For those of you who do not know what GEOCaching is, it is often referred to as electronic treasure hunting. The general idea is to use a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit to find a “cache” placed by another geocacher. Available caches are listed on the official GEOCaching webpage (www.geocaching.com). Currently there are more than 334,000 active caches worldwide. Within a 50-mile radius of Melbourne, FL, there are more than 750 active caches. A number of these have been placed along the FTA trail system, waiting to be found. Some caches are located in downtown Melbourne, FL, and others are in a remote section of the Tosohatchee Forest. Many more caches are close to the city than out in the woods. I personally have found quite a few of them during my hikes along the FTA trails and other trails. There are many cachers – from single cachers to whole families. I personally like to geocache with friends, but I’ve often gone out by myself to a cache no one else wants to hike to.
In order to find caches you must have at least a GPS unit and access to the Internet. GPS units come in many varieties and can cost from $100 to more than $500. Generally, the more a GPS unit costs the better it is and the more features it has. By being better, I mean it is more accurate and has more features. One desirable feature is “trip routing”. GPS trip routing allows you to use the GPS to tell you what roads to use to get as close to the cache as possible. Once you are near the cache, you switch the GPS to “local” mode to find the cache. In my opinion, the best all around unit currently available is the Garmin 60Cx. It costs around $400, and I wish I had one. Because caching is easier when you have as much information about caches as possible, I recommend that you have software loaded onto your PC to process cache data received from the GEOCaching webpage. I also load data about a cache onto a PDA that I take into the field with me while I’m searching for the cache.
Since GEOCaching is such a fast-growing sport there is much supporting computer software available. Mapping software like Google Maps is also very helpful. But don’t let all this computer talk discourage you; GEOCaching can be done on a very simple scale if you so wish.
The basic steps to GEOCaching are:
• Download cache information from the Internet.
• Load cache information into a computer program on your PC.
• Analyze the caches; determining which ones you want to search for.
• Transfer the cache data from your PC to your GPS.
• Either print the cache data out or, if you have a PDA, transfer it to the PDA.
• Find the cache.
• Report your found caches to GEOCaching using their website.
Although GEOCaching sounds simple, in some cases it is, while in other cases it isn’t! Some caches are out in the middle of nowhere, meaning you must hike out to them. And just because you get to a cache’s location doesn’t mean that you will find the cache. Some cachers who place caches are brutal; they hide the caches where you can’t find them. A cache’s description webpage contains ratings on the terrain and the difficulty of finding the cache. You may want to avoid some of the more difficult ones – I know I do!
Rather than go into any more detail here I suggest that if you are interested in the sport you go to www.geocaching.com and read more about it. You do not need to spend anything to become a basic member. All you need is a “handle,” a GEOCaching nickname, to get started. I suggest that if you have a GPS and enjoy getting out and around that you become a “premium” member. Premium membership gives you access to special functions and the ability to create “pocket queries,” which are necessary if you do a lot of caching.
Here are my recommendations; some are optional, but I find them all necessary:
• GPS unit: As I said earlier, the better it is the easier your caching will be. It must have the ability to connect to your PC and be WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System, an accuracy enhancement) enabled. Trip routing is a plus.
• PC Software: I recommend a software package called GEOCaching Swiss Army Knife (GSAK). It costs about $30. You can find more information at www.gsak.net. EASYGPS is a free software package that is primitive, but works.
• PDA: I use a Palm unit (I found a ZIRE 21 cheap on EBay) but a PocketPC also works.
• PDA Software: I use a package for my Palm called “Cachemate” from www.smittyware.com. If using a PocketPC you will need some other appropriate PDA software package.
Like everything else in this world GEOCaching has a learning curve. For some this curve will be quite steep; for others it will be relatively flat.
Good luck and happy caching,
Showing posts with label Information Item. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Information Item. Show all posts
FWC Hunting Activity Calendar
Note: Hunting Season 2021-22 now available - updated 9-5-21
I have created an online calendar showing the hunting dates for many of the areas I have documented. Using the Google Calendar function and the FWC hunting brochures, I have facilitated a means for hikers to verify that the area they are considering to visit is free from hunting activity. Most all areas are open to all activities at the same time, but as a normal rule I elect to avoid areas during hunting activities. It is not a good feeling to disrupt a hunter who has been waiting for that special target all day. I have run across hunters a few times and in all case they were very nice people, they respected me and I feel the hiker should respect them. Always be aware of poachers, they concern me more than hunters. If you see any law violators or suspicious activities, contact your nearest Commission Regional Office or call 1-888-404-FWCC. You may qualify for a cash reward from the Wildlife Alert Reward Association.
These FWC areas are covered in the calendar (you can view my write-ups about some them using the “Website Directory” on the right or by returning to the home page)
• Buck Lake WMA
• Bull Creek WMA
• Charles H. Bronson State Forest
• Fort Drum WMA
• Little Big Econ WMA
• Prairie Lakes Unit/Three Lakes WMA
• Salt Lake WMA
• Seminole Ranch WMA
• Three Lakes WMA
• TM-Goodwin-SGA
• Tosohatchee WMA
• Triple-N Ranch WMA
• St Johns River Marsh
Here is the actual calendar you can use now (select month - click on day) –
You can also view the calendar by clicking FWC Hunting Information or anytime by going to www.tinyurl.com/techunt Once at the calendar, you can move or scroll around the dates. You can view the information by day, week, month or agenda. To insure a pleasurable day on the trail, I highly recommend you check this calendar before venturing out to an area.
If you wish to view the complete Florida Wildlife Commissions (FWC) brochures, they are available at https://ocean.floridamarine.org/HGMSearch/Search.aspx or Click Here
I have checked the data a number of times to insure that I have entered everything correctly. If you find a problem, please let me know.
I have created an online calendar showing the hunting dates for many of the areas I have documented. Using the Google Calendar function and the FWC hunting brochures, I have facilitated a means for hikers to verify that the area they are considering to visit is free from hunting activity. Most all areas are open to all activities at the same time, but as a normal rule I elect to avoid areas during hunting activities. It is not a good feeling to disrupt a hunter who has been waiting for that special target all day. I have run across hunters a few times and in all case they were very nice people, they respected me and I feel the hiker should respect them. Always be aware of poachers, they concern me more than hunters. If you see any law violators or suspicious activities, contact your nearest Commission Regional Office or call 1-888-404-FWCC. You may qualify for a cash reward from the Wildlife Alert Reward Association.
These FWC areas are covered in the calendar (you can view my write-ups about some them using the “Website Directory” on the right or by returning to the home page)
• Buck Lake WMA
• Bull Creek WMA
• Charles H. Bronson State Forest
• Fort Drum WMA
• Little Big Econ WMA
• Prairie Lakes Unit/Three Lakes WMA
• Salt Lake WMA
• Seminole Ranch WMA
• Three Lakes WMA
• TM-Goodwin-SGA
• Tosohatchee WMA
• Triple-N Ranch WMA
• St Johns River Marsh
Here is the actual calendar you can use now (select month - click on day) –
You can also view the calendar by clicking FWC Hunting Information or anytime by going to www.tinyurl.com/techunt Once at the calendar, you can move or scroll around the dates. You can view the information by day, week, month or agenda. To insure a pleasurable day on the trail, I highly recommend you check this calendar before venturing out to an area.
If you wish to view the complete Florida Wildlife Commissions (FWC) brochures, they are available at https://ocean.floridamarine.org/HGMSearch/Search.aspx or Click Here
I have checked the data a number of times to insure that I have entered everything correctly. If you find a problem, please let me know.
Personal Locator Devices (PLD)
This entry is about technically advancing your hiking equipment with a device allowing you to summon help from the trail when you need it. I, like many people depend on my GPS and cell phone to summon help should the unexpected occur. Even in my area of Florida, with its abundance of cell towers, I have encountered areas with no coverage. Should an accident or an animal attack take place, I could be out of luck. My only hope would be that someone might come across me to provide assistance before the "worst case scenario" occurred. No one plans to experience a mishap or an emergency. You might be thinking, "need help? not me!". Well I know of at least three incidents where people needed to be rescued. First, was discovering upon returning to the car that the keys were missing. In a second situation, the person fell and broke a bone and could not move. Third, the person got stuck in muck so deep they couldn’t get out. In all cases they had cell phone coverage and a GPS, so by dialing 911 the sheriff’s department came out to save them. Now if they had been in a cell phone "blank" zone, they might not have been saved at all! ***Incidentally, the car keys were found without having to involve the sheriff. I have stumbled across many slithering creatures during my outward bound experiences. Some snake varieties were poisonous; water moccasins, diamondback rattlers, coral snakes, pigmy rattlers and they gave me a scare. I might have been unfortunate to be bitten by anyone of them - whether it would warrant a 911 call, I’m not sure. I also have been pretty close to some large gators that could have decided they didn’t like me. Oftentimes very large hogs have crossed the path in front of me, their behavior can be unpredictable. One of the worst things that I have encountered is Florida muck - you can find yourself stepping into it and not being able to get out - a very frightening feeling. The other is the random Cyprus tree knee. On these, I have stumbled and fallen "flat out" on a few occasions; always a little concerned I might become impaled as I am heading toward the ground. I was encouraged to get a Personal Locator Device (PLD), so I started researching the various designs. It seems the price range is quite extensive - from around $100 to thousands. I certainly didn’t want to spend a lot of money; it wasn’t as though I was going into the mountainous regions of San Bernardino or the Australian Outback! After reading reviews on the Internet I decided upon the following devices for a trial run. ***Disclaimer*** I am not a paid endorser of either product, only commenting on my direct experience with these devices.
Fast Find GPS Personal Locator Beacon - price $300
Spot 2 Satellite GPS Messenger - Price $149 plus $99 a year subscription fee
Both units use satellite systems as their communication method, not a cellphone network. Thus, if you can see the sky, you should be able to send out a signal. The "Fast Find GPS PLB" is a true PLD - it has one function and one function only - that is to send out an emergency signal when you are in trouble. You do have to do a little preparing before sending a signal, but it does work. The unit has to be registered with the IRBD before it can be used. So, if you get in trouble, pull the antenna out, push the button, help should be with you soon. It has a built in GPS and also sends out a beacon to the rescue people when they are in your area. Once used, it must be reset before it can be used again. The "Spot 2 Satellite GPS Messenger" is more of a "low class" PLD. It should do the trick, but I feel not as well as the "Fast Find" unit. For me there has been as much as a 20-minute delay from sending to receipt of the signal. So "buyer beware" if you believe 20 minutes may be of significance to you. It is very compact and does send all its signals using satellites. It has the ability to send out three message types (special buttons on the device) to a central computer. The central computer will forward those on to emails addresses and/or mobile phones of people you have defined in its database. One message might be used to report that you started/ended a hike to your friends. Another message might be used to report your location along the trail. Both message types contain the GPS location from where they were sent so the receiver can use that data to pinpoint your location. A third option is a message to send to a friend asking for help - this would be used if you wanted your friend to come and help you. The SOS / 911 function sends a signal for a rescue unit to come and help you. The SOS / 911 function is used in the event of a life threatening or other critical emergency to notify emergency services of your GPS location and that you need assistance. The GEOS International Emergency Response Center alerts the appropriate agencies worldwide - for example contacting 9-1-1 responders in North America and 1-1-2 responders in Europe. I ordered and looked at the “Fast Find" device, it is very complex and I feel it would get help if needed. The thing I didn’t like about it was the single use idea. I think that would be fine if I was using it on an occasional hike or mountain climb, but I would be using it many times. I sent it back and ordered a Spot 2 because I liked the idea that I could use it all the time, sending emails/Text messages to friends and family with status updates of my hikes. I have used it for a while now and find it to be a so-so device. You are never sure that after sending a message that it was actually sent. The email light flashes, but that just means that it is trying to send the email, not that it ever got sent. I actually had to return the first unit I had because it hardly ever connected to a satellite (test your unit extensively if you buy one). I did keep the second unit I received and do use it for reporting the status of my hikes. I hope I never have to use the SOS/911 function. So in conclusion, I highly recommend you consider owning one of these devices or any of the others out there. Adding "self security" measures can boost your confidence in your safety and elevate your hiking experience. It is a nice feeling knowing that you are connected "out there" and if the need arises, you can summon help. Cellphone coverage cannot be depended upon.
Read more about these two devices at -
Fast Find: http://www.fastfindplb.com/en/index.php
Spot 2: http://findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=102
Fast Find GPS Personal Locator Beacon - price $300
Spot 2 Satellite GPS Messenger - Price $149 plus $99 a year subscription fee
Both units use satellite systems as their communication method, not a cellphone network. Thus, if you can see the sky, you should be able to send out a signal. The "Fast Find GPS PLB" is a true PLD - it has one function and one function only - that is to send out an emergency signal when you are in trouble. You do have to do a little preparing before sending a signal, but it does work. The unit has to be registered with the IRBD before it can be used. So, if you get in trouble, pull the antenna out, push the button, help should be with you soon. It has a built in GPS and also sends out a beacon to the rescue people when they are in your area. Once used, it must be reset before it can be used again. The "Spot 2 Satellite GPS Messenger" is more of a "low class" PLD. It should do the trick, but I feel not as well as the "Fast Find" unit. For me there has been as much as a 20-minute delay from sending to receipt of the signal. So "buyer beware" if you believe 20 minutes may be of significance to you. It is very compact and does send all its signals using satellites. It has the ability to send out three message types (special buttons on the device) to a central computer. The central computer will forward those on to emails addresses and/or mobile phones of people you have defined in its database. One message might be used to report that you started/ended a hike to your friends. Another message might be used to report your location along the trail. Both message types contain the GPS location from where they were sent so the receiver can use that data to pinpoint your location. A third option is a message to send to a friend asking for help - this would be used if you wanted your friend to come and help you. The SOS / 911 function sends a signal for a rescue unit to come and help you. The SOS / 911 function is used in the event of a life threatening or other critical emergency to notify emergency services of your GPS location and that you need assistance. The GEOS International Emergency Response Center alerts the appropriate agencies worldwide - for example contacting 9-1-1 responders in North America and 1-1-2 responders in Europe. I ordered and looked at the “Fast Find" device, it is very complex and I feel it would get help if needed. The thing I didn’t like about it was the single use idea. I think that would be fine if I was using it on an occasional hike or mountain climb, but I would be using it many times. I sent it back and ordered a Spot 2 because I liked the idea that I could use it all the time, sending emails/Text messages to friends and family with status updates of my hikes. I have used it for a while now and find it to be a so-so device. You are never sure that after sending a message that it was actually sent. The email light flashes, but that just means that it is trying to send the email, not that it ever got sent. I actually had to return the first unit I had because it hardly ever connected to a satellite (test your unit extensively if you buy one). I did keep the second unit I received and do use it for reporting the status of my hikes. I hope I never have to use the SOS/911 function. So in conclusion, I highly recommend you consider owning one of these devices or any of the others out there. Adding "self security" measures can boost your confidence in your safety and elevate your hiking experience. It is a nice feeling knowing that you are connected "out there" and if the need arises, you can summon help. Cellphone coverage cannot be depended upon.
Read more about these two devices at -
Fast Find: http://www.fastfindplb.com/en/index.php
Spot 2: http://findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=102
Wet Area Hiking - Remedies
Throughout my hikes during the winter of 2009-2010, it seemed I continually encountered water in my part of Florida. Wetlands seemed to appear where they had not existed before. I mean the fields had water in them, the woods had water in them and the small manmade canals had not only water but also muck to cross. Regarding the muck, it was so bad at times I thought I was going to get stuck for life – ugh! I normally hike in breathable hiking boots to minimize the heat retained in a heavier boot (heat = blisters). The wet areas became such a hassle/hazard; I decided to invest in a pair of good gore-tex hiking boots to keep my feet dry in areas of shallow standing water. The gore-tex boots worked very well until a manufacturing flaw was encountered and they began to leak. I just don’t’ like wet feet, for many reasons (trench foot being the worst case scenario). Once I had the flawed boots replace, they did the trick for the standing water, but were useless when I encountered water that was over boot level. Many times I elected to turn around and give up on a trail. I hate to give up, so I started looking for something light I could carry which would get me through knee deep water. My first attempts centered on plastic garbage bags. I went out and purchased some “flex” white ones – no luck, they just tore. I then tried “flex” black garbage bags, again no luck. My next attempt was 3-mil heavy weight black garbage bag – those worked pretty well and did the trick at least for a few “fords”. As I said, they “worked”, but just barely! If I had to trudge for a while they would spring a leak and I would feel that cold water rising in my socks. They also where somewhat cumbersome to carry after use – bulky!
My Garbage Bag Waders After Using (click to enlarge)-
My pursuit continued for a solution to ford the high water into the summer months. While channel surfing I came across a TV show about Alaska and I noticed a fellow pull a pair of boots out of his pack, slip them over his hiking boots and ford a stream – finally my solution! Using the Internet I found a company in Colorado that sold such a boot – Wiggy’s. I immediately ordered a pair – I had to have dry feet! Since receiving my “lightweight waders” I have used them a few times to cross small creeks and rivers, as well as trek through some pretty mucky areas. All you do is pull them out of your pack, slip them right on over your hiking boots and your ready! I have even shared them with hiking companions – after I cross, I pack them back in their sack, insert a water bottle in the sack for weight and toss them back across the stream to my friend. What a great feeling not to have to waste time hunting for logs or less wet / mucky areas to cross. The ease of sliding these on, to trek across the wet area and not having my course interrupted is immeasurable. They are extremely lightweight, dry quickly and re-pack into their compact carrying sack with ease. After using them, I carry them out for a while to dry, and then put them into the sack provided for use again if needed. When I return home, after a thorough washing with a garden hose, and some time spent drying in the sun, they are ready to be stored until the next trip.
Wiggy’s Lightweight Waders Being Used By A Friend (click to enlarge)-
As of summer of 2011, I can no longer recommend Wiggy’s lightweight waders for rougher area use, fine still to cross small water areas. They are not made for heavy-duty use, just short water/muck crossings. I was out GEOcaching and I encountered water on the trail. I pulled out my Wiggy boots and put them on. Well, there most have been a sharp twig in the water, as before I knew it I had a major slit in one boot and I had a very wet foot. I repaired the slit when I got home, but I didn't want that experience again so I went back to the Internet to look for other options. I found another company which makes boots which can be put on over hiking boots, that company is "NEOS". They call their line "overshoes", consisting of a river version and a trekker version. I purchased both of them because each has a different purpose. Both have a very good soles, tough rubber. The problem with both of them are that they are a little heavier and bulkier than the "wiggly" boots. I would try carrying the river version if I think I am going to encounter deep water, as they come up to the hip. The trekker version only comes up to the knee, but they do fit in my backpack very well, so those are the ones I carry if I expect some water. I did have to buy some bags to carry the NEOS in as they do not come with bags.
Option Summary -
In conclusion, some people can tolerate wet feet; but not me. When the going gets wet I now have my gore-tex hiking boots and "overshoes" to protect me from the ugly feeling (also, trench foot and blisters) of wet feet!
My Garbage Bag Waders After Using (click to enlarge)-
Wiggy’s Lightweight Waders Being Used By A Friend (click to enlarge)-
Option Summary -
- 3 mil garbage bags - will work, but very unreliable
- Wiggy Light Weight Waders - very light weight, easy to carry and put on. The problem is that they are not that durable so you have to be careful.
http://www.wiggys.com/clothing-outerwear/lightweight-waders/ - NEOS River Trekker Overshoe - very durable, but heavy. Good, solid sole. I feel they will allow you to cut through some minor brush.
http://www.muckbootsonline.com/NEOS_River_Trekker_Overshoe_Hipper_Brown_p/rtk8.htm - NEOS Trekker Overshoe - very durable, solid sole. They can be backpacked with little problems. These are the ones I now carry into wet areas.
http://www.muckbootsonline.com/NEOS_Trekker_Overshoe_p/trs7.htm
In conclusion, some people can tolerate wet feet; but not me. When the going gets wet I now have my gore-tex hiking boots and "overshoes" to protect me from the ugly feeling (also, trench foot and blisters) of wet feet!
Leave No Trace
My friends Fran and Vicki are dedicated "leave no tracers" and they have spent many, many hours informing the world of some of the things that happen when you leave something behind.
Here is an example of what becomes of the trash left on the trail -
- Banana Peel - a month
- Paper - a couple months
- Wool Scarf - a year
- Cigarette Butt - 5 years
- Disposable Diaper - 2 decades
- Hard Plastic Container - 3 decades
- Rubber Boot Sole - 7 decades
- Tin Can - a century
- Aluminum Can - 3 centuries
- Plastic 6-pack Holder - 5 centuries
- Glass Bottles - eons
Hunting Schedules in Eastern/Central Florida
Note: 2020-2021 Hunting Schedules Have Been Loaded
If you elect to hike in any of the Florida areas listed below you might want to check out the hunting schedules for that area. You will be able to click on the day you want to hike and it will show you if there is hunting going on in that area that day. Just go to www.tinyurl.com/techunt to see information for these areas -
You can download all the detail data about theses areas, as well as all areas at
https://ocean.floridamarine.org/HGMSearch/Search.aspx
Updated each July using FWC Published Data
If you elect to hike in any of the Florida areas listed below you might want to check out the hunting schedules for that area. You will be able to click on the day you want to hike and it will show you if there is hunting going on in that area that day. Just go to www.tinyurl.com/techunt to see information for these areas -
- Buck Lake
- Bull Creek
- Charles Bronson State Forest
- FT Drum WMA
- Little Big Econ
- Prairie Lakes Unit
- Salt Lake
- Seminole Ranch
- St Johns River Area
- TM Goodwin-SGA
- Three Lakes
- Tosohatchee
- Triple N Ranch
You can download all the detail data about theses areas, as well as all areas at
https://ocean.floridamarine.org/HGMSearch/Search.aspx
Updated each July using FWC Published Data
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