Non-spotlight Geocaching Activities Question

[Astro_DParticipant]

There have been some great questions posed relating to all the different ‘spotlight’ aspects of geocaching. I want to take this question in a different direction, and focus on those activities that are part of geocaching, but are either overlooked, shunned, done just to get the icons or just not cared about: waymarking, benchmarking, and webcam caching….

I see many BOD members and candidates very pro-Earthcaching and pro-geocaching (and that’s great). However, I’m curious to know what each candidate’s view is on waymarking, benchmarking and webcaming. Do you view them as useless activities? Something that shouldn’t even be grouped as geocaching? Something to do once or twice to get the icon on the profile page? Do they have a benefit, like Earthcaching? Something else entirely?

These activities are seldom, if ever, discussed, so I have no idea what anyone thinks of these activities. I look forward to the responses.

Thank you and good luck!

[AuntieNaeModerator]

Have I done waymarking .. a couple .. but I have cross listed a few things between the geocaching and waymarking websites .. and unfortunately the listings on waymarking have gone unlogged.

Have I done benchmarking .. yes .. I have logged a few, pretty much as I have come across them while geocaching .. but I have not gone out of my way to seek additional.

Have I done webcams .. yes .. there are becoming so few .. if I am traveling to an area, I will check which webcams are in the area and if it will be possible to do them while we are there.

I think waymarking, benchmarking, webcams and even the new WhereIgo are all different “variations” of the game.

[Trekkin and BirdinParticipant]

I came to the game after the Locationless caches were dropped, and until recently, didn’t realize that Waymarking had taken their place. I’ve enjoyed playing with that site in particular to add my “finds” to international sites I’ve visited, where I couldn’t go geocaching at the time.
I have a few more new ones I keep meaning to add to the site, too, thanks for the nudge!

I log benchmarks as I find them, and though I haven’t pursued it, the whole notion of truly hunting them down is kind of interesting. (Grandfather was a civil engineer, so I guess some of it must have filtered down).

I’ve done a couple webcams. They’re a hoot and if I am in an area where I can do more, I will.

The WhereIGo is intriguing. I agree that these are unique aspects of the game, things that should perhaps be brought more to others’ attention as possible variations. Variety is a good thing.

[zumaParticipant]

Question: ” However, I’m curious to know what each candidate’s view is on waymarking, benchmarking and webcaming. “

For me, geocaching is primarily about the joy of discovery. I like caching because a good cache will show you something that you might not have discovered on your own, either a great place, interesting history, something of architectural note, or human interest or interesting geology.

I think that both waymarking and benchmarking can also do this, and are therefore similiar in some respects to caching, though different in format from caching. I think they are different games, games that look like fun and interest me, but that I have not tried to any great degree.

As far as webcams go, I think they are one of those things that sound cool until you try them. Generally, they turn out to be more trouble than they are worth. Just my opinion. Your mileage may vary.

zuma

[GR8 EYESMember]

I believe each of these (and geocaching and EarthCaching) are all about the journey, not necessarily about the destination. Really we all “play the game” in our own personal style. 😉

I’ve done the webcam thing a few times. Hard to get someone to be at a computer to capture the image sometimes. Once I wasn’t tall enough and only the top of my head was captured (Pt Washington) so I didn’t count it. Many times the darn webcams just aren’t cooperating! 😥

I have found a few benchmarks, but they haven’t been loggable. I don’t go out of my way for those. 😕

I LOVED 😛 Locationless finds and was extremely upset when they were taken from the site and put on waymarking. I tried that site, but didn’t like the way it worked so stopped going to it.

I attended a Wherigo Event in Chicago last blustery winter with AuntieNae and the Tapps. We went on an adventure and I found it interesting. I know we now have one wherigo cache in WI and look forward to trying it. 8)

[Cache_boppin_BunnyFuFuParticipant]

I participate in caching, of course and EarthCaches are my favorite. I seem to come across Benchmarks, moreso when I am traveling. I need to learn more about them so I can make sure I am not just looking other types. Benchmarking is one area I would like to get a better handle on and grow my numbers.

Waymarking – I seem to come across all kinds of neat stuff, but when I get home, forget to go in and log them. Too many things swirling around in my head. LOL

I think they are all great, but of course I have a love for geology and the EarthCaches are my babies!!

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