Deadline for the West Bend $1000 Cache Ba$h is by August 7th

[ecorangers]

Too funny! Oops…was suppose to read to qualify for cash prizes NOT cache prizes (my bad). Tami

[Ry and Ny]

Out of curiosity, why require the advanced “will attend” log for prize eligibility? It really struck me that part of the goal of this event is to bring people into geocaching and/or geocaching events. Or, I could be all wrong on that intent.

If I’m right though, again…why require an advance log?

[LDove]

When planning an event the size we were hoping to get and provide adequate support materials, we needed a number. We have to print booklets, we have goodie bags to hand out, teaching booklets and need to know how many of these things to bring, etc… We don’t want to run short for sure so that is why the cut off is for the main prizes. Anyone can still come and socialize, have fun and find the caches and not even worry about the stamp booklet. We still have a prize drawing for them too, even though they may have not registered by yesterday. We are focusing on emphasizing caching in West Bend/Wisconsin area and promoting it to make it fun and enjoyable for everyone, we just needed to get an idea how many would be there or it could be a logistical nightmare with downloads, parking, you name it. 😀

[Lostby7]

I have been looking forward to this event for months!!!!! I’m very excited to come and go on the hunt while running into many of the locals….looking at all the names of the attendees, it looks like a really great group of folks.

Do you have an approx head count??????

[LDove]

I think it is getting close to 375, last meeting on wed was around 350 or so and some have signed up since.

[Lostby7]

@LDove wrote:

I think it is getting close to 375, last meeting on wed was around 350 or so and some have signed up since.

I really would have guessed much higher….did you try and contact people who only submitted an “Will Attend” but did not list a number of attendees? Oh wait that is just something I would do ….(OCD ya know).

[Decrepit]

❓ Question… I posted my “will attend” on April 25rd stating that there will be 3 in my van, but that was only because the other two don’t have a computer. They are not on my “team”. Do I need to list their names separately or is it too late for them to be included in the prize drawing.

[LDove]

How do they log their finds with no computer? Just curious? ❓ If they have an account on gc.com, when you go to register together – just tell them what you told me. Teams will consist of anyone with an account/screenname on gc.com according to the rules set on the cache page. The people doing the registration will have all the info on how people logged a will attend or with how many, and when etc… so they will be checking to make sure it is fair for all.

[Decrepit]

They log from work. But I called them on the phone and asked if they wanted to go and when they said yes, I just counted them in with the number of people in my van. They don’t get out often either. I have to let them borrow one of my spare GPSr’s.

[Panther in the Den]

Hi All,

First post. 🙂 Might be driving up from Chicago.

I do have a possible conflict as I might be visiting the Iowa State Fair this weekend with family but if that doesn’t come off I will be attending. Not for Ca$h but for FUN! 🙂

Camping? Is anyone doing it? What would be a good place.

After a great weekend (last week) at Geobash I am looking forward to some more campfires and early morning coffee.

Thanks in advance!

[geocharger]

I know this was answered a little indirectly already, but I have a few questions as a new cacher to an event like this.
1. How do we get the coords specifically downloaded into our GPS’s? I have a Magellan…
2. Will there be any way of knowing generally where we are going initially or the level of difficulty for the caches? I know that the GPS will give you some information but will we just need to rely on that?
3. How will we be able to keep all these permanent caches a secret if there are 400 caching teams seeking them at the same time?
4. Will there be a long line for downloading caches initially?
5. How does coin trading, etc. work?
Thank you for any responses you can give!

[Jeremy]

@geocharger wrote:

I know this was answered a little indirectly already, but I have a few questions as a new cacher to an event like this.
1. How do we get the coords specifically downloaded into our GPS’s? I have a Magellan…
2. Will there be any way of knowing generally where we are going initially or the level of difficulty for the caches? I know that the GPS will give you some information but will we just need to rely on that?
3. How will we be able to keep all these permanent caches a secret if there are 400 caching teams seeking them at the same time?
4. Will there be a long line for downloading caches initially?
5. How does coin trading, etc. work?
Thank you for any responses you can give!

1. I believe we can handle all Magellans that can be downloaded to. If you have concerns about a particular type of unit, send me a Private Message or email.

2. You will receive a booklet with complete information on all the caches, including difficulty / terrain ratings. For those without autorouting GPS units, a paper map with the caches plotted out will be available (I admit that it is not the greatest but it should get you close). Your goody bag will also contain a very large street map of West Bend and road map of Washington County, so you shouldn’t get lost.

3. Be very stealthy! 🙂 There is a chance that some curious muggles may notice the activity and take a cache or two, but that could happen even if an event were not taking place. West Bend city officials, police, etc. are well aware of the event and the fact that geocachers will be out and about, so there is no need to be stealthy to avoid having to explain yourself to the law. (Though you still need to obey the laws when it comes to parking and such!)

4. I sure hope not. If there is, I will probably be shot. 😀

5. There will be no official coin or trackable items trading table at the event. I’m sure some ad hoc trades will take place during the Friday night social event (GC1CDJ6 Drink and Think and Coin Clink) and following cache hunting on Saturday.

[kansas64]

I know I will have a personal coin for trade at the Saturday event, it will just have to wait until the caching and prizes are done

[LDove]

These all ALL permanent caches so if you want to leave coins and travel bugs in them = feel free! Many of the caches are larger size caches so bring your swag also as well as your coins and travel bugs. The caches are starting off with some swag in them, but we are hoping to have folks bring their own signature items and other fun things to trade. Jeremy answered most of the other questions. It definitely may get crowded at some of the caches, this can’t be avoided with an event this size. We would recommend rethinking your strategy if you want to not wait you might want to perhaps start your searches on the caches located further out of town and work your way back in. West Bend also has a farmer’s market in the morning so to avoid traffic, this would be a great idea for parking, etc… also.

[zuma]

@LDove wrote:

These all ALL permanent caches so if you want to leave coins and travel bugs in them = feel free! Many of the caches are larger size caches so bring your swag also as well as your coins and travel bugs. The caches are starting off with some swag in them, but we are hoping to have folks bring their own signature items and other fun things to trade. Jeremy answered most of the other questions. It definitely may get crowded at some of the caches, this can’t be avoided with an event this size. We would recommend rethinking your strategy if you want to not wait you might want to perhaps start your searches on the caches located further out of town and work your way back in. West Bend also has a farmer’s market in the morning so to avoid traffic, this would be a great idea for parking, etc… also.

One of the things that I noticed with the MN State Park caches that a lot of non-cachers were hitting them due to the advertising that event has received in the general media. Unfortunately, newbie cachers take a lot of TBs and geocoins without logging them, and the MN state park caches have lost lots of TBs.

This event is analagous, in that I would expect a number of newbies to visit the caches Saturday due to the media coverage. Therefore, if you see a geocoin owned by me, I would really appreciate it if you did not leave it in one of these caches, as I would expect a good percentage of the TBs and geocoins dropped in these caches to go missing.

Thanks,

zuma

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