2009 Eco Cache Challenage... ideas

[Get_Off_The_Paved]

     Well over the weekend Red_Nuck and myself were tossing around ideas for the fall ECC, (I know we just got through the SCC), and theres one thought that we figured we should toss out there and see what you folk think.  What we were thinking is that we should try to combine a little more to the ECC, as last years ( which was great ) was a bike race, now what we were thinking was toss a canoe or kayak in there.  This is just something that could make things more interesting.. as did the mass start, well I thought anyways.  So say for a sample, we all head out to say a place like Sandstone Lake and hide caches that are land acessable as well as water (in the points for hides), so now we have a ride, hike or boat... this could make for a more interesting FTF race.  Now as a place like Sandstone (we did think about this) there is a crown land camp site that we could take over, this means that we could do a BYO BBQ and campfire after the event and if you like spend the night... and relax, by the beach, by the fire.  This would be a family friendly event and dinner ( sand beach and hotdogs what more for the kids ).  So something like this could make for a different out of town caching adventer plus a weekend camping along the lake if you wish.  Just a thought that I wanted to get out there as this would give much time to get the caches set over the summer as I'am sure were all busy.

[shroomAzoom]

I really like the idea of a caching-adventure-race type-thing, and I'm always in for a BBQ. I think I understand what you're suggesting for this, and it sounds neat. Though, I wonder if holding it so far away (which is necessary for the kind of event it is) and trying to make it more of an adventure-challenge (which is really cool,) if that would make it more difficult for kids and families and maybe even oldsters to participate?

Could we do something more family friendly and close to town for the ECC still this year and do a separate geo-wilderness-adventure? And I know I'm sounding crazy, just coming off the SCC and looking forward to the afternoon cache-hunt of the ECC. So, those are my thoughts.

Any thoughts as to where to hold the ECC this fall? I know Jay had originally envisioned it as something more rural/wildernessy, I can't think of an area (maybe Murillo?) to do it. If we went urban again, I'd suggest the Current River ward.

[ChrisDom]

I was think about the cache density concern.  What about targeting Fowler Twp (Dog Lake and Hawkeye Lake) or Fraleigh and Devon Twp.  Both areas have plenty of beautiful Crown land for hiding and are well roaded.  I am sure the roads would be bike friendly on the weekend.  These areas do not have many caches. 

[Get_Off_The_Paved]

Well I don't have anything to say against about using the Dog Lake, Hawkeye, maybe into the One Island and Trout Lake depending on the back roads.  Plus my camp is on One Island, which wouldn't be a problem to hold the wrap up BBQ or the weekend (theres nothing like a hot sauna after a ECO Challenge).  I guess that I'am still a little stuck on being out of the city a bit for this event, but this area is still close enough that we can all make it out to place caches...

[shroomAzoom]

Talking to the Pepsis last night, dad suggested we have this years fall event(s) a bit earlier. I agree. We had great weather, but probaby can't count on that every year. Also, we need to be mindful of the hunting season. So, we were thinking that the first Saturday in October would be a good one to set aside. How does that sound?

Jay and I were talking at the Madhouse about the ECC and whether it should be another bike in an area of the city event, or a different kind of challenge (maybe more rugged/adventurous) out of the city? Let us know your ideas.

[hunter-killer]

We talked to Chris about it as well that night, do you want to be on a bike, in rural areas riding on roads that are not bike [size=10pt]tire [/size]friendly? And where do you draw the line as far as boundaries? Do I need two tire patch kits or three? We agree that we should move out of the city, and does it really have to be an eco friendly event? The fall challenge/get to gether could be just an augment of caches outside of the city that would bring tourists and visitors to parts of the area that they would not normally see. Keep the amount of caches placed at 2 per cacher and keep it kid friendly so they don't have a long day. 11 am until 5 with a good BBQ at the end.

 This event is usually a wrap up of the season for many. School, kids and life, take over for some, so a nice BBQ/cremation at the end would be fun, then clean up together and leave. The caches placed would have permanence, and left for others to enjoy. NWO Bear has probably the nicest area at Hazzlewood lake. Yet so few go out to this conservation area. Many trails and drop dead gorgeous vistas, yet people will not travel 25 minutes out of town to see this area. We spend more time here fishing than any other lake in the area because of it's close proximity to the city. Conservation areas are places that are set aside for their beauty and this one has the bonus of a shelter for BBQing in bad weather .

Not saying that a challenge is not good, but how about making fall, a chance to find a few caches getting out with the kids, enjoying probably the most sensational time of year together, with people that share the same interests, and spend the time to reflect our fun over the summer ?

Again this is just a thought, along the way to October, and why would we think of October when summer has yet to arrive? Because we love lots of caches in one day right? Any other Ideas ? keep this post alive and going. Nice to throw ideas around.

[phillipie99]

Mabye having it in northwood/parkdale would work. There a only a few caches and many parks and greenspaces that would be good for planting caches. There are also many biking/walking trails and its fairly flat (for you oldsers  ). We could have the wrap up event at a local restaraunt or at someones neer by house. Anyway October sounds good. I cant wait for the event

[NWOBEAR]

I would like to see an overnite get together in a rural setting, maybe set up some caches within the setting to help new cachers or kids in using the GPS. End of the season Bar-b-q, fishing and some BS'ing as I'm sure theres lots of stories to tell. I think the city will fill up soon enough with a lot of boring caches as the areas grow thinner. I personally like caches that bring me to new areas of interests ie: fishing, scenic, falls, conservation areas or historical.

[jleecollins]

NWOBear's idea sounds interesting

Jim

[shroomAzoom]

Because there seems to be interest in both an outdoorsy-BBQ-weekend kind of event and a smaller afternoon bike challenge event, I'd like to suggest we have two events this fall. I'd be happy to start organizing the bike challenge, and maybe GOTP/H+K/others(?) can organize the camping trip sort of event?

I propose the Bike Challenge afternoon be on Saturday, October 3, the weekend before the Moose opening (oh, also the weekend before Thanksgiving.)

Jay, should we split this topic into two threads, one for each event? It would be good to be able to plan things for both well in advance. They should both be really fun times, and I'm looking forward to them! 

[Wandering_Man]

I would definitely be down with two events this fall. The more caching the better!

I like the idea of doing a weekend of caching/camping/whatever at some place out of town. There is lots of the surrounding area that I have yet to explore and this would be a great way to get out there.

[Get_Off_The_Paved]

Well it seems that there is enough interest too pull off the two events, which is good cuz you know I was pushing for the backcountry event. 

The Oct 3 date sounds good for the bike (in town) event, now just when to plan the "outdoorsy" weekend, I'am think about the middle of Sept. so that it give those with children a chance to settle into the old routine. 

So maybe as Shroom said we should break this down into the two threads so that we won't be confusing  ???everyone, now what to call the outdoorsy weekend.

[Q and A]

How about the NWOG CNC09 - Cache 'N Camp?

Thanks for the idea of a dual event... its alot easier for us to do the bike one, and we had a blast last year.