Caching dry spell

The last time I went without caching for about a month, a few of the local cachers noticed. Except for my Geowoodstock Trip at the end of May, I haven't been doing much caching lately. I think every cacher probably goes through "dry spells." For me right now, this includes transportation (gas, and my truck isn't in the best condition to do much driving), other things in life (trying to find a job), heat (summer in New Mexico limits caching severly - I don't want to do any all-day hikes when it gets to triple digits in the afternoon), and finally not many caches to choose from (I've found the majority of caches in the area, except for the more difficult ones I've had trouble with in the past, leaving me to travel for more unfound caches).

What does one do while in a dry spell? This is a chance to explore some "armchair caches," caches that can be done remotely (through a computer). This also lets me do some waymarking. Waymarking involves mostly taking photographs of sites, as well as recording the coordinates- which takes much less time than finding a cache. It can also be done easily while running errands: simply snap the photo.

It also leaves me a chance to plan for upcoming caches to place. I have one rather long multi-puzzle cache I've been planning, but just haven't had to time to fine-tune it. It will involve solving many puzzles and require traveling throughout the region to complete. I've also wanted to finish my "ABC's of Geocaching" series (which I'll describe in another blog).

For those with limited time, this could be a good chance to collect materials for caches. While cleaning around the house, for example, keep an eye out for what could be a good container. Organize your existing caching materials. If you want to actually go out and cache, this seems to be the reason a lot of urban caches exist. One common urban cache is the "lampskirt." They all are fairly easy to find, but do offer the chance to at least get out of the house and find a cache. Sometimes that's a nice feeling, just to get in the "caching zone" again.

Geowoowoodstock VI

Last week, I flew out to California for Geowoodstock VI. I spent most of my time on this week-long adventure between San Mateo and San Francisco to get use out of the free accommodation (my brother lives in the area). On Saturday, we headed out for Geowoodstock VI in Wheatland, just north of Sacramento.

It was amazingly fun. There were lots of geocaching-related vendors, selling geocoins, caches, GPS units, shirts, car accessories, anything that might be appealing to geocachers. I'm amazed I didn't go into debt just from looking around. Throughout the day, there were many classes being offered, such as using a GPS unit, using a map and compass, various software programs (such as GSAK), hiking, etc. There were also lots of games, ranging from panning for gold to hunting for geocoins using a metal dector (that was fun). Geobingo was a bit of a challenge. You had to find cachers who met certain criteria, such as having 5000 finds, being from out of state, caching since 2001, and so forth. I somehow managed to complete mine to get many raffle tickets. Music was playing throughout the day, and lots of interesting cachers were there waiting to be met (including one oddly green cacher).

One of the other interesting sites included the original can of beans, which was a trading item put into the first geocache. I'm not sure I'd want to eat any of those beans after this time, but it was at least interesting to see it,

Next year's Geowoodstock will be in Bell Buckle, TN, which is approximately an hour's drive from Nashville, according to Google Maps. It was certainly fun to attend with lots to do. I don't know if I'd set this as a high priority to attend another one, since I have a feeling the next one would be just like this. It's definitely worth going to once, though. I'm sure each one has it's own flavor and is equally fun, but once is enough to say I've been to Geowoodstock.