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Full Name: William (Bill) Bertrand
Geocaching Screen Name: Big*Bill
Birth State: Florida
Age: 50 something
Martial Status: Married
How did you get into geocaching?:
While discussing GPS use in Aviation with a co-worker, he told me
about his Garmin hand held GPS that he uses for mountain biking
where he lives. About a year later he told me about Geocaching with
it. Another friend told me about it also. I just bit the bullet
and bought a Garmin GPS on Ebay. The rest is history.
What's the meaning behind the screen name?
It's was a nickname. So, why not keep it for geocaching.
Do you cache alone or are you part of a team?
I started alone. I took my wife to Okeeheelee Park soon after getting
my new GPS one day, (a park she really loves). She liked it, but
wanted to find caches in the woods. We went looking for -footTRAX's
caches in Dupuis natural area one day while riding our Harley. She
is hooked on woods caches, and will jump at the chance to walk ANY
trail in the woods. Not so much for geocaching, but just to hike
in the woods. I've met some great people while geocaching. I've
gone caching with my Geobuddy Marc, (Maxwell10) a few times along
with my wife. We've all had great and sometimes funny times while
out on the trails.
How many caches have you found and how many have you hidden?
My time is limited, so I've only found 243 to date. Hidden somewhere
around 21 or so. Retirement is near. I plan to increase my smiley
count substantially.
Have you cached in other states or countries?
And if so, how do those caches compare with caches you have found
here?
No other states yet. We took a cruise to Cozumel recently and tried
to find a couple of caches. I think they were displaced by the Hurricanes.
Had to take DNF's on them.
Besides geocaching, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Not much spare time.) Working extra to pay for son's college, also
enjoy taking occasional cruises with my wife, local touring by Harley-Davidson,
occasional fishing and camping, shooting, radio controlled modeling,
high powered rocketry, (my son's hobby that rubbed off on me), amateur
radio, computering, and our quality time on the back porch around
the barbeque with a fine cigar.
What kind of wildlife have you encountered while geocaching?
Nothing that hasn't already been reported by others. I was a contract
pilot for the national park service and used to fly biologist's
in Everglades national park tracking the panther and deer population.
Had the occasion a few times to see the Florida Panther in it's
natural habitat just doing it's own thing. Used to airboat in the
Everglades and have seen almost everything that inhabits south Florida
at one time or another, especially them big black Water Lizards!
What advice would you offer new geocachers/hiders?
Patience. I am not as patient as I should be. Frustration is just
part of Geocaching. Like Maxwell 10 said: Think like the hider.
No question about it... WAIT until you get at least 100 cache finds
before you begin hiding your own. I've humbly discovered that there
is more to learning how to hide a geocache than what meets the eye.
That can only be gained through cache finding experience.
What do you say when muggles ask what you are doing?
The -footTRAX answer works good. Internet game! with a smile. They'll
think you're some kind of nut.
What is your favorite cache container?
I like the well-hidden ammo can in the woods. Love the clever
disguised one's as well.
What is the strangest thing you have ever found in the cache?
Some of the goofy swag people put in them that nobody wants. Useless
pieces of plastic :)
What was your most memorable caching find/experience?
Without a doubt, Dare2 Hammock (GCJJ8P) - This was such a cool hide.
It's a very well hidden cache, and the container and swag loaded
like a geocache should be. Loved this one.
Urban hides, love em or hate em?
Good for the smiley. Enjoy the quickies. I like a challenge too,
but not to the point it becomes an obsession. GC1FV6D was a very
challenging (and frustrating), and almost dangerous cache. Not sure
if it was rewarding or not when I got it completed. I was just glad
it was over.
Are you planning on attending Cacheapalooza 4 in December?
And what would you like to see more of at the event?
Yes, we have the campsite reserved already. Maybe some form of new
hide, or series out there... will ponder and submit to the powers
that be if I come up with a good idea.
And finally, Garmin or Magellan?
I am a GARMIN fan. Mainly because I use Garmin in Aviation. They
produce some amazing equipment! As for brand X ? It's like being
seen driving a Yugo... It'll get you there, but they're laughing
behind your back ;)
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