Meeting notes: March 9, 2002

Greetings to all.

On March 9, the Georgia Geocachers Association (GGA) had their tenth meeting. On this occasion, we were again hosted by Eric Gunderson of REI at the store near Perimeter Mall. In addition to providing the meeting facilities, REI donated several nice items for door prizes, including a case of water bottles. Eric announced that a Garmin representative would be at the store on April 3 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., making presentations to REI personnel. GGA members who would like to attend are invited to do so.

Participation was great, with 9 new attendees and 21 who have attended at least one previous meeting.

This meeting consisted of several open discussions, including:

* Lockable cache containers - mtn-man brought and demonstrated a container (actually, a tackle box) that can be locked.

* Adding a lock to an ammo can - Big Doggie demonstrated a concept for adding a hasp to an ammo can.

* These two topics raised discussion of the pros and cons of locking a cache. A number of geocachers offered examples where locked cache containers were either stolen or damaged, presumably by persons who stumbled onto them and became frustrated that they could not be easily opened. GGA is not advocating locking cache containers – these topics were on the agenda for informational purposes only.

* GPS presentation – Big Doggie's presentation of a low-tech view of GPS operation, comparing it with how directions to pirate treasure may have been recorded in the year 1750, was very well received. Hopefully, this can be captured for our web site.

* Geocacher's icon - an earlier discussion on this topic was continued, and it was determined that we need to narrow the field of ideas before we can make good progress on printing bumper stickers, window stickers, static cling items, etc. Lo Cache took an action item to pull together the alternatives and prepare a voting poll. The poll will be reviewed by the steering committee and will then be opened to the membership for an adequate period to allow everyone to make their opinions known.

* Change of a meeting date – a proposal to move the May meeting from May 11 to May 4 had been raised in the EZBoard forum and was further discussed during the meeting. A motion was raised to change the meeting date, and the motion was carried by a wide margin. The change has already been noted on the EZBoard.

* Adopt a highway – The person leading the charge on this topic could not be present at this meeting, so the item was deferred.

* Spring cleaning project - Gossamyrrh led a discussion on this topic and there is considerable interest within the membership. She will continue to drive this activity. (Thanks, Goss!)

* Geocaching challenge – Planning for this activity is underway under the leadership of Ed Handler (Da Rebel). Additional persons volunteered to assist, and this will be very helpful. Members who were not able to be present, but who would like to participate in making this activity happen should contact a steering committee member.

* Breakfast Geocache #2 – Significant interest was shown, so another event similar to the one held in December will be planned.

* During the meeting, several members offered suggestions for future meeting topics and/or locations. Thanks for the input – the steering committee will strive to continue to plan meetings that are fun and informative.

* I believe everyone had a good time networking with other geocachers during the breaks. Hopefully, everyone had a chance to meet MAAZ, creator of the famous (or is it infamous?) wiseAshe cache. wiseAshe was the third cache I found, and it so happens that it was one year ago today (March 10).

* Before closing the meeting, we had a drawing for the door prizes donated by REI and a number of members.

Happy geocaching! Hope to see all of you again next month.

-Brad

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