The Maritime Geocaching Association

Interview Date : December 11, 2010

Caching Name : TheRetiredHiker and SpruceGum

Real Name : Jack and Jennifer Burnham

1. How did you become involved in geocaching. When did you start?

SpruceGum gave me a GPS for Christmas, to use hiking. A few days later I signed up on Geocaching.com and we found our first cache January 1, 2004. The rest, as they say, is history!

2. How did you choose your caching name?
TheRetiredHiker was chosen because I started hiking once I retired from work. SpruceGum’s name came from the gobs of spruce gum she would get on her hands, and once on her GPS!

3. How many caches have you found so far?
Over 6000, heading towards 7000. (9920 as of Today, only 80 to 10k!!!)

4. What brand/type of GPS do you use?
We started with Garmin Etrex Vistas, moved up to Vistas HCX and currently we both have Garmin Oregon 450’s.

5. What programs/software or hardware (PDA/laptop/phone) do you use to make caching easier?
GSAK. We also have a PDA which was helpful before we got our Garmin Oregons. We take our laptop with us when we travel.

6. What type of cache do you prefer seeking – traditional, multi, puzzle, virtual?
Traditional caches which get us out doing some hiking, rather than the typical guardrail placements, although we’ve found plenty of those, too. We like multi’s and virtual caches, especial
virtual caches that take us to places with history or interesting geology. We puzzle our way through puzzle caches, although they are a way to keep busy when the weather is bad and we can’t get out!

7. Which caches were the most challenging – physically/mentally? Why?
Physically – a great sense of accomplishment to accompany those tired aching muscles!

8. Do you have a favorite or favorites among the Maritime caches that you’ve found?
The Parlee Brook Natural Amphitheater was a highlight. We recently completed the Dobson Trail, and would like to thank HillBilly Bob for all the caches placed along the trail, they were a great motivator for us to get out and hike the trail! We also completed the Power Trail of the Viking Gods by Viking43, again we really appreciated the work that Viking43 put in to those caches along the trail. Sportsman01 put out two caches that we found this past summer, South Branch Oromocto Falls and Nutter Brook Falls. Those two caches had everything that we enjoy in a cache – challenge, beauty, nature at it’s best!

9. What’s the most unusual thing that you’ve ever found in a cache?
A huge, big, giant roll of duct tape found in a cache of rpapaman’s!

10. What are your current caching goals? Is there a certain cache that you can’t wait to do?
Reach 7000 finds, we enjoy getting out finding new caches and don’t mind the challenge of climbing a mountain or going up a brook to a waterfalls.

11. How many caches have you placed? Do you have a current hiding goal?
We have placed 59 and archived 8, so we have 51 active caches. Our hiding goal? To have well placed caches in areas where there is something of interest or natural beauty, to have the cacher enjoy the area where the cache is placed. We like placing caches in areas where they will not be muggled, lost, trashed or destroyed.

12. What advice would you give someone that wants to place a cache?

A cacher should have found a number of caches, and a variety of caches himself before placing a cache. Once they have found an interesting spot to put the cache (somewhere where you want to bring people to) take a number of readings with your GPS to ensure your coordinates are accurate. And then, once the cache is in place, maintain it!

13. How often do you go caching?
Regularly as weather permits and when other things in life don’t get in the way!

14. What advice would you give a beginning geocacher?
Turn on your GPS, get out there and have fun! And keep at it!

15. Do you collect geocoins? Of the ones that you’ve collected, which is your favorite?
Not really, we do have a small collection, all of which mean something to us. For example, the ones we’ve earned at Fundy National Park or from events we’ve attended.

16. What type of gear do you carry with you on your caching trips? What’s in your geopack?
Spare batteries! Many, many sets of spare batteries! Log sheets and small ziplocks, pen/pencil, small jackknife to pry those pesky nano sheets out of containers (and a darning needle for the same reason). Walky-talkies. Lunch. Cell phone. Did we mention spare batteries?

17. What is your most memorable caching experience?
We were traveling in Wales, UK in the fall of 2007 and stayed at Brecon for a few days. We had heard of a cache named A Canadian Memory (GCX006) that we were interested in finding, but did not know the trails. We found a very good map of the area at the B&B in Brecon and headed out one day. The trail was in Brecon Beacons National Park. We hiked about 12 km. round trip loop to find the cache, high up in the grassy moors where we could see forever, it seemed! The cache was placed close to a small cairn which was built in memory of five Canadian airmen who lost their lives during a training mission during WWII. They had flown from Stratford and were killed when the weather became foggy, they dropped altitude to see better and crashed into the side of a cliff. The remains of the plane is still close to the cairn. At the time we were there the cairn was covered in poppies, placed by a Welsh cadet
squadron. It was a very moving experience to be there, to find the cache and to spend the day hiking
such a beautiful area.

18. What is your best caching story?
Well, question #17 about covers it. We also have enjoyed caching in England and Greece. One day, on Naxos (Greece), we hiked up Mt Zeus to find a cache in Zeus’s Grotto, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, who, legend has it, was born there. That’s what caching does – takes us to wonderful areas we never would know of, otherwise!

19. What do you like about geocaching? What keeps you going?
It gets us out and active and takes us to places we would not have known of if it were not for caching. What keeps us caching? The finding, the challenge, the things to do when traveling.

20. Besides geocaching, what other things do you like to do?
TheRetiredHiker enjoys hiking, downhill skiing. SpruceGum enjoys tai chi, choral singing. Being out, exploring, seeing the world and finding caches along the way.

21. What question did you expect us to ask but didn’t. What is the answer?
What about earthcaches? We enjoy those, too! A wonderful way to learn about our great planet Mother Earth.

Caching Name : Cableguy1

Real Name : “TC” Jenicek

1. How did you become involved in geocaching. When did you start?

I started in 2009, after reading an article online. The GPSr appealed to the techie side of me, I was curious about a game that uses a GPSr to find things.

2. How did you choose your caching name?

Easy question, my caching name comes from my work.

3. How many caches have you found so far?

785

4. What brand/type of GPS do you use?

I started wil a 50 buck used Etrex Summit from Kijiji, I now use a Garmin 60cx.

5. What programs/software or hardware (PDA/laptop/phone) do you use to make caching easier?

None, I’ve played with Gsak, but haven’t taken the time to use it.

6. What type of cache do you prefer seeking – traditional, multi, puzzle, virtual?

I prefer Traditionals, and I love Earthcaches!

7. Which caches were the most challenging – physically/mentally? Why?

Physically, The Labyrinth� �GC19689 was quite a task. Slippery sinkholes, cliffs, narrow passages, this cache has many challenges, all rolled into one hike. I did it just after a little snowfall in the autumn. It was some slick.

8. Do you have a favorite or favorites among the Maritime caches that you’ve found?

I recently found NB’s first, GC760. It was snowed in, I used a snowshoe to shovel a ton of snow to get to it. The Maritimes have fantastic Earthcaches, I loved them all. Critter’s now famous series in Sackville has to be my favorite stretch of road. My top series is Ron568′s Pink Panther series, which I did with my son NBGamer22, very enjoyable.

9. What’s the most unusual thing that you’ve ever found in a cache?

An empty lighter…I suppose the flint could be used in case of emergency, but it was useless swag, and certainly not kid friendly.

10.a. What are your current caching goals?

I cache often, but I don’t usually go on large runs (not enough time), so it takes me a while to reach milestones. My 1000th is a number that I’m looking forward to reaching this year.

11. How many caches have you placed?

I have 77 hides. I get just as much pleasure hiding a cache as I do finding one. I’m on the road each day for work, so I know the Moncton/Shediac area quite well. Believe it or not, there are still a few spots open in the city. I’ve said that I’d stop with the 100th hide, but I don’t believe myself. My faves are GC2W450 and GC2XZ9P for the original containers, GC3DJ65 certainly created a buzz around here, and I like the Communication series in Lower Coverdale which is an easy 10 part series that I’ve intended for kids to enjoy.

12. What advice would you give someone that wants to place a cache?

Find at least 100 caches before you hide one. Pay attention to how containers are made, the location, and make sure your coords are accurate. Also, don’t hesitate to pick a seasoned cacher’s brains. A few folks around here have put up with me over the years, and I’m grateful for their advice.

13. How often do you go caching?

As often as I can! I’d go daily if I could, I managed 109 days straight last year.

14. What advice would you give a beginning geocacher?

Again, don’t be shy to ask questions. Experienced cachers are always eager to help.

15. Do you collect geocoins?

No, though I certainly enjoy finding and moving travellers.

16. What type of gear do you carry with you on your caching trips?

Snowshoes are always ready in the winter. Water bottle always. I try to keep the pack light. What’s in your geopack? All the usual cache repair stuff, plus bandaids, small folding plyers, extra batteries, 35mm film containers and other containers, a small knife, snare wire (for cache repair/placing!).

17. What is your most memorable caching accomplishment? Having found a cache in each NB county. And I was very relieved to have finished the 20 COAP tasks by the start of February.

18. Is there a certain cache that you can’t wait to do?

GCBBA, Canada’s first is on the radar. So are Chatelaine’s in Riverview. And some of the peaks both in Southern NB and Eastern Maine.

19. What do you like about geocaching?

I love how it gets everyone outdoors. The exercise, the fresh air. I believe that geocaching is great for kids 6-18. It gets them out of the house, teaches them about the outdoors. My son would not have had as much appreciation for fresh air and nature if not for geocaching. I also love how caching takes us to places we would never have otherwise discovered.

20. Besides geocaching, what other things do you like to do?

I like to coach Little League Baseball in the summer, basketball in the winter. I love playing online fantasy sports. I follow NFL Football. I scuba dive when I have the opportunity, and love to travel. And I like to read anything I can.

21. What question did you expect us to ask but didn’t: How do you see Geocaching evolving in the next 10 years?

I see caching becoming the next big outdoor activity. Not just because it’s a free hobby/sport once you have your GPSr or app, and it gets you outside, but because of Smartphones. The youth generation of today is totally at ease with smartphones, most will have one if they don’t have one already, the phones have GPS capability, and there’s an app for it! Their accuracy is not that of our handhelds, but those smartphones will put the ability to cache into everyone’s hands. And for no more than ten bucks. Many folks getting into caching today did not have to go through that bumpy learning curve of using a GPSr. They are starting with smatphones, an easy introduction to the sport. By touching their smartphones two or three times, they’re on their way to finding a cache.

Interview Date :14 November 2011

Caching Name :Cachescammer

Real Name : Billy Wall

1. How did you become involved in geocaching. When did you start?

I bought a jeep in 02 and with it came a key chain with geocaching.com on it so I looked into it, and there were not many in the area at that time, I had a magellin 315 and it was not user friendly at all. Any way I left and never looked into it again until a friend (Team Newfie Trio) mentioned it one day and said it would be something I might enjoy. I went on to tell him I tried and was not happy with the lack of caches in the area, and he told me to look again, and the rest is history, I’v had a GPS in my hand ever since.

2. How did you choose your caching name?

When I started I needed a quick name so I used Jeepking7, but it didn’t make any sense being I didn’t have a jeep any more so I changed it. There was local cacher in the area with the name cacheslinger and he had the Oromocto area pretty much monopolised, and I seen his name every were I went so I kinda got the name from him.

3. How many caches have you found so far?

2243

4. What brand/type of GPS do you use?

I used a magellin 315 back in 02 but it didn’t cut the mustard, and then I had a garmin vista, then a HCX, now I’m using a Gpsmap 62s, and it’s worth every penny and then some.

5. What programs/software or hardware (PDA/laptop/phone) do you use to make caching easier?

I just use the laptop, and my Iphone mainly. I use pocket queries all the time.

6. What type of cache do you prefer seeking – traditional, multi, puzzle, virtual?

I like traditional caches the most, but I’m coming around to the offset caches, and puzzles.

7. Which caches were the most challenging – physically/mentally? Why?

Any cache where I have to get dirty is a good cache, when you get half way to the cache and you say to yourself “what am I doing this for”, Is the cache I like to find, I love water fall caches, you never know what your going to find when you get there. Covered bridge caches because there is so much history in the bridge. Anything that involves a hint of danger, cliff side or rock face caches. The higher the D – T the better.

8. Do you have a favorite or favorites among the Maritime caches that you’ve found?

GC750D –  Sgurra Bhreac, It’s a cache in Cape Breton, one of the most beautiful places I’v ever stood.
GC1FG6V – The Diamond Safe, A cool cache in Hawaii that was out on a break water in the ocean.
GC2KZBV – Chirp Chirp, by sportsman01, pretty much all his caches are a favorite, Slow and steady is a good one.
GCVDR8 – Spelunky is an all time favorite

The Redden Falls Eco-Challenge, It’s archived but it was a very nice spot to find, with an awesome waterfall. There are so many caches I could mention, the Fredericton caching community is very creative bunch.

9. What’s the most unusual thing that you’ve ever found in a cache?

Nothing major, just the usual swag, I’d love to have a great story for you but I’m just not that lucky enough to find something awesome.

10. What are your current caching goals? Is there a certain cache that you can’t wait to do?

I’v got my eyes set on my 3000 already, it’s prob going to be� �GC33CVR, A true 5/5 RCR style, by Team Newfie Trio, and being I’m an RCR, its *.

11. How many caches have you placed? Do you have a current hiding goal?

I’v hidden 38 in the Fredericton area, the Handy Cap series, the Evil Island series and the Okie Doakie series. I’v also adoted a few from other cachers.

12. What advice would you give someone that wants to place a cache? What steps do YOU take when placing a cache?

Find a cache style you like and run with it, Everyone likes a good P&G, there quick and easy, but also everyone likes a challenge, If you want to hide an awesome cache look at some of Milosheart’s caches, lots of thought and time put into it, look at some of Team Newfie Trio’s caches and sportsman01, all different styles but are awesome cache makers, BTH7 had a cache I went back to almost 6 times before I found it.

13. How often do you go caching?

As often as possible, it used to be every second day, but now with work and the kids I make it out 2 maybe 3 times a week. and I plan cache trips and set goals like don’t come home until I have a set number of caches.

14. What advice would you give a beginning geocacher?

Stick with it and don’t let the weather stop you sometimes caches are more fun in the rain or snow. And don’t be afraid to stop and talk to people on the trails and go to events, there are a lot of cachers out there and they all have a certain personality trait. I’v yet to meet a mean cacher.

15. Do you collect geocoins? Of the ones that you’ve collected, which is your favorite?

I just started I have about half a dozen, the FGT coins, the Moncton coin, my 1000/2000 achievement coin. and some other coins I’v won.

16. What type of gear do you carry with you on your caching trips? What’s in your geopack?

Spare batteries, logs and containers, stickers, bison tubes, gerber tool, wire, string, and of course my walking stick

17. What is your most memorable caching experience?

I’v cached in Hawaii, did a cache run to PEI not that long ago to grab the CT caches, Team Newfie Trio and myself got almost 500 of them in 4 days, weather was a huge factor in the low numbers, but as PA would say “Its not about the numbers”.
Also I came in second in last years come out and play contest, that contest brought me all over the province, and then some.

18. What is your best caching story?

I went to do the Viking series with my wife last Christmas eve, we had the 4 wheeler and we went out a week after the December flood. The trail was wrote off, there were parts of the trail missing and washed out so, my wife wanted no part of the offroading it took to get around some of the washouts. She kept jumping off the bike I would go around the washout and she would jump back on and we would carry on. This one wash out was about 25 feet long and just as deep, so she jumped off and I made my way around it but there was a pretty steep bank I had to drive up. I’v had the 4 wheeler for over 10 years and I knew what she was capable of so I gassed it and up she came. the front wheel climbed up a small birch sapling and it didn’t break instead it flipped the bike over and it landed on top of me, so I’m sliding down this pretty steep bank with my bike completely upside down on top of me and my wife was screaming. The bike came to a stop and Shannon was in panic mode. She wouldn’t stop screaming long enough for me to get the words out that I was OK, she saw me wave to her and she came running she only had to put a bit of weight on the side of the bike and it rolled off, I was more concerned that the bike had stalled, and we were about 15 KM from the truck. she thought different, she made me call it a day and we made our way back to the truck. She kept going on about Christmas and the kids and how I was dumb to even try it. OH WELL.

19. What do you like about geocaching? What keeps you going?

I like the people and the events, always good stories and good people, they always talk about caches they did and that you should go for it, or you will prob like it, and before you know it you have the next 3 caching trips planed.

20. Besides geocaching, what other things do you like to do?

Hunting, fishing, 4 wheeling anything to do with outside, I love snow shoeing, and taking the kids caching. I love taking the Harley out for a rip on nice days, hanging out with my family every chance I can.

21. What question did you expect us to ask but didn’t. What is the answer?

Since I came in second in last years Come out and play, If I plan on playing again this year? And the answer is I don’t know yet the tasks just came out and I put so much effort in last year and spent so much time away completing tasks I don’t know if I want to do that again.

Also I love power trails, and the remaining CT caches are just a matter of time before I get them, and there will most likely be a cache trip to Nevada in the near future.

Interview Date : May 29th

Caching Name : milosheart

Real Name : Gwen & Terry LeBlanc

1. How did you become involved in geocaching. When did you start?

My sister and her late boyfriend showed us what geocaching was in August 2007 but it wasn’t until March of 2008 that we took it up ourselves to spend time with her after his death.

2. How did you choose your caching name?

When we started caching we each had our own accounts/names. Terry was Frogger57 and I was milosheart. Milo was a nickname of Terry’s. He logged his first 19 caches then gave up. He loves to go caching, loves the driving, travelling, meeting fellow cachers, searching and finding but could care less about the logging, planning, numbers, etc. He doesn’t know how to use the GPS and has no desire to learn, doesn’t have a clue what GSAK is, nor care. I love him more for just going with me, blindly sometimes! LOL So we just continued on using my original account and became team milosheart.

3. How many caches have you found so far?

1815, so far.

4. What brand/type of GPS do you use?

Oregon 300

5. What programs/software or hardware (PDA/laptop/phone) do you use to make caching easier?

We use GSAK.

6. What type of cache do you prefer seeking – traditional, multi, puzzle, virtual?

Our favorites are traditionals and Earthcaches. We rarely do puzzles or multis, they take too much time and brainpower that we just don’t have! LOL We figure when we’ve found everything else we’ll do all the puzzles/multis.

7. Which caches were the most challenging – physically/mentally? Why?

We’ve been to the event at Fundy every year and there is always at least one cache that is a killer physically. There’s a cache near Fredericton GC9522 Volcano by Dusty Walker that, while not the most difficult physically, was hard on our heads. We tried 3 different times to find it with no luck. We just could not find it. Other cachers kept finding it in between our DNFs; newer cachers! Grrrr. We finally found it on our 4th try after a quick search with eebee and kayakerinme.

8. Do you have a favorite or favorites among the Maritime caches that you’ve found?

Proposal Falls (GC289A6), On The Way To Mount Douglas (GCKJ8R) and Parlee Brook Natural Amphitheatre (GCVVPH). All were great treks to amazing places with great groups of friends….what geocaching is all about to us.

Do you have a favorite in a nearby Province?

Have to say the first one in Canada, GCBBA.

9. What’s the most unusual thing that you’ve ever found in a cache?

Nothing too unusual, just a spider that scared the poop out of me at GCVC5Z (thanks, Sporty!)

10. What are your current caching goals? Is there a certain cache that you can’t wait to do?

No major goals, just to keep on enjoying caching, we’ll hit the next milestone when we hit it. Caches we can’t wait to do – The Eye of the Needle, the first in NB GC760, some more of the waterfall caches in the area….that’s a start.

11. How many caches have you placed? Do you have a current hiding goal?

44 hides, of which about 21 are events. No hiding goal.

12. What advice would you give someone that wants to place a cache?

Find enough first to know what makes a good cache, what makes a good container, what makes a cache interesting.

13. How often do you go caching?

We try to get out at least once a week but life has a way of changing that. In the summer and fall we cache more. We tend to cache mostly on weekends and we usually plan our vacations around geocaching.

14. What advice would you give a beginning geocacher?

Have fun! Go to events to meet other cachers and listen to their stories. Ask questions, the caching community here in Fredericton is more than willing to help out newbies. Read the knowledge books and guidelines for hides. Read the forums of whatever website you read.

15. Do you collect geocoins? Of the ones that you’ve collected, which is your favorite?

We have some. Faves would be our Track Your World Marble, Landsharkz 4 pce totem set, our 1000th find coin.

16. What type of gear do you carry with you on your caching trips? What’s in your geopack?

Baggies, logs, cache repair stuff, batteries, First Aid Kit, bug spray, small notebook, toilet paper, latex gloves, flashlight, more batteries, a couple of inhalers, and a bunch of other stuff.

17. What is your most memorable caching experience?

Last August we took 2 weeks and flew to Calgary then, after visiting Drumheller, drove from Calgary to Canmore and Banff, then up to Jasper, back down through the Rockies to Vancouver and over to Victoria caching all the way. We didn’t get a massive amont of caches but we saw some amazing, incredible places and we came home feeling blessed for seeing so much of this beautiful country. Our most memorable single experience would have to be our recent trek to Proposal Falls or our trek to Parlee Brook Natural Amphitheatre in March of 2009.

18. What is your best caching story?

Too many to pick just one. Every cache is a story and we enjoy every single one of them!

19. What do you like about geocaching? What keeps you going?

We like the places caching takes us, the sights we see, the people we meet, and the parts of our city/province/country we probably would not see otherwise. We like the exercise, the friendship, the events, the travel, being outdoors and just about everything about caching except the BUGS.

20. Besides geocaching, what other things do you like to do?

We both love music. Terry loves hockey (particularly the Habs), NASCAR and football (the Vikings). I enjoy most sports, cooking and I took up gardening but geocaching takes up most of our weekends so my flower gardens suffer. LOL I do make sure we get the vegetable garden in though!

21. What question did you expect us to ask but didn’t. What is the answer?

None that we can think of.

Geocaching Name: Back Road Trackers

Real Name : Jason Burke

Interview Date : July 26th, 2011

1. How did you become involved in geocaching? When did you start?

My sister ( starr_shine ) and a friend went Geocaching one day and were telling me about it. I had heard about it before that but never got involved ( as I didn’t have a GPSr to use ). It was in the fall around hunting season November 21, 2009, and I went out to grab one just 500 Meters from Home. Found and took a TB and came home to see what that was about. Then I had to go find another to drop this Travel Bug I got.

2. How did you choose your caching name?

I started with just my name, “jburkenrfb”. After almost two years and finding out that you can change your name I changed it to “Back Road Trackers” which is exactly what my family loves to do.

3. How many caches have you found so far?

581

4. What brand/type of GPS do you use?

I actually use two Different GPS units. I started with my old Faithful a Garmin Rino 530HCx, I love this unit but it not the beast for storing caches on it as it won’t save hints and descriptions and so on. I have more recently bought a Garmin Dakota 20. This holds all the info and then some that I need in the Bush.

5. What programs/software or hardware (PDA/laptop/phone) do you use to make caching easier?

I have Tried GSAK but mostly do it all the old fashion way of downloading one by one.

6. What type of cache do you prefer seeking – traditional, multi, puzzle, or virtual?

Traditional Caches

7. Do you have a favorite or favorites among the Maritime caches that you’ve found?

Ghost on the Wallace River: Travelling Riverside GCTT0H is the one that stands out the most. It is in the Wentworth Valley on an old abandoned road beside an old abandoned/falling down Steel Bridge.

8. What’s the most unusual thing that you’ve ever found in a cache?

What appears to be a Marijuana Joint in Canada’s First Cache?

9. What are your current caching goals? Is there a certain cache that you can’t wait to do?

I would like to make 750 caches buy the end of the year. It’s only better than 150 away but with my work I haven’t got a lot of time to go steady at it.

10. How many caches have you placed? Do you have a current hiding goal?

73, I have 64 caches and 9 events I’ve hosted.

11. What advice would you give someone that wants to place a cache? What steps do YOU take when placing a cache?

The thing I learnt quickly is to take several readings at the hiding location and when filling out the new cache form look on the map is provides and see if it looks to be in the correct spot.

12. How often do you go caching?

I have the GPS in my truck at all times and usually go caching at the spur of a minuet notice.

13. What advice would you give a beginning geocacher?

Don’t give up because you can’t find a cache. Learn to think like a cacher. Where would the dirtiest, nastiest place to hide be and look there.

14. Do you collect geocoins? Of the ones that you’ve collected, which is your favorite?

I have almost 100 coins and my favorites are my firefighter related coins. More so my fire Truck Coin.

15. What type of gear do you carry with you on your caching trips? What’s in your geopack?

My GPS, extra Bags, new log sheets, a pen, an old fashioned compass and my phone. In my truck is a First aid kit.

16. What is your most memorable caching experience?

I introduced a friend into caching this past spring. I went to a few caches with them to make sure they had an idea what to do. The next day I get a phone call. They were trying to find a cache I hid on Penny’s Mountain near Truro NS. They tried to bushwhack from the 311 Highway approx. 1200 meters uphill. (You could drive to within 50 meters of the cache). They called me, because they had used their car GPS and the Batteries went dead… and they were lost. I was working and had to call a friend of mine who works with Search and Rescue with me. He lives on the side of Penny’s Mountain so he hiked and found them and brought them back out of the woods.

17. What do you like about geocaching? What keeps you going?

I love the outdoors and exploring new areas. My wife (jlellis24) and 10 year old Daughter (Little Roaming Gnome) love geocaching and the outdoors

18. Besides geocaching, what other things do you like to do?

I have been a Volunteer Firefighter for the past 13 years and have been on the local Search and Rescue team for the past 14 years.

19. What question did you expect us to ask but didn’t. What is the answer?

What is a pet peeve about caching? Mine would be the people who will not log a DID NOT FIND for whatever reason, but is willing to message you saying they can’t find the cache is there any other hints.

Interview Date : August 11, 2011

Caching Name : kmac85

Real Name : Krista MacKenzie

1. How did you become involved in geocaching. When did you start?

I started in the fall of 2009. It was October and it was a super nice day out, and I had been sitting inside all day. So I sat there racking my brain on what I could go do that didn’t involve my friends and I driving in circles around town and burning gas (yes, we used to do that…almost nightly…ha) or without me spending money at mall. I had heard of geocaching, but had never done it. So I spent a few minutes and looked it up and then explained it to one of my friends (who has since become starr_shine) and asked her if she wanted to go try one or two, and so off we went near the end of the afternoon with a car GPS, pretty much NO idea what we were doing, and we ended up getting 5 – pretty good considering the circles we walked in. I was hooked pretty quickly.

2. How did you choose your caching name?

My name! In my undergrad they made your university email address out of letters of your name and your birth year, thus making mine kmac85. And so it has just stuck for a lot of different things – including caching! I was thinking afterwards I should have just made my name Krista because for some reason I find it weird when people call me kmac haha So I tried to change it but unfortunately someone has Krista already.

3. How many caches have you found so far?

Currently at 985. ITCHING to surpass at 1000 (and I don’t have a valid reason as to why it hasn’t happened yet haha).

4. What brand/type of GPS do you use?

I have a Garmin Dakota 20 that I bought about a month into caching. My friend starr_shine bought one and I told her she was absolutely crazy for dropping almost $400 after less than a month of caching, and how did she know what we were going through wasn’t just a phase…..and then not even a week later I had the exact same one haha – and I certainly don’t regret it!

5. What programs/software or hardware (PDA/laptop/phone) do you use to make caching easier?

Nothing. I use the geocaching website and a word document. When going on planned trips I pull up a map of the area on the caching website and I plan the most sensible route, road for road. Then in a word document I make a list of the caches in the order we’ll visit them. And I hyperlink the GC# to make for easy logging

6. What type of cache do you prefer seeking – traditional, multi, puzzle, virtual?

All of them! I don’t like one more than the other, but I must say, I guess I’m a nerd and love solving puzzles. I have a document where I have a list of every puzzle in NS – most of them solved for if/when I’m ever in the area. There are some that stump me though. I keep going back and end up frustrated. Maybe one of these days I’ll get them though!

7. Which caches were the most challenging – physically/mentally? Why?

I don’t think I’ve done too many challenging ones actually. The only thing that’s standing out in my mind right now is a day in the summer of 2010 when we hiked High Head out in Wentworth. The hike itself isn’t that bad, and it’s totally worth it from the top, but of course we for some reason did it on a really hot day which was what made it physically challenging. And we were all stupid and didn’t have water haha So we were just very tired and warm.
 As for mentally…some of the puzzles on my list I mentioned above have me pretty mentally exhausted with just trying to solve them!

8. Do you have a favorite or favorites among the Maritime caches that you’ve found?

I can’t really think of any specific favourites at the moment. I must say though, I love 2 Gypsies hides. They come up with some pretty neat hides and containers – VERY creative (and they’re great people!). Doing Canada’s first was a neat experience as well.

9. What’s the most unusual thing that you’ve ever found in a cache?

I don’t think I’ve found anything super unusual. There’s always random things that you’re like “WHY would somebody leave this?” (such as fast food receipts which I’ve seen a few of). Starr_shine said we found some random candy wrapped up in some plastic wrap in one. But nothing crazy that I can remember.

10. What are your current caching goals? Is there a certain cache that you can’t wait to do?

At the start of the summer I set a number of goals for myself for the summer. I can’t wait to pass 1000. I just need to go out and do it – but it seems these days that’s easier said than done. I want to head to Moncton for the coin scavenger hunt, and I also want to finish last year’s NS Provincial Park passport program, as well as this year’s.

11. How many caches have you placed? Do you have a current hiding goal?

7 (although 1 I archived because it kept being muggled). 2 puzzles and 4 traditional. I’ve been wanting to put a multi out but I want to wait until an idea comes to me. I don’t want to just put one out to have it out there.

12. What advice would you give someone that wants to place a cache? What steps do YOU take when placing a cache?

I would say find somewhere interesting. Although mine aren’t all in a crazy unknown spot, to me they’re all nice spots – they’re not just thrown off the side of the road. Whether it’s a quick series around a local pond, or out near my cottage which is my favourite place to be <3 Once I pick a spot I take multiple readings. Then I return a few days later before I submit it for publishing to make sure the coordinates I took actually lead me to the right spot. If they do, I publish. If they don’t, I take another reading and I’ll return a day or two later to check again.

13. How often do you go caching?

Not NEARLY as often as I’d like. I really only have 2 people I go caching with and 1 works a lot. Lately I’ve gone out alone a couple times because I hate not getting out and I’ve started to refuse to let others dictate when I go, but it’s just not the same being alone. I need more cacher friends! haha So if anybody wants company while caching, I’m available! haha

14. What advice would you give a beginning geocacher?

Go with an open mind and don’t get discouraged if you don’t find them right away. I’ve taken quite a few of my friends, some of which told me I’d NEVER get them out to do it and there was “no way they were going to run around the woods to find plastic” and I was able to talk them into trying it, and all of them left saying they’d do it again (sadly they’re only up for a small handful of caches a day and I have all of Truro and area cleared out, and they’re not up for travelling just to cache). But yeah, I would say go into it with an open mind, enjoy the scenery around you, and enjoy your time outside and away from the tv/computer screens. (And enjoy the amazing sleep you’ll get after a day full of being outside in the fresh air and hiking haha)

15. Do you collect geocoins? Of the ones that you’ve collected, which is your favorite?

Not really. I do have one, a iCache coin (iPhone lover – what can I say), that I log from cache to cache with me, but other than that anything I have is just waiting to be sent out. I have sent out 2 in the past and both went missing within a month (although one has recently resurfaced after a year!) and so now I’m discouraged to send out any more It’s sad to me that some people don’t seem to care about other’s trackables.

16. What type of gear do you carry with you on your caching trips? What’s in your geopack?

Usually nothing. In my trunk I do have 2 backpacks though. I have one little one for if I’m going on a hike – I put water in it, and it has bandaids, wet naps, hand sanitizer, replacement logs and baggies, a flashlight and 2 headlights, pens. The other big backpack has basically the same things; some replacement logs and bags, cache containers for if a spot comes to me while I’m out, all kinds of fasteners (bungee cords, string, wire, tape, etc), and some duo-tangs with various things – plain paper, routes, whatever

17. What is your most memorable caching experience?

Oh boy…where to start. The Red Dirt Dash events are certainly on that list. The first year we competed we went hard all day and came up with 76 finds. This year we upped our team and again went hard all day and came up with 121 finds – both excellent days full of laughs and adrenaline.

There’s been a few day long caching trips (up and at the first cache before dawn, and not home until 11 or 12pm) that are pretty memorable. Not the caches themselves, but just the jokes that arise, and the time with friends – sadly one of these trips hasn’t happened in a while.

Other than that, being lost in the woods in Londonderry in the complete dark without flashlights and no path – complete bushwhacking, is certainly pretty memorable – terrifying at the time and we were both almost on the verge of tears trying to find our way back to the car, but we knew if we broke down it would only hinder us. We both ended up pretty scraped and bruised and shaken but we did find the road and made our way back to the car.

K

18. What is your best caching story?

Oh boy. Can I have 2? haha because I have 2 favourites. Being questioned by the police is up there. Myself and 2 friends were out one night in the dark behind the Truro mall in the ditch looking for GC1JJRT and the police van drove by and slowed right down. They then turned around and shone their big spotlight on us. They rolled down the window and we heard “…what are you doing guuuuys?” (totally said in the way you’d talk to a 3 or 4 year old that KNOWS they’re doing something wrong which made it hilarious). We told him we were geocaching and he had no idea what it was. We described it to him and he just looked at us as if we were nuts and said ok and drove away. Not too long after that the Gypsies set up a multi in town in which part of it includes going into the Police Station 
 Another story that I love was doing GC22WR2. We were in the trees looking, and an employee from a nearby store STORMED out of the store and let me tell you, he looked like he was on a mission for sure. I thought for sure by the determined look on his face he was going to be upset with us being outside of the store and tell us to get lost. Well, once he approached us he said “Can you PLEASE tell me WHAT you are doing?!? I see people out here almost every day and I have NO idea what is going on!” He looked extremely confused and so I put the poor guy out of his misery and told him what we were doing. He said he had asked others in the past and had been told everything from “looking for tree fungus” to “looking for a double beaked woodpecker”. We died laughing. He told us he would sleep easy that night knowing why people were constantly rummaging around outside of his work and his face relaxed and he headed back in to work. From then on, between the 4 of us that were there, an inside running joke of us being “Tree Doctors” formed (and actually because our team name for the first year we competed in the Red Dirt Dash).

19. What do you like about geocaching? What keeps you going?

I started to like it because it was cheap and fun. It got me outside rather than just sitting in the house, and it allowed me to spend time with friends without us going out to eat/to the movies…aka spending money – now it’s gas money but that’s doable (if only gas would go majorly down in price though huh?).
 I LOVE the satisfaction of making the find. As much as difficult finds DRIVE me crazy, the satisfaction of saying or hearing “FOUND IT!” is awesome. That to me is the big thing. I also love that it gets me outside. I don’t think I’ve spent so much time outside since I was a little kid.

20. Besides geocaching, what other things do you like to do?

I love travelling (wish I could be a professional traveller! haha), I’m a BIG Hanson fan and I’ve seen them in concert every year since 2005 (with the exception of 2006 in which they didn’t tour) and so that involves a lot of travelling since they don’t ever come close to the maritimes. I love, love, LOVE hockey (go Habs go), I like spending time with my friends and family, music, reading, wakeboarding, photography, and I actually love my job; teaching elementary

21. What question did you expect us to ask but didn’t. What is the answer?

Hmm maybe “have you ever gotten your vehicle stuck while caching?” haha and to that I answer, yes, and twice in the same day at that! Starr_shine and I were out in Wallace back in January 2010. We were headed down a road and realized we didn’t want to be headed down that road. So since we were in the middle of nowhere I pulled a U turn. Weeeellllll, I kind of overshot/everything was covered in snow and I didn’t realize what I was doing annnnd we got stuck in the ditch. Starr_shine got out and started to push and we tried everything we could to get the car out. Then a truck came along and stopped and picture the creepiest old man you can picture with this little stub of a cigarette hanging out of his mouth getting out of this beaten up truck hahah Well, he had a rope in the truck and told us he’d pull us out. He hooked the rope on and pulled away. The rope snapped JUST as we got far enough to keep going in reverse. If I hadn’t of kept going in reverse I would have slid right back down. I JUMPED out of the car and gave this old man the biggest hug of life haha I believe I even said something along the lines of “I know I don’t even know you at all but I feel compelled to give you the biggest hug ever!” (Likely made his day….*shudder*). So off we went on our merry way to continue caching annnnnd not even half an hour later we were stuck again. This time, not on a main road – we pulled off on this little area on a back road. The snow looked like it was packed…yeah no, not the case at all. We sunk….hardcore. We pushed and pushed and pushed for an hour. We tried just about everything. We tried digging out around the tires, tried to put rubber boots under the tires to grip (yes rubber boots, I don’t know what we were thinking), took the car mats out of the car and tried to put them under the tires to give the tires something to grip, and we even saw part of a broken fence nearby that we went over and broke the rest of the way to see if the wood would do anything hahah. We had no cell service but in the right area we could get 1 bar. So we tried multiple times to call back to Truro to get help. Starr_shine called her dad (the person we could think of with a big truck) who went to get gas and then was going to head out to get us. Annnnd we managed to get ourselves out. Thankfully we laughed throughout the entire experience!

Interview Date : July 16th, 2011

Caching Name : Team-Newfie-Trio

Real Name : Ken Vokey & Wanda-Lee Ellis

1. How did you become involved in geocaching. When did you start?

My wife Wanda was the first to get me started, it was February of 2011 and we were both bored in the house and she found a blurb about Geocaching on NB Tourism website. Since I had a GPS for work she wanted to try it. Not being aware of the proper coordinate system our first trip out was not a great success =D

2. How did you choose your caching name?

When we first started myself and my wife had separate names but I wanted to combine them into one teams name. Since we usually take the dog when we go and we are both from Newfoundland.. Team-Newfie-Trio seemed the best choice. I do primary 95% of the caching tho, and the wife is constantly urging me to change it to my own name, but she does go with me on well-groomed trails when theres no bugs! =D

3. How many caches have you found so far?

1437 caches as of July 17th, 2011

4. What brand/type of GPS do you use?

Currently using a Garmin GPSMAP 62s

5. What programs/software or hardware (PDA/laptop/phone) do you use to make caching easier?

I don’t really use any programs nowadays, I used to use GSAK before I switched to a Macbook, and with my current GPS its paperless so I don’t really need any extra help.

6. What type of cache do you prefer seeking – traditional, multi, puzzle, virtual?

Traditional is what we have most of, Some of the puzzle ones really confuse me and I really have to sit down to figure them out.

7. Which caches were the most challenging – physically/mentally? Why?

I haven’t really come across a mentally challenging one because I don’t do puzzles very often, but as for Physically I like steep terrain hiking. GCGBHX (Sherpody Mountain) or GC1CMMG (Martin Head – Fundy Footpath) were both long hikes and a lot of fun.

8. Do you have a favorite or favorites among the Maritime caches that you’ve found?

Several, GCVDR8 (Spelunky) and GCRGRA (Slow N’ Steady) are some that just come to mind.

(Feel free to list a favorite for each type of cache) Do you have a favorite in a nearby Province?

9. What’s the most unusual thing that you’ve ever found in a cache?

A live snake. It seems there was a hole in the very bottom of the peanut butter container… So I have the GPS in one hand, the container held between body and forearm and I start to open the lid and as soon as I popped the lid there was a hissing and a very annoyed looking snake with a shaking tail looking at me. Rest of the story is Top Secret.. LOL

10. What are your current caching goals? Is there a certain cache that you can’t wait to do?

Im going to try and knock out 2000 caches by the end of the summer, Myself and my buddy Cachescammer will be hiking the entire Dobson trail in 3 days. Also I really would like to get GCBBA

11. How many caches have you placed? Do you have a current hiding goal?

I have currently 22 hidden. I don’t really have a hiding goal, I just place them as the urge suits me and when I have an awesome idea.

12. What advice would you give someone that wants to place a cache? What steps do YOU take when placing a cache?

Advice is an easy one. Maintenance, Don’t place a cache if you cannot maintain it. Some steps I take is to make sure its a good container, Something that will be waterproof is essential and then try to make it fun for cachers to find, whether is be adding a theme to the cache or making it unusual to make them think.

13. How often do you go caching?

Depends on work, but I usually go on a caching excursion on the weekends with friends.

14. What advice would you give a beginning geocacher?

Don’t get frustrated if you cannot find the caches, our first times out we could barely find any! It was only after we got our geosense that we started getting them with ease.

15. Do you collect geocoins? Of the ones that you’ve collected, which is your favourite?

I have only just recently started collecting coins. I currently have 2, The New Brunswick Winter Challenge coin and the Moncton Tourism Coin. No favourite, both are awesome coins!

16. What type of gear do you carry with you on your caching trips? What’s in your geopack?

Water, pens, extra batteries and bug dope. Season dependant tho!

17. What is your most memorable caching experience?

Geocaching in Gros Mourne National Park on my Honeymoon. Lots of great caches and beautiful scenery.

18. What is your best caching story?

New Brunswick Winter Challenge: I was rushing to get to a cache down by Martins Head. We got lost on all the roads and was running out of time because of the tide pattern. The car is pushing snow, and someone had plowed up a bit of snow at the road exit, I popped over it in the car and the car hung up and had the 2 front tires off the ground… front wheel drive with no front tires on the ground is usually bad! Had to jack up the car, take my trusty hatchet I always have in the car and chip away enough ice to lower the car so that the tires could touch.

19. What do you like about geocaching? What keeps you going?

It gets me out of the house. Sometimes I hate being cooped up with nothing to do and geocaching will take us to some places which we would have never known about if I didn’t geocache.

20. Besides geocaching, what other things do you like to do?

To be honest geocaching is basically my only hobby these days, Work is just too busy sometimes to try and juggle too many hobbies. But I do like playing sports, weightlifting and running.

21. What question did you expect us to ask but didn’t. What is the answer?

I expected to be asked about my walking stick. It was made by Cachescammer and its trackable with a deer antler attached to the top. Its a beautiful piece of work.

Interview Date : 03.22.11

Caching Name : TreeHugger21

Real Name : Nathalie

1. How did you become involved in geocaching. When did you start?

I read about it in an organization’s newsletter and asked a friend who had a GPS to take me out. i started in the summer of 2007

2. How did you choose your caching name?

It was a nickname that some friends had for me and it represents my personnality well.

3. How many caches have you found so far?

1774 (2000 as of last week, Congrats! -Dragoon)

4. What brand/type of GPS do you use?

Garmin Oregon

5. What programs/software or hardware (PDA/laptop/phone) do you use to make caching easier?

GSAK. I try to keep it simple since i am not big on computers and electronics

6. What type of cache do you prefer seeking – traditional, multi, puzzle, virtual?

Traditional when I am close to home, and virtual when I travel (I have found some virtuals in England, France and Italy). I also like the cool earthcaches that take me to some really neat places, like one that I did in Maine this winter.

7. Which caches were the most challenging – physically/mentally? Why?

The run of 5/5 caches that I did this winter with Coopsquared and Unruly Canuck. It was a LONG day of driving and caching, and featured some very challenging caches. I think my brain gave out on me faster than my body did that time.

8. Do you have a favorite or favorites among the Maritime caches that you’ve found?

The ice walk event and the race for cache event are among my favorite caches, since they bring a whole new element to the game. I love any cache that will take me on a nice hike, including those at Fundy Park and along the dobson trail. I also did a nice series in the hopewell area that i really enjoyed. I have done a few really clever ones that i have really enjoyed as well, like the wooden ankle, along another line, and a few others whose names i forget. I Nova-Scotia i did most of the Clare series, which was also a lot of fun.

9. What’s the most unusual thing that you’ve ever found in a cache?

a strawberry flavored condom (in a cemetery cache).

10. What are your current caching goals? Is there a certain cache that you can’t wait to do?

I would like to climb Mount Carleton this summer and get a few caches on the way and finish Jim52′s puzzle series. I would also like to hit 2000 caches by the end of the summer.

11. How many caches have you placed? Do you have a current hiding goal?

I have 38 caches hidden, a lot of those being events. I believe in maintaining what i put out there, so i dont expect that i will be hiding many more, until i archive some of my old ones. I do plan on putting out more events though, include a few more CITO’s (We have adopted a highway that we must clean up twice a year) and the second annual Snapshots event.

12. What advice would you give someone that wants to place a cache?

What steps do YOU take when placing a cache? Dont put it just anywhere for the sake of hiding a cache. Choose a good location. Make sure the container is of good quality and is waterproof

13. How often do you go caching?

it depends. I have gone every day for a week or two on end, then not gone at all for months at a time. I like to go once every couple of weeks if time permits. I have been going more often now that i have gotten to know some of the geocachers in the area.

14. What advice would you give a beginning geocacher?

Watch out! its addictive. you’d better know what you are getting yourself into!

15. Do you collect geocoins?

Of the ones that you’ve collected, which is your favorite? I dont actively collect anymore, but i do have a few in my collection. My favorite is probably my 1000 finds achievement coin.

16. What type of gear do you carry with you on your caching trips? What’s in your geopack?

a first aid kit and knee brace. lots of water. spare batteries. flashlight. snacks. and most importantly, A PEN!

17. What is your most memorable caching experience?

grabbing 124 caches along the Stud Mill Road with some members of Team Norkak (Coopsquared and Forest Fauna).

18. What is your best caching story?

The best? i dont even know where to start. haha. I guess i would have to say the time i grabbed a cache near the hospital in Moncton and turned around just in time to see a man in a hospital gown (the kind that opens on the back) getting patted down over a police car.

19. What do you like about geocaching? What keeps you going?

I like spending time outdoors and going to new places. and it keeps me active throughout all seasons.

20. Besides geocaching, what other things do you like to do?

I have been spending a lot of time at the gym lately, and reading books. I like canoeing in the summer, but i dont do it nearly as much as i would like. Travel

21. What question did you expect us to ask but didn’t. What is the answer?

I really cant think of anything other than maybe, how do you feel about micros in the woods. i hate them.

Interview Date:  March 22, 2011
Caching Name: P_from_PACAD5 (also PACAD5 when caching with the family)
Real Name: Paul Molyneaux

1. How did you become involved in geocaching. When did you start?

We heard about geocaching through family members who geocached. They gave us the rundown, showed us the website….within a week we went out and bought a road GPS. Made the rookie mistake and didn’t know the importance of the hand-held unit…which we bought a month or 2 later. We/I started in April of 2010.

2. How did you choose your caching name?

Started off as PACAD5 (Paul, Alison (girlfriend), Callie (cat) Alvin (dog) Dylan (Alison’s son)) but also branched off into p_from_pacad5 when I went out caching on my own….but the dog usually travels with me.
3. How many caches have you found so far?

Just short of 300…not too bad for almost 1 year.
4. What brand/type of GPS do you use?

Seeing as we were so brand new, started off with a Tom Tom road unit. Lots of searching when you just start off with a road GPS

New and unsure how much time would be spent on caching, we looked for a used handheld and acquired an Explorist 200 for $30.00. What a difference a handheld makes. It is low end and manual input of coordinates so eventually would like to get something a little more current. No complaints on the accuracy of the unit though. With a baby on the way it’s not on the priority list.

5. What programs/software or hardware (PDA/laptop/phone) do you use to make caching easier?

Ummmm…write them down in a notepad, input into GPS. Long process but all part of the deal when you’re working with low end GPS units.

6. What type of cache do you prefer seeking – traditional, multi, puzzle, virtual?

It has mostly been traditional at this point. I do plan on working out some puzzles and keeping them handy for when I am out and about as well.

7. Which caches were the most challenging – physically/mentally? Why?

The most challenging…all of them before the purchase of the handheld!
Physically, one that I had to turn around halfway into the hunt would be “where is that bloomin cache – gc1eh5p”…just nasty in the summer with shorts on.

8. Do you have a favorite or favorites among the Maritime caches that you’ve found?

I will mention 2 in Moncton.
Could pass for a waterfall – gcq5zy – what a great cache container.
Rebecca`s back – gc1921g – was very interested in this story when I lived in moncton…its more about the location and history on this one.
Enjoy the caches as well that are on trails so that the dog gets a good walk in.

9. What’s the most unusual thing that you’ve ever found in a cache?

That would either be RAM memory sticks (didn’t work)

10. What are your current caching goals? Is there a certain cache that you can’t wait to do?

No goals at the moment, just get out whenever time allows. Life is about to get even busier so it will be nice just to get out.

It would be nice to get to St. Peters Island off the south shore of PEI, as well as Canada’s first geocache in NS.

11. How many caches have you placed? Do you have a current hiding goal?

I just put out 4 in the last few days to give p_from_pacad5 a total of 10.

PACAD5 has put out 13.

No current hiding goals but it is great to give back and I enjoy reading up on people’s logs when they find a cache of ours.

12. What advice would you give someone that wants to place a cache?

Get 100+ under your belt and then you’ll have a better idea. Have some consideration if you are making someone hike for your cache. Nothing worse then walking for 1km and not being able to find a nano in an evergreen! Unless you are just evil..haha

13. How often do you go caching?

Nothing is set in stone. It can be a full well planned day on the weekend or it could be something that I can grab on my way home from work.

14. What advice would you give a beginning geocacher?

All of this is from experience…I would say that both the road GPS and handheld will come in handy, but the handheld would be priority. Bring extra batteries. Mark your car if you’re heading into unknown woods. Try to go to as many caching events that you can. I have only been to a few and missed alot, but there are lots of great people who will tell you some great stories and share some knowledge.

15. Do you collect geocoins? Of the ones that you’ve collected, which is your favorite?

I have 2…but couldn’t tell you much about them…but I like getting them!

I have 2 bugs out on the go as well and enjoy reading up on where they are at.

16. What type of gear do you carry with you on your caching trips? What’s in your geopack?

GPS, gloves, band-aids, batteries, water/snacks, sunflower seeds, pen, camera, phone. Usually a cache that is ready to be placed if the opportunity comes up. Always have additional clothing/shoes in the trunk of the car if needed.
17. What is your most memorable caching experience?

Well one that sticks in my head is at the Dromore Woodlot in PEI. Over 10+ kms of trails in various loops. We set out to grab 4 or 5. After the 1^st grab it looked quicker on the GPS to go off the trail and cut through the woods for the next…..boy did we ever get lost and did not have the car marked. It was mid afternoon in the summer so we were in no danger of darkness…but if anyone knows Dromore. It is huge.
18. What is your best caching story?

I think that it would have to be the Red Dirt Dash last June. It was a fierce competition with geocachers from all over the Maritimes and beyond.

The day was already going to be tough enough with a 2-hour previous commitment right in the middle of the event. After that was complete it was back to the competition…and then the rain began. I don’t think that I have ever been so soaked in my life. We made a call to the event site to make sure we weren’t the only crazy ones still out caching as we had a few hours to go until the event ended. We were rewarded at the end of the day with some BBq’d hot dogs and chips which made it all worth while…and 28 finds.

19. What do you like about geocaching? What keeps you going?

I like the hunt. I like the hide. I like the fact that it brings me to places that I wouldn’t have gone before. Discovered lots of new roads and trails. I like the fact that it can be done 12 months a year and gets you outside. You will never be bored if you are a cacher. I hope that it is something I can do for many many more years!

20. Besides geocaching, what other things do you like to do?

I play softball in the summer and curl every now and then in the winter…sports junkie.

Spending time with family, friends and pets.

I like a good night of cards or board games with friends.

Cooking and eating.

21. What question did you expect us to ask but didn’t. What is the answer?

Maybe – What’s next for PACAD5 with a baby on the way….well we’ll have to insert a letter somewhere into the mix and change that 5 to a 6.

Interview Date : December 14, 2010

Caching Name : MA & PA

Real Name : Marielle and Paul

1. How did you become involved in geocaching. When did you start?

We received a GPS as a gift in 2002. We brought it to Ottawa with us at Christmas 2003. On December 31 2003, Ma and our daughter Tasha decided to go find a geocache. They brought Tasha’s boys Jake & Ben and our son Justin. Pa and son in law George thought it was a dumb idea and stayed home. When they got home, they created an account for Jake & Ben and logged the find. Two days later on January 2, 2004, we all went looking for a two caches, one of which was actually a small outhouse with a gnome in it. After returning to NB, we created our account on January 10, logged our finds and we went to find caches in Kouchibouguac on January 11. It was a great skiing day and it hooked us on adding geocaching to our outdoor activities.

2. How did you choose your caching name?

Ma & Pa were the trail name we used when we hiked the Appalachian trail a few years before. our real names are MArielle and PAul so the nicknames were appropriate

3. How many caches have you found so far?

Over 8500 in mid December

4. What brand/type of GPS do you use?

Garmin Legend. HCX. It is our second Legend. We are now looking to add a second Garmin. We once had a Magellan Explorist but we didn’t like it and it finally broke.

5. What programs/software or hardware (PDA/laptop/phone) do you use to make caching easier?

Laptop and GSAK

6. What type of cache do you prefer seeking – traditional, multi, puzzle, virtual?

We go after all types of caches in our local area. If we do a multi day caching trip, we go for traditional style and any puzzle that we may have solved before leaving home.

7. Which caches were the most challenging – physically/mentally? Why?

We have done a number of caching series that involved long hikes and bushwhacking. They are the most fun and the most challenging. We did a 104 cache day with Belladan to get Zor’s series near Elgin.

8. Do you have a favorite or favorites among the Maritime caches that you’ve found?

There have been many caches that we have loved. The cache that stands out the most is The Body by Zartimus in Ottawa. The cache name says it all.

(Feel free to list a favorite for each type of cache) Do you have a favorite in a nearby Province? 9. What’s the most unusual thing that you’ve ever found in a cache?

Condom in caches in Ottawa. Someone had placed pills in a cache in Amherst area

10. What are your current caching goals? Is there a certain cache that you can’t wait to do?

No goals for finds.

11. How many caches have you placed? Do you have a current hiding goal?

352 caches and Events

We have our 2011 Ice Walk on our agenda and have to go over to Shediac Island and Cocagne Island to ensure the caches are all OK. We also want to hide a series on a trail in Cocagne area. We also have to find places to hide the 24 more Micro Logic puzzle caches that I have prepared.

12. What advice would you give someone that wants to place a cache? What steps do YOU take when placing a cache?

We have placed our long list of hiding principles Here -> http://www.maritime-geocaching.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=585

13. How often do you go caching?

Often. No schedule. We check the weather and make short trips to nearby communities as well as NB cities and PEI. If we take trips for other purposes, we include some geocaching.

14. What advice would you give a beginning Geocacher?

Enjoy. Attend events to meet local cachers and get advice. Don’t get obsessed. We know some cachers who are obsessed. LOL

15. Do you collect geocoins? Of the ones that you’ve collected, which is your favorite?

We do not really collect geocoins but we have many. We have won most of them or they were given to us. We have a few that we purchased to help support an event or as a souvenir of an event. Many of them are quite beautiful. Our favorite is the fantastic Seals of Solomon with its intricate design, which we won at an OMAX event in Gatineau

http://www.geocoinstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=324

16. What type of gear do you carry with you on your caching trips? What’s in your geopack?

Our hiking/geocaching bag has toilet paper, first aid, batteries, note pad. We also have a repair kit that contains log sheets, plastic bags, and maybe some film canister, duct tape and wire.

17. What is your most memorable caching experience?

Too many to list but would include caching on PEI in off season, caching with our friends Belladan and Chignecto Duo. Cching in the desert. caching in UK and Ireland, including Dublin and London.

Last Spring we drove to Ottawa to visit family but it took us nearly three weeks to get there. We found over 700 caches and attended a number of events in Fredericton, Sherbrooke QC and Quebec City. It involved some serious hiking in parks and hiking trails and biking on the great biking trails in QC

18. What is your best caching story?

The purse Story

While in Ottawa in the spring, we cached alone during the week since our daughter Natasha and her husband George worked and Jake & Ben were at school. There were a few caches we could not find, and we decided that all 6 of us would have better luck, so we brought them with us on the Sunday. One of the caches was described as behind a knobby tree. The only knobby tree was a large tree at the edge of the trail at the top of a steep slope. Ma and I had looked and could not spot a cache anywhere on the tree.

This time Tasha looked up and spotted something in one of the knobs about 15 feet up the tree. The hole in the center of the knob was about the size of a film canister and something brown seemed to be in the hole. Nothing was sticking out so we had no idea if it was a cache and how to get it down.

George volunteered to shimmy up the tree but was vetoed. Jake produced a long thin branch with a small hooked branch on the end. I took it and somehow managed to dislodge the cache from its hiding spot and have it fall to the ground. It was a film canister cache. We were so pleased to have found it. However, now we had two problems: How do we get the cache back up the tree, and thru the trees we could see someone standing at his window watching the six of us. (fortunately he was on the other side of the tree from the cache).

We noticed a magnet duct taped to the end of the film canister. It was obviously to be used to put the cache back but how? We had brought nothing with us. Then MA noted that the clasp that kept her purse closed was actually a magnet (I have no idea why she brought a purse into the woods). So we worked at tying the purse to the end of the stick, and then placed the cache on the magnet on the purse. I slowly raised the heavy purse way over my head on the end of the thin stick, all the while being watched by the man in the window. The purse, swung from side to side, but finally I got the cache to the hole and used the purse to shove it in. I then slid the purse down the side of the tree, and the cache remained.

We left smiling as the man in the window watched us leave. I doubt that he had any idea what was going on and I wonder how he would explain it to his friends.

19. What do you like about geocaching? What keeps you going?

Everything. The hikes, the trips, the planning, the events, the friends, the adventures, the attractions, the views,…….

20. Besides geocaching, what other things do you like to do?

Hiking, trips, movies, skiing, kayaking, cards, …

21. What question did you expect us to ask but didn’t. What is the answer?

none

Interview Date : July 8 ,2010

Caching Name : Jim52

Real Name : Jim Carter

1. How did you become involved in geocaching. When did you start?

I have been using a GPSr for hiking, hunting & fishing for years. I first used a GPSr on a hike in Gros Morne NFLD (the Long Range Mountain traverse). That was a 4 day backpack hike where there were no trails. We made good use of the GPSr as we were able to continue on a day that we were fogged in.

About 2 years after that Ma & Pa mentioned the sport to me at a card game. I almost quit the sport as I couldn’t find any caches. I was using the wrong Datun at the time. I was using NAD27 instead of NAD84 (which geocaching.com uses). My old topo maps were Nad27.

2. How did you choose your caching name?
Took my name and the year I was born.

3. How many caches have you found so far?
Too many. lol 11714

4. What brand/type of GPS do you use?
Right now I’m using a Garmin Legend HCx but soon hope to be using a Garmin GPSMAP 62

5. What programs/software or hardware (PDA/laptop/phone) do you use to make caching easier?

GSAK:to keep my caching database. I have a database for NB, NS, & PEI also Puzzles solved and not found as well as puzzles not solved yet.

OziExplorer: Which contains my Alantic Canada Topo Maps and aerial photo maps of NB. I usually print out these maps of the area that I am going to cache in. This gives me a bigger map to follow rather than the little map on my GPSr

Geosphere: Which runs on an iPodTouch or iPhone. ( Paperless caching) This program holds the logs, hints , and description of the caches.

6. What type of cache do you prefer seeking – traditional, multi, puzzle, virtual?

Puzzles are my favorite as long as they are not too tough.
My favorite puzzles are where you have to read the hiders mind, they drive me nuts.
You shouldn’t have to read a book or watch a movie to solve them.
I also like a full size cache that takes me to a great view or a nice hike.

7. Which caches were the most challenging – physically/mentally? Why?

My most challenging cache was Mountain Trilogy Third (difficult) GCWPZ6. It was a 5 – 5 mystery cache. You had to cross- over a blown down area of forest at a 90 degree angle.

I see it is still active today but I also see nobody has tried for it. ( See my log below )

September 12, 2006 by jim52 (11713 found)
Surprized to see no one from the North has found this cache yet as it’s been out for 3 months. Bushwacked
up the hill from cache # 2. I came back down from the hill on the wrong side and had to go back up and over. I set
my GPSr for where I entered the woods from cache # 1. A 1.4 km bushwack.
Was I ever in need of food & water when I got back to the car. Because I started from the wrong road this series
of caches took me a little over 5 hours to complete. Thanks

8. Do you have a favorite or favorites among the Maritime caches that you’ve found?

My favorite is another Escondedores mystery cache. Fireflies Hunting Night Cache GCVZEB.

It was a night time cache where you had to locate different fireflies and determine which ones they were by the timing of their flicker to get the correct number to solve the final cache.

It took me 2 tries to solve this one. See logs below

September 13, 2006 by jim52 found

Tried this cache at night before and only got 2 fireflies
( A B ) & ( G H ). Came back today and found ( E F ) & (I J ) one of these I think ( I J ) was not flashing.
Couldn’t find ( C D ) so I took a guess as to their values and got lucky and found the cache.
Really liked this cache. Thanks

July 15, 2006 by jim52 DNF

Great idea for a cache. Tried this one but was only able to find 2 fireflies.
My compass has declination set to true north so maybe this was the problem. Maybe
it was the summer growth of ferns and such or maybe I just didn’t find them. Spent an
hour trying and will be back, maybe in the fall when the other bugs are gone and the
foliage is off the trees. Thanks for this hunt.

9. What’s the most unusual thing that you’ve ever found in a cache?
A condom in a cache in Fundy National Park.

10. What are your current caching goals? Is there a certain cache that you can’t wait to do?
I would like to find a cache on every day of the year.
I just finished one that I was trying to reach for several years.
(It called the fuzzy challenge) Finding all 81 combination of caches.
That is Diff 1 to 5 times Terr 1 to 5

11. How many caches have you placed? Do you have a current hiding goal?
I have hidden 263 but have about 171 still active and that is still too many to do proper maintenance on, so I won’t be hiding too many more in the near future.

12. What advice would you give someone that wants to place a cache? What steps do YOU take when placing a cache?
1) Find at lest 100 first to see how others hide theirs.
2) Try to make your cache at least as good as the best you found in that 100.
3) No micros in the woods – no fun to find.
4) Keep them off the ground because caching is a year round sport.

13. How often do you go caching?
I usually do an all day caching trip once a week.
I rotate to the north, Saint John, Fredericton, PEI & NS.
I will look for caches near home at any time.

14. What advice would you give a beginning geocacher?
Go to the events and talk to other cachers.
Don’t get discouraged if you have trouble finding them at first.
Log your DNF’s – that is very important.
Always thank the cache hider for the caches they placed out for you to find.

15. Do you collect geocoins? Of the ones that you’ve collected, which is your favorite?
I have about 25 – not much of a collector.
My favorite was a tribute Geocoin for 1701eh ( his Geocaching name )which was given to me by Cache Agent.
An Ontario geocacher who was killed in an auto crash coming home from a caching event.
We had e-mailed each other several times and I felt like I knew him.
We were going back and forth in the Canadian stats and when he reached 1701 caches, I e-mailed him and said now that he has reached his name sake in cache finds he can slow down. He replied and said to me
I see that you slowed down when you reached 52. One day I would like to find one of his caches.

16. What type of gear do you carry with you on your caching trips? What’s in your geopack?
I bring a flashlight, compass , map of the area I’m caching in, a small First-Aid kit, jack knife, spare log sheets, extra batteries, bug spray, pen and the important toilet paper.
Also lots of water.

17. What is your most memorable caching experience?
A caching trip to Bermuda. Loved the pink beaches and the turquoise water. Finding a few virtual caches in the area taught me about the Island.

18. What is your best caching story?
I can’t think of a one story, as their are so many.
What I like most is when they are long hikes that I go with my wife and dog.
Like when we hid A hike for digger1952 ( Up the Friar’s Nose ) GC1HMHC

19. What do you like about geocaching? What keeps you going?

Sometimes I ask myself that, I guess I am addicted.

While partaking in this sport I have written off two cars.
Got a traffic ticket as I didn’t put my seat-belt on quick enough.
Lost a pair of glasses.
Was with Hillbilly Bob when he hit a moose and his car was written off. Nobody was hurt.
And broke my nose while helping Incepit find a cache that I had already found.
( Tripped on a barbwire fence and landed on my face into a stump. )
But I guess it’s the thrill of finding something different just around the corner.

20. Besides geocaching, what other things do you like to do?
Cycling, hunting, hiking, walking the dog, reading the newspaper at McD’s, going to the movies or concerts with my wife. etc.

21. What question did you expect us to ask but didn’t. What is the answer?
Do you prefer caching alone or in a group.
My answer would be ( in a group ) It’s more fun.

Mud in the Face

Eric and Janet

1. How did you become involved in geocaching. When did you start?

We were introduced to geocaching by a friend about a year before we joined on April 6 2007. After doing our first few caches we fell in love with the sport.

2. How did you choose your caching name?

When picking out a geocaching name for ourselves, I was reminded of an outing on a ATV trip when scouting for moose. I got stuck in a very deep mud hole that rendered an expensive repair bill on the ATV and one cell phone that was in my pocket at the time. I ended up waist deep in this mud hole for almost an hour before freeing the ATV. When arriving back home I was greeted by my wife and a camera, she took a picture of me with all the mud that covered me from head to toe. Hence our geocaching name.

3. How many caches have you found so far?

As of today July 14, 2010 we have 2763 enjoyable finds and many DNF’s to our name. And someday we hope to turn them into a smiley face.

4. What brand/type of GPS do you use?

We stared caching with a Magellan Explorist XL, we were not able to get it repaired so now we cache with a Garmin 60 CX, that we are happy with. We also use our home computer and our lap top when traveling to download caches to our gps.

5. What programs/software or hardware (PDA/laptop/phone) do you use to make caching easier?

GSAK!

6. What type of cache do you prefer seeking – traditional, multi, puzzle, virtual?

We prefer seeking traditional caches, mainly because of the interesting cache containers and the way and places they are hidden. Also because of there sizes they are able to hold traders, T.B.’s and geo coins that we like to move on. Sometimes our grandchildren join us and they get more enjoyment out of the sport when they find a bigger cache than finding a micro stuck to a guardrail.

7. Which caches were the most challenging – physically/mentally? Why?

I found the hike to the top of Turtle Mountain with a group of great cachers was a challenge for me that day because I was suffering from a very bad chest cold. I probably shouldn’t have attempted it, but didn’t want to back down after committing myself. On the way out to join the others at the starting point, I stopped and picked up 2 packages of Halls and ate them all during the afternoon hike. Although I was not feeling the best, I was not disappointed because the view from the top of the mountain made it all worthwhile, and rewarded with a cache at the top.

8. Do you have a favorite or favorites among the Maritime caches that you’ve found?
(Feel free to list a favorite for each type of cache) Do you have a favorite in a nearby Province?

If I was to single out a favorite cache out of all the ones we have done to date, I guess I would have to say it would be the ones that were hidden on top of Mount Carlton and the other near by mountains in this range. Without them being place there we may have not made the hike. To have hiked to the highest point in the Maritimes is a great accomplishment.

9. What’s the most unusual thing that you’ve ever found in a cache?

It is nice, from time to time, to make a good trade at a cache. One of the first that I can remember was when I found a whistle carved out of a piece of wood. It may not have been much to the younger generation, but I have not seen one of these since I was a child. So it was nice to somebody was still carving these. I still have it. Another time was after hiking back into the woods and coming across a well hidden cache, upon opening it, to my surprise someone had put a lady’s Cameo in the cache. I sort of felt that a young cacher might have gotten into his or her grandmother’s jewelery box. I still have it….This is why they refer to geocaching as treasure hunting. There is treasure in them there caches….

10. What are your current caching goals? Is there a certain cache that you can’t wait to do?

We have done 75of the Story Teller Series, and have 25 left to do. We hope to return soon and do these. When we cross the Peninsula Princess we look towards a cache called Sandy Point cache GCK4TY and keep saying to ourselves, one of these days we are going to do this one. We have done a cache on each end of the Dobson Trail, one being at the Moncton end and the other being at the border of Fundy Park. Our goal is doing all the caches between these to points on the trail in stages. We would like to make a caching event out of each stage, this way maybe others who have the same interest in doing the trail will join us.

11. How many caches have you placed? Do you have a current hiding goal?

We have placed 65 caches, and have 2 earthcaches. We do not have any current hiding goals, but hope to place the next one at a place that will be enjoyed by all.

12. How often do you go caching?

Anytime that we get free time we may go for a few caches or maybe make an all day or weekend trip, depending where we are. Doesn’t matter how many we find, we just enjoying been out.

13. What advice would you give someone that wants to place a cache? What steps do YOU take when placing a cache?

It is always nice to see new cachers starting out, the only advice that I would give for a beginner is not to get discouraged if you feel that your gps does not lead you to ground zero. We all have to broaden our search. Our gps may not read the same as the one that placed it, especially in heavy tree cover or around some rock formations. You may have to do a little looking, that is the fun part. The rewarding part is to make the find. From time to time we end up with a DNF due to different reasons.

14. Do you collect geocoins? Of the ones that you’ve collected, which is your favorite?

We have several geo coins and T.B.’s traveling the world. We also have a few coins that we have in our collection that we do not send out. The one that is our favorite is one that was given to us by a fellow geocacher. We drop off and retrieve it from caches, and we call it our geo buddy.

15. What type of gear do you carry with you on your caching trips? What’s in your geopack?

We carry a geo pack with us. The number one thing that we have in it is extra batteries. We also have our calling cards, along with some traders, a T.B or geo coin that we are moving on. We also carry extra baggies and a cloth to wipe out any damp caches that we find.

16. What is your most memorable caching experience?

One of the most memorable caches for me is Snider Brook Cache. This is the second cache that we found and it is the most beautiful spot with a waterfalls. This spot is not far from our home and we didn’t even know that the falls were there. The cache is no longer there. Another one would be the cache on top of Mount Carlton, because I was able to see such a long distance and the climb was something that I wanted to do for a long time.

17. What is your best caching story?

Our best caching story that we would like to share with you would be when we went to PEI last Jan. There was a lot of snow here and none on the Island so we thought it would be a good time to go because we don’t like to follow geo tracks in the snow. The first day that we were there, they had a major snow storm and everything was closed except for a some fast food places. When we first went to the cache site there were to many muggles around so had to come back later. When we returned there was a van from N.S. there. We decided to wait until they left and then try for the cache. But they were cachers and wouldn’t put it back with us setting there,so they left with the cache. So we had to return again. This time the cache was there in it’s hiding place and we knew that they were cachers that had a hard time to replace the cache!!!!. When we logged our find we put in that it is hard enough to contend with the muggles but even harder when cachers takes the cache for a drive, before replacing it. We had a good laugh over this. After logging our find we received an email from the ones that drove off with the cache. They were having a good laugh about it too. We were pleased to have had the chance to meet them at the Geobash in N.S. and had another good laugh about it. Over the next few days of caching while in PEI the snow continued to fall and lots of drifting. We cached right through and enjoyed the experience. We made many finds and got lots of nice pictures of the snow. This was winter caching at it’s finest and one trip we won’t forget soon.

18. What do you like about geocaching? What keeps you going?

The thing I like about geocaching is all the places that it takes you to that you may not get to see otherwise. We enjoy the outdoors and the exercise is appreciated, and the chance to meet other cachers on the trail and trade a few stories. And of course it is something that we get to do together.

Interview Date : July 2, 2010

Caching Name : digger1952

Real Name : Heinz Peiser

1. How did you become involved in geocaching. When did you start?

Bought my first GPS to navigate the kayaks and was introduced by a friend to the sport of geocaching in 2006

2. How did you choose your caching name?

I used to mud-bog race and Digger was the name I called my truck. I added 1952 because just “Digger” was unavailable.

3. How many caches have you found so far?

Till now I have found 3675 caches.

4. What brand/type of GPS do you use?

I use a Garmin GPSMap 76CSx

5. What programs/software or hardware (PDA/laptop/phone) do you use to make caching easier?

I use GSAK for cache management at home and geosphere on my iPod for in the field

6. What type of cache do you prefer seeking – traditional, multi, puzzle, virtual?

I actually have no preference for any type of cache but I generally avoid puzzle caches preferring the actual mystery caches where you go to a specific spot and gather the necessary information to formulate the proper coords.

7. Which caches were the most challenging – physically/mentally? Why?

GCWXTK was probably the most challenging physically because it was under water and required special equipment to get to. The coords were also off by quite a bit and we were fortunate enough to meet up with the owners who were also looking for the cache and they pointed us in the right direction and I took a coordinate for them while I was in the water holding onto the container with my feet. The most Mentally challenging was GCQGJM For Whom The Bell Tolls by longreacher. It just about drove me nuts till I solved it.

8. Do you have a favorite or favorites among the Maritime caches that you’ve found?
Without a doubt GCVVPH Parlee Brook Natural Amphitheater Is my favorite right alongside GC14DPR At The Top Of 400 Foot Walton Glen Falls and GC14DBH Breathtaking Walton Glen Canyon

(Feel free to list a favorite for each type of cache) Do you have a favorite in a nearby Province?

In Nova Scotia GCNH6K Duck, Duck Sluice is in a Ducks Unlimited marsh and a very nice walk down a trail.

9. What’s the most unusual thing that you’ve ever found in a cache?

A shot of Rum! Don’t get one of those every day!

10. What are your current caching goals? Is there a certain cache that you can’t wait to do?

As far as goals go I simply do this as a pass time. If there is a cache I can’t wait to do I just go AND DO IT! Then I don’t have to wait anymore.

11. How many caches have you placed? Do you have a current hiding goal?

Up to now I have about 140 hidden. When I find a spot that I think other people will want to see I may put a cache there depending on the location.

12. What advice would you give someone that wants to place a cache?

Any advice I have given over the years has generally been roundly ignored. What I would say to anyone who has found only urban micro’s is to go and find some of The Major Family’s caches to get an idea what this is all about; Beautiful scenery and unique features rather than just littering the landscape with micro’s. Although I am saddened to say that urbane micros seem to be becoming far too commonplace; (My own hides included!) What steps do YOU take when placing a cache? I generally try to find some feature that I think others would be interested in coming to. When I place a micro I generally try to hide it in such a way that most cachers would be able to pick it right out and yet muggles wouldn’t notice it.

13. How often do you go caching?

I don’t go caching on a schedule (although it may seem that way) whenever the mood strikes me or I have some time when I am not doing something else.

14. What advice would you give a beginning geocacher?

Buying an upper midrange GPS at the beginning would most likely save them the most money in the long run because they would not want to upgrade for quite a while

15. Do you collect geocoins? Of the ones that you’ve collected, which is your favorite?

I have a small collection of coins (6) of which three are unactivated. My favorites are the wooden ones from Fundy and Irishtown Parks.

16. What type of gear do you carry with you on your caching trips? What’s in your geopack?

Most indespensible items in my backpack are Bug spray Spare log sheets bug spray spare micro containers, wire for hanging micro’s bug spray wire cutters and did I mention Bug spray?

17. What is your most memorable caching experience?

Walking out of the woods and coming to GC14DBH Breathtaking Walton Glen Canyon

18. What is your best caching story?

The wife and I were going up the old way to Fredericton and there was a cache called Beware of Muggles! Now this at first seems like a standard name for a cache but as we approached Ground Zero we saw an old foundation and a rather dilapidated well house near it. On approach we had to skirt the damp ground and on rounding the back of the structure we saw a hole broke on the side of the well house and thought that it was either a bad coordinate or it had already been vandalized. However on closer inspection there it was; a ceramic canine family and around the largest one was a collar with the name: MUGGLES! WE LOVED IT!
19. What do you like about geocaching?

What I like best about geocaching is that when you start out to look for a cache you never know what you are going to find besides the cache. What keeps you going? Hoping to meet other cachers out in the field. It happens so infrequently and when we do it is really a great time sharing stories and such.
20. Besides geocaching, what other things do you like to do?

I like Kayaking and cycling as well as the necessary hiking.
21. What question did you expect us to ask but didn’t.
What is the farthest cache You have done? What is the answer?

The Niagara Falls Whirlpool Earth Cache. We went on the Jet-boat from Niagara-on-the-Lake and took the ride up the Niagara River Powering through the ten foot drop just below the whirlpool and then into the whirlpool itself riding in the gentle current in it’s circle. Going back down the pilot took the boat through the heart of the “Devil’s Hole” rapid and gave us a really good soaking before taking us back to the dock. Since it was a really warm day we were dry again before getting back to the dock. A really exhilarating experience.

Congratulations to Tetagoucher for being our first Cacher of the Month.

In addition to a week’s vacation in the beautiful Sahara Desert (link), he will also receive a basket of GeoDollars, and a handful of Muffins!

Interview Date : July 2nd, 2010

Caching Name : Tetagoucher

Real Name : Lee

1. How did you become involved in geocaching?

When did you start? Not all too sure when I first heard of geocaching. While attending a Forest Technology school in Gaspe, Quebec I remember coming across the geocache found symbol while learning to use a GPS unit. At that time I don’t really remember anyone being able to tell me exactly what it was and I didn’t look into it. Shortly after that while on Spring break I was asked by who is now (Unknown45) if I heard about Geocaching. He was interested in knowing more after learning that a coworker was involved with geocaching. This time it really peaked my curiosity and I spent nearly every minute of the next day or two reading everything and anything I could about geocaching. In March of 2004 I set out to find my first geocache near my home with only a map and compass. After being successful in finding this cache I was hooked and signed up for an account.

2. How did you choose your caching name?

When I first started geocaching I was away from home and wanted a name that represented where I was from. After, playing with a few names and starting out as Tetacacher and not being 100% satisfied with that name I switched to Tetagoucher. I am from South Tetagouche, New Brunswick and a Tetagoucher is what I’ll always be.

3. How many caches have you found so far?

One thing we learn about geocaching it it’s never about the numbers. I would have to guess and say I have around 1447 caches found. It also would probably break down to being nearly 1360 traditional, 24 multi, 6 virtual, 14 events, 31 unknown, 2 CITOS, and 10 earth caches. For those that I have hidden I keep better track of and to this date I have 103 Hidden. Most of them are traditional with only 1 being a multi, 3 others are unknown, and 2 events.

4. What brand/type of GPS do you use?

I started out and still use an Etrex Vista by Garmin. I have used many others but this is the only one I own. I do however plan on replacing this unit with an Oregon 450 in the near future. It has been a very nice unit for all these years but it is now starting to show its age.

5. What programs/software or hardware (PDA/laptop/phone) do you use to make caching easier?

I’m still pretty much old school and manage very well with what gc.com has available with their premium membership. I have used and enjoyed easygps for some time but I have recently jumped on the GSAK band wagon. I don’t really do much other than to load my gps with geocaches and drive around till I’m near one. It’s not the best way but it’s what I find works best for me in most situations.

6. What type of cache do you prefer seeking – traditional, multi, puzzle, virtual?

I like them all. It’s not so much about the type of cache but rather how it is hidden or where it takes you. The most enjoyable are those that introduce you to something spectacular that you didn’t realize was in your backyard. Many Cachers spend lots of time to make a geocaching adventure enjoyable and their work is always appreciated. Night caches, informative puzzles or multi caches are always fun especially when you are rewarded with a beautiful container full of great swag.

7. Which caches were the most challenging – physically/mentally? Why?

After finding so many caches over the last few years it’s never the easiest to remember all the great caches the Maritimes have to offer. I would however have to say that most puzzle caches really have me suffering mentally and for that reason I stay away from them for the most part. Some that comes to mind as for being tough physically are those around the Fundy area. The eye of the needle, Walton Glen falls and Parlee brook natural amphitheater are very tough rewarding hikes. There are so many others that I’m thinking of but can’t remember all their names at this time.

8. Do you have a favorite or favorites among the Maritime caches that you’ve found?

There are too many to list but once again many or all caches by the Major Family, Doctor Livingstone, Red Witch, MA&PA, Nothwoods Explorer, Jim52, Zonker&Co, Hillbilly Bob, Insp Gadget, Casperkb and so many others are some of the best. I know there are so many others that I’m leaving out and or just have not found yet…

(Feel free to list a favorite for each type of cache) Do you have a favorite in a nearby Province?

I can think of the tea pot cache in PEI that was really a joy to find. Others that I have enjoyed are from the Gaspésie region. They have lots to offer and I’m sure we will see many more great caches as geocaching starts to take off there.

9. What’s the most unusual thing that you’ve ever found in a cache?

Some things that come to mind are contraband material such as tobacco products, food and knives. I always enjoy coming across a note left by a muggle who found the cache accidently… A cache near Bathurst I believe is called bunny’s hideout had some of the biggest traders I have seen.

10. What are your current caching goals?

Is there a certain cache that you can’t wait to do? There are many and I’m sure many more to come. The Earth cache North Pole Noulin is one that has not been found yet that I would like to get to. There was and I’m think there still is a cache up big bald mountain I would like to get. The first cache in New Brunswick is also another one I just need to have. Not too sure I have any caching goals. I feel the need to find them all but know that is unrealistic at the moment. I think they are all worthy of being found since the person who hide the cache took the time to place the cache to show you an area or whatever it be..

11. How many caches have you placed? Do you have a current hiding goal?

I have just passed the 100 mark. I started out thinking I would hide 1 cache for every 10 I would find. It’s difficult to say how many caches you can handle though. At one point 10 caches were overwhelming but now I feel comfortable with many more. Having placed caches from the Saint Laurence river to the Bay of Fundy the less maintenance you need to do is important. Starting out with great containers is the key.

12. What advice would you give someone that wants to place a cache? What steps do YOU take when placing a cache?

Finding a bunch of caches before you hide one is the way to go. Some say you should wait till you have found over 100. This gives you the chance not only to come up with good ideas but lets you see what works and what doesn’t as a hide and a container. You must also read all the rules or guidelines. That alone will save you time and frustration. Also, being a member of a geocaching association such as Maritime-geocaching.com helps to get a feel of what geocacher like or dislike.

13. How often do you go caching?

I think of geocaching nearly every second of the day. However, I don’t get out as often as I would like since there still work and family that must be given consideration. There have been some months that I don’t get out at all and others I’ll be out there nearly every weekend. Finding a way to incorporate geocaching into other activities has been a great way to find the time to geocache.

14. What advice would you give a beginning geocacher?

Geocache in a way that makes you happy and have fun. Also keep in mind that there are guidelines and expectations of the geocaching community and conforming to it will save the head ach.

15. Do you collect geocoins? Of the ones that you’ve collected, which is your favorite?

I only recently started to keep a very small collection. After losing my first geocaoin I decided to keep on to the others. Some people send out copies but they are always a disappointment to find. My favorite geocoin so far has to be the BC geocaching association’s coin. It is made out of a stained glass and shows a picture of the provincial bird I believe. I also like geocoins that come in a set some have 4 or more and when put together form one large geocoin. Also, I think the MGA coin has to be one of the top 3 for sure. Just a beautiful coin I wish I had one.

16. What type of gear do you carry with you on your caching trips? What’s in your geopack?

Same stuff I bring hiking, first aid kit to survival equipment. I do wish I would bring more things such a geocaching repair kit. I think they are very important but never remember to.

17. What is your most memorable caching experience?

I guess that would have to be the first time I found a cache. The excitement and joy will stay with me forever.

18. What is your best caching story?

It would have to be when my beautiful fiancée and I went up to the windmills. I have a video of a cache we went for on this site actually. Geocaching was only a cover up for my intentions of proposing that day. It was the day before our one year anniversary and with ring in hand I was going to propose somewhere along our journey’s that day. Was looking for a great view and thought this might be the place. Once we reached the top a large thunder cloud came in and unleashed a hail storm. I took it as a sign and decided this must not be the right time or place. However, seeing how there was a cache nearby I stopped for another smiley and CuriousbyNature caught some of it on film.

19. What do you like about geocaching? What keeps you going?

Going to find a geocache is like going on a mini vacation. It’s always an adventure and you always get to see something new. There is also many ways you can play it to challenge yourself. I don’t know how I lived life before geocaching…

20. Besides geocaching, what other things do you like to do?

I like everything in between finding a cache. The time spent hiking and or driving to a cache. I like planning out trips and being my very own tour guide to finding a cache. Also, I like to build and to create things like geocaches… Most days I spend my time reading or chatting about geocaching on the M-GA