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Full
Name: John Bray
Geocaching Screen Name: Cross-Tracker
Birth State: FL
Martial Status: Married
How did you get into geocaching?
Stumbled across ‘Letterboxing’ then later found Geocaching. It was
more appealing to me.
What's the meaning behind the screen name?
In the search for caches, it seemed like one had to ‘cross’ many
possible paths to find what they were ‘tracking’. Hence what I would
become.
Do you cache alone or are you part of a team?
Usually alone. I like to go for the “deep woods” caches and don’t
wish to take a lot of breaks (usually required in big groups). Plus,
I have a pretty high cadence. However, heading out with a small
group can be quite fun – especially to find those camoe’d “evil
micros”.
How many caches have you found and how many have you hidden?
Well, I’m not as hardcore as most and lack the free time to get
out there, but somewhere near 160 found & 1 hid. I’m still a sibling
of sorts. Hope to up the ante at CP4. Can’t wait!!!
Have you cached in other states or countries?
Yes, Tennessee. A lot of up & down mountain climbing, river crossings,
tree climbing – and then got a big DNF on three separate outings…
Aauuuggghhh!!! I was however able to catch a cold from this trip
– not what I expected!
And if so, how do those caches compare with caches you have found
here?
At least I can find the FL caches… and the terrain is nearly flat.
Besides geocaching, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Ha!!! What spare time? My weekends are usually reserved for house
chores and ‘honey-due’ lists. If Home Depot & Lowes could be an
indoor geocaching adventure, I’d have it covered! But with a cool
morning, everyone still asleep and most issues at bay – I’m out
the door with fresh batteries and determination.
What kind of wildlife have you encountered while geocaching?
Out in the woods, just about everything… feral pigs, snakes (good
& bad), birds of prey, alligators, spiders of many varieties, deer,
ants, bees, river otters, and an occasional bum.
What advice would you offer new geocachers/hiders?
Try finding someone who might already be into this sport to help
you out and get you started on the right foot. You don’t need the
most expensive GPSR to play the game. Pre-owned units can be had
for cheap online and through others wanted to upgrade. Head out
with someone who can show you how to reliably search and really
enjoy the places that this sport brings you to.
What do you say when muggles ask what you are doing?
“Looking for some Cache!” Usually, if they’re receptive, I explain
the sport and how they too can join in. Most people immediately
start to help me look.
What is your favorite cache container?
I love the ones where the owners have really spent the time to camo
them and build their own housings. Adding a story about the cache/location
and making the adventure part of the overall reward.
What is the strangest thing you have ever found in the cache?
Soot, burned up metal and plastics, bottle of champagne, tadpoles,
winning scratch-off ticket.
What was your most memorable caching find/experience?
Probably the Multi-Stage Caches. Night caching is pretty cool too!
Urban hides, love em or hate em?
Uugh! I HATE them. If the owners were a bit more creative then maybe.
But sitting in ones car and leaning out the door to stick a magnet
on a sign post IS NOT Geocaching. Your missing the whole point to
this sport. I really wish these types of caches were labeled as
something else – park-n-grabs are NOT caching.
Are you planning on attending Cacheapalooza 4 in December?
Isn’t it a given?
What would you like to see more of at the event? Multi-stages
And finally, Garmin or Magellan?
I have a Magellan 600 Explorist which works well but does have some
odd screen layouts. I do think Garmin makes the better unit overall,
though the newest Delorme’s seem nice too. Having built in camera’s,
texting keypads, and microwave ovens seem a bit much to me. :)
See you on the trails… remember to CITO if possible. Take your memories
& leave the footprints.
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