Back a few weeks ago (Mar 25) I posted this post re: cache ratings, a
descriptive system that I have been using (supplemented by appropriate
wording on my cache pages) This post did not get ONE reply....which is
fine, but now that you guys are discussing it, what do you think?

Obviously, the difference between a "1", "1.5", and "2" on terrain,
when critical to whether someone with some limitations may have
trouble accessing that cache, needs to be described on the page in
some fashion that you guys appear to be hashing out.

When in doubt, I provide hopefully enough description so everybody
will have some idea what they are getting into, because I sure
appreciate the same in return.

Trisha "Lightning"
Prescott

SEE BELOW





------- Start of forwarded message -------

Subject: Re: [Az-Geocaching] Cache Ratings
From: "Trisha" <trisha@brasher.com>
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 16:08:15 -0700 (MST)
To: listserv@azgeocaching.com

Hi Patrick and all,

In regards to rating caches, I have been using a descriptive system
that seems to be fairly accurate. I just looked at geocaching.com to
see if I could find where this is listed, because I don't remember
where I got it from!!!

It's not that long, so I will type it out here and hopefully it will
help. Obviously, this is subjective (half steps can be used) but it
helps me to think of the ratings in these descriptive terms.

TERRAIN:

1. Handicap Accessible (may be paved, relatively flat, <1/2 mile)

2. Suitable for Small Children (likely marked trails, no steep or
overgrowth, <2 mile hike)

3. Not Suitable for Small Children - Average Adult/Older Child OK
depending on physical condition (Likely off trail, may have one or
more of the following: some overgrowth, some steep elevation changes,
> 2 mile hike)

4. Experienced Outdoor Enthusiasts Only - (offtrail, one or more of
the following: Heavy Overgrowth, Steep elevation (need use of hands),
>10 miles, may be overnight.)

5. Requires Special Equipment or Knowledge: (Boat, 4WD, Rock Climbing,
SCUBA) or otherwise extremely difficult.

Because I feel very strongly that people need to know what they are
getting into, esp up here in the mountains or any out-of-the-way
place, I will describe pretty clearly if there is a difficult part in
getting to the cache. The only thing I don't agree with in this
descriptive system is the 4WD = a "5". While 4WD is "special
equipment", many have it. If getting to my cache requires 4WD I will
put that in the description, with an assessment of how hard the 4WD
might be, and rate the cache less than a "5" based upon the rest of
the adventure.....:-)


DIFFICULTY:

1. EASY - plain sight or found in a few minutes

2. AVERAGE - Any geocacher can find in less than 30 minutes

3. CHALLENGING - Experienced Geocacher will find it challenging and
could take a good part of the afternoon

4. DIFFICULT - Real challenge for experienced Geocacher. May require
special skills/knowledge, or in depth preparation. May need multiple
days/trips to find.

5. EXTREME - Serious mental/physical challenge. Requires Special
knowledge, skills or equipment.

As you can see, there is quite a gap between "2" and "3". Guess that
is what "2.5" is for!!!

LIke I said, I get this over a year ago from.... I thought - the
geocaching website. Anyway, I wrote it down and this is what I go by.
What do people think? Anybody else using this descriptive system? If
most like it maybe it could become the standard?

Trisha "Lightning"
Prescott



On Mon, 24 Mar 2003, "Patrick Brown" wrote:

> 
>    I have notised that a lot of people that place Caches use
different
> ratings. When we place a cache we have been using the suggested
Rating
> when
> we fill out the form (  <a
href="http://mail.brasher.com/jump/http://www.clayjar.com/gcrs">http://www.clayjar.com/gcrs</a>/  ).
>  That is why  it looks like we have set some high numbers.  These
> caches are
> a lot easyer than they look.  Then again I see some that have a
rating
> of 2
> or 3 that are really tuff. Does anyone else see that?
>  
> Patrick Brown 
> PANDA77
>  Check out
> <a
href="http://mail.brasher.com/jump/http://www.geocaching.com">http://www.geocaching.com</a>/
> <a
href="http://mail.brasher.com/jump/http://www.azgeocaching.com">http://www.azgeocaching.com</a>/
> ____________________________________________________________
> Az-Geocaching mailing list listserv@azgeocaching.com
> To edit your setting, subscribe or unsubscribe visit:
> <a
href="http://mail.brasher.com/jump/http://listserv.azgeocaching.com/mailman/listinfo/az-geocaching">http://listserv.azgeocaching.com/mailman/listinfo/az-geocaching</a>
> 
> Arizona's Geocaching Resource
> <a
href="http://mail.brasher.com/jump/http://www.azgeocaching.com">http://www.azgeocaching.com</a>

------- End of forwarded message -------