Midwest Geobash 2015: Superheroes I

My internet is now intact so I can finally share our latest adventure with you!

Midwest Geobash 2015 GC5D6Dk

Ah, the annual pilgrimage of most of southeastern Michigan's geocachers down to cornfields in mid-Ohio! July 23-26 found TaCat plus 1500+ of our closest friends at the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Wauseon, OH. Have you ever been to a MEGA?  This was our fourth Midwest Geobash with the family (Team Free Range Lobsters) and it was an absolute hoot!

DAY 1 - The journey and the night cache

Last year it took us 11 hours to drive 77 miles.... we journeyed to Geobash via Indiana, but this year we had to take a more leisurely pace with TaGeez recovering from surgery.  On our journey down, we enjoyed a peaceful ride along the Maumee River.  There just happened to be 5 Virtuals along that route.  Coincidence? I don't think so!

scrapcat and TaGeez at the Roche de Boeuf GC9D31
You can tell from scrapcat the weekend was a high humidity nightmare

Stop number one was fascinating! The Roche de Boeuf is a big limestone outcrop which forms an island near the center of the Maumee River.  It was the location for councils for the Miami, Shawnee and Lenape Indians.  "It was used as one of the supports for the now abandoned interurban bridge... was the largest bridge that was filled with earth and reinforced by concrete."  According to the historical marker, "About one third of the rock was destroyed when the railroad bridge was built causing great controversy."

Now it stands in ruins.  Beautiful, isn't it?

Roche De Boefu was also the starting point for the
Drive-By "Grizz Tour" GC9F32

After enjoying multiple Virtual caches (most stops of the Virtual "Grizz Tour" were virtuals caches themselves), several cemetery caches, the lovely town of Grand Rapids and an enjoyable lunch at Mom's Diner in Archbold, we finally made it to Wauseon for the weekend!  Boy, the humidity was oppressive!

Caching Fire is ready for GEOBASH! 

The theme of the weekend was "Superheroes" and we really got into the spirit while setting up camp! 3inaTree won Honorable Mention in the campsite decorating contest again!

Oh, this can't be good!

Congrats to 3inaTree for winning Honorable Mention in the
campsite decorating contest for their superhero clothesline

After an enjoyable dinner cooked by TaGeez (hmmmm... brats), we set off for the group cache Justice League of America GC5X1CJ.  I put out a call for as many cachers to join us because minimally 20 had to log onto a special site online to get instructions for the find. There must've been hundreds who showed! And many sporting their superhero capes!  We nailed it. And then afterwards we were off for the night cache.

If you invite them, they will come.
Justice League of America GC5Z1CJ

BSW told me it was too early to night cache, but we had read this year's cache was a killer and we needed every advantage we could get.  We've been in those woods - daylight doesn't penetrate once you enter that tree line!

The Dark kNIGHT GC5ZDBZ Is a D/T 4/5 cache.  The terrain rating was for the knee-deep water, downed trees, swamp, poison ivy and nettle patches.  The difficulty rating was for the mosquito population (no kidding! I wore a head net!) and the red herrings -- there were three sets of trail markers.  You had to pick the right color to follow or start all over again.  Several friends later reported they bushwhacked the length of the woods and forged a swamp only to see the dreaded "frowny face" and having to start all over again.

TaGeez was exhausted from the day's adventures so he stayed back at the campsite.  I tackled this monster with Mr. and Mrs. Ratspazum and Mr. HookedOnYou.  On the down side, we were one of the first groups to do it so there were no geo-trails to help us out.  On the plus side, I was engulfed in mosquitoes in my entirety.  I looked like PigPen on Charlie Brown.  And when I'm attacked, I become really, really focused. 

Ratspazum, Mr HookedOnYou and screpcat after completing
the treacherous The Dark kNIGHT cache GC5ZDBZ

With Mr. R. close at my heels, I barreled through thorns, hopped logs, and waded through swamp in a bee-line to the cache, shouting directions and swear words behind me.  It's amazing we found the smiley face on the log and the cache with our first attempt.  The moment I spotted it I shouted out to the others and then headed for the treeline, leaving skeeters in my wake. Brutal but another square on the Fizzy filled!

DAY 2 - Poker Run

Even though we had hours before the Poker Run, TaGeez and I are in the habit of awaking early.  Being the coolest part of the day we took the opportunity to complete the 10 LAB caches that were released the night before and then do some early morning caching.

The Hulk cache was the best one on the grounds! The green container fits snugly into the bird feeder and only appears when you push the smiley face.  I heard Mrs. Ratspazum jumped because they experienced it at night and the flashing lights were more visible. We enjoyed bringing the family back here later to experience it.

Best cache of the weekend! Incredible Hulk GC5XTQN

So, I mentioned the LAB caches.  10 more to add to our totals!  For months we've been watching the cache pages and forums to see if there would be LAB caches this year - nothing.  Then Thursday night the announcement came out that the LAB caches were released!

10 new LAB caches were released Thursday night
TaGeez and I were #17 & #18 of 903 completions

Five LAB caches (Superheroes) were onsite puzzles that TaGeez & I enjoyed the night before while the others were at Area 51.  The remaining ones (Villains) were on Wanted posters throughout the fairgrounds. The family really enjoyed those!

WikidKriket gathering clues for the LAB caches

Friday of 'Bash is always Poker Run.  You take your Poker Card and visit 7 local establishments for bar-coded stickers.  Upon returning to the grounds, you turn them in to be scanned.  The top and bottom hands win GPRs units - mine came in at #29 this year!

We had a hoot on the Run with Ratspazum and the family.  The stops included the Brown Bag (we revisited this specialty food shoppe the next day), a winery, an Antique store, a general store with ice cream (built before the Civil War), and the Historical Museum.  Conveniently, one of our stops was right near Mom's Diner again so we had to stop. Yum!

Family antics during the Poker Run
We may've scared away Ratspazum for next year!

Back to Spangler Arena to see our cards scanned, do a little vendor shopping, and hang out with the family. SnakeyLicks and his friend did well at the geocoin poker game held by Team Maltese. And TaGeez ran across the Groundspeak Lackey, Bri (Sassy Bandit), who gave out free trackables - score!

Here's MY superhero!

After dinner made by 3inaTree, the family decided it was cool enough to walk the fairgrounds and grab some of the local caches.  It was peaceful, and we enjoyed the banter and horseplay.  Reality had no place here.

Sunset over the campground

Lovely sunset near the Gerald Grain Center.

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Return tomorrow to see if our heroes survived the weekend!

Did they escape Joker's net?

Did they event Loki's army?

Did they ever get relief from the humidity and bugs?

Same bat time.... same bat channel.

GSAK Update and Tricks

Pretty cool.

I just updated my GSAK to version 8.5.0.0.  I was a little nervous at first because, after launching, the home screen froze and never opened.  However, a quick reboot fixed the problem.  All my caches, databases, and settings were in place.

Typical nerd – I read the release notes.  Unlike a typical nerd – I only understood half of it. I did find it interesting that it offered (limited) LAB cache support.  With that in mind, I decided to sit down and manually enter my LAB caches in my FOUND database.  Yellowjeeperman said the LAB icon has been available for awhile now, but I felt motivated.

I learned two really neat tricks when manually entering a cache (Menu Waypoint > Add):

After entering your first one, click the Waypoint > Add button again.  There is an option to Clone/Copy the waypoint you have highlighted in your grid.  After clicking that option, tweak your new entry and click OK.  I was able to enter the MWGB LAB caches quickly.

Also, there’s a field called Owner ID to fill in.  Each person who creates an account on geocaching.com is assigned an ID number.  In GSAK, it’s used when running macros so it’s very important to make sure you populate this accurately.  You can get this information two ways (that I know of). 

• In GSAK, find another geocache hidden by that same Geocacher.  Right-click on the record and select Edit.  You will see the Owner ID populated midway down the screen.

• If there isn’t another geocache in your database hidden by that same user, go to geocaching.com.  Find their Public Profile and click on See the Forum Posts for This User link.   You will navigate to the Forum. Now, look at the URL at the top of your browser.  The last digits in the URL address is the cacher’s User ID.

Pretty nifty, right?

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NOTE: I'm not affiliated with GSAK - just a very enthusiastic user.

Team FRL - Almost Famous Again!

Coolest surprise!

I received a text from Team Gates that I was “totally in the latest VLogger video”.  How fabulous is that?

Josh's son, Josh, Caching Fire, and DarrylW4

I went online and found Josh’s (the Geocaching VLogger) video for MWGB Lab Caches and there we were! All the attending members of Team Free Range Lobsters (myself holding Caching Fire, TaGeez, WikidKriket, SnakeyLicks and 3intheTree) milling around in the background.

Sorry for the lousy pictures – these were screenshots from the video. Check it out!  I love Josh’s enthusiasm!

I HEART Geocaching! TaGeez's Experience

I really, really love this LAB experiment!  I don't know what was more fun - completing mine or watching TaGeez find his?!! One of the biggest complaints I hear is that LAB caches are "one and done" - and that's OK because you can create such a fun, personal adventure without restrictions!

On Sunday, I sent TaGeez his "Game of Love" LAB cache URL in a pre-Valentine's email.  His mission:

As you keep telling everyone, Geocaching.com is the best dating site! So it's fitting that to find your Valentine's Day gift I'm going to make you hunt for it.  This is part scavenger hunt, part Multi, and a puzzle about us. And it's all fun and filled with love!

At the posted coordinates, find the Geocaching Treasure Chest (you may have to lift the cat).  Inside, you will find an object with your name on it.  Follow instructions on the cover.  This will lead you to a puzzle and then your prize on Valentine's Day.

Have fun and know that, as in life, I'm with you all the way!

So, while I was at work,  TaGeez found Stage 1:

On Thursday night (which was supposed to be family sauna night - but, instead, he surprised me with MY LAB cache - see my prior post), TaGeez opened his Valentine's Day card.  Inside, he found his personal search-a-word puzzle.  53-words describing us! I've been working on it since the LAB announcements were made.

TaGeez's Game of Love LAB Puzzle

That was a lot of fun to make.  It was so hard restricting it down to 53 words!

Ginger helping TaGeez with the solve

When all words were found, the remaining message read "East LPC at your car wash".  His VD gift was right outside work!  I believe I had just as much fun hiding it as he did finding it.

I had contacted his son, Sean, ahead of time asking his assistance in hiding this cache/present nearby.  When I pulled in, Sean asked me how I was going to do it - the LPC was now buried in a HUGE snowbank and completely circled by a snow hill!  When I approached it from the parking lot, the snowbank was chest high and many feet deep.  No problem! I coudn't be deterred (smirk).   

It took some time, but I found a way around the snow "hill" (having to walk all the way back to the street).  I told Sean I'd be right back and started trekking around the piles of snow and then flanking the site by crossing a field, back towards the LPC.  Oh my!  An untenanted field!  No snow removal! I had only taken a few steps (in my work clothes) when I sunk knee-deep.  Now, I'm not very tall so having to create a geo-trail in such deep snow as exhausting! Oh my!  At several points the snow had rolled back into the freshly-made hole and my legs were trapped, with me balancing precariously above it. Sean, on the other side of the mounds, was laughing with great amusement.

This image is very misleading - I had to unbury the skirt
and the right side is a HUGE snow bank!
Look how deep my footprints are!

Sean asked if he should get out a shovel to create a direct path to the LPC for his Dad.  I told him not to bother.  I've seen TaGeez cache in this weather!  I had no doubt he would just go over the snow mound. Which he did the next day!  

After hiding the cache and heading home, with pant legs frozen and shoes soaked, I walked into the kitchen to find TaGeez making dinner.  He didn't ask about the state of my dress clothes - he just raised an eyebrow. If he only knew, right?

Inside the skirt TaGeez found a gaily-wrapped present, a Fisher Space pen, and the final clue to his Find Code. The question asked: What word, describing us, is missing from the crossword? You use it all the time.

And he does.  Whenever we find a small log during our daily cache run, TaGeez will sign the log TACAT (TaGeez + scrapcat).  I had the pleasure, hours later after I tossed him a PBN, of watching his face as inspiration hit and the Find Code finally hit him!  He spent the rest of the night chuckling and kicking himself!

This was a great adventure!  Happy Valentine's Day, Sweetie!

I HEART Geocaching! Scrapcat's Experience

Talk about having a bad, bad day yesterday. Things were crazy, busy at work with a new system's release next week.  I was feeling overwhelmed, tired, and hungry.  And, to top it off, it's Thursday.  Thursdays are family sauna night at TaGeez's house, and I wouldn't be seeing him this time.

As I was wrapping up for the night, TaGeez messaged me and asked if I had seen his email about my LAB cache called Loves Long Embrace.  Yes!  Bright spot!  I told him my plans were to enjoy my LAB cache (created by him), grab a bite to eat, and then accomplish nothing else tonight.  He was so sweet about it.  "Let me know when you found Stage 1."

Stage 1?  Oh, forgot.  He said a Multi.  I'm a little tired, but my mood was definitely in an upswing.  I clicked the URL on the email (for obvious reasons I'm not sharing my Valentine's Day email here) and off I went.

Pretty cool!  Did you know that you can click on the Download GPX link? It uploaded into my GeoSphere.  Ok, where are we going?  Home.  Yes, that's my house.  And looking at the clue on the webpage description, I know exactly where to go.  TaGeez and I have birthdays just 2 days apart, and he bought us a joint birthday gift this year, which was currently residing in my garage.  I smiled all the way home!

Stage 1 of my LAB cache

 Opening the garage, light spilled onto the box and this little fellow!  How long have you been waiting in there, little fellow?  And he came bearing gifts.... and coordinates!

My new co-pilot

Plugging the coordinates into GeoSphere, me and my new co-pilot were off!  Hey, I recognize that area!  I messaged my sister and told her I felt compelled to stop in for a visit!  I admit it - I was grinning and glowing the whole way!

When I arrived, she was waiting at the door.  "What are you doing here?"  She was projecting a halo of innocence.. that should've been a clue!  WikidKriket innocent? BAH! Directing me to the breezeway, she suggested I search high and low.

Isn't this sweet?  TaGeez, the bear, giving scrapcat a Bear Hug.  Yes, Bear Hug was my Find Code. 

TaGeez, the bear, giving "Bear Hugs" to scrapcat

 I squeaked! I squealed!  I hugged them and ran to my sister. I hugged her. 

I started to gush about my Sweetie and share my LAB plans for him when.... you guessed it!  My brother-in-law ran down the hall and tried to give me a noogie.  It was as thrilling as it sounded.

As I finally escaped his clutches, standing behind him all sweet and smiling, was my Love, my TaGeez.  He had hidden his car and had been waiting with them for hours until I arrived.  The final "stage" of my Multi was an early Valentine's Day double-date dinner with WikidKriket and SnakeyLicks at the Black Lotus Brewery in Clawson!

Valentine's Sweeties!

 The food was fabulous, the company was fun, and the night was magical.  I believe this is exactly what Groundspeak had hoped for when rolling out these LAB experiments!

SnakeyLicks, WikidKriket, scrapcat and TaGeez

I had an awesome adventure with those I love and laugh with.  And, I completed my LAB Cache.

Thank you, Sweetie, for another wonderful year of love.  Thank you, WikidKriket and SnakeyLicks, for sharing in the adventure!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

LAB Caches: Easy as 1-2-3!

Ok, I wanted to give an update for anyone who had questions about the I Y Geocaching LAB experiment that Groundspeak is running through February.  I was a little wary as there were so few instructions, but I created mine and it was a piece of cake!  I think there were so few instructions because it IS so easy!

Before you begin, here is some peace of mind: You do not have to do it all in one sitting.  You can create it and return later to complete or edit it.

Here you go:

• Click the link.
• Watch the cute video for inspiration.
• Click the Get Started button
• It’ll open a new window which is a template for your LAB cache – it is very simple to follow the instructions.  (Note, if you have already Saved a LAB cache, there is where you can go back and edit it.  You want to edit it before you send your friend their LAB URL).
• Your first step is to Select a Theme.  Check the radio button next to the appropriate theme.

• Next, name your LAB cache.  You have up to 50 characters.

From this point forward, I cannot share screenshots as I’ve already created my LAB cache, and I don’t want to spoil it for TaGeez.

• You can add an Optional Lab Cache Location.  You can use your current location or add coordinates. 
• The next box is the Lab Cache Description.  You have a 1000 characters “to use this space to customize the experience and lead the player to the find code. Tell a story, write a riddle, offer clues -- whatever you want.”  Basically, what do you want the recipient to do?  Find a cache?  Go on an adventure? 
• The next box is the Find Code.  After they have completed the mission (or found a cache, etc), the recipient will need to enter a code online to get credit for completing their LAB cache.  To get this code, you could write it on the cache or it can be the name of the mission’s location or the answer to a puzzle.  You have 10 characters.
• The final field is the Award Message.  After the recipient enters the code, this message will appear on the screen.
• Click the Save button.

After you click the Save button, you will be taken to a screen that displays the URL you will send the recipient so they can access this cache.  On this page, you also have the ability to “test” the experience so you can see what they will see when they click the link.   If any edits needs to be made, scroll down on the page, make your edits and click Save again.  When all is to your satisfaction, send the URL to the recipient so they can go forth and adventure. 

Make sure if you are going to test the LAB cache that you are in Test Mode.  If you use the recipient’s URL and use the live site, you could possibly “complete” the LAB cache, and it will be unusable by the recipient.

There are several other interesting items to note:

• Currently, the LAB caches do not count towards your statistics in the traditional sense.  This is supposed to change.
• When the recipient completes the LAB cache, a special icon will appear in their stats.  However, at this time, a special icon doesn’t appear under the originator’s “hide” stats.
• You have until the end of February to complete this.

I created mine for TaGeez.  It’s a cross between a scavenger hunt, a Multi and a puzzle.  As this is an experiment, I didn’t want to make it too difficult, but I really think he’s going to enjoy his little adventure.  After he completes his, I’ll share the details with you.

So, are you excited?  Get out there and get started!

LAB CACHES ARE LIVE!

Unlike some of my grumpier counterparts, I’m very excited about I Y Geocaching and the LAB Caches.

According to Groundspeak’s website:

Geocaching Labs is beta testing a new way to show some love through geocaching. Premium Members can create a customized, temporary Lab Cache for one special person. Since this is a test of a potential new feature, we'd love to hear your feedback while sitting back and admiring your creativity.

It’s February.  We have cabin fever.  This is something new.  You get a cool icon.  There’s so many fun ways you can go about it. What’s not to love?  I’ve been noodling mine for weeks – can’t give anything away as TaGeez reads this blog, but I have a plan.  And it’s a good one!

One thing I was unsure of…… I couldn’t find any information on the website, the blog, the FAQ… was “Once I start creating my page, can I go back and edit it or do I only have one shot to get it right?”   I was worried because of the warnings on the FAQ page.  They warn that this is a single-use cache (and all that entails).  I didn’t want to click the button and screw this up.

Luckily, another cacher on Facebook already completed one.  He said you can go back and edit it as long as you don’t share the link until it’s ready.  So I did it.  I pushed the button, and I liked what I saw.

This is only a portion of the page, but it’s very clean and easy to understand.  Once I saw it, I knew exactly how I was going to execute this.  I hope you give it a try, too.

Do you have more questions?  Check out the FAQ on Groundspeak’s blog.

I (Heart) Geocaching Experiment

I'm so geeked! It's on all the podcasts! Geocaching.com is making personal LAB caches available in February! The "I (Heart) Geocaching" experiment is available to all Premium members next month.

The Geocaching Vlogger explained it best on YouTube.

You get a smiley AND a special icon! 

TaGeez and I are going to do something for each other so we each get the icon under Hides and Finds! Now to think of something special.....