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If anyone is interested, we can use the grill.
If so, post and I will pick up a bag of charcoal.
Bec
It’s big, but I couldn’t tell you what size. I do have a photo of it. It’s just off the deck at the back of this picture:
Does that help?
Bec
Not sure as to how much charcoal — never worked with a grill of this size. Someone else know this? It’s the same size as at the last picnic at the NORTHERN (just making sure I know which forest I’m referring to!) Kettle Moraine.
As to water — as much as you want to bring! As much as you are interested in bringing. Not trying to sound flip, but any amount is greatly appreciated.
Bec
And actually, they are asking about geocaches — just things to do and see.
It’s all quite lovely — see it all!
Bec
Can I just vote “no” just so I can be the sole dissenter?
(although I really would vote “yes”)
Bec
The brain had apparently moved North!
Fixed now! Thanks to Jeremy & Tie for pointing out my error!
Bec
Okay — upon checking the picnic cache page, it does say to use your geocaching.com username! I’ve never noticed that before (guess I should read more carefully!)
Basically, bring whatever you would like to share with others.
So, maybe instead of a fabulous dessert, I’ll bring something healthy!
Bec
Thanks for reserving the shelter Jeremy! It would have been a little cramped in my car.
As to the John Muir trails — yeah, I know they are pretty heavily travelled by bikes. This is something I have been thinking about for quite a while. I guess I leave this up to the decisions of cache hiders & seekers. We can all discuss this on cache hiding day as well. I’ve been there when it’s been insane, and other times it’s pretty quiet.
Once at the picnic, I’d like to limit the amount of driving around that cachers have to do. There are lots of permanent caches hidden in the Southern Kettle Moraine too (some within just a couple miles of the event!)
We might also be able to use some nearby areas too. I’m thinking on it!
Bec
Nothing wrong with anal! (Oh, that sounds very bad!) It’s been a while since I downloaded it, so I’ve been playing around.
From the main page, click on CacheMate under Palm OS Products (left side of screen).
On the next page, scroll down to the bottom till you see a Download (ZIP) link. That should create a folder on your computer entitled something like Cachemate 4 1.2.
Open the folder and look at the Read Me file. It should state something like this:
CacheMate requires Palm OS 3.0 or later.
Follow these steps to get started with CacheMate:
Run the Install Tool from your Palm? Desktop directory.
Click Add, and add the CacheMate.prc file to your HotSync® list.
Add the MathLib.prc file as well, if you want to use the “nearest caches” or waypoint calculation features.
HotSync your Palm OS handheld.
Tap the CacheMate icon on your handheld to start the program.
Tap the New button to begin adding items to the database.That should get it installed to your PDA.
I think the unpaid version allows you 8 caches. But you can go back to the CacheMate install page on the web and click on the Purchase link right next to the Download link, which allows you to buy it and get the full version.
If you pay by credit card, you should get your registration code pretty quickly. Commit that code to memory (just kidding!)
One you have have the full version, open CacheMate on your PDA, and touch the filename to get your pull down menu. There should be a register option (I don’t have my PDA available at the moment). This is where you enter the registration code. Now you’re good to go!
Do you have GSAK? I don’t know that it’s necessary, as I can’t use it on the Mac, and I can send files to CacheMate using a converter.
Run a pocket query from gc.com and open it with GSAK. This will be harder for me to explain, as I can’t look at GSAK to help. I’m sure someone else can provide these details.
In GSAK, go to the menu bar and click the first item (I think it’s file?) Down that list is Export. This will give you some more options are to where to export, so select CacheMate (I think!!? Someone help me out!)
You will have to create a file for the query so it can be sent to CacheMate (mine is called “cache” — original, eh?). You have options, like how many logs you want to export, maybe other stuff? But once this file is created, you will then be told that it will be uploaded in your next hotsync.
So put your PDA in the cradle and press the button — voila! Paperless Caching! When you access CacheMate on your PDA again, you will be asked if you want to put these caches in a specific location. I always go with unfiled, but I’m sure you can do more with this. I haven’t played with it enough yet. Then the files will upload and you are ready to go.
I hope that was at least semi helpful. That’s probably the best I can do — I’m not too savvy at all this techie stuff. I just sort of figure it out by trial and error.
Hopefully, someone will be able to help you more!
Bec
I think it’s historically your last name (someone will let us know if that’s incorrect).
Bring enough as if you were to feed your geo-team. There is usually plenty of food to go around.
Love the puppy avatar!
Bec
Cachemate is pretty painless actually — download the software, and then hotsync it to your palm. Just download cachemate for the Palm. It creates a folder to your computer. I believe it has a Read Me file.
You then need to use something like GSAK for the pocket query. From there you go to File (I believe), and Export to Cachemate.
You will need to register it for it to be fully functions. It costs $8 and is well worth it.
I can’t actually remember, but I’m sure Plucker is very similar, although no need to register that.
Bec
Thanks to everyone who has volunteered!
Here’s an update for all you hiders:
We’ll meet at the event location N 42 49.299 W088 36.039. The shelter may or may not be available at that time, so we may use a picnic table as base of operations. Just look for me and a big container of caches!
We will start at 9am, but you may come at any time. I’m planning on breaking the hiders up along the various trails. Hide as many as you would like. Containers and stampers will be provided.
Make sure you double check your coordinates so we can be as accurate as possible. Remember that these are well used trails — if your hide may be a little more obvious, perhaps you can just get coordinates, and hide it right before the picnic, so as to prevent muggles from removing it.
Also note the difficulty and terrain ratings for your hide. Oh, and a name for the hide!
If you have a container that you would like to hide — bring it along! No trade items are needed, unless you would like to provide any Take Only goodies. These are set up so that the seekers only need to bring along their cache booklets and get a stamp.
There are lots of trails that we can use in two hiking areas. One section allows bikes (John Muir) — feel free to bring them along. Biking is not allowed on the Nordic trails. Also of note is that the John Muir trails are very well used. You may have to be stealthy when hiding, or you can certainly introduce folks to geocaching too!
Bring along FRS/GMRS radios if you have them. There should be no problem except perhaps at the most extreme trail ends. You may also wish to bring along your cell phones too. You may call in cache information on the trail this way, or you can wait until you return.
Around noon we will take a break for lunch. Lunch will be on your own, but we can all gather near “base” for camaraderie, if you like. Following this we will continue with the cache hiding, as needed.
We will do this rain or shine. In case of rain, and if we are outside, if anyone has a shelter that we can use it would be much appreciated.
I believe that’s all — feel free to post any questions.
Bec
Given all the things that need to be done in the AM to set up for the picnic, a pancake breakfast would not be feasible at this time.
That is, unless, other people want to volunteer for these duties….
Bec
I used Plucker for quite a while, and then discovered Cachemate. I was very quickly converted. Try here:
smittywareThey’ve been very helpful to me in keeping me paperless during my laptop meltdown as well!
Bec
Another thing to keep in mind — these reporters and maybe even the alderman may peruse these forums.
It’s okay to have an opinion, and perfectly understandable to be upset, just remember that this is a public forum
I’ll stop being a mom now — you don’t need one. Sometimes I tend to be too placating.
Bec
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