Ah yes, another controversy..   This is such an interesting group.  There
are obviously many ways to enjoy this sport, but some participants feel
threatened if you choose to enjoy it in some other way than their favorite.
We have the Urban vs Rural, Micro vs Traditional, Hiders vs Finders, and, of
course, the Numbers People vs the No-Numbers People.  I'm sure many of you
can think of others.  Then we wonder why war is so common.

 

I have experienced this firsthand.  My wife and I choose not to log caches,
not because we think there is anything wrong with the numbers game, but
simply because we don't want to participate in that.  When I mentioned that
on this list, I received several private emails (from people still active
here) that could only be described as abusive and threatening.  Part of that
was because I was interviewed by a reporter from Phoenix who knew me and
knew I was active in the sport, and some here didn't think I had the
"numbers" to speak out like that.

 

Then we made our second mistake.  We placed a cache.  It wasn't anything
special, but the emails it brought me were even worse than the first batch.
How dare I place a cache when my find numbers were so low?  It was obvious I
didn't have the experience to actually place a cache.  Well, I'm a fast
learner.  The other ammo cans I bought are still sitting, fully stocked, out
in my storage shed.  I didn't want to get any more nasty emails.  Too bad.
We do a lot of 4-wheeling, and I have some good places in mind.

 

Geocaching is a great sport, accessible to people of all ages and levels of
physical ability.  If it fails the test of time, it will be because of
people who think their way is the right way - the ONLY right way.

 

So, we will continue to play, our way.  We don't log our finds very often,
and we don't do urban caches.  Since we choose to live 8 miles outside a
very small town, it shouldn't come as a surprise that we avoid cities.  We
also quit hiding caches, so those of you here who jumped all over us for the
first one (you know who you are) - well, I'll give you a win on that one.

 

Bill

 

  _____  

From: az-geocaching-admin@listserv.azgeocaching.com
[mailto:az-geocaching-admin@listserv.azgeocaching.com] On Behalf Of Gale
Sent: Wednesday, August 04, 2004 5:21 AM
 

Next time you place a cache......let's get back to what made us want to go 
geocaching in the first place."

 

I had to respond to this one. 

 

This article was written by someone who wants to return to the days where
only physically fit people have access to caches. Like it or not, other
people have become geocachers. Physically unfit people have discovered an
activity they can enjoy. I dont see why both cache types cant co-exist? Ive
seen some nice rural caches, as well as junky ones. Same with urban caches

 

"Again, lately I have really been enjoying the occasional cache I have found

as I have been really only doing wilderness hiking caches around Sedona. 
They are my kind of fun." 

 

Thats great Scott, but it is not my idea of fun. Feel free to play your way.
I cant do those kinds of caches. Ever since falling down stairs 12 yrs ago,
I have not had the mobility I used to have. I would like to continue to play
the game my way without feeling like an unwelcome outsider.