Winter 2014
Letter from the President
It is now hard water caching time. While some head indoors away from the cold, there are plenty of us that enjoy getting out, strapping on the snowshoes or ice cleats and head out onto the frozen lakes and rivers. Winter has so many unique opportunities, I hope you all have a chance to get out and do a little adventuring as there are few things as exciting as hiking out across what you would normally swim in but please be careful as there are special hazards to watch out.
There are a few rules to keep in mind when spending time on the ice:
- Ice will never be completely safe.
Currents, air pockets and many other conditions can cause what is perfect and thick ice in one place to be very dangerous and brittle just feet or inches away.
2. Have an emergency plan.
Let others know where you are going and when you expect to return. When planning for the adventure, mentally prepare yourself for what could go wrong when you are out there. Some even will take along a floatation device or have taken rope for those Uh- Oh moments.
3. Bone jarring cold does not necessarily mean the ice is great.
The appearance of the ice – its color, texture and features factors into the “health” of the ice. There is a little saying to keep in mind: “Thick and blue, tried and true; Thin and crispy, way too risky.” Grey ice is not a good thing with the best being the Clear or Blue hard water. Is there a lot of snow cover? Snow is a good insulator and can cover open holes and cracks if the wind has been blowing. Ever step off into what you thought was a nice even field, only to find out it was a 4 foot deep ditch blown over with snow? Imagine you surprise when you go through a hole where the ice had looked safe.
Generally, ice thickness of 3 inches is still new ice, so keep off. When it gets to 4 inches, it should be safe for walking on if you are less than 200 lbs. Heading out with a group to find those caches along the river? Make sure that it is 8 – 12 inches thick if you all plan on standing near each other while searching out that 5D/5T.
- Ask the locals what the ice conditions are, they probably know it best. Those ice fishers, local rescue personnel and other outdoorsmen will have a good idea of the conditions and will tell you, no one wants to have to come fish you out later. If there ever is any doubt, come back another time. It is better to walk away from a hard water caching adventure than it is to pulled out of the water.Have fun out there.
Life is an adventure, live it and then come back and share your stories.
6th Annual WGA Chili Feed – Chili at the Janboree
GC5H9JA 6th Annual WGA Chili Feed – Chili at the Janboree
Come join the Wisconsin Geocaching Association for its 6th Annual WGA Chili Feed. This year’s event is going through a bit of a makeover. The WGA will be joining in the festivities with the Waukesha Janboree. The chili event will be in the afternoon following the Janboree event GC55FP4.
We will be providing plenty of chili- not too hot, but we’ll have everything you need to make it as spicy as you like. We will also be providing hot beverages (coffee, tea and cocoa) as well as bowls, cups and utensils.
Cost will be just $2 per bowl or, if Chili isn’t your thing, we will also have hot dogs for the same price.
We will be serving Chili and Hot Dogs from 2:00PM until 4:00pm (or until we run out).
Short on time for the day or just ate? No purchase is needed to be a part of this event. We just want you to stop in and visit us!
Membership in the Wisconsin Geocaching Association is not required to attend.
Schuetze Recreation Center
1120 Baxter Street
Waukesha, WI
Saturday, January 17, 2015
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
There’s so much to do at the Waukesha Janboree if you are traveling a long way and want to make the most out of your travel. Check out the website for more details: http://www.janboree.org/
Nominations for BOD
The WGA is now accepting nominations for this year’s Board of Directors election. Click to go to the elections page and nominate the WGA member(s) you would like to have serve on the Board. Four positions on the Board of Directors are up for election this year. These positions are currently held by the following individuals: Renee Vanselow-Tapp (AuntieNae), Rebecca Lillo (beccaday), Barry Butrymowicz (sweetlife) and Chris Walker (Walkingadventure).
Peter Quella, and Rob England will be assisting with the administration/execution of the election.
If you are interested in serving on the WGA Board of Directors, please ask another geocacher nominate you. You are the person we want!
YOUR VOICE COUNTS! If you are unable to make a nomination, please check that your WGA membership is up-to-date. If you still have problems voting, please email a current BOD member or the webmaster.
The Squirrel gets a Brain Transplant
Big Things have been coming to the WGA website! Through the hard work of the WGA webmaster, Team Black Cat has created a new WGA. The WGA website has had a few kinks and our webmaster is still working on some of the transfer but the new website is up and running.
One of the greatest assets of the WGA is our history, much of which is contained in the pages this website. Every effort has been taken to not only preserve all of the articles and posts, but to make it more accessible to WGA members. Lots of interesting information going back over a dozen years will be online and easy to find.
Some other notable changes include easier navigation, integration with social network sites and integrated maps. Of course the Lonely Cache Game, Cache Rescues, Recent Wisconsin Geocaching Logs and Upcoming Events will be available as well. The forums will undergoing a major transformation, but all of the existing posts will be transferred.
Please note that all users will be required to reset their password. Since this is done through email, please make sure that the email address in your profile is correct and up-to-date. Contact the webmaster or any BOD member if you need assistance with this.
Campout 2015
It’s time to flip the pages of your calendar or just swipe your electronic devices to May 2015!
Please save the date for the next WGA Spring Campout. We will be meeting the traditional 3rd weekend in May, that’s May 15-17 at High Cliff State Park. The WGA has reserved group camping sites which will be ready for your reservations as we get closer to the date.