[kbraband]

quote:

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Originally posted by jvechinski:

Does anyone else think the blinking graphic is annoying, or do you guys see a useful purpose?

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I figured it was just something Alan did as the end of the month approaches. I wouldn’t want to see it blinking all the time.

[kbraband]

quote:

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Originally posted by jvechinski:
Brian, I’ve had good luck saving complete web pages using Internet Explorer “Web Archive” files.

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I’m also able to save files to my notbook computer. I have used the “web page,complete” form, but I just tried the “web archive, single file” that Jeremy suggested and that works too. I’m using Explorer and Windows XP.

My normal practice for multiple hunts is similar to Thraxman’s — find one cache I want to hunt and then look for others in the same area. I sometimes download the waypoints directly into my GPS, but not very often. I usually enter the coordinates as we’re driving — Robin at the wheel and me as GPS navigator.

[kbraband]

quote:

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Originally posted by GrouseTales:
I wouldn’t be too concerned about the enviromental impact of driving to caches as long as you’ve found under 100 caches.

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Let me add that if you HAVE found more than 100 caches, you’re not damaging the environment as long as your average number of finds is not more than 10.7 per month. (I believe that’s the official number from the EPA.)

[kbraband]

quote:

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Originally posted by jvechinski:

Anyone else willing to join the team, or are you guys chicken ?

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Not chicken. Just not interested. I know you didn’t ask for a lengthy opinion, but here goes anyway…

Sometimes I have hard enough time justifying to myself the extra driving (fuel consumption, air pollution) done in the name of geocaching. At least when we get to most geocache locations I know I’ll be able to shut off the engine, get out and enjoy a hike.

On the other hand, geoDashing seems like an unfortunate waste of resources to pursue random coordinates. Please don’t take this personally, Jeremy and Joe. I know both of you have done a lot to further the cause of geoCaching in Wisconsin. I’m just expressing a heartfelt opinion about geoDashing.

I’m taking an environmental class called “Voluntary Simplicity” that teaches about the earth’s resources and how much we Americans consume compared to the rest of the world — so my bias is especially skewed at this moment against motorized recreation, I admit.

That being said, I’m not going to hold it against anyone who wants to try geodashing. I’m just explaining why I’m not.

I welcome your responses.

[kbraband]

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Originally posted by Yawningdog:
Hey! That’s great, Ken
Now I’m really glad that I made that cache! I hope you bought an ammo box, or two

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That was my original purpose for going there, but they didn’t have any ammo boxes left. They said they’d be getting more soon. I ended up buying other stuff so it was still fun. I’m taking Robin back there today so we can look at more camping stuff. See what you started?

[kbraband]

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Originally posted by CacheCows:

A new camping/hiking type place in Milwaukee would have been excellent.

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Speaking of that, I feel as if I just “discovered” such a new place, even though it’s an old one. I went to Sherpe’s for the first time and was very impressed. The store doesn’t look like much on the outside, but they have a good selection of camping/expedition supplies at pretty good prices compared to Laacke & Joys, REI, Gander Mountain, Cabela’s, etc. I know many of you have been there before, but it was fun for me to discover. Thanks, Sam!

[kbraband]

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Originally posted by sbukosky:

More than ever, I am pleased that I decided to buy the Garmin eMap.

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Thanks for the story of your travels, Steve. I have to agree with your conclusion. I’ve had my eMap for two years and thinks it a great unit. I especially like the large display. It’s like having another panel instrument when I velcro it to the dash of the car or boat. Also nice when mounted on the bicycle handlebar, or placed in a plastic baggie with some flotation material when I canoe. (That’s the only downside — not waterproof and doesn’t float).

[kbraband]

Thanks for introducing yourself, Lisa. I’m a former Iowan myself, although not a Hawkeye fan or a Badger fan (Go Cyclones!). Sure, you’re welcome to participate in any of the WGA activities. We hope to see you at the campout.

BTW, I’m familiar with your beautiful city of Decorah. I used to lead canoe trips on the Upper Iowa River. I hope to canoe there again sometime.

Someone will get to our Uncharted Island cache, eventually.
~Ken

[kbraband]

quote:

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Originally posted by CacheCows:

Quote:

There are few things more exciting than that e-Mail ‘Someone found your cache!’.

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If you believe that I KNOW you’ve really got to get out more!

[This message has been edited by kbraband (edited March 07, 2002).]

[kbraband]

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Originally posted by CacheCows:
kbraband,
I hope you do feel differently this morning. As I for one can’t figure out why Wisconsin Cachers would want to boycott this. Is it the $3/month that’s too much? Is it the Member Only caches (which are very similier to what we talked about on the Help forum related to invite only caches) you don’t like?

Personally, I think trying to start a groundswell effort to boycott Jeremy’s membership option is not called for. If an individual doesn’t want to participate, fine, use the site like you always have and don’t become a member.

[This message has been edited by CacheCows (edited March 07, 2002).]

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I admit I do feel more amicable toward the idea this morning. I’ve wasted $30 bucks on worse things, so what the heck. Maybe it will turn out to be a good thing for those who have had caches stolen in the past. BTW, I don’t feel I’m a geocaching cheapskate. I have donated to Jeremy’s site several times. I’m just a curmugdeon when it comes to being required to pay more for things that used to be free. As far as it being an option, maybe it is now but we can all see the writing on the wall. In the near future the “good” caches are going to be those available to members only.

[kbraband]

It’s late and I’m tired, but right now my feeling is: to heck with the pay-more area. Maybe all of us in Wisconsin can boycott and promise to post all our caches in the “free” area.

I dunno. Maybe I’ll feel differently tomorrow.

[kbraband]

quote:

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Originally posted by GLSailor:

The locks on the Mississippe are supposed to control flooding on the river (as if man can actually control Mother Nature…) and they have actually made the situation worse by NOT giving the river anyplace to go when the river floods.

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Mike, thanks for the additional information. You certainly have a lot more experience and knowledge of the river than I do (I have done some boating on the Mississippi, and have enjoyed “upping” my boating skills to go through the locks). However, I do know the Army Corps of Engineers states that the locks and dams were not built for flood control. The information they publish says the dams and locks are strictly to maintain a navigation channel for river traffic. As I say, I’m no expert, but that’s what the Corps says.

[kbraband]

quote:

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Originally posted by sylvanis:

What does everyone think?

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Hmm, this is the first I’ve heard of this. I figured it might be coming eventually. I don’t know what to think. $30 is certainly worth it for the enjoyment I’ve gained from doing this for the past year. I almost feel I have to pay to keep up with everyone else.

[kbraband]

quote:

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Originally posted by GLSailor:
Here’s a followup to the photos

and when we
got down to the bridge, we uncoupled the boat from the barges and let the
barges drift down under the bridge. The bottom of the bridge would “shave”
the coal stacked in the barges off to a level surface. The next step was
to back the vessel upriver and then go over to the far West side and
traverse the bridge’s channel span with the boat, and run down and catch the
barges. It was just too dangerous to try to bring the barges through the
bridge span in the current.

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Michael, just a couple of things I’m curious about from your story. 1. If the river was at a record high flood level, why were they running on it that day? Seems way too risky. 2. Wasn’t it doubly dangerous to release the barges with crew on them, especially during flood conditions?
Just wondering.

[This message has been edited by kbraband (edited March 02, 2002).]

[kbraband]

Thanks, GLSailor. Very interesting reading.

[Author]

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