Great Time Recording Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) - Geocaching Pet Peeves

Andy HeadHardHat Smith - Host of Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)

All I can say is WOW - what a cool show! Well okay the stuff before we started recording Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) was not so fun, in fact it kinda sucked but the actual show itself - AWESOME!

What? What happened before we started recording? Well, if you visit us (and many of you do) when we record Geocaching World you know we experience our share of technical difficulties. It's just going to happen. Last night we must have take the prize out of the Gremlin's cereal box cuz everything was going to pot. I started out by having my main show laptop decided to have a software meltdown causing Windows to stop working. I am a computer guy and under other circumstances this was a nasty inconvenience but twenty minutes before the show this is a disaster. So here I am trying to diagnose the issue at hand and at the same time wondering if I have a backup option through one of my other computers... Time is going by and I make some headway with the issue but not enough. Do I setup computer #2 and not have a hangout? Can I setup all my other equipment in time? Now I am beginning to sweat. Finally I decided to grab my gaming Alienware laptop and see if I at least have basics to replace my show laptop. With only a few minutes to go I plug in all my audio and video equipment, play with the extra monitor and turn on Skype - it all worked. What a pleasant surprise. Oh I had to tweak the inputs for Skype but all the drivers including my camera loaded in automatically and worked the first time. What a relief.

So with all the craziness I was going through on my end apparently Courtney Wallin my cohort in crime was having her own issues with Gremlins. Sigh. Ah the price of doing LIVE TV. So here it's show time and both Courtney and I are frantically trying to get everything setup and the Ustream chat-room and the Hangout are filling up. We have such an amazing audience and they were so cool talking amoungst themselves and cheering us on while they waited. Too cool. After all the technical issues we started about 20 minutes late but that didn't phase any of us.

The show itself was a complete blast to do. We discussed Geocaching Pet Peeves and there was no shortage of topics. I had given Courtney a medium sized list and we only scratched the surface. Then we added a lot of discussion from the chat-room and hangout as well. We could have talked for hours but we had to draw the curtain and close the show. I do so love talking about geocaching.

The Geocaching World Cache Stash had a sweet trackable tag from our friends at CoinsandPins.com of which we gave away to a member of the chat-room/hangout. There was also more discussion about the Discovery book from Chris Mackey which we currently have a contest going on where you can win said book if you enter our drawing. The details are here about that: http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/2012/09/win-limited-edition-book-by-geocoin.html.

So all in all a smokin fantastic show including some spills, chills and thrills. Be sure to come and join the fun of seeing a live program recorded including all the behind the scenes goodness.

We record Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) every Tuesday night at 6:30pm ET. You can be part of our live audience by going into our Ustream Chatroom where you can see our live feed of the show as we record and/or you can join our Google + hangout by circling +Andrew Smith.

See you next week.

Andy HeadHardHat Smith

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Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
http://feeds.feedblitz.com/geocacheimnotobsessedright/

Watch my Internet TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/

Google+
http://gplus.to/headhardhat

Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
http://www.geosnippits.com

How Waterproof Are Your Geocache Hides?

Lock N Lock Geocache Container

There is a very popular saying in Geocaching and it goes something like this: "I use a multi-billion dollar satellite system to find Tupperware in the woods.", and the cool thing is its true. Oh sure Tupperware may not be as popular as in years past though we do traditionally hunt for containers hidden all over this great big planet of ours. In fact, after finding the perfect Geocaching hiding spot and getting permission to place it there, the most important aspect of any Geocache hide is the container itself. With that being said the most important aspect of that container to you is how waterproof it is overall. In other words, how well does it keep the elements out plus how well does it stand up to those very same elements over time?

Anyone can get a cheap Glad transport container, fill it with swag and a logbook then place it somewhere. Yet after a day or two the flimsy plastic warps and the seal gives way to an afternoon shower. What good is that now newly placed Geocache of goo? What do you think the next geocacher is going to think of your hide? I am thinking not very well.  You don't want that right?

Save yourself some unwanted nasty logs and a quick replacement by following some of ole HeadHardHat's suggestions:

- Understand the environment you are placing the Geocache. If your area has wet seasons you need more heavy duty containers with very good seals. 

- If you have extremes with heat and cold remember that plastic warps and can become brittle depending on the outside temps. Make sure your container can handle it.

- If you are not sure how waterproof your container is then do the 'Dunk Test'.  Get a water fillable container that can allow your Geocache to be placed into it and be completely submerged. Then do just that. Fill the larger container with water and then close your Geocache. Hold it under water for at least five to ten minutes. Pull your Geocache out, dry off and then open it. Any water inside? If your container is not going to hold up to this simple test then you need to find another one.

Follow these basic suggestions and you will have a class act of a Geocache to hide. Don't and the logs that get sent your way may not be what you are expecting!

See you out on the trails,

Andy Headhardhat Smith

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Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
http://feeds.feedblitz.com/geocacheimnotobsessedright/

Watch my Internet TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/

Google+
http://gplus.to/headhardhat

Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
http://www.geosnippits.com

Here Are Some Entries For The Chris Mackey - Discovery Book Contest

We Do Love Creative Contest Entries - Send in Yours and you may get shown on Geocaching World and here in our blog! Here are all the details of how you can win a limited edition book from Chris Mackey.

A Real Concept Shot - we Love It! -  Dave DeBaeremaeker 

 You have until Tuesday October 9th, 2012 at 12:00 Noon ET to get your photos in of your favorite geocoin and if you get the logo or words Geocaching World in the photo you get a second entry! Here are a couple of entries we found very cool! Check it out and read below about how you can enter the contest - hurry!

That would be a Geocaching World Logo in the background
a double entry for you - Tim Benson!

Here is how you can win this amazing geocoin based book by geocoin designer Chris Mackey:

http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/2012/09/win-limited-edition-book-by-geocoin.html

Good Luck and keep sending in those entries. We will show more!

-HeadHardHat
-------------------------------------------------------
Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
http://feeds.feedblitz.com/geocacheimnotobsessedright/

Watch my Internet TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/

Google+
http://gplus.to/headhardhat

Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
http://www.geosnippits.com

Hands Free Geocaching Navigation: We Are So Close.

More Power Allocation For Smartphone Navigation

Without trying to get into the GPSr versus Smartphone navigation debate I wanted to share some insights I have discovered after recently pairing up my phone with my new geocache-mobile. Yes after seven years and 225,000 miles of servitude. My 2005 Chevy Malibu has been traded in for a 2012 Chevy Malibu and with that a whole new set of functionality to play with.

For example, all the hands free goodness which I plan on utilizing when I go out geocaching. Now I can hook my Galaxy S3 directly into the nice little USB port just under the radio. This to me is a big plus because I now have an alternate power source for my smart phone and it opens up my cigarette lighter port for something else. *Note this car also has another port and a standard 110 plug just behind the center console -  slick. So outlets are no longer an issue but is there enough juice going through to keep up with the phone? Read on.

Next is the fun part, the Bluetooth communication. Now I can hook my phone right into the smarts of the car via Bluetooth connector (you can go through USB for other things but not for discussion here). Once paired you have direct access thru your steering wheel to tell your car/phone to do anything from getting directions to a nearby restaurant, send a text, find out the weather, to even just plain calling someone and everything goes through the car's sound system. Very cool but not perfect, the technology is getting there but I have found some bugs when testing these features. Over all, very cool to not have the phone in your hand to do all of this BUT and you knew there was a but, there are indeed some major power drain on the smartphone depending on what you use it for. I noticed very quickly that if you use the phone for navigation either with Google Maps, Waze or any other app you are utilizing the GPS functionality  Now add in the Bluetooth power drain and you can almost watch the battery die right before your very eyes. Even when it is plugged in. Cap'n - We Need More Pow'r.

So maybe this is a good argument for having multiple devices in your car when geocaching. I mean I always have used my smart phone for one or two geocache find runs. Though if you are planning on doing a geocaching afternoon or day. You may want to utilize that cigarette lighter outlet for your auto GPSr unit to get to the geocache site and then use your smart phone or hand GPSr unit for finding your geocache. Right now there is just too much of a drain or not enough battery capacity to put everything on your smartphone.

Now let's see: -=BLING=- Bluetooth -> Voice -> Navigate -> Directions to nearest Geocaching Event -> Engage!

-HHH

-------------------------------------------------------
Our award winning, geocaching based blog: GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
Get our RSS feed for this blog here:
http://feeds.feedblitz.com/geocacheimnotobsessedright/

Watch my Internet TV show Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
http://rvnewsnet.com/category/shows/geocache/

Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/

Google+
http://gplus.to/headhardhat

Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
http://www.geosnippits.com

Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) Episode: Geocache Placement

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

Here is the latest episode of Geocaching World (RVNN.tv). In this episode we discuss proper geocache placement and you have an opportunity to get into a contest to win a Limited Edition Book from Geocoin designer Chris Mackey.

If you do not have Roku, Boxee, Itunes and many other ways of seeing Geocaching World,
go here to see:
http://rvnewsnet.com/2012/09/27/placing-geocaches/

Enjoy and be sure to get your entry in before October 9, 2012!

-------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/

Google+
http://gplus.to/headhardhat

Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
http://www.geosnippits.com

Win a Limited Edition Book by Geocoin Designer Chris Mackey

How would you like to possibly win a limited edition Chris Mackey Geocoin based book? I knew you would, just look at this beauty.

Chris Mackey's Limited Edition Book

The rules are simple.

To have an entry in the drawing to win this amazing prize you need to take a photograph of yourself with a Geocoin. It can be either one you found while out Geocaching or from your personal collection. Send that photograph with all your contact information to headhardhat@gmail.com.

Have it in no later than 12:00 Noon ET October 9,2012. Now here's the kicker. If you have somewhere in the photo the words or logo for Geocaching World we will put TWO entries in for you. Remember - only one photo per person please.

Restrictions of the law for your personal residence may apply.

Chris Mackey and HHH

If for some reason you do not win this copy of the book you can ("while they last") purchase a book for yourself. Our good friends at GxProxy who donated the prize by the way are selling them here:
http://www.gxproxy.com/. Be sure and tell them that HeadHardHat sent ya.

Good Luck!

-HeadHardHat
 -------------------------------------------------------
GeoCache: I'm NOT Obsessed... Right?
http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/
and watch me on Geocaching World (RVNN.tv)
Twitter me at
@headhardhat

Friend me at Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HeadHardHat/

Google+
http://gplus.to/headhardhat

Please don't forget to visit our GeoSnippits Geocaching Tutorial Videos Website at
http://www.geosnippits.com

Geocaching World (RVNN.tv) - Geocache Placement and a Cool Contest

Andy HeadHardHat Smith and Courtney Wallin (Geocaching World)

Had a great time last night as we recorded our Latest Episode of Geocaching World (RVNN.tv).  Due to some unforeseen issues we had to take a few weeks off and believe you - me both Courtney Wallin and I were just itching to get back into the groove.  The photo above was taken just before we started the show by Courtney and she says to me, " make a happy dance " , so that is just what I did. Now this image is proudly displayed somewhere in Instagram for all the world to enjoy.

Our latest episode was very informative as we discussed placing a Geocache. Everything from how to pick just the right spot to put a geocache hide, figuring out if other geocaches are nearby to how the review process works. There are tons of insightful Geocaching greatness for you to contemplate so when the episode comes out in a couple of days be sure to watch it. 

We also introduced a brand spanking new contest for you to get involved with. How would you like to possibly win a limited edition Chris Mackey Geocoin based book?  I knew you would, just look at this beauty.

The rules are simple. To have an entry in the drawing to win this amazing prize you need to take a photograph of yourself with a Geocoin. It can be either one you found while out Geocaching or from your personal collection. Send that photograph with all your contact information to headhardhat@gmail.com. Have it in no later than 12:00 Noon ET October 9,2012. Now here's the kicker. If you have somewhere in the photo the words or logo for Geocaching World we will put TWO entries in for you. Remember - only one photo per person please. Restrictions of the law for your personal residence may apply.

So hurry up and get your photos in. Who knows you might get them shown in one of our social services or on Geocaching World itself. Good Luck to everyone.

Andy HeadHardHat Smith