[Az-Geocaching] decrypted hints

Thu Jan 25 08:45:51 MST 2007

Correct, it is my understanding also that a 1 terrain is to mean it is wheelchair accessible. It used to be that when you filled out the online form to submit a new cache the difficulty and terrain rating were already set by default to 1/1. That doesn't appear to be the case anymore (as I just tested) and you are now required to select a terrain. However, just because GC.com tells you your cache should only be rated a 1 terrain if it is handicap accessible does not mean that everyone sees that warning or abides by it. I can say for a fact that not everyone does. I often examine the ratings when trying to find a cache, but when I see a 1/1 I usually dismiss them all together.

Jared

----- Original Message ----
From: az_pistolero <az_pistolero at mac.com>
To: listserv at azgeocaching.com
Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2007 7:58:33 AM
Subject: Re: [Az-Geocaching] decrypted hints

I recall a warning coming from GC.com that a 1/1 cache needs to be wheelchair accessible (not too high, no rocks in the way, etc.).  That was a while ago, I'm not sure if GC still does this.   If so, 1/1 is actually another hint.

The "typical Arizona style" or "Tucked amongst rocks - a typical geo-pile!" isn't much help.     It's what led me to "we don't need no stinkin' hint!" (which actually IS a hint) and gave me a idea for a kind of slightly bent cache.

OTOH, I'd rather put a "gimme" hint on the remote caches instead of disabling it after a couple DNFs and taking the time to find the cache is where it belongs.

Jon 

On Jan 25, 2007, at 7:35 AM, Jared Ross wrote:

I think there have been some really good points brought up on this topic. I know when we first started caching we didn't know what "typical arizona style" was until finding a couple. That was just part of the learning curve for being a cacher in Arizona. Same goes for terrain rating. While I haven't experienced it first hand I've heard of big differences between a 2.5 star terrain here in Phoenix and a 2.5 star terrain in Flagstaff. Different area, different rules. It's all an adjustment. But, if we want to create a more welcome environment for new or out of state cachers maybe we need to elaborate more on our hides (without compromising or giving away too much information). I wouldn't think you'd be giving away anything if you informed the cacher that they would be hiking x amount of miles with x amount of elevation gain, should take x amount of time, etc. And then of course trying to be more considerate with the nature of encrypted hints. Not sure about everyone but I
 don't really want people thinking that the Arizona cachers are just an inside group and they only place caches for one another, attempting to exclude those from out of state (or even just outside of a particular town). 

On a related note.
I've noticed some cache listings in the past (more in the recent past) that look similar to this:

Cache Name: My Crazy Cache
Type: Traditional
Size: Micro
Difficulty: 1  Terrain: 1
Description: .
Hint: (no additional hints)

and that's it. Sometimes there is maybe one very brief sentence, but that is the cache. A blank description, and a 1/1 rating. This worries me. Mostly because who knows if they filled anything out at all (especially with a 1/1 rating since that would be displayed by default). Is there really a place for this kind of cache? (aside from maybe a mystery cache).

Jared

----- Original Message ----
From: Team Nine Lives <teamninelives at gmail.com>
To: listserv at azgeocaching.com
Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 10:06:46 PM
Subject: Re: [Az-Geocaching] decrypted hints

OK, partly guilty I guess.  We've made a bit of camo a part of the challenge of our caches.  (More to come; ideas are in the process of becoming reality as I type.)  And I will admit that the hints that we've provided have not been very helpful on some of our hides.  We will discuss that and maybe the hints will be simply removed.  There's a bit of pride at creating a clever hide and watching the DNF's roll in.  We don't want people to be too frustrated--this is supposed to be fun.  We do want searchers to find them and, like Jared, we do our best to be timely in responding to requests for hints or to DNF's in general.  But the points about out-of-town cachers and return trips are points well taken.  

In those areas where there is any concern about the immediate cache environment, we've made the hints much more direct, to avoid accidental or incidental damage to the area.  This seemed the responsible thing to do. 

And yes, there seems to be a southern AZ "style."  How many of us have seen a natural cluster of rocks within sight of a dirt road and wondered whether it is concealing anything interesting? ;-)   

 Brad, Team Nine Lives

P.S. In Hawaii there are spots where you would need a heck of a hint just to find a large pile of rocks!
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