GCZE32 "Over The Edge II" (Traditional Cache) in Texas, United States created by eagletrek

This cache has been archived.

eagletrek: Due to the extreme floods, I'm archiving the cache as it is probably damaged, lost, or both. If you happen to look for it and you find it, then it's yours. I'll eventually check on the location to ensure I don't leave any Geo-Junk in the area. However, that may be hard to do considering all the junk the floods brought in. Thanks to all who visited.

GCZE32 ▼

A cache by eagletrek Message this owner

Hidden : 11/18/2006

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

Second in the series. This cache has been developed in response to a very vexing issue that has recently been raised. The question is: "How do you determine the correct difficulty/terrain rating if the area you hide the cache in is constantly changing due to varying environmental and other factors?" The cache itself in within the Corps of Engineer Flood Set-Back/Wildlife Management Area on the north side of the Lampasas River.

My goodness! What kind of difficulty/terrain rating should I give this cache? In the case of this cache I'm going to worst case it and give it a 2/5. However, during certain times of the year, the terrain rating might be less. (Take a look at Google.Maps and judge for yourself.)

Doesn't sound too difficult does it? Well for some cachers it has become quite an issue.

It appears that some cachers don't always agree with the difficulty/terrain ratings chosen by the hider. Some cachers have attempted to carefully analyze the parameters of each new cache and are quick to counsel the owner if the ratings don't jive with their in-depth analysis.

The only problem with their analysis is that they base it on what they find on the particular day they visit the cache.

Many of these cachers fail to factor in the impact that environmental change and other factors may have on the difficulty/terrain ratings. Instead of accepting the owners evaluation, they are quick to point out that the ratings may be wrong without knowing the owner's thought process.

Therefore I created this series to help educate those folks who may be too quick to criticize their fellow cachers.

This cache is the second in the series. I placed it in its particular location just to point out the fact that environmental changes and other factors will greatly impact on both the difficulty/terrain ratings.

How hard will it be to find this cache? Depends on what season you look for it. Will I need any special equipment? Depends on the level of the river when you look for it. Is it still findable without the special equipment? Depends on whether you like wading through alot of water when the river is high. Will I really need to get wet? It depends on the route you take and the level of the river. How long is the hike from the parking area? It depends on how high the water is and the route you're forced to take. Are there any hazards from wildlife? It will most probably depend on the time of day,the level of the river, and other climatic conditions. If you haven't realized it yet, there are "big cats" and snakes in Central Texas. Should I do this alone or with another? It depends on your confidence level. Is the approach relatively flat and easy? Once again it depends on river levels. Will I get muddy? Yes, how muddy you get depends on river levels and the direction of approach.

Get The Point!!! Determining what rating you as the owner will assign to the cache may be more involved than the observations of "one cacher" on the day they look for it. Therefore cachers shouldn't be too quick to criticize the judgement of the hider.

That said, class is over!!!

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