One of the things I did early on, when I started Geocaching, was taking pictures of interesting things around me while I was out. I cached with my Motorola Atrix phone, and the "official" app from the website.
When I started to realize just how much better a GPSr was, I bought my Garmin Oregon 450T.
Don't get me wrong, I love the Oregon. It is more accurate, water-resistant, and shock resistant than my phone. But in using the Oregon, I am more focused on the cache. I know, that's the point, right? Well, for some people, yes. But for me, when I come home from a day outside, with more numbers to add to my total, I sometimes think I was missing something.
When I cached with my phone, I took pictures of everything. It was easy. Find the cache, then open up the camera app, and shoot the interesting stuff. The Oregon makes it easier to get the cache, but I often miss some great photo opportunities without the camera. Sometimes, its not the cache area, but just clouds, sky, a stream or bridge that catches my eye. If I am really interested, I often go back to the truck to get the phone and come back. I try to remind myself that photos are an important part of my journey. Some places are just another tick on the scale, others, you really have to stop worrying about getting to the next number and look around. I could easily have a higher find tally, but I try to take time to look around and see the wonderful things around me when I'm out. As tough as it is, some places just have nothing interesting to shoot. But, you never know what you will see when you least expect it.
So, that said, I will try harder to let go of the numbers, and slow down to look around. Its part of enjoying this hobby for me, when I get home I can show my friends and family where I've been. I just have to remember to shift my thoughts off the numbers, and onto the experience as a whole. I post everything to facebook albums, and my friends like the shots. They aren't interested in the numbers, but like seeing where I've been. I need to remind myself, that seeing my experiences in the photos, means a lot more than grabbing for numbers.
Some are addicted to the hunt, and a high "found" count. The numbers, to me, are a minor part of why I go caching. A few great photos and a few caches, is infinitely more rewarding than a ton of caches, where my only reminder of my trip is a few extra logs signed. Its not the destination (a number goal), but the journey there (the photos).
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Getting back...on the trails.
So, its been awhile since I've written. Honestly, I haven't had much time to blog. I haven't had much time to cache, either.
So I took some days off this week, and decided to get out and do some things. Unfortunately, mother nature has not been cooperative so far this week. Yesterday looked to be a decent day to go out and do something.
I decided, a bit after 2pm that the weather looked like it was going to hold. So, I went off to do a series of caches on a trail called BSLS (Brookfield State Land Series).
My first stop, was a tucked away cemetery, where I met a DEC officer, and he gave me some interesting insight into the hidden gem. After I made my way onward, it looked like mother nature was going to try and get me to go home. Determined, I figured I could outlast a bit of rain here and there. What followed was intense rain, hail, lightning, and a crazy shift in the weather that was sunny just moments earlier.
I missed a couple, but completed the series for the most part. Its nice to have a 4x4 now. I wouldn't think of taking on a series based off seasonal truck trails in a car, especially in the weather I wound up in yesterday.
It got me thinking though, some of the more interesting times I've had, were while doing some sort of "trail". I've done a science based trail (which I should finish up someday), a Greek God based hiking trail, and now a state forest road based trail. The concept of a trail is a good one: Take people somewhere interesting, and give them a reward (in these cases, another cache), to keep going. Both of the hiking trails were tough going, but tested me physically. The driving trail was fun, and would have been relaxing if not for the weather.
I wish there were more cache trails here in NY. I think they are a lot of fun, but require a lot of effort to set up. I think I would get into hiking more, and getting more exercise if there were some trails for that. Hiking alone isn't interesting enough for me. But, add in the reward of caching while hiking, and it becomes interesting.
So I took some days off this week, and decided to get out and do some things. Unfortunately, mother nature has not been cooperative so far this week. Yesterday looked to be a decent day to go out and do something.
I decided, a bit after 2pm that the weather looked like it was going to hold. So, I went off to do a series of caches on a trail called BSLS (Brookfield State Land Series).
My first stop, was a tucked away cemetery, where I met a DEC officer, and he gave me some interesting insight into the hidden gem. After I made my way onward, it looked like mother nature was going to try and get me to go home. Determined, I figured I could outlast a bit of rain here and there. What followed was intense rain, hail, lightning, and a crazy shift in the weather that was sunny just moments earlier.
I missed a couple, but completed the series for the most part. Its nice to have a 4x4 now. I wouldn't think of taking on a series based off seasonal truck trails in a car, especially in the weather I wound up in yesterday.
It got me thinking though, some of the more interesting times I've had, were while doing some sort of "trail". I've done a science based trail (which I should finish up someday), a Greek God based hiking trail, and now a state forest road based trail. The concept of a trail is a good one: Take people somewhere interesting, and give them a reward (in these cases, another cache), to keep going. Both of the hiking trails were tough going, but tested me physically. The driving trail was fun, and would have been relaxing if not for the weather.
I wish there were more cache trails here in NY. I think they are a lot of fun, but require a lot of effort to set up. I think I would get into hiking more, and getting more exercise if there were some trails for that. Hiking alone isn't interesting enough for me. But, add in the reward of caching while hiking, and it becomes interesting.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
So I found #100, now what?
#100. 100 Caches found. (Actually as of this post its 106.)
It was nice to save a local "landmark" of sorts to be 100. I pass by it every day I work. Actually, I remember finding each and every cache that happens to be on my route in to work. Some were easy, some were not. #100 I saved, just because it is huge an obvious. A "Steel Angel". Not a tough cache, though I'd had problems before, either with "muggles" or neighbors, or wasps, or something. But, its not like a did a happy dance after signing the log. I asked myself, what next?
Find more, of course. But recognize my limitations. No middle of the night caching. (I have poor day vision, let alone night vision.) Not go after numbers. After awhile, you get tunnel vision, competing with yourself over your own statistics. I wanted to better myself. So, I went after a few more nearby ones, then tackled some previous DNFs. One was a 3.5 terrain I missed. Got it. One was a 4.5 difficulty. Got that one, too. One I missed because I had no idea what I was looking for. Good camo! Got it. Tried for a few more, but had non cachers around GZ, so left them alone. 6 more in one day. I realize that caching is a learning experience. DNFs I logged barely a month ago, I now could find much easier. I wasn't as afraid to tackle a tough hill climb. I'm pushing my limits. A month ago, I would never think of trying a 4.5 difficulty, nor a 3.5 terrain. Now, I'm starting to push past my personal limits. This is what Geocaching is all about for me. Going places, seeing things, pushing my limits of thinking and limits of physical possibilities.
96 was another cache en route to work I wanted. 97 was a target of opportunity. 98 took me back to where I went to college, let me roam my former stomping grounds and see the changes. 99 was at my rival college campus in the same town. They do have a better view though, and I took some good shots from the hill. Then, on a whim, in the dark, I grabbed 100 on the way home.
I'll never really be satisfied by a number. 100 is just a milestone. Its hardly a measurement. Some learn very little in their first 100, some learn a lot. I'd like to think I belong in the latter group. Each cache is more than a number, its an experience. Most of the time, I learn something. It might be small, it may be a huge idea, or point of view. I think that the more I find, the better I will get. Its already proving to be the case, finding previous DNFs after I found #100. I'm making improvements. I'm learning. I'm developing the hobby into what I want out of it. Which, in my case, is more than numbers. Its the experience.
New cachers will say "Wow, 100? Congrats!" Seasoned veterans will shake their heads. Doesn't matter, either way. I cache for my own satisfaction. Not to beat someone else, or hit some random number that doesn't prove a thing.
You don't measure your Geocaching success in numbers, but in your enjoyment of getting out and doing something you enjoy. Looking back on my past 106 finds, I'm very successful in my mind. And that's what matters most.
Thank you to all the COs that placed hides I have found. Special thanks to PJ, for putting on HOF picnic 4, and mentoring me a bit over the past couple months. Thanks to Erin, my first opportunity to follow a leader, and a great one at that. You taught me a lot. Most of all, June, aka Carolyn. I think my favorite hides, and some of the more memorable ones have been hers. A very prolific CO, but also one with an eye for detail, placing caches in places for a reason. To take you somewhere, to show you something interesting, to remind you time is short, and to put a balance in caching between getting numbers, gaining experience, and enjoying yourself. Thanks, all of you!
Here's to the next 100+! Cheers.
It was nice to save a local "landmark" of sorts to be 100. I pass by it every day I work. Actually, I remember finding each and every cache that happens to be on my route in to work. Some were easy, some were not. #100 I saved, just because it is huge an obvious. A "Steel Angel". Not a tough cache, though I'd had problems before, either with "muggles" or neighbors, or wasps, or something. But, its not like a did a happy dance after signing the log. I asked myself, what next?
Find more, of course. But recognize my limitations. No middle of the night caching. (I have poor day vision, let alone night vision.) Not go after numbers. After awhile, you get tunnel vision, competing with yourself over your own statistics. I wanted to better myself. So, I went after a few more nearby ones, then tackled some previous DNFs. One was a 3.5 terrain I missed. Got it. One was a 4.5 difficulty. Got that one, too. One I missed because I had no idea what I was looking for. Good camo! Got it. Tried for a few more, but had non cachers around GZ, so left them alone. 6 more in one day. I realize that caching is a learning experience. DNFs I logged barely a month ago, I now could find much easier. I wasn't as afraid to tackle a tough hill climb. I'm pushing my limits. A month ago, I would never think of trying a 4.5 difficulty, nor a 3.5 terrain. Now, I'm starting to push past my personal limits. This is what Geocaching is all about for me. Going places, seeing things, pushing my limits of thinking and limits of physical possibilities.
96 was another cache en route to work I wanted. 97 was a target of opportunity. 98 took me back to where I went to college, let me roam my former stomping grounds and see the changes. 99 was at my rival college campus in the same town. They do have a better view though, and I took some good shots from the hill. Then, on a whim, in the dark, I grabbed 100 on the way home.
I'll never really be satisfied by a number. 100 is just a milestone. Its hardly a measurement. Some learn very little in their first 100, some learn a lot. I'd like to think I belong in the latter group. Each cache is more than a number, its an experience. Most of the time, I learn something. It might be small, it may be a huge idea, or point of view. I think that the more I find, the better I will get. Its already proving to be the case, finding previous DNFs after I found #100. I'm making improvements. I'm learning. I'm developing the hobby into what I want out of it. Which, in my case, is more than numbers. Its the experience.
New cachers will say "Wow, 100? Congrats!" Seasoned veterans will shake their heads. Doesn't matter, either way. I cache for my own satisfaction. Not to beat someone else, or hit some random number that doesn't prove a thing.
You don't measure your Geocaching success in numbers, but in your enjoyment of getting out and doing something you enjoy. Looking back on my past 106 finds, I'm very successful in my mind. And that's what matters most.
Thank you to all the COs that placed hides I have found. Special thanks to PJ, for putting on HOF picnic 4, and mentoring me a bit over the past couple months. Thanks to Erin, my first opportunity to follow a leader, and a great one at that. You taught me a lot. Most of all, June, aka Carolyn. I think my favorite hides, and some of the more memorable ones have been hers. A very prolific CO, but also one with an eye for detail, placing caches in places for a reason. To take you somewhere, to show you something interesting, to remind you time is short, and to put a balance in caching between getting numbers, gaining experience, and enjoying yourself. Thanks, all of you!
Here's to the next 100+! Cheers.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Finding this thing called, "Balance" in Geocaching.
Next goal, balance.
There is something to be said for numbers. But you can't measure success by numbers alone. I could have 1000 finds, but if getting there didn't do anything for me, other than add to my tally, it isn't worth it. Some finds are just a number. They aren't hidden in any scenic spot, aren't a creative hide, and aren't really challenging. Not everything is going to be a hit. Not everything a CO hides is going to win tons of favorite points, and that's ok. Some are hidden just to be hidden.
Some caches though, are meant to be seen. Obviously, not the "container" itself. That defeats the purpose. But there are a lot of places I've found in the last week or so, that remind me that the game isn't about the numbers for me. Its nice to add a point to the tally. But what really makes it worthwhile for me, is sticking to my original ideas. Get out of the house. Get some exercise. See interesting things. I have to now, figure out a way to combine the above, with Geocaching. Enter Miller's Mills Bridge, and Mr. Science's cache "trail".
The cache trail, in Cooperstown NY, is a loop of caches designed by one person, in a science frame of mind. He is quite a character, and has a great sense of humor. But I started the cache trail, and haven't finished it yet. Why? I'm out of shape. I'm not overweight, in fact I'm probably just the opposite. I made it through half the trail and had to call it a day. Hiking is still a new experience for me. Even walking this far is new to me. Even though I haven't finished it, yet, it was a good test. Me, my trekking pole, and a test of myself. I was sore for 3 days after this. But the experience was worth the test of my limits. I now know where my limits are. And, I intend on breaking through those physical limits through finding caches. Finding a cache, at the end of a long hike, is like a reward. I get a lot of exercise, and at the end, a treasure (of sorts). I need to do more of these.
Millers Mills Bridge is the polar opposite of the cache trail. Its a park and grab nano cache. Easy to find. I had to drive a long ways from home to get there. But this type of cache isn't gone after for a workout, or just a number on a logsheet. The view from that little one lane bridge in the middle of nowhere, out over Unadilla Lake was worth the drive. This type of cache is placed to bring people to see something. Its not about the difficulty, the terrain, or the swag-swapping potential. Its all about the view. I could have just signed the log and went. But you just don't do that to places like this. So, this is about the other part of the balance I need. I will remember this cache, long after I've forgotten about the quick park and grabs in the middle of the night. This is part of the fun caching with a smartphone, that some traditonal GPSr users might forget about. Having a camera in my hands, capable of shooting great 5MP high res still shots, or even 1080i HD video makes visiting places like this much more fun.
Which brings me to yet another goal. (I have quite a few, now that I think about it as a mental "to-do" list.) I do want to get a GPSr. The main caveat with a smartphone is battery life, and not being rugged. Both of which have hindered my ability to trek to places. But that will come in time. My car has racked up so many miles since I started this adventure, and needs some serious attention. I can still cache with a smartphone, but I'm dead in the water without a car. So the monetary priority is transportation. Especially, since without a steady job, none of this would be possible, either. Driving 300 miles a week just for work is a lot. Add in all the places and miles I've gone on my adventures, and the poor girl is way past 140,000 right now, but still reliable. I just want to make sure (preventative maintenance, ya know) that she continues to stay that way. And maybe I can save a little bit to put down on a truck payment. Rachel may be able to get me quite a ways on good roads (and even up some truck trails and fields), but snow is not her playing field. And, I plan on continuing this adventure through the colder months.
I suppose that's all I have for now. I'll probably post back after I hit 100. I'm saving a special "nemesis" of sorts for that #100. I drive by it every day, and in my earlier days could not find it, and had abandoned searching out of frustration. It nagged me every time I would pass by, to work, from work, 5 times a week. Making it the #100 would be a sweet victory, and remind me everyday of what I have been capable of. A constant reminder, that my life is no longer a "work-home-sleep-work" rut. Its a hide near a very large, visible object, right by the road that you can't help but notice. If I can make that my 100, it will be much more than a number, but a victory that was many caches, many mistakes, and a lot of learning curve in the finding. And I see it almost every day. I can't think of anything more fitting. Worth much more than a number on a log, a souvenir coin, or even a photo can represent.
There is something to be said for numbers. But you can't measure success by numbers alone. I could have 1000 finds, but if getting there didn't do anything for me, other than add to my tally, it isn't worth it. Some finds are just a number. They aren't hidden in any scenic spot, aren't a creative hide, and aren't really challenging. Not everything is going to be a hit. Not everything a CO hides is going to win tons of favorite points, and that's ok. Some are hidden just to be hidden.
Some caches though, are meant to be seen. Obviously, not the "container" itself. That defeats the purpose. But there are a lot of places I've found in the last week or so, that remind me that the game isn't about the numbers for me. Its nice to add a point to the tally. But what really makes it worthwhile for me, is sticking to my original ideas. Get out of the house. Get some exercise. See interesting things. I have to now, figure out a way to combine the above, with Geocaching. Enter Miller's Mills Bridge, and Mr. Science's cache "trail".
The cache trail, in Cooperstown NY, is a loop of caches designed by one person, in a science frame of mind. He is quite a character, and has a great sense of humor. But I started the cache trail, and haven't finished it yet. Why? I'm out of shape. I'm not overweight, in fact I'm probably just the opposite. I made it through half the trail and had to call it a day. Hiking is still a new experience for me. Even walking this far is new to me. Even though I haven't finished it, yet, it was a good test. Me, my trekking pole, and a test of myself. I was sore for 3 days after this. But the experience was worth the test of my limits. I now know where my limits are. And, I intend on breaking through those physical limits through finding caches. Finding a cache, at the end of a long hike, is like a reward. I get a lot of exercise, and at the end, a treasure (of sorts). I need to do more of these.
Millers Mills Bridge is the polar opposite of the cache trail. Its a park and grab nano cache. Easy to find. I had to drive a long ways from home to get there. But this type of cache isn't gone after for a workout, or just a number on a logsheet. The view from that little one lane bridge in the middle of nowhere, out over Unadilla Lake was worth the drive. This type of cache is placed to bring people to see something. Its not about the difficulty, the terrain, or the swag-swapping potential. Its all about the view. I could have just signed the log and went. But you just don't do that to places like this. So, this is about the other part of the balance I need. I will remember this cache, long after I've forgotten about the quick park and grabs in the middle of the night. This is part of the fun caching with a smartphone, that some traditonal GPSr users might forget about. Having a camera in my hands, capable of shooting great 5MP high res still shots, or even 1080i HD video makes visiting places like this much more fun.
Which brings me to yet another goal. (I have quite a few, now that I think about it as a mental "to-do" list.) I do want to get a GPSr. The main caveat with a smartphone is battery life, and not being rugged. Both of which have hindered my ability to trek to places. But that will come in time. My car has racked up so many miles since I started this adventure, and needs some serious attention. I can still cache with a smartphone, but I'm dead in the water without a car. So the monetary priority is transportation. Especially, since without a steady job, none of this would be possible, either. Driving 300 miles a week just for work is a lot. Add in all the places and miles I've gone on my adventures, and the poor girl is way past 140,000 right now, but still reliable. I just want to make sure (preventative maintenance, ya know) that she continues to stay that way. And maybe I can save a little bit to put down on a truck payment. Rachel may be able to get me quite a ways on good roads (and even up some truck trails and fields), but snow is not her playing field. And, I plan on continuing this adventure through the colder months.
I suppose that's all I have for now. I'll probably post back after I hit 100. I'm saving a special "nemesis" of sorts for that #100. I drive by it every day, and in my earlier days could not find it, and had abandoned searching out of frustration. It nagged me every time I would pass by, to work, from work, 5 times a week. Making it the #100 would be a sweet victory, and remind me everyday of what I have been capable of. A constant reminder, that my life is no longer a "work-home-sleep-work" rut. Its a hide near a very large, visible object, right by the road that you can't help but notice. If I can make that my 100, it will be much more than a number, but a victory that was many caches, many mistakes, and a lot of learning curve in the finding. And I see it almost every day. I can't think of anything more fitting. Worth much more than a number on a log, a souvenir coin, or even a photo can represent.
Splinterheads, and my first tour guide...
If Geocaching interests you, and like movies, check out Splinterheads.
I stumbled upon the movie. Nestled somewhere in the sidebar of the tube, showing recommended other videos, was a bit from it, showing Galaxy (the female lead) explaining Geocaching to the shows main character, Justin.
Ok, so the movie isn't the best thing out there, everyone has their opinions. But I like it. I can relate to it. I like movies where I can relate to a main character. If you want to, look it up Splinterheads-IMDB. Justin is a guy, who works at a job he hates, feels compelled to stay home and take care of his mother after the death of his father, and is in a life-rut. Sounds familiar.
Now, I don't have a regular caching partner, unless you count my 4 wheeled one, which of course I would really be stuck without. But I did meet a fellow local cacher, who was wiling to take me along with her, her husband, and 2 kids, and play tour guide for a day. I learned a lot by watching someone else lead for a change. Now, Erin had a lot more finds, and only had started a couple weeks before me. I suppose having 4 pairs of eyes makes it easier to find things than 1? But her experience, just in how she knew right where to go, what to look for was evident right away. When you've found that many, you can recall earlier finds, and tell yourself "ah ha, I've seen something like this before!"
After parting ways that day, and having 8 more finds to my tally, I started to understand this Geocaching thing much better. I wouldn't change taking the hard road in the beginning for anything. That earned knowledge was worth it. But having a mentor, and guide sure does help augment what you were already learning. That day out was a game changer. Mostly for the better. I was even more enthusiastic. Maybe a bit too much. I wanted numbers. I wanted my "finds" to skyrocket. Which, they did. I found more, went after more, took more chances to get the numbers. But looking back now, I sorta lost sight of some of the finer points, like appreciating the surroundings, the views. I started staying out into the night to find them, robbing myself of seeing my surroundings. I am not blaming Erin, not at all, and I wouldn't go back and change a thing. I just had to change the game into what I wanted it. I had to decide what it was I needed. I needed a goal.
I met my first goal quickly. Average 1 find a day. I met my second. Go after tougher challenges and quit going after every park and grab. Then hit 100 finds. Place some of my own caches. Once I've accomplished those, I figured out my own direction to go after this. Balance.
I stumbled upon the movie. Nestled somewhere in the sidebar of the tube, showing recommended other videos, was a bit from it, showing Galaxy (the female lead) explaining Geocaching to the shows main character, Justin.
Ok, so the movie isn't the best thing out there, everyone has their opinions. But I like it. I can relate to it. I like movies where I can relate to a main character. If you want to, look it up Splinterheads-IMDB. Justin is a guy, who works at a job he hates, feels compelled to stay home and take care of his mother after the death of his father, and is in a life-rut. Sounds familiar.
Now, I don't have a regular caching partner, unless you count my 4 wheeled one, which of course I would really be stuck without. But I did meet a fellow local cacher, who was wiling to take me along with her, her husband, and 2 kids, and play tour guide for a day. I learned a lot by watching someone else lead for a change. Now, Erin had a lot more finds, and only had started a couple weeks before me. I suppose having 4 pairs of eyes makes it easier to find things than 1? But her experience, just in how she knew right where to go, what to look for was evident right away. When you've found that many, you can recall earlier finds, and tell yourself "ah ha, I've seen something like this before!"
After parting ways that day, and having 8 more finds to my tally, I started to understand this Geocaching thing much better. I wouldn't change taking the hard road in the beginning for anything. That earned knowledge was worth it. But having a mentor, and guide sure does help augment what you were already learning. That day out was a game changer. Mostly for the better. I was even more enthusiastic. Maybe a bit too much. I wanted numbers. I wanted my "finds" to skyrocket. Which, they did. I found more, went after more, took more chances to get the numbers. But looking back now, I sorta lost sight of some of the finer points, like appreciating the surroundings, the views. I started staying out into the night to find them, robbing myself of seeing my surroundings. I am not blaming Erin, not at all, and I wouldn't go back and change a thing. I just had to change the game into what I wanted it. I had to decide what it was I needed. I needed a goal.
I met my first goal quickly. Average 1 find a day. I met my second. Go after tougher challenges and quit going after every park and grab. Then hit 100 finds. Place some of my own caches. Once I've accomplished those, I figured out my own direction to go after this. Balance.
My earlier finds, and learning how to be a Geocacher...
Your number of finds isn't about some random number goal, but the experiences getting there.
As I write this, I currently sit at 95 finds. I should (can easily) have 100 by today's end, maybe tomorrow, I'm not sure yet. But its been an interesting journey.
I found #1 two days after my 33rd birthday and signing on for this adventure. I had to do a little research, and figure out just what it was I would be looking for. After searching the tube for awhile, I had seen everything from trail etiquette, beginner advice, a bunch of random idiots showing off for the camera, Jeeps driving through snow, people diving in lakes, and climbing mountains. I honestly don't think I had any better idea what I was really getting myself into.
Turns out, the first one was easy. Well, I say that now, but at the time, it seemed impossible to find. Of course, when you've never seen an example of a cache, you end up looking for awhile for something, anything, that seems out of place. Which reminds me, I still need to take a picture by that bridge.
At nearly 100 finds, I've come across so many things, and ideas, hiding places, and containers, that you realize that there is no such thing as a "typical" cache. (Sans the magnetic key holder hides, I suppose. But even they can be placed in ways never intended.)
I got frustrated early on. Its not easy taking on a whole new hobby without a guide, or a mentor, or someone to follow. You end up figuring thing out, but taking the tough, long road to get there. But, thinking back now, I may be better off for it. Sure it took me longer to find some than people would imagine. But its like learning to fix a car without the manual, but learning what everything does, how it works, why things work, and how to take it apart and put it back together, without someone showing you how. Just telling people to do something doesn't always help. Sometimes, they have to learn it all from scratch to make that connection in their brain from point A to B.
There were times I would come home, completely frustrated. Why couldn't I find it? What was I doing wrong? I had to learn by trial and error. And, a lot of error. But if you make mistakes, and learn from them, very often, that process leads to better results down the road, than if you find yourself on the easy path all the time. Someday, it wont be so easy.
As I write this, I currently sit at 95 finds. I should (can easily) have 100 by today's end, maybe tomorrow, I'm not sure yet. But its been an interesting journey.
I found #1 two days after my 33rd birthday and signing on for this adventure. I had to do a little research, and figure out just what it was I would be looking for. After searching the tube for awhile, I had seen everything from trail etiquette, beginner advice, a bunch of random idiots showing off for the camera, Jeeps driving through snow, people diving in lakes, and climbing mountains. I honestly don't think I had any better idea what I was really getting myself into.
Turns out, the first one was easy. Well, I say that now, but at the time, it seemed impossible to find. Of course, when you've never seen an example of a cache, you end up looking for awhile for something, anything, that seems out of place. Which reminds me, I still need to take a picture by that bridge.
At nearly 100 finds, I've come across so many things, and ideas, hiding places, and containers, that you realize that there is no such thing as a "typical" cache. (Sans the magnetic key holder hides, I suppose. But even they can be placed in ways never intended.)
I got frustrated early on. Its not easy taking on a whole new hobby without a guide, or a mentor, or someone to follow. You end up figuring thing out, but taking the tough, long road to get there. But, thinking back now, I may be better off for it. Sure it took me longer to find some than people would imagine. But its like learning to fix a car without the manual, but learning what everything does, how it works, why things work, and how to take it apart and put it back together, without someone showing you how. Just telling people to do something doesn't always help. Sometimes, they have to learn it all from scratch to make that connection in their brain from point A to B.
There were times I would come home, completely frustrated. Why couldn't I find it? What was I doing wrong? I had to learn by trial and error. And, a lot of error. But if you make mistakes, and learn from them, very often, that process leads to better results down the road, than if you find yourself on the easy path all the time. Someday, it wont be so easy.
Like any good story teller, you begin at the beginning, right?
"What is Geocaching?"
I wondered, looking through apps for my new Motorola Atrix smartphone. This was my second smartphone, and its less phone, and more handheld computer at this point. But, ever since my last phone, I've had this fascination with GPS technology. All these satellites hovering around us in space, being able to help us find where we are, at almost any given point. I had bought this phone as a birthday present. Being 33, and needing a better smartphone, this was a great choice. I had downloaded several free apps, and was looking at what other possibilities were out there for this phone to take advantage of.
I was looking through GPS apps to download from the market, and saw this term, "Geocaching", mentioned several times through these apps. I hadn't, at 33, even with my fascination with GPS, ever heard the term used before. So, like any other curious person, I looked it up.
I had been a scout in my younger years, though never making it to the coveted Eagle Scout. I loved driving around, seeing interesting sights, and just as a way to mentally escape the work-home-sleep-work monotony that my usual routine sticks me into. I was interested in GPS, and how I could use it in a practical sense. This "Geocaching" thing sounded like fun. So I joined the main site, Geocaching.com, and wondered about a handle. I was sitting here, on my couch, on my 33rd birthday, doing absolutely nothing with my day off, wondering how to get out of the life-rut I've been in for way too long. I guess "33Foward" just seemed too logical a choice to think of anything else, plus I suppose it always would give me a good story to tell others "how it all began". And if you're reading this, now you know.
I wondered, looking through apps for my new Motorola Atrix smartphone. This was my second smartphone, and its less phone, and more handheld computer at this point. But, ever since my last phone, I've had this fascination with GPS technology. All these satellites hovering around us in space, being able to help us find where we are, at almost any given point. I had bought this phone as a birthday present. Being 33, and needing a better smartphone, this was a great choice. I had downloaded several free apps, and was looking at what other possibilities were out there for this phone to take advantage of.
I was looking through GPS apps to download from the market, and saw this term, "Geocaching", mentioned several times through these apps. I hadn't, at 33, even with my fascination with GPS, ever heard the term used before. So, like any other curious person, I looked it up.
I had been a scout in my younger years, though never making it to the coveted Eagle Scout. I loved driving around, seeing interesting sights, and just as a way to mentally escape the work-home-sleep-work monotony that my usual routine sticks me into. I was interested in GPS, and how I could use it in a practical sense. This "Geocaching" thing sounded like fun. So I joined the main site, Geocaching.com, and wondered about a handle. I was sitting here, on my couch, on my 33rd birthday, doing absolutely nothing with my day off, wondering how to get out of the life-rut I've been in for way too long. I guess "33Foward" just seemed too logical a choice to think of anything else, plus I suppose it always would give me a good story to tell others "how it all began". And if you're reading this, now you know.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)