Geo Cache in Llanymynech Ogof

[Jules]

Yes, the Old Man of Hoy is not a physical cache, i.e., no container with paper log. Its an earth cache.  It just requires you to peer at it from the cliff and try to answer some geological questions on the website to claim it.  (sorry other poster posted as writing this)

There are approx 400 physical extreme caches in the UK and about 5 of them are in shallow cave systems - small rifts mainly.  There are about 30 more in adits and old quarry mines.

One "geocache" came out in a beginners system in the Mendips in November (which i've enjoyed doing).  This was a virtual cache - again no container or log, you just had to take pictures at key points, e.g., down the Coal Chute, Coffin Lid.

Sadly, the "controlling website" has not allowed Virtual Caches for some time believing them not proper as there's no paper log.  This one was as a special reward to a cacher (who is also a caver) for other non-caving caches of merit.  He used his brain and set in "beginners system Mendips" (you have to solve location first on the geocache website) to give a great adventure without the need for a container.  If the "controlling website" used its brain it would realise "Virtuals" as the as the environmentally sensitive solution to environments like some caves, for example.

 

[Splash_Womble]

I saw this cache last week with the Scouts. Looking on Geocaching.com there is still an active cache, "The ogof Flowstone earthcache" but this is a photo cache in Shaft Chamber which would be fairly safe, though the entrance to the chamber is collapsing again. The one Idris is referring to is way beyond the nutcracker. There are so many deads piled loosely around the nutcracker it would be easy to accidentally block your return route. I hope cachers have a suitable call out because digging yourself out will take an hour or two...

 

[alastairgott]

There are approx 400 physical extreme caches in the UK and about 5 of them are in shallow cave systems - small rifts mainly.  There are about 30 more in adits and old quarry mines.

I'm sure user scott will be behind some of the extreme caches.

 

[idriswilliams]

Hi Splash Womble,
Would you email me idriswilliams@aol.com I would like to know which Scouts you are to coordinate trips & mutual assistance.

I saw this cache last week with the Scouts. Looking on Geocaching.com there is still an active cache, "The ogof Flowstone earthcache" but this is a photo cache in Shaft Chamber which would be fairly safe, though the entrance to the chamber is collapsing again. The one Idris is referring to is way beyond the nutcracker. There are so many deads piled loosely around the nutcracker it would be easy to accidentally block your return route. I hope cachers have a suitable call out because digging yourself out will take an hour or two...

 

[Leclused]

I did try to get it written into the Geocaching "rules" after the Winnats Head episode that placing a cache in a cave was a no-no.  However, it doesn't seem to have made any impression on the majority of geocachers and it always seems to be non-cavers who do it - they think it's a claver idea.

Please explain why placing a geocache in a cave is a no-no. In the vast majority of cases they have just a much right to enter the cave as you do. Provided the location is given the appropiate consideration (as all geocaches should be) I don't see the issue.

I'm not saying that placing a geocache in cave would be a no-no (my opinion). Placing it near the entrance would be acceptable imo.

BUT if caches are placed deep in a cave then I think one of the bigger problems will be the Insurance of the geocacher. If somebody who is looking for a cache in a cave is involved in an accident they will not be insured in case of a rescue operation. Even a small twist of an ankle can lead to a rescue operation.

 

[andrewmcleod]

BUT if caches are placed deep in a cave then I think one of the bigger problems will be the Insurance of the geocacher. If somebody who is looking for a cache in a cave is involved in an accident they will not be insured in case of a rescue operation. Even a small twist of an ankle can lead to a rescue operation.

Fortunately not a problem in the UK where rescue is voluntary and hence free

 

[Leclused]

BUT if caches are placed deep in a cave then I think one of the bigger problems will be the Insurance of the geocacher. If somebody who is looking for a cache in a cave is involved in an accident they will not be insured in case of a rescue operation. Even a small twist of an ankle can lead to a rescue operation.

Fortunately not a problem in the UK where rescue is voluntary and hence free

Rescue is done by voluntiers sure, that is the case in most countries. But not costless. The costs of the rescue operation (underground) will be payed by the insurance if you have a caving insurance. If not, I think you will have to pay for it. Costs can be material, travel costs of the voluntiers, helicopter flight form the cave to the hospital,....

 

[PaulW]

I did try to get it written into the Geocaching "rules" after the Winnats Head episode that placing a cache in a cave was a no-no.  However, it doesn't seem to have made any impression on the majority of geocachers and it always seems to be non-cavers who do it - they think it's a claver idea.

Please explain why placing a geocache in a cave is a no-no. In the vast majority of cases they have just a much right to enter the cave as you do. Provided the location is given the appropiate consideration (as all geocaches should be) I don't see the issue.

I'm not saying that placing a geocache in cave would be a no-no (my opinion). Placing it near the entrance would be acceptable imo.

BUT if caches are placed deep in a cave then I think one of the bigger problems will be the Insurance of the geocacher. If somebody who is looking for a cache in a cave is involved in an accident they will not be insured in case of a rescue operation. Even a small twist of an ankle can lead to a rescue operation.

Bearing in mind this is a UK based forum
If the cave was based in the UK the inaurance you talk about would not be an issue. You wouldnt get a bill from cave rescue in the UK

I appreciate your country and most others may be different  to that

 

[Fulk]

Even a helicopter ride from the cave to hospital would be free in the UK.

 

[paul]

Leclused, see this link for more information on cave rescue in the UK http://www.caverescue.org.uk/

 

[Leclused]

Leclused, see this link for more information on cave rescue in the UK http://www.caverescue.org.uk/

Thanks for the info