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Caching in Canby, Oregon

For anyone in or near or planning to visit Oregon, I would highly recommend planning at least one geocaching day in Canby.   Canby is a small town just outside of Portland.  I haven’t ever spent much time there, but we had a great time geocaching there today.

I chose Canby because I had a challenge cache located there I wanted to finalize.   Since we were going there anyway, I did a search for nearby caches.  The list was 250+ in short distance.  I narrowed it down to easier D/T and only regular or bigger in size, and even that list left us with over 20.    I also found through that search that the City of Canby had sponsored a geocoin event.  I’m not sure if it is still available or not, but while supplies last they were providing a geocoin to anyone who had 10 documented finds in the city (including 2 specific ones they designated)!

Today’s adventure took my CacheDude and me to several very pretty parks, near the river at different parts of the city, to some historic sites such as an old school building and a pioneer cemetery, to an itty bitty airport runway (surrounded by houses on either side), and to farmland including a huge dahlia farm.

Almost every one .. no, I take that back .. literally every single one, was an ammo can.  They were easy to find, and yet still well hidden.  All the caches were well cared for and contained a nice variety of swag.   This seems like a really great city for a family geocaching adventure (in fact, we ran into a family doing that very thing, and they seemed to be having a great time)!




Sadly, one of the two required caches for the geocoin event has been muggled and is gone.  I’m not sure if that takes us out of the running entirely for the coin or not.  Bummer!

We got a nice variety of swag and left a bunch of my signature bookmarks as well as other items.  We also picked up a couple of trackables along the way, and we’ll be moving those along this week.

My dear CacheDude had been so good today to accompany me on this adventure, and even stick his hand in some pretty scary spider-filled areas.   We both had a nice day, most of all just enjoying the time together.

When we got home, and took off our muddy boots, I said, “Hey, there’s one more swag item I don’t think you got to see yet!” … and I handed him 6 of his favorites to top off a great weekend.

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3 Comments by Cache Chick  /  November 14, 2010  /  Posted in: Adventures in Geocaching
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Guide to Challenge Caches

Challenge Caches add an additional layer of fun to your geocaching experience.

A challenge cache consists of a traditional geocache but which the owner has specified some additional requirements which you must fulfill before you will be allowed to post the find.

Challenge Caches are posted as mystery cache type (with ? as symbol), along with puzzle caches and others.   Because they still involve ultimately finding a specific cache at the end, you’ll want to find ones near you (or where you will be traveling).   The difficulty and terrain ratings on challenge caches will often be very high, but don’t let this scare you away — they are usually high because there is a lot of variety in the requirements, not because the end cache itself is that challenging.

Examples of Challenge Caches

1.  ABC — Find 26 caches, each one’s title starting with a different letter of the alphabet

2. Animals – Find 50 caches that have a name of an animal in its title

3.  Counties – Find 1 cache in each county of your state

4.  D/T – Find 1 cache for each D/T combination

5.  Days – Find at least 1 cache per day for 100 consecutive days

6.  Types – Find 1 of each of 5 different type of cache all in one day (traditional, multi, event, mystery, earthcache)

The creativity of variations and additional challenges goes on and on.   Chances are, there are probably some challenges out there which you have already met the criteria for, or are very close to completing without even realizing it!

I enjoy that it gives me some new little targets to aim for when I’m selecting which geocaches to go to next.

How to Find Challenge Caches

Check out your regional section of the forums on geocaching.com

Search for mystery caches in your area (you’ll have to weed through puzzle caches for this one, but usually “Challenge” will be part of the title itself

Pay attention to bookmark lists that a cache is already on.  It may lead you to a challenge you didn’t yet know about.   When you go to the cache page, on the right about half-way down, it will list any bookmark lists this geocache is on.  Review that list and look for challenges you may want to try out.

UPDATE:  Also, pointed out to me by addisonbr on the GC.com forums, there is a geocacher named shell1fish who has a collection of bookmarks with challenge caches sorted by state.  This is a really great list, so check it out if you’re looking for challenge caches near you!

How to Complete Challenge Caches

Read the rules thoroughly.  Read them again.  Make sure you pay attention to the details.  Otherwise, you may miss something and find out that you did it wrong and don’t qualify in the end.     There may be rules about when you can find it, where, or other details.  It may require you to have certain words in the title, or just a vague theme.  Just know what the rules are so you can apply them accurately.

If you are a premium member on geocaching.com, you have the ability to add bookmark lists and put caches in each of those lists.   I’ve found it helpful to create a new bookmark list for each challenge, and then add all the caches that apply to that challenge to that list.   I also add in the challenge cache itself to that list, for easy reference back to the rules and details.

To see some examples of the challenge cache bookmarks I’ve set up, check out the Bookmark Lists tab of my GC.com Profile.

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2 Comments by Cache Chick  /  November 12, 2010  /  Posted in: How to Geocache
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