Well, this event - JAG Turkey Fryin' Day II by JAG Nation (GC1HJ8W) came and went and like many of JAG's more recent events, had a sparse attendance. A number of their attendees were actually from GOWT, an organization that JAG doesn't even refer to on its list of linked geocaching organizations.
Hmmm... In spaceteacher's log for the event she notes that she got some help getting a cache approved and posted a picture of herself and yogi in front of a computer. Her cache - Alphabetz Soup for Tennessee by spaceteacher (GC1J5WR) was approved on that day by.... tn cacher.
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I noticed today that the Bluff Boys geocaching blog has disappeared. How sad is that?
Monday, November 24, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Sun Studio
I haven't been geocaching much lately because I have been training and running in our local running club's Road Race series. The last of the 10 races in this series is tomorrow, so today my plans for this day were just to kick back and relax. I got on the computer and was surprised to see a new cache in my area. I didn't have a GPSr on me so I had to rely on satellite imagery to find Sun Studio by Berlan Eligab (GC1J3XF).
The imagery for this part of Memphis needs to be updated as a major new building in the area doesn't show up on the images. The cache was a simple park and grab but the name is a little misleading. Although, technically the cache is in the general location - you can hunt it without realizing that Sun Studio is even in the area. In fact, it would have been more accurate to name the cache "UT-Memphis parking lot cache". Knowing that it was in a UT campus parking lot might alert the cache hunter to the fact that UT campus security patrols this and other campus lots and is probably unaware this cache is here. There is another lot closer to Sun Studio that belongs to Southwest Tennessee Community College that would have perhaps been a better spot since it is right next to Sun Studios, but I imagine it would be tougher to hide from muggles.
The imagery for this part of Memphis needs to be updated as a major new building in the area doesn't show up on the images. The cache was a simple park and grab but the name is a little misleading. Although, technically the cache is in the general location - you can hunt it without realizing that Sun Studio is even in the area. In fact, it would have been more accurate to name the cache "UT-Memphis parking lot cache". Knowing that it was in a UT campus parking lot might alert the cache hunter to the fact that UT campus security patrols this and other campus lots and is probably unaware this cache is here. There is another lot closer to Sun Studio that belongs to Southwest Tennessee Community College that would have perhaps been a better spot since it is right next to Sun Studios, but I imagine it would be tougher to hide from muggles.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Today's History Lesson
In the history of West Tennessee geocaching, November 10, 2008 will be recognized by a few as the 1st anniversary of the shutdown of GOWT for a reorganization.
The date picked for the site shutdown, November 10, was chosen in deference to a few cowardly members of the committee who were afraid of a big backlash from the site shutting down. On this particular date, many members were out attending regional WWFM events. The reorganization effort itself, began in secret in May.
The shutdown was also timed to be just before nominations for the next year's GOWT officers took place. There were suspicions, which I shared, that members affiliated with JAG might sweep the elections because of the general apathy of the GOWT membership.
As it so happens, there was no backlash. Most of GOWT's members didn't care what was going on. Most of the people who were associated with JAG simply went about their business on their own site.
We had set up an e-mail address for members to ask questions of the committee (or just provide input) and as far as I know only 2 or 3 people had any questions.
JoGPS asked repeatedly who the members of the reorganization committee were. He also took this opportunity as a Groundspeak moderator to remove GOWT from the list of Tennessee geocaching organizations maintained on the Groundspeak forums. For the record, this was the second time he had done that. The first time being when he was temporarily banned from the GOWT forums for violating conduct rules. How this fool was ever chosen to be a representative of Groundspeak remains a mystery.
The reorganization process was long, mainly because most of the committee members provided no useful input. Some, like Chibongo, wanted to focus discussions on who to blame for GOWT's problems. Others, like prontopup, would take off from the forums for weeks at a time.
I resigned from the reorganization committee on November 22 after essentially being told that I wasn't of good enough character to serve on the new leadership committee or as a moderator. At the time, I had volunteered mainly because no one else would step forward (other than Hoot Owl).
I found it ironic (moronic) that the 5 people who provided ZERO input to the reorganization effort eventually became the leadership committee. One of those 5 - "Benedict" Titansfan, had actually whined about quitting geocaching after he lost in the previous year's elections to the Bluff Boys. He is also now a proud member of JAG.
In another month or so, the makeup of the leadership committee should change. Many of the committee members believed that no one should serve longer than a year and it will be interesting to see if they follow through on that belief now that they are in charge. Since the members of the leadership committee are supposed to come from the functionally useless advisory committee, it will be curious to see how GOWT changes (if it does). One of the things I learned before resigning was that he or she who controls the website, controls GOWT.
The date picked for the site shutdown, November 10, was chosen in deference to a few cowardly members of the committee who were afraid of a big backlash from the site shutting down. On this particular date, many members were out attending regional WWFM events. The reorganization effort itself, began in secret in May.
The shutdown was also timed to be just before nominations for the next year's GOWT officers took place. There were suspicions, which I shared, that members affiliated with JAG might sweep the elections because of the general apathy of the GOWT membership.
As it so happens, there was no backlash. Most of GOWT's members didn't care what was going on. Most of the people who were associated with JAG simply went about their business on their own site.
We had set up an e-mail address for members to ask questions of the committee (or just provide input) and as far as I know only 2 or 3 people had any questions.
JoGPS asked repeatedly who the members of the reorganization committee were. He also took this opportunity as a Groundspeak moderator to remove GOWT from the list of Tennessee geocaching organizations maintained on the Groundspeak forums. For the record, this was the second time he had done that. The first time being when he was temporarily banned from the GOWT forums for violating conduct rules. How this fool was ever chosen to be a representative of Groundspeak remains a mystery.
The reorganization process was long, mainly because most of the committee members provided no useful input. Some, like Chibongo, wanted to focus discussions on who to blame for GOWT's problems. Others, like prontopup, would take off from the forums for weeks at a time.
I resigned from the reorganization committee on November 22 after essentially being told that I wasn't of good enough character to serve on the new leadership committee or as a moderator. At the time, I had volunteered mainly because no one else would step forward (other than Hoot Owl).
I found it ironic (moronic) that the 5 people who provided ZERO input to the reorganization effort eventually became the leadership committee. One of those 5 - "Benedict" Titansfan, had actually whined about quitting geocaching after he lost in the previous year's elections to the Bluff Boys. He is also now a proud member of JAG.
In another month or so, the makeup of the leadership committee should change. Many of the committee members believed that no one should serve longer than a year and it will be interesting to see if they follow through on that belief now that they are in charge. Since the members of the leadership committee are supposed to come from the functionally useless advisory committee, it will be curious to see how GOWT changes (if it does). One of the things I learned before resigning was that he or she who controls the website, controls GOWT.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Memories...
I was reading the MTGC forums (Middle Tennessee Geocaching Club), when I spotted this gem of a post:
Nascarjunk tried to host a travel bug race from Tennessee to Oregon and back. Information was hosted by jimmylogan on this website.
Anyways, as I recall, he got upset that not enough people signed up for the race, so he dropped it. This being after people purchased travel bugs and tags for the race.
At least for this geo-race, nobody is out any money or effort if (or when) the proposed event is cancelled.
A race in W. TN..........?Nascarjunk (of JAG) hosting a race, huh? Hmmmmm...... I wonder if anybody out there remembers this.
Post by TurndAround on Thu Oct 30, 2008 9:08 pm
Greetings from the other end of the state! Myself and some others are tossing around the possibility of a littel race over here, Nascarjunk is thinking of putting it together and here is his orginal post on our forums:
"I have thought about hosting another georace in Jackson. It will be between 15 and 18 hides that will be logable when the race is over. I have brought this up to the Bluff boys and they said they would be there. I will need 2 people to help me out the day of the event. Sometime in the middle of April. Would anyone show up???? I do not want to go through all the trouble if I can not get aleat 10 teams.
Also if you are a member of another geo forum could you please post this there also. I would like a big turnout."
Just wanted to post it here and see if anyone was interested, if so, feel free to come on over to our fourms and let us know. WWW.jacksonareageocachers.com or e-mail me @ [e-mail redacted].
Thanks
TurndAround
Nascarjunk tried to host a travel bug race from Tennessee to Oregon and back. Information was hosted by jimmylogan on this website.
Anyways, as I recall, he got upset that not enough people signed up for the race, so he dropped it. This being after people purchased travel bugs and tags for the race.
At least for this geo-race, nobody is out any money or effort if (or when) the proposed event is cancelled.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Race for the Cure - October 25, 2008
This was my 4th year participating in Race for the Cure. The race was a 5k where the start and finish is located near the Saddle Creek shopping center in Germantown, TN. Race organizers estimate they had around 15,000 entrants this year (same as most years) and I was one of about 500 timed racers. The weather was cold, but sunny, and other than the crowds during the first mile, I had a great race.
Afterwards, I enjoyed some pizza and a banana and lots of water before running back to the Agricenter (roughly 2 miles north) where I parked my car.
After getting back to my car, I decided that I would hunt a couple of park and grab caches nearby. I don't normally like caching in my running clothes because I figure I'm more likely to lock my keys in the car, but this time I risked it.
Germantown Parkway is a very busy street on most days, and this day (morning) was no exception. The first cache I went after was Where A Kid Can Be A Kid by Pixiemama (GC1EMZX). I had to outwait a carload of muggles parked next to the cache, and after they left I felt a bit exposed, but I made the find. Had I been here on any other day, I might have gone inside for pizza. Anyways, I got back on the road and headed less than a mile south for the second and final cache of the morning: Preggo #1 by Pixiemama (GC1FA46). There was an open door near the cache, and I could have easily been spotted if someone had stepped outside. I got lucky, though, and got in and out of the area undetected.
There were a few more caches I could have gone after, but I needed to go home and get cleaned up before eating lunch.
Afterwards, I enjoyed some pizza and a banana and lots of water before running back to the Agricenter (roughly 2 miles north) where I parked my car.
After getting back to my car, I decided that I would hunt a couple of park and grab caches nearby. I don't normally like caching in my running clothes because I figure I'm more likely to lock my keys in the car, but this time I risked it.
Germantown Parkway is a very busy street on most days, and this day (morning) was no exception. The first cache I went after was Where A Kid Can Be A Kid by Pixiemama (GC1EMZX). I had to outwait a carload of muggles parked next to the cache, and after they left I felt a bit exposed, but I made the find. Had I been here on any other day, I might have gone inside for pizza. Anyways, I got back on the road and headed less than a mile south for the second and final cache of the morning: Preggo #1 by Pixiemama (GC1FA46). There was an open door near the cache, and I could have easily been spotted if someone had stepped outside. I got lucky, though, and got in and out of the area undetected.
There were a few more caches I could have gone after, but I needed to go home and get cleaned up before eating lunch.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Caching at Glen Springs Lake - October 18, 2008
I met up with my caching buddy, jbgreer at his place around 8am. I was a little late because I was taking advantage of the lower gas prices to fill up. Gas had gone down 80 cents a gallon since I had last filled up.
I was in charge of coming up with the caches to hunt, and chose the area around Glen Springs Lake in Tipton County in order to meet jbgreer's goal of hunting high difficulty/terrain caches and my goal of hunting at least ten caches, hard or easy. The weather was cooperative being both dry and cool.
After arriving at the lake and circling the parking lot looking for the optimal parking spot, we headed off on foot in search of West TN Mega Multi series - No Way1 by Riskit323 (GC13WVN). We decided to approach it from the north after scouting a suitable entry point into the woods. The lake has a number of "fingers" in this area so we tried to avoid extra hiking by staying away from the lake, itself. This area is nice and hilly, but the hike to the cache was short and we found it in good shape and signed the log. There were two other caches in the immediate area, so next we went after Burhs by prontopup (GC11XNB). We stumbled upon the trail leading us most of the way to the cache - actually to within 200 feet before cutting off and heading toward the coordinates. After some searching of the area, I read the previous logs that mentioned the coordinates being off by around 30 feet. Sure enough, I found it to be about 30 feet (east?) of the coordinates. I liked the camo on this one, it really blended in well. While we were standing around the cache, we noticed some guys on a boat coming within sight of us. We backed off to avoid compromising the hide.
After walking back uphill to the trail, we headed for Nature's Redundancy by prontopup (GC11XNH). It was an easy walk to this cache (just a few hundred feet), but the hide area was surrounded by falling trees and thick brush - plenty of places to hide a cache. Reading netinator's log gave me sufficient insight to spot the cache without too much work. It was a good hide technique that nature was beginning to encroach upon.
The last cache we had to hunt in the area was Dogwood Dead by prontopup (GC11XN7). The hide area was between us and where we parked, so we tried taking the trail back out of the woods. Unfortunately, it didn't do that - it ended up behind somebody's backyard. We managed to skirt around that area without being spotted by the residents or crossing onto their yard, but it probably wasn't the best way to go. Anyways, we made it out the road, followed it for a bit and then cut back into the woods. After a lot of searching, we came up empty-handed. We did find a chewed up plastic bowl near the coordinates, but it didn't look like a cache container. I was disappointed to leave one cache unfound, but jbgreer reminded me that at least it was easy to get back to, being just a short distance from good parking. We walked back to the truck and I snapped a few pictures of the lake area, and we left.
Our next destination was Valentine Park in Munford, TN. Even though we had both been to this park before, for some reason our autorouting had us going around in circles. Finally, I used my paper map to guide us in. We parked in an area, where I had parked the last time I was here - not realizing that the road would have taken us much closer to where we needed to be. It was a nice day for a walk, though, and we eventually made it to the Boy Scout Trail after first visiting a small cemetery.
There were muggles picnicking near the trailhead, but none were in the woods. We followed one trail to need a light by djpoochie (GC1AJY0) and the followed another section of the trail to Wolves, Tigers & Bears?? by bevofan (GCZ39Q). The latter hide had been there awhile and was originally stocked with some neat stuff. By the time we hunted it, all it had was the logbook and some junk. Both of these caches were good hides, though, and we enjoyed finding them. By the time we got back to the truck, we decided to get something to eat. Not being familiar with any of the eating establishments, I picked Sparky's BBQ in nearby Atoka, TN. I should have called my sister-in-law, who lives in Atoka for some advice... Maybe next time. Anyways, after lunch we heaaded for Atoka Ball Park to hunt O, IC ! by minismiths (GCW3E9). The coords led us to a caboose, that had had two previous caches (we had found at least one of them), so we were quite surprise by the creativity in this hide.
Time was running out for us, so we headed south to Orgill Park where we found Squirel's Revenge by SirFrog (GCYBGD) in short order. There were a surprising number of excellent potential hiding spots with a few yards of the coords. Our last hunt of the day was What is my ID? by cgeek (GC10QM3) it was in a nearby park that was familiar to both of us. It had a simple puzzle component that I had solved a long time ago, and jbgreer solved the day before. The theme of the cache was dedicated to the 2007 GOWT Executive Committee, so I paid my respects in what I felt was an appropriate manner. ;-) Easy hike in and out. We did see a sinkhole off of a trail that was impressive in its size. The opening was relatively small, but it was cavernous underneath.
We got back to the truck and made the drive back to jbgreer's house, where we parted ways until the next adventure. It was a good day and we both met our caching goals for the trip.
After getting home, I decided I still had time to hike over to Joe's by Berlan Eligab (GC1H83J). It was a short walk from my place to the cache location. I was a little hesitant to grab the cache after seeing a sticker on the object on which the cache was placed that basically said that all calls were being monitored by the police. Apparently some unsavory folks spend time here... None on this day, though, so after signing the log I headed off in search of dinner.
I was in charge of coming up with the caches to hunt, and chose the area around Glen Springs Lake in Tipton County in order to meet jbgreer's goal of hunting high difficulty/terrain caches and my goal of hunting at least ten caches, hard or easy. The weather was cooperative being both dry and cool.
After arriving at the lake and circling the parking lot looking for the optimal parking spot, we headed off on foot in search of West TN Mega Multi series - No Way1 by Riskit323 (GC13WVN). We decided to approach it from the north after scouting a suitable entry point into the woods. The lake has a number of "fingers" in this area so we tried to avoid extra hiking by staying away from the lake, itself. This area is nice and hilly, but the hike to the cache was short and we found it in good shape and signed the log. There were two other caches in the immediate area, so next we went after Burhs by prontopup (GC11XNB). We stumbled upon the trail leading us most of the way to the cache - actually to within 200 feet before cutting off and heading toward the coordinates. After some searching of the area, I read the previous logs that mentioned the coordinates being off by around 30 feet. Sure enough, I found it to be about 30 feet (east?) of the coordinates. I liked the camo on this one, it really blended in well. While we were standing around the cache, we noticed some guys on a boat coming within sight of us. We backed off to avoid compromising the hide.
After walking back uphill to the trail, we headed for Nature's Redundancy by prontopup (GC11XNH). It was an easy walk to this cache (just a few hundred feet), but the hide area was surrounded by falling trees and thick brush - plenty of places to hide a cache. Reading netinator's log gave me sufficient insight to spot the cache without too much work. It was a good hide technique that nature was beginning to encroach upon.
The last cache we had to hunt in the area was Dogwood Dead by prontopup (GC11XN7). The hide area was between us and where we parked, so we tried taking the trail back out of the woods. Unfortunately, it didn't do that - it ended up behind somebody's backyard. We managed to skirt around that area without being spotted by the residents or crossing onto their yard, but it probably wasn't the best way to go. Anyways, we made it out the road, followed it for a bit and then cut back into the woods. After a lot of searching, we came up empty-handed. We did find a chewed up plastic bowl near the coordinates, but it didn't look like a cache container. I was disappointed to leave one cache unfound, but jbgreer reminded me that at least it was easy to get back to, being just a short distance from good parking. We walked back to the truck and I snapped a few pictures of the lake area, and we left.
Our next destination was Valentine Park in Munford, TN. Even though we had both been to this park before, for some reason our autorouting had us going around in circles. Finally, I used my paper map to guide us in. We parked in an area, where I had parked the last time I was here - not realizing that the road would have taken us much closer to where we needed to be. It was a nice day for a walk, though, and we eventually made it to the Boy Scout Trail after first visiting a small cemetery.
There were muggles picnicking near the trailhead, but none were in the woods. We followed one trail to need a light by djpoochie (GC1AJY0) and the followed another section of the trail to Wolves, Tigers & Bears?? by bevofan (GCZ39Q). The latter hide had been there awhile and was originally stocked with some neat stuff. By the time we hunted it, all it had was the logbook and some junk. Both of these caches were good hides, though, and we enjoyed finding them. By the time we got back to the truck, we decided to get something to eat. Not being familiar with any of the eating establishments, I picked Sparky's BBQ in nearby Atoka, TN. I should have called my sister-in-law, who lives in Atoka for some advice... Maybe next time. Anyways, after lunch we heaaded for Atoka Ball Park to hunt O, IC ! by minismiths (GCW3E9). The coords led us to a caboose, that had had two previous caches (we had found at least one of them), so we were quite surprise by the creativity in this hide.
Time was running out for us, so we headed south to Orgill Park where we found Squirel's Revenge by SirFrog (GCYBGD) in short order. There were a surprising number of excellent potential hiding spots with a few yards of the coords. Our last hunt of the day was What is my ID? by cgeek (GC10QM3) it was in a nearby park that was familiar to both of us. It had a simple puzzle component that I had solved a long time ago, and jbgreer solved the day before. The theme of the cache was dedicated to the 2007 GOWT Executive Committee, so I paid my respects in what I felt was an appropriate manner. ;-) Easy hike in and out. We did see a sinkhole off of a trail that was impressive in its size. The opening was relatively small, but it was cavernous underneath.
We got back to the truck and made the drive back to jbgreer's house, where we parted ways until the next adventure. It was a good day and we both met our caching goals for the trip.
After getting home, I decided I still had time to hike over to Joe's by Berlan Eligab (GC1H83J). It was a short walk from my place to the cache location. I was a little hesitant to grab the cache after seeing a sticker on the object on which the cache was placed that basically said that all calls were being monitored by the police. Apparently some unsavory folks spend time here... None on this day, though, so after signing the log I headed off in search of dinner.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Upcoming Events
I haven't made it out caching in a couple of weeks, so I thought I'd take this opportunity to mention a few upcoming events in the area:
2nd Annual Old Liberty Hill Haunted Adventure by lacey38655 and sniperchicken (GC1AC2A)
This event on October 18th is being held just east of Oxford, MS and should be a lot of fun for those fortunate enough to make it. I enjoyed it last year, but I don't think I'll make it this year. I'm pretty sure that this event (last year) was the last geocaching event I attended.
The Great Pumpkin Geocaching Party! by Team Sprout (GC1G888)
This Halloween event will be held in Olive Branch, MS. I would never go to an event that required wearing a costume in order to log the event, but it would be cool if there was a contest for the best Halloween-themed cache container.
Geocaching Introduction by Geocachers of West Tennessee (GC1GD8C)
This event on November 1st will be hosted by prontopup at Cameron Brown Park in Germantown, TN. This will be the perfect opportunity for the host to pose for pictures with fellow GOWT member tiger130. All most folks will get out of this "introduction" is who you can call when you can't find the cache.
2nd Annual Old Liberty Hill Haunted Adventure by lacey38655 and sniperchicken (GC1AC2A)
This event on October 18th is being held just east of Oxford, MS and should be a lot of fun for those fortunate enough to make it. I enjoyed it last year, but I don't think I'll make it this year. I'm pretty sure that this event (last year) was the last geocaching event I attended.
The Great Pumpkin Geocaching Party! by Team Sprout (GC1G888)
This Halloween event will be held in Olive Branch, MS. I would never go to an event that required wearing a costume in order to log the event, but it would be cool if there was a contest for the best Halloween-themed cache container.
Geocaching Introduction by Geocachers of West Tennessee (GC1GD8C)
This event on November 1st will be hosted by prontopup at Cameron Brown Park in Germantown, TN. This will be the perfect opportunity for the host to pose for pictures with fellow GOWT member tiger130. All most folks will get out of this "introduction" is who you can call when you can't find the cache.
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