[Az-Geocaching] more digress ~SAR & fire season (relates to…

  >     From:  <crystalh@cox.net >
  >     Reply-To:  listserv@azgeocaching.com
  >     To:  <listserv@azgeocaching.com>
  >     Subject:  [Az-Geocaching] Cache Clash
  >     Date:  Thu, 23 Feb 2006 12:31:43 -0800
  >     >Hi everyone,
  >     >
  >     >I just stumbled across this today and I don't know anything
  >     about it except what is mentioned in the text I pasted

  >     the main website
  >     (http://www.sierraadventuresports.com/sierrahome2events.htm) it
  >     mentions the date as 5/20/06.   Anyone else know anything?
  >     >
  >     >Crystal
  >     >HinkleHouse

  >     >

  >     >
  >     >What is a Cache Clash you ask? Have you ever heard of
  >     Geocaching?  Well, we're going to hide 25-35 cache's around a
  >     very large area, and give you a list of UTM coordinates to find
  >     them.  You'll need a GPS unit to find them as they will be

  >     well.  There is some strategy involved in deciding if you want

  >     just plug all the coordinates in to your system and let it

  >     you to them, or whether you would like to plot them on maps and
  >     only use your GPS unit when you're real close.  There is also
  >     strategy in your route choice.
  >     >
  >     >The first person or team done within in a maximum of 3 hours
  >     will win.  If nobody has completed it in 3 hours, the person or
  >     team who has found the highest number of cache's will
  >     win.  Solo's will be $35 and teams of 2 $55.  Both solo's and
  >     teams may carry a maximum of 2 GPS units with them.  Sponsor
  >     provided prizes will be awarded to first place in both
  >     categories, and everyone's finish will be listed here on our
  >     results page. The Phoenix Cache Clash will begin at 7:30 a.m.

  >     close at 10:30 a.m.  You'll need to show up earlier though to
  >     sign a waiver and get signed in. We'll have a pre-event meeting
  >     at 7:00.
  >     >
  >     >Register now by click on the Active.com button here:

  >     >
  >     >The Cache Clash will be traveling to Phoenix, Denver, &

  >     well received, plan on East Coast and Midwest Cache Clash's in
  >     the summer and fall.
  >     >
  >     >What is a Cache?  The cache's we place will be small

  >     about the size of a soup can, containing a slip of paper (or

  >     other trinket) identifying that you've been there.
  >     >What is a GPS unit?  GPS stands for Global Positioning
  >     System.  You may have seen people here and there walking around
  >     carrying what looks like a thick cell phone or calculator, and
  >     oddly searching for something amongst a pile of rocks or
  >     bushes.  They can be purchased at REI, electronics stores, map
  >     stores, and they're becoming increasingly popular in
  >     vehicles.  They cost anywhere from $80-$500 depending on
  >     features, though all of them are able to read satellite signals
  >     being beamed toward earth, and they tell you exactly where you
  >     are.
  >     >What modes of travel are allowed?  All travel must be done on
  >     foot, so bring plenty of water and energy bars.  We'll get
  >     started early so you won't be out in the terrible heat.
  >     >Can teams work together?  We ask that you do not as it would
  >     give you an unfair advantage.
  >     >How can I learn more about Geocaching and using a GPS

  >     can find a plethora of information about Geocaching at
  >     www.NaviCache.com & Geocaching.com and if you want to learn how
  >     to use your GPS unit, REI holds regular clinics on using
  >     them.  You may be surprised when you find that there are

  >     cache's hidden right near your home now.
  >     >Why do I need a map?  You could actually do it without the

  >     and many GPS units have software built in that would show you
  >     where the cache's are.  Some people however prefer to see the
  >     "Big Picture" in order to plan their route.  Plotting 25
  >     coordinates will take some time, though may make a sizeable
  >     difference when it comes to which direction you want to go to
  >     seek the cache's.
  >     >Where else will you hide cache's besides under rocks?  We may
  >     also hide them within reach on a short tree, in a saguaro boot,
  >     in a cave, bushes, under bridges, etc.
  >     >How big of an area will be used?  We anticipate using an area

  >     about 4 square miles, though we may adjust this for varying
  >     terrain.
  >     >Where will the Cache Clash take place?  We anticipate using a
  >     rural area, possibly near one of our lakes, or in a large park
  >     like the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.
  >     >What about a t-shirt?  T-shirts will be available for purchase
  >     for $12 when you register.  You must register at least 3 weeks
  >     prior to the event in order to purchase a t-shirt, and they

  >     be distributed at the event.
  >     >You're an Adventure Racing company, why are you putting on

  >     event?  A big part of Adventure Racing is using maps, compasses
  >     and coordinates.  Many of us also do it for fun, and

  >     practice so it makes a great crossover sport.  There is another
  >     fun activity called Orienteering that bears some similarities

  >     well, and the Phoenix Orienteering club, along with the Tucson
  >     Orienteering club put on some great events year round.
  >     >What kind of people will be doing this?  Geocacher's are a

  >     range of people.  All age groups and abilities are
  >     represented.  If you can hike around the desert, it's likely

  >     can complete this event.  Some will be competitive going out

  >     fast, though probably 80% will be out for fun and adventure.
  >     >What do I need to bring with me?  A GPS unit, and a method of
  >     carrying enough water to keep you well hydrated.  Trail type
  >     shoes are best, and you may want some sort of energy bars and

  >     electrolyte replacement like Gatorade.  You may also want a

  >     set of batteries for your unit.
  >     >How will we receive our coordinates?  We'll write them all

  >     on a large board and you'll need to transcribe them to your

  >     or input them directly into your GPS unit. If the group is very
  >     large, we may use multiple boards, or elect to hand them out on

  >     sheet of paper.
  >     >
  >     >More info will be posted in the next couple of weeks.  Look

  >     Cache Clashes in Denver and LA soon!
  >     >

  >     >
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