Dumb Question

[Scrappy ScoutParticipant]

I am still kind of new to caching. I have done 1 or 2 then had to take a break. But now I am going full force. But my question is what is a Earthcache when I started there was only Traditional caches. What makes a Earthcache and how do I do it.

[Cache_boppin_BunnyFuFuParticipant]

No such thing as a dumb question!! 😉

An Earthcache is like a Virtual Cache. An EarthCache site is a great way to learn more about our wonderful world. It can take you to many places that you would not normally visit, and teach you about why those places are special or unique. These are designed to be educational and created to have you learn something while there.

Earthcaches are created in conjunction with GC.com, thru the Geology Society, via http://www.earthcache.org, where you can get a bunch more info which will tell you all you need to know about Earthcaches, a listing of where they all are and how to submit your very own.OR you can ask your local Earthcache Master to help. 😀

Utilizing GC.com, you hunt these just as you would a virtual, but remember to read thru the cache page to see what your requirements are for logging, you may need items to get those requirements, such as a the following:

Camera – to take your pic there
Measuring tape
Container of known size and timing device to measure gallons/minute
A pH testing kit
Hygrometer
Thermometer

We learned the hard way, in the beginning, and went without reading ahead, only to NOT be able to fullfil the requirements. We actually have an Earthcaching Kit we made up. All contained within our Gallon jug.

The other kewl thing we Earthcachers like, is the Earthcache Masters program. You can find more info on that at http://www.earthcaching.com There are requirements for each level. Once you fulfill those requirements for a level, submit them on the site above and they will send receive a pin for that level (and a sticker, now, I think). Here’s what you can do for that:

Bronze Earthcache Master
Visit and log three (3) or more Earthcaches in two (2) or more states/countries.

Silver Earthcache Master
Visit and log six (6) or more Earthcaches in three (3) or more states/countries and have developed one (1) or more Earthcaches.

Gold Earthcache Master
Visit and log twelve (12) or more Earthcaches in four (4) or more states/countries and have developed two (2) or more Earthcaches.

Platinum Earthcache Master
Visit and log twenty (20) or more Earthcaches in five (5) or more states/countries and have developed three (3) or more Earthcaches.

LostBy7 is a Platimun Earthcache Master! I lost track of his #’s LOL
AuntieNae has 10 created and 34 Finds
TheTapps has 7 created and 23 finds a bunch out and not sure of t heir finds
zuma! has 3 created and 27 finds
I have 109 Earthcache Finds but only 2 out (one of which needs to be reinstated)

There are many others whom are participating in the Program, whom I don’t know off hand.

Hope this helps shed a little lite on things. Visit the site!! Enjoy Earthcaching……it’s addicting!!

[Trekkin and BirdinParticipant]

We’re gold earthcache masters, one state away from Platinum, and have 4 of our own (a fifth in the works) and 34 finds. So I think we have a little learnin’, too. Great explanation, Anne, you should make it into a sticky!

[Cache_boppin_BunnyFuFuParticipant]

@Trekkin’ and Birdin’ wrote:

We’re gold earthcache masters, one state away from Platinum, and have 4 of our own (a fifth in the works) and 34 finds. So I think we have a little learnin’, too. Great explanation, Anne, you should make it into a sticky!

Congrats on the Gold level and for getting some new EC’s out.

As for the sticky….hmmm Good idea!! Maybe a Earthcache Newbie Sticky thingy. thanks for the idea!

[Lostby7Participant]

…just leave out the personal achievements (leaving the most active Earthcachers as contact references would be OK though)….
EDIT…I see you already did this.
Nice addition and well written.

[Cache_boppin_BunnyFuFuParticipant]

@lostby7 wrote:

…just leave out the personal achievements (leaving the most active Earthcachers as contact references would be OK though)….
EDIT…I see you already did this.
Nice addition and well written.

I agree……and….DONE 😀

[Lostby7Participant]

You may want to integrate some of Passing Wind’s information as well. He posted a very nice thread on the same subject in this section.

[Cache_boppin_BunnyFuFuParticipant]

@lostby7 wrote:

You may want to integrate some of Passing Wind’s information as well. He posted a very nice thread on the same subject in this section.

I will do that for sure. The basics are up there and as I hunt and peck thru posts, I’ll add items to the sticky!!

[Team B SquaredMember]

Is there a good place to get pH testing kits? I found them in Wal Mart in the fish section, but they were kind of expensive (aprox $20) and they had a lot of them in one box. Is there a better place to look where it might not cost so much?

[Mister GreenthumbParticipant]

@Team B Squared wrote:

Is there a good place to get pH testing kits? I found them in Wal Mart in the fish section, but they were kind of expensive (aprox $20) and they had a lot of them in one box. Is there a better place to look where it might not cost so much?

You can get one anwhere they sell swimming pool suplies for about $6-7. We bought the one we use at Ace Hardware.

[Cache_boppin_BunnyFuFuParticipant]

Yup…What Mr Greenthumbs said…. 😉 That was going to be my suggestion too. I know that is why Digital Dan went elsewhere, for the same reason of being rather pricey. The fish places get ya good.. even walmart. We picked up ther thermometer at a fish place.

[Team B SquaredMember]

Thanks for the help! I’ll have to look for one the next time I get to an area where a pH test is required.

[Author]

Posts