I am thinking about putting out one or two hybrid boxes. I noticed
my letterboxes are only getting a small fraction of visitors that
nearby geocaches are getting. I was wondering how others felt about
the hybrid concept.
Thanks,
Jim D.
Geocache hybrids?
17 messages in this thread |
Started on 2003-03-23
Geocache hybrids?
From: James Dillon (n0kwa@bellsouth.net) |
Date: 2003-03-23 02:48:22 UTC
Re: Geocache hybrids?
From: lizardbuttsfamily (mmebt@hotmail.com) |
Date: 2003-03-23 03:04:29 UTC
Do what you want to do!
Do not let this board DICTATE.
Monica
"James Dillon" wrote:
> I am thinking about putting out one or two hybrid boxes. I
noticed
> my letterboxes are only getting a small fraction of visitors that
> nearby geocaches are getting. I was wondering how others felt
about
> the hybrid concept.
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
> Jim D.
Do not let this board DICTATE.
Monica
"James Dillon"
> I am thinking about putting out one or two hybrid boxes. I
noticed
> my letterboxes are only getting a small fraction of visitors that
> nearby geocaches are getting. I was wondering how others felt
about
> the hybrid concept.
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
> Jim D.
Re: Geocache hybrids?
From: rscarpen (RiskyNil@hotmail.com) |
Date: 2003-03-23 05:59:51 UTC
> I noticed my letterboxes are only getting a small fraction of
> visitors that nearby geocaches are getting. I was wondering how
> others felt about the hybrid concept.
There are some very vocal opponents to hybrids. They think the stuff
in a geocache is junk. They don't like how large geocaches are. And
there have been issues with the stamp missing due to geocachers
thinking it was an object available for exchanging. For the most
part, geocachers and letterboxers do not mix. Heaven forbid if
there's ever an event where both geocachers and letterboxers are
invited. The national guard might need to be called to quell the
ensuing riots!
There are exceptions of course, and a few people actually enjoy both
activities and like hybrids. But you NEVER hear anyone complaining
that there aren't enough hybrids! Consequently, as the path of least
resistance, I'd recommend not hiding hybrids. Everyone is happy.
There are two reasons hybrid hiders seem to focus on for hiding
hybrids: 1) Their letterboxes aren't getting much action so they want
to draw in more people by making it a geocache too, or 2) they're
trying to "convert" geocachers into letterboxers.
For point #1, if all you really want are visitors to write notes in
the logbook saying how wonderful the box is, just hide a geocache.
They probably outnumber letterboxers a hundred to one and you'll get
plenty of action that way.
For point #2, I have yet to hear of anyone truely "switching sides".
I have a theory about that if you're really interested. (If not,
skip the rest of this paragraph!) When people start letterboxing or
geocaching, they start to make friends. They start to swap war
stories of such-and-such box or such-and-such person. They become
used to that hobby's website and layout. Then, one day, they learn
about this "other" (but related) hobby and get curious. Maybe they
even look for a box by the "other side". But they don't know
anyone. They have no connections. They're in unfamiliar territory,
and ultimately they "go back" to their comfort zone.
But what if you're really dieing to create a hybrid--you love
letterboxing and don't want to give THAT up, but you still want lots
of visitors and/or to convince geocachers to hunt down letterboxes.
You can STILL DO THAT without creating a hybrid! Yes, that's right!
The best of both worlds!
Usually I charge $10/person for this advice, but because I like you
folks, I'll tell you my secret for free. That's right, folks, FREE!
No strings attached! =)
How do you get the best of both worlds? Simple: When you go to hide
a letterbox, put a geocache in a nearby place. Perhaps behind the
next tree. Or under a different rock. Somewhere nearby. Then, when
you go to check up on your letterbox and see nobody has visited it,
you can walk ten feet to the geocache and see the dozens of visitors
saying how wonderful your geocache is!
And if you want to try to "convert" a geocacher (although I'm
absolutely convinced it's a losing battle), include the clue for the
letterbox in your geocache! Those that might be interested can then
look for the letterbox, and those who aren't won't. The best of both
worlds!
Likewise, if you want to try to "convert" a letterboxer into a
geocacher, you can include the GPS coordinates for your geocache in
your letterbox.
In any case, keeping the two concepts seperate by putting them in two
different boxes--even if they're within peeing distance of each other-
-keeps everyone happy and still accomplishes all your goals. Case
closed. =)
-- Ryan
> visitors that nearby geocaches are getting. I was wondering how
> others felt about the hybrid concept.
There are some very vocal opponents to hybrids. They think the stuff
in a geocache is junk. They don't like how large geocaches are. And
there have been issues with the stamp missing due to geocachers
thinking it was an object available for exchanging. For the most
part, geocachers and letterboxers do not mix. Heaven forbid if
there's ever an event where both geocachers and letterboxers are
invited. The national guard might need to be called to quell the
ensuing riots!
There are exceptions of course, and a few people actually enjoy both
activities and like hybrids. But you NEVER hear anyone complaining
that there aren't enough hybrids! Consequently, as the path of least
resistance, I'd recommend not hiding hybrids. Everyone is happy.
There are two reasons hybrid hiders seem to focus on for hiding
hybrids: 1) Their letterboxes aren't getting much action so they want
to draw in more people by making it a geocache too, or 2) they're
trying to "convert" geocachers into letterboxers.
For point #1, if all you really want are visitors to write notes in
the logbook saying how wonderful the box is, just hide a geocache.
They probably outnumber letterboxers a hundred to one and you'll get
plenty of action that way.
For point #2, I have yet to hear of anyone truely "switching sides".
I have a theory about that if you're really interested. (If not,
skip the rest of this paragraph!) When people start letterboxing or
geocaching, they start to make friends. They start to swap war
stories of such-and-such box or such-and-such person. They become
used to that hobby's website and layout. Then, one day, they learn
about this "other" (but related) hobby and get curious. Maybe they
even look for a box by the "other side". But they don't know
anyone. They have no connections. They're in unfamiliar territory,
and ultimately they "go back" to their comfort zone.
But what if you're really dieing to create a hybrid--you love
letterboxing and don't want to give THAT up, but you still want lots
of visitors and/or to convince geocachers to hunt down letterboxes.
You can STILL DO THAT without creating a hybrid! Yes, that's right!
The best of both worlds!
Usually I charge $10/person for this advice, but because I like you
folks, I'll tell you my secret for free. That's right, folks, FREE!
No strings attached! =)
How do you get the best of both worlds? Simple: When you go to hide
a letterbox, put a geocache in a nearby place. Perhaps behind the
next tree. Or under a different rock. Somewhere nearby. Then, when
you go to check up on your letterbox and see nobody has visited it,
you can walk ten feet to the geocache and see the dozens of visitors
saying how wonderful your geocache is!
And if you want to try to "convert" a geocacher (although I'm
absolutely convinced it's a losing battle), include the clue for the
letterbox in your geocache! Those that might be interested can then
look for the letterbox, and those who aren't won't. The best of both
worlds!
Likewise, if you want to try to "convert" a letterboxer into a
geocacher, you can include the GPS coordinates for your geocache in
your letterbox.
In any case, keeping the two concepts seperate by putting them in two
different boxes--even if they're within peeing distance of each other-
-keeps everyone happy and still accomplishes all your goals. Case
closed. =)
-- Ryan
Re: Geocache hybrids?
From: bcostley (bobbyeubanks@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2003-03-23 06:15:01 UTC
I was thinking of suggesting that this question be put into the FAQ.
But I now see there are two reasons not to:
1) Would the list ever agree on the answer?
2) Ryan's posts (and he always responds to this Q) are always
entertaining.
FWIW on Ryan's conversion theory: I found out about both at roughly
the same time and was interested in both. Being w/o a GPS I never
looked for a geocache. Now I have no particular desire to find one.
Not sure exactly why. Probably mostly because the geocache website
is partly fee only. And I still don't have a GPS. :)
In any case I think Ryan is right, if letterboxers aren't visiting
your boxes, they aren't going to suddenly swarm to your hybrids. The
hybrids may get more visitors but they will be mostly geocachers.
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "rscarpen"
wrote:
> > I noticed my letterboxes are only getting a small fraction of
> > visitors that nearby geocaches are getting. I was wondering how
> > others felt about the hybrid concept.
>
> There are some very vocal opponents to hybrids. They think the
stuff
> in a geocache is junk. They don't like how large geocaches are.
And
> there have been issues with the stamp missing due to geocachers
> thinking it was an object available for exchanging. For the most
> part, geocachers and letterboxers do not mix. Heaven forbid if
> there's ever an event where both geocachers and letterboxers are
> invited. The national guard might need to be called to quell the
> ensuing riots!
>
> There are exceptions of course, and a few people actually enjoy
both
> activities and like hybrids. But you NEVER hear anyone
complaining
> that there aren't enough hybrids! Consequently, as the path of
least
> resistance, I'd recommend not hiding hybrids. Everyone is happy.
>
> There are two reasons hybrid hiders seem to focus on for hiding
> hybrids: 1) Their letterboxes aren't getting much action so they
want
> to draw in more people by making it a geocache too, or 2) they're
> trying to "convert" geocachers into letterboxers.
>
> For point #1, if all you really want are visitors to write notes
in
> the logbook saying how wonderful the box is, just hide a
geocache.
> They probably outnumber letterboxers a hundred to one and you'll
get
> plenty of action that way.
>
> For point #2, I have yet to hear of anyone truely "switching
sides".
> I have a theory about that if you're really interested. (If not,
> skip the rest of this paragraph!) When people start letterboxing
or
> geocaching, they start to make friends. They start to swap war
> stories of such-and-such box or such-and-such person. They become
> used to that hobby's website and layout. Then, one day, they
learn
> about this "other" (but related) hobby and get curious. Maybe
they
> even look for a box by the "other side". But they don't know
> anyone. They have no connections. They're in unfamiliar
territory,
> and ultimately they "go back" to their comfort zone.
>
> But what if you're really dieing to create a hybrid--you love
> letterboxing and don't want to give THAT up, but you still want
lots
> of visitors and/or to convince geocachers to hunt down
letterboxes.
> You can STILL DO THAT without creating a hybrid! Yes, that's
right!
> The best of both worlds!
>
> Usually I charge $10/person for this advice, but because I like
you
> folks, I'll tell you my secret for free. That's right, folks,
FREE!
> No strings attached! =)
>
> How do you get the best of both worlds? Simple: When you go to
hide
> a letterbox, put a geocache in a nearby place. Perhaps behind the
> next tree. Or under a different rock. Somewhere nearby. Then,
when
> you go to check up on your letterbox and see nobody has visited
it,
> you can walk ten feet to the geocache and see the dozens of
visitors
> saying how wonderful your geocache is!
>
> And if you want to try to "convert" a geocacher (although I'm
> absolutely convinced it's a losing battle), include the clue for
the
> letterbox in your geocache! Those that might be interested can
then
> look for the letterbox, and those who aren't won't. The best of
both
> worlds!
>
> Likewise, if you want to try to "convert" a letterboxer into a
> geocacher, you can include the GPS coordinates for your geocache
in
> your letterbox.
>
> In any case, keeping the two concepts seperate by putting them in
two
> different boxes--even if they're within peeing distance of each
other-
> -keeps everyone happy and still accomplishes all your goals. Case
> closed. =)
>
> -- Ryan
But I now see there are two reasons not to:
1) Would the list ever agree on the answer?
2) Ryan's posts (and he always responds to this Q) are always
entertaining.
FWIW on Ryan's conversion theory: I found out about both at roughly
the same time and was interested in both. Being w/o a GPS I never
looked for a geocache. Now I have no particular desire to find one.
Not sure exactly why. Probably mostly because the geocache website
is partly fee only. And I still don't have a GPS. :)
In any case I think Ryan is right, if letterboxers aren't visiting
your boxes, they aren't going to suddenly swarm to your hybrids. The
hybrids may get more visitors but they will be mostly geocachers.
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "rscarpen"
wrote:
> > I noticed my letterboxes are only getting a small fraction of
> > visitors that nearby geocaches are getting. I was wondering how
> > others felt about the hybrid concept.
>
> There are some very vocal opponents to hybrids. They think the
stuff
> in a geocache is junk. They don't like how large geocaches are.
And
> there have been issues with the stamp missing due to geocachers
> thinking it was an object available for exchanging. For the most
> part, geocachers and letterboxers do not mix. Heaven forbid if
> there's ever an event where both geocachers and letterboxers are
> invited. The national guard might need to be called to quell the
> ensuing riots!
>
> There are exceptions of course, and a few people actually enjoy
both
> activities and like hybrids. But you NEVER hear anyone
complaining
> that there aren't enough hybrids! Consequently, as the path of
least
> resistance, I'd recommend not hiding hybrids. Everyone is happy.
>
> There are two reasons hybrid hiders seem to focus on for hiding
> hybrids: 1) Their letterboxes aren't getting much action so they
want
> to draw in more people by making it a geocache too, or 2) they're
> trying to "convert" geocachers into letterboxers.
>
> For point #1, if all you really want are visitors to write notes
in
> the logbook saying how wonderful the box is, just hide a
geocache.
> They probably outnumber letterboxers a hundred to one and you'll
get
> plenty of action that way.
>
> For point #2, I have yet to hear of anyone truely "switching
sides".
> I have a theory about that if you're really interested. (If not,
> skip the rest of this paragraph!) When people start letterboxing
or
> geocaching, they start to make friends. They start to swap war
> stories of such-and-such box or such-and-such person. They become
> used to that hobby's website and layout. Then, one day, they
learn
> about this "other" (but related) hobby and get curious. Maybe
they
> even look for a box by the "other side". But they don't know
> anyone. They have no connections. They're in unfamiliar
territory,
> and ultimately they "go back" to their comfort zone.
>
> But what if you're really dieing to create a hybrid--you love
> letterboxing and don't want to give THAT up, but you still want
lots
> of visitors and/or to convince geocachers to hunt down
letterboxes.
> You can STILL DO THAT without creating a hybrid! Yes, that's
right!
> The best of both worlds!
>
> Usually I charge $10/person for this advice, but because I like
you
> folks, I'll tell you my secret for free. That's right, folks,
FREE!
> No strings attached! =)
>
> How do you get the best of both worlds? Simple: When you go to
hide
> a letterbox, put a geocache in a nearby place. Perhaps behind the
> next tree. Or under a different rock. Somewhere nearby. Then,
when
> you go to check up on your letterbox and see nobody has visited
it,
> you can walk ten feet to the geocache and see the dozens of
visitors
> saying how wonderful your geocache is!
>
> And if you want to try to "convert" a geocacher (although I'm
> absolutely convinced it's a losing battle), include the clue for
the
> letterbox in your geocache! Those that might be interested can
then
> look for the letterbox, and those who aren't won't. The best of
both
> worlds!
>
> Likewise, if you want to try to "convert" a letterboxer into a
> geocacher, you can include the GPS coordinates for your geocache
in
> your letterbox.
>
> In any case, keeping the two concepts seperate by putting them in
two
> different boxes--even if they're within peeing distance of each
other-
> -keeps everyone happy and still accomplishes all your goals. Case
> closed. =)
>
> -- Ryan
Re: [LbNA] Re: Geocache hybrids?
From: Geoff Matter (waldenrun@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2003-03-22 22:57:42 UTC-08:00
Speaking from experience...
I letterboxed for about one month and got my 100
finds. I then switched over to geocaching, but without
using GPS. I treat it like letterboxing, where the
main clue is the coordinates.
I had turned a certain relative of mine on to
letterboxing, and she has stayed with it. Not too long
ago, we combined to do a hybrid. I have been quite
happy with the results. You can check the details
here:
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?ID=48436
-WR
__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your desktop!
http://platinum.yahoo.com
I letterboxed for about one month and got my 100
finds. I then switched over to geocaching, but without
using GPS. I treat it like letterboxing, where the
main clue is the coordinates.
I had turned a certain relative of mine on to
letterboxing, and she has stayed with it. Not too long
ago, we combined to do a hybrid. I have been quite
happy with the results. You can check the details
here:
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?ID=48436
-WR
__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your desktop!
http://platinum.yahoo.com
[LbNA] Re: Geocache hybrids?
From: rscarpen (RiskyNil@hotmail.com) |
Date: 2003-03-23 07:18:01 UTC
> I then switched over to geocaching, but without
> using GPS.
You know, there's not actually a rule saying that letterboxing clues
can't use GPS coordinates. Kind of a geocache without the junk! =)
Some letterboxers without a GPS might be disappointed not having the
tools necessary to find it, but then not every letterbox is for
everyone. Just ask anyone who has cursed my name while hiking up
some large mountain to get a box of mine. ;o)
I'd be thrilled to death if we could convince geocachers to just give
up the junk and switch to stamps. I'd become a geocacher in no time
flat!
-- Ryan, in a dreamland far, far away.... =)
> using GPS.
You know, there's not actually a rule saying that letterboxing clues
can't use GPS coordinates. Kind of a geocache without the junk! =)
Some letterboxers without a GPS might be disappointed not having the
tools necessary to find it, but then not every letterbox is for
everyone. Just ask anyone who has cursed my name while hiking up
some large mountain to get a box of mine. ;o)
I'd be thrilled to death if we could convince geocachers to just give
up the junk and switch to stamps. I'd become a geocacher in no time
flat!
-- Ryan, in a dreamland far, far away.... =)
Re: [LbNA] Re: Geocache hybrids?
From: Eric Polk (ericpolk@attbi.com) |
Date: 2003-03-23 01:33:16 UTC-08:00
I do both geocaching and letterboxing. I do
hunt for geocaches but I find letterboxes more rewarding. With geocaching,
there is the immediate thrill of finding the box but usually the content are no
big deal. With a letterbox, there is the enjoyment and mystery of the
stamp.
I believe that more people geocache because it is
far easier to do for a couple of reasons:
1) The clues are a lot easier (in most
cases). You are given pretty much the exact spot the cache is. Up to
date GPS receivers can get you with in 20' in most cases.
2) There is not a lot of preparation
involved. You just raid your kids Happy Meal toy collection and head out
for the cache. Letterboxing requires a creative investment in terms of a
personal stamp. Placing a cache is easier as well. Throw some
junk in a box and put it out there. Again, letterboxing requires more
creativity in creating the stamp and writing clues that will get someone to find
your box.
I do like Ryan's idea of putting letterbox clues in
a geocache and GPS coords. in a letterbox.
___________________________
Eric Polk
Eric Polk
----- Original Message -----From: bcostleySent: Saturday, March 22, 2003 10:15 PMSubject: [LbNA] Re: Geocache hybrids?FWIW on Ryan's conversion theory: I found out about both at roughly
the same time and was interested in both. Being w/o a GPS I never
looked for a geocache. Now I have no particular desire to find one.
Not sure exactly why. Probably mostly because the geocache website
is partly fee only. And I still don't have a GPS. :)
In any case I think Ryan is right, if letterboxers aren't visiting
your boxes, they aren't going to suddenly swarm to your hybrids. The
hybrids may get more visitors but they will be mostly geocachers.
Re: [LbNA] Re: Geocache hybrids?
From: Team Jedi (teamjedi@hotmail.com) |
Date: 2003-03-23 06:48:22 UTC-05:00
First of all, Thanks to Sandi Beach Team for the Comments :O) They are
always welcome. Also, We will meet you guy's at the Hat Trick Cache
at 8:30 am Sunday.
Just a small comment about Hybrids. Yes they can work. Is it easy
to come up with one? About as easy as the first Stamp you carved, Not
the 30th one that looks great, BUT that first stamp you made. Augh!!!
Sith Impossible has 33 Logs by Geocachers and 11 Logs by Letterboxers, 11
Logs in the Cincinnati, Ohio area is alot of logs
for a Letterbox. (3 to 1)
What kills the Letterboxes is the fact that you can not log them
like you do the Geocaches. I started out Letterboxing and then
took up Geocaching. I love to do both, I also know a few others who do
both, BUT I do have to say, It's real nice to log a cache.
Our letterboxes (150+) we have hidden, I could not tell you just
how many of them are still their. We have 42 Geocaches and we get a
message as soon as someone logs they can't find it. Before I go and
get a Geocache, I can read the log and see if the last few people
had trouble finding it or not, Letterboxing, Pot Luck, May it is their,
Maybe it's not.
Most of our letterboxes have GPS Waypoints, That way you can do them
any way you wish. (Clues or Waypoint)
Also :O) I place my Hitch Hikers in Geocaches, And they all have seem
(But 1) have found their way into Letterboxes. Placed 15 so far.
Team Jedi
>From: "rscarpen"
>Reply-To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
>To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [LbNA] Re: Geocache hybrids?
>Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2003 05:59:51 -0000
>
> > I noticed my letterboxes are only getting a small fraction of
> > visitors that nearby geocaches are getting. I was wondering how
> > others felt about the hybrid concept.
>
>There are some very vocal opponents to hybrids. They think the stuff
>in a geocache is junk. They don't like how large geocaches are. And
>there have been issues with the stamp missing due to geocachers
>thinking it was an object available for exchanging. For the most
>part, geocachers and letterboxers do not mix. Heaven forbid if
>there's ever an event where both geocachers and letterboxers are
>invited. The national guard might need to be called to quell the
>ensuing riots!
>
>There are exceptions of course, and a few people actually enjoy both
>activities and like hybrids. But you NEVER hear anyone complaining
>that there aren't enough hybrids! Consequently, as the path of least
>resistance, I'd recommend not hiding hybrids. Everyone is happy.
>
>There are two reasons hybrid hiders seem to focus on for hiding
>hybrids: 1) Their letterboxes aren't getting much action so they want
>to draw in more people by making it a geocache too, or 2) they're
>trying to "convert" geocachers into letterboxers.
>
>For point #1, if all you really want are visitors to write notes in
>the logbook saying how wonderful the box is, just hide a geocache.
>They probably outnumber letterboxers a hundred to one and you'll get
>plenty of action that way.
>
>For point #2, I have yet to hear of anyone truely "switching sides".
>I have a theory about that if you're really interested. (If not,
>skip the rest of this paragraph!) When people start letterboxing or
>geocaching, they start to make friends. They start to swap war
>stories of such-and-such box or such-and-such person. They become
>used to that hobby's website and layout. Then, one day, they learn
>about this "other" (but related) hobby and get curious. Maybe they
>even look for a box by the "other side". But they don't know
>anyone. They have no connections. They're in unfamiliar territory,
>and ultimately they "go back" to their comfort zone.
>
>But what if you're really dieing to create a hybrid--you love
>letterboxing and don't want to give THAT up, but you still want lots
>of visitors and/or to convince geocachers to hunt down letterboxes.
>You can STILL DO THAT without creating a hybrid! Yes, that's right!
>The best of both worlds!
>
>Usually I charge $10/person for this advice, but because I like you
>folks, I'll tell you my secret for free. That's right, folks, FREE!
>No strings attached! =)
>
>How do you get the best of both worlds? Simple: When you go to hide
>a letterbox, put a geocache in a nearby place. Perhaps behind the
>next tree. Or under a different rock. Somewhere nearby. Then, when
>you go to check up on your letterbox and see nobody has visited it,
>you can walk ten feet to the geocache and see the dozens of visitors
>saying how wonderful your geocache is!
>
>And if you want to try to "convert" a geocacher (although I'm
>absolutely convinced it's a losing battle), include the clue for the
>letterbox in your geocache! Those that might be interested can then
>look for the letterbox, and those who aren't won't. The best of both
>worlds!
>
>Likewise, if you want to try to "convert" a letterboxer into a
>geocacher, you can include the GPS coordinates for your geocache in
>your letterbox.
>
>In any case, keeping the two concepts seperate by putting them in two
>different boxes--even if they're within peeing distance of each other-
>-keeps everyone happy and still accomplishes all your goals. Case
>closed. =)
>
>-- Ryan
>
_________________________________________________________________
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Re: Geocache hybrids?
From: mtnmudbug (mudbug@partlycloudy.com) |
Date: 2003-03-23 20:09:02 UTC
I enjoy both letterboxing and geocaching. They both have advantages
and disadvantanges. I think its cool to combine the two sometimes,
mix things up a bit and expose people to new things.
Geocaching is not any "junkier" than letterboxing.
I have had the opportunity to discover some truly beautiful locations
in caching just as in boxing. You also are sometimes get a lucky
bonus of finding unique and interesting objects in the caches. Some
people do drop in "useless" things, but what's useless to one may be
useful to another!
I personally spend a lot of time making "signature" clay coins to
leave in geocaches, among store-bought things that I find
interesting. I wouldn't call that junk, and I have found quite a few
objects from caches that I keep and enjoy just like the stamped
images I get from boxing.
Do both caching and boxing, together or seperately, but get out and
have fun!! Someone will come visit your stash and enjoy it, no matter
what it is.
and disadvantanges. I think its cool to combine the two sometimes,
mix things up a bit and expose people to new things.
Geocaching is not any "junkier" than letterboxing.
I have had the opportunity to discover some truly beautiful locations
in caching just as in boxing. You also are sometimes get a lucky
bonus of finding unique and interesting objects in the caches. Some
people do drop in "useless" things, but what's useless to one may be
useful to another!
I personally spend a lot of time making "signature" clay coins to
leave in geocaches, among store-bought things that I find
interesting. I wouldn't call that junk, and I have found quite a few
objects from caches that I keep and enjoy just like the stamped
images I get from boxing.
Do both caching and boxing, together or seperately, but get out and
have fun!! Someone will come visit your stash and enjoy it, no matter
what it is.
Re: Geocache hybrids?
From: defygravity2001 (defygravity@snet.net) |
Date: 2003-03-24 03:13:53 UTC
Just do what I would do;) When you get an urge to do something, just
do it.
Plant your hybrid and I will visit it, if it's in New England;)
Damn the torpedoes...full speed ahead.
Bruce
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "James Dillon"
wrote:
> I am thinking about putting out one or two hybrid boxes. I noticed
> my letterboxes are only getting a small fraction of visitors that
> nearby geocaches are getting. I was wondering how others felt about
> the hybrid concept.
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
> Jim D.
do it.
Plant your hybrid and I will visit it, if it's in New England;)
Damn the torpedoes...full speed ahead.
Bruce
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "James Dillon"
wrote:
> I am thinking about putting out one or two hybrid boxes. I noticed
> my letterboxes are only getting a small fraction of visitors that
> nearby geocaches are getting. I was wondering how others felt about
> the hybrid concept.
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
> Jim D.
Re: [LbNA] Re: Geocache hybrids?
From: (mohmers@aol.com) |
Date: 2003-03-23 23:14:52 UTC-05:00
In a message dated 3/22/03 7:05:31 PM Pacific Standard Time, mmebt@hotmail.com writes:
HI Jim, we put out hybrids for the same reason. Go for it.
"James Dillon" <n0kwa@b...> wrote:
>I am thinking about putting out one or two hybrid boxes. I
noticed
>my letterboxes are only getting a small fraction of visitors that
>nearby geocaches are getting. I was wondering how others felt
about
>the hybrid concept.
>
>
>Thanks,
>
>
>Jim D.
HI Jim, we put out hybrids for the same reason. Go for it.
Re: Geocache hybrids?
From: wanda4wanda (wanda4wanda@yahoo.com) |
Date: 2003-03-24 20:55:10 UTC
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "James Dillon"
wrote:
> I am thinking about putting out one or two hybrid boxes. I noticed
> my letterboxes are only getting a small fraction of visitors that
> nearby geocaches are getting. I was wondering how others felt about
> the hybrid concept.
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
> Jim D.
hi jim
i would say to go for it.....i learned about letterboxing and
geocaching at the same time....
i do NOT have a GPS unit so i like to read the "cheat codes" on the
geocaches to find them...and if need be email the hider and ask for
another cheat...
the only letterbox listed in my town , san antonio, is downtown by
the alamo..i dont like to drive downtown too often..whereas there are
tons of geocaches near where i live...some just have the coordinates
but i like the ones that give hints to find them...those i look
for..they have hints and are near my house...
i have picked me out a stamp to use for the letterboxing/geocaching
but so far have forgotten it when i find it...so i just sign in on
the logbook...
i agree with the other person ??? who wrote it would be nice to log
their letterbox finds like the geocache page has...love to read
others experiences...
i have just found my 2nd geocache........hope to find more...
i check the letterbox and geocache webpages to see if any are hidden
in any areas that i visit also....
wanda texas
wrote:
> I am thinking about putting out one or two hybrid boxes. I noticed
> my letterboxes are only getting a small fraction of visitors that
> nearby geocaches are getting. I was wondering how others felt about
> the hybrid concept.
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
> Jim D.
hi jim
i would say to go for it.....i learned about letterboxing and
geocaching at the same time....
i do NOT have a GPS unit so i like to read the "cheat codes" on the
geocaches to find them...and if need be email the hider and ask for
another cheat...
the only letterbox listed in my town , san antonio, is downtown by
the alamo..i dont like to drive downtown too often..whereas there are
tons of geocaches near where i live...some just have the coordinates
but i like the ones that give hints to find them...those i look
for..they have hints and are near my house...
i have picked me out a stamp to use for the letterboxing/geocaching
but so far have forgotten it when i find it...so i just sign in on
the logbook...
i agree with the other person ??? who wrote it would be nice to log
their letterbox finds like the geocache page has...love to read
others experiences...
i have just found my 2nd geocache........hope to find more...
i check the letterbox and geocache webpages to see if any are hidden
in any areas that i visit also....
wanda texas
Re: Geocache hybrids?
From: rscarpen (RiskyNil@hotmail.com) |
Date: 2003-03-25 03:36:55 UTC
> i agree with the other person ??? who wrote it would be nice to log
> their letterbox finds like the geocache page has...love to read
> others experiences...
Some people do keep on their own websites threads for each of their
letterboxes where anyone can talk about the letterbox be it finding
them or just to say they loved the stamp or whatever the case may
be. It's not very common, though.
My clues are posted on Geocities which does allow a logbook, but only
allows one for the entire website. So all the posts to it aren't
seperated by subject or letterbox, but some people occasionally post
finds and such to the list.
And a lot of people post their experiences right here on this board.
Which, again, isn't sorted by letterbox or subject, but it's better
than nothing! =)
-- Ryan
> their letterbox finds like the geocache page has...love to read
> others experiences...
Some people do keep on their own websites threads for each of their
letterboxes where anyone can talk about the letterbox be it finding
them or just to say they loved the stamp or whatever the case may
be. It's not very common, though.
My clues are posted on Geocities which does allow a logbook, but only
allows one for the entire website. So all the posts to it aren't
seperated by subject or letterbox, but some people occasionally post
finds and such to the list.
And a lot of people post their experiences right here on this board.
Which, again, isn't sorted by letterbox or subject, but it's better
than nothing! =)
-- Ryan
[LbNA] Re: Geocache hybrids?
From: Gemini (bayou@mail.usa.com) |
Date: 2003-03-26 18:43:26 UTC
How do you find the geocaches without a GPS? I tried that one time and
am sure I was within 100 yards of it, but had no idea whether to look
under a rock or under a log or under a bridge.... I'm serious.. I'd
really like to know how to do it so I can find them without spending
those big bucks for a GPS that is useless to me for anything else!
Gemini
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, Geoff Matter wrote:
> Speaking from experience...
>
> I letterboxed for about one month and got my 100
> finds. I then switched over to geocaching, but without
> using GPS. I treat it like letterboxing, where the
> main clue is the coordinates.
>
> I had turned a certain relative of mine on to
> letterboxing, and she has stayed with it. Not too long
> ago, we combined to do a hybrid. I have been quite
> happy with the results. You can check the details
> here:
>
> http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?ID=48436
>
> -WR
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your desktop!
> http://platinum.yahoo.com
am sure I was within 100 yards of it, but had no idea whether to look
under a rock or under a log or under a bridge.... I'm serious.. I'd
really like to know how to do it so I can find them without spending
those big bucks for a GPS that is useless to me for anything else!
Gemini
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, Geoff Matter
> Speaking from experience...
>
> I letterboxed for about one month and got my 100
> finds. I then switched over to geocaching, but without
> using GPS. I treat it like letterboxing, where the
> main clue is the coordinates.
>
> I had turned a certain relative of mine on to
> letterboxing, and she has stayed with it. Not too long
> ago, we combined to do a hybrid. I have been quite
> happy with the results. You can check the details
> here:
>
> http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?ID=48436
>
> -WR
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your desktop!
> http://platinum.yahoo.com
[LbNA] Re: Geocache hybrids?
From: psycomommy2003 (ktborrelli@hotmail.com) |
Date: 2003-03-26 21:51:34 UTC
---We use the topo maps from the cache site. Enlarge and use the
scale on the maps for distance. Pick a point that is recognizable
from the map and you can see for real. Go from there. It isn't too
difficult once you've done letterboxing, you sort of know what you
are looking for. Also on the geocache site some cachers include a
picture of what you should find.
Psychomommy
In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Gemini" wrote:
> How do you find the geocaches without a GPS? I tried that one time
and
> am sure I was within 100 yards of it, but had no idea whether to
look
> under a rock or under a log or under a bridge.... I'm serious.. I'd
> really like to know how to do it so I can find them without spending
> those big bucks for a GPS that is useless to me for anything else!
>
> Gemini
>
>
>
> --- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, Geoff Matter
wrote:
> > Speaking from experience...
> >
> > I letterboxed for about one month and got my 100
> > finds. I then switched over to geocaching, but without
> > using GPS. I treat it like letterboxing, where the
> > main clue is the coordinates.
> >
> > I had turned a certain relative of mine on to
> > letterboxing, and she has stayed with it. Not too long
> > ago, we combined to do a hybrid. I have been quite
> > happy with the results. You can check the details
> > here:
> >
> > http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?ID=48436
> >
> > -WR
> >
> > __________________________________________________
> > Do you Yahoo!?
> > Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your
desktop!
> > http://platinum.yahoo.com
scale on the maps for distance. Pick a point that is recognizable
from the map and you can see for real. Go from there. It isn't too
difficult once you've done letterboxing, you sort of know what you
are looking for. Also on the geocache site some cachers include a
picture of what you should find.
Psychomommy
In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Gemini"
> How do you find the geocaches without a GPS? I tried that one time
and
> am sure I was within 100 yards of it, but had no idea whether to
look
> under a rock or under a log or under a bridge.... I'm serious.. I'd
> really like to know how to do it so I can find them without spending
> those big bucks for a GPS that is useless to me for anything else!
>
> Gemini
>
>
>
> --- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, Geoff Matter
wrote:
> > Speaking from experience...
> >
> > I letterboxed for about one month and got my 100
> > finds. I then switched over to geocaching, but without
> > using GPS. I treat it like letterboxing, where the
> > main clue is the coordinates.
> >
> > I had turned a certain relative of mine on to
> > letterboxing, and she has stayed with it. Not too long
> > ago, we combined to do a hybrid. I have been quite
> > happy with the results. You can check the details
> > here:
> >
> > http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?ID=48436
> >
> > -WR
> >
> > __________________________________________________
> > Do you Yahoo!?
> > Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your
desktop!
> > http://platinum.yahoo.com
Re: [LbNA] Re: Geocache hybrids?
From: Eric Polk (ericpolk@attbi.com) |
Date: 2003-03-26 18:52:11 UTC-08:00
There is a link on each cache page that goes to Mapquest and shows the location on a map. Some of the geocaches have at geocaching.com have hints that can give directions to where to find a cache. If you use the Mapquest link, you can get into the general area and then use the hints to find the cache.
This is an example of a hint for a cache. The Mapquest link show the coordinates to be in a recreation area. Using the aerial photo option in Mapquest (if available in your area), you can see a trail running through the area. The hint reads: "A gap in the bridge, look high." Walking down the trail takes you under a highway bridge. Looking in the expansion joints under the bridge will reward you with the geocache.
Even if you have a GPS, on average, you can only get accuracy with a 20' radius area so you will have a 40' circle to search. There is a cache I can't find, despite being at the coordinates. The hint says it is under a plant of which there must be 40 or 50 within the circle of accuracy.
___________________________
Eric Polk
----- Original Message -----
From: Gemini
To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2003 10:43 AM
Subject: [LbNA] Re: Geocache hybrids?
How do you find the geocaches without a GPS? I tried that one time and
am sure I was within 100 yards of it, but had no idea whether to look
under a rock or under a log or under a bridge.... I'm serious.. I'd
really like to know how to do it so I can find them without spending
those big bucks for a GPS that is useless to me for anything else!
Gemini
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
This is an example of a hint for a cache. The Mapquest link show the coordinates to be in a recreation area. Using the aerial photo option in Mapquest (if available in your area), you can see a trail running through the area. The hint reads: "A gap in the bridge, look high." Walking down the trail takes you under a highway bridge. Looking in the expansion joints under the bridge will reward you with the geocache.
Even if you have a GPS, on average, you can only get accuracy with a 20' radius area so you will have a 40' circle to search. There is a cache I can't find, despite being at the coordinates. The hint says it is under a plant of which there must be 40 or 50 within the circle of accuracy.
___________________________
Eric Polk
----- Original Message -----
From: Gemini
To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2003 10:43 AM
Subject: [LbNA] Re: Geocache hybrids?
How do you find the geocaches without a GPS? I tried that one time and
am sure I was within 100 yards of it, but had no idea whether to look
under a rock or under a log or under a bridge.... I'm serious.. I'd
really like to know how to do it so I can find them without spending
those big bucks for a GPS that is useless to me for anything else!
Gemini
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[LbNA] Re: Geocache hybrids?
From: Gemini (bayou@mail.usa.com) |
Date: 2003-03-27 05:07:37 UTC
That's great! I can just about figure out where some of the nearby
ones are, just by looking at the topo maps. I'm very familiar with a
couple of these spots and I can almost picture in my mind the exact
location of the boxes! Thanks!
Gemini
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "psycomommy2003"
wrote:
> ---We use the topo maps from the cache site. Enlarge and use the
> scale on the maps for distance. Pick a point that is recognizable
> from the map and you can see for real. Go from there. It isn't too
> difficult once you've done letterboxing, you sort of know what you
> are looking for. Also on the geocache site some cachers include a
> picture of what you should find.
> Psychomommy
>
>
>
> In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Gemini" wrote:
> > How do you find the geocaches without a GPS? I tried that one time
> and
> > am sure I was within 100 yards of it, but had no idea whether to
> look
> > under a rock or under a log or under a bridge.... I'm serious.. I'd
> > really like to know how to do it so I can find them without spending
> > those big bucks for a GPS that is useless to me for anything else!
> >
> > Gemini
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, Geoff Matter
> wrote:
> > > Speaking from experience...
> > >
> > > I letterboxed for about one month and got my 100
> > > finds. I then switched over to geocaching, but without
> > > using GPS. I treat it like letterboxing, where the
> > > main clue is the coordinates.
> > >
> > > I had turned a certain relative of mine on to
> > > letterboxing, and she has stayed with it. Not too long
> > > ago, we combined to do a hybrid. I have been quite
> > > happy with the results. You can check the details
> > > here:
> > >
> > > http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?ID=48436
> > >
> > > -WR
> > >
> > > __________________________________________________
> > > Do you Yahoo!?
> > > Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your
> desktop!
> > > http://platinum.yahoo.com
ones are, just by looking at the topo maps. I'm very familiar with a
couple of these spots and I can almost picture in my mind the exact
location of the boxes! Thanks!
Gemini
--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "psycomommy2003"
> ---We use the topo maps from the cache site. Enlarge and use the
> scale on the maps for distance. Pick a point that is recognizable
> from the map and you can see for real. Go from there. It isn't too
> difficult once you've done letterboxing, you sort of know what you
> are looking for. Also on the geocache site some cachers include a
> picture of what you should find.
> Psychomommy
>
>
>
> In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "Gemini"
> > How do you find the geocaches without a GPS? I tried that one time
> and
> > am sure I was within 100 yards of it, but had no idea whether to
> look
> > under a rock or under a log or under a bridge.... I'm serious.. I'd
> > really like to know how to do it so I can find them without spending
> > those big bucks for a GPS that is useless to me for anything else!
> >
> > Gemini
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, Geoff Matter
> wrote:
> > > Speaking from experience...
> > >
> > > I letterboxed for about one month and got my 100
> > > finds. I then switched over to geocaching, but without
> > > using GPS. I treat it like letterboxing, where the
> > > main clue is the coordinates.
> > >
> > > I had turned a certain relative of mine on to
> > > letterboxing, and she has stayed with it. Not too long
> > > ago, we combined to do a hybrid. I have been quite
> > > happy with the results. You can check the details
> > > here:
> > >
> > > http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?ID=48436
> > >
> > > -WR
> > >
> > > __________________________________________________
> > > Do you Yahoo!?
> > > Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your
> desktop!
> > > http://platinum.yahoo.com