FTF hunts - your thoughts
- The Spindoctors
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FTF hunts - your thoughts
I'm appearing on the next Cachers of the Round Table, which will be discussing FTFs.
I have my thoughts, but I would be interested what other Aussies think.
Fire away.
I have my thoughts, but I would be interested what other Aussies think.
Fire away.
- SecretSquirrel-BJC
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- Papa Bear_Left
- 800 or more hollow logs searched
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Back before I became a reviewer, we had periods of fairly keen FTF hounding, and it added a little frisson of urgency that isn't usually part of geocaching.
Rushing out to traditionals and basic multis is less satisfying, as it's really the luck of the email update period and geography that determines how soon you can get there.
Tricky puzzles and mega-multis are more fun, because you know that your arch-rivals are also sweating over the puzzle or the waypoints and the clock is ticking!
Many of my favourite caching anecdotes involve the challenge of a FTF race, especially the ones that we got to first!
Rushing out to traditionals and basic multis is less satisfying, as it's really the luck of the email update period and geography that determines how soon you can get there.
Tricky puzzles and mega-multis are more fun, because you know that your arch-rivals are also sweating over the puzzle or the waypoints and the clock is ticking!
Many of my favourite caching anecdotes involve the challenge of a FTF race, especially the ones that we got to first!
- Big Matt and Shell
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<P>Some of our funniest moments in caching have come from FTF runs.<P>We don't have to run out for each one but since the move to Canberra we have enjoyed the friendly competition that exists. It adds a new element! <P>It also is a chance to catch up with the locals. We have had discussions with cachers for quite a while at the site of a FTF.Papa Bear_Left wrote: Many of my favourite caching anecdotes involve the challenge of a FTF race, especially the ones that we got to first!
After some initial excitement in the FTF hunt I must admit I am a bit over it now. I agree with Papa Bear Left that something like a challenging puzzle that you can nab as a FTF after some heavy brain work does still give a warm fuzzy feeling. A simple traditional now won't get me out of bed on a cold dark night .<p>
I think the shine of a FTF dissapeared a whilst ago, particularly, in my area when it was the same (1-2) cachers putting hides out at then it was the same (1-2) cachers finding them. I personally felt like I may have been 'cutting the other cachers lunches' so too speak and felt guilty not giving them the chance to have a FTF if that is what they chose to do. There have been a couple of new caches nearby that have taken a few days for the FTF to be claimed though.
Personally, I think the FTF race is another way of numbers taking the priority over the journey. That's not the reason why I/we cache. I don't find a log that just contains 'my 176th FTF!' very interesting to read. Then, like has been noted many times on the forum for many different topics, cachers chase caches for different reasons. Whatever rocks your boat.<p>
That's my 2c worth...can I have change?
Cheers.
I think the shine of a FTF dissapeared a whilst ago, particularly, in my area when it was the same (1-2) cachers putting hides out at then it was the same (1-2) cachers finding them. I personally felt like I may have been 'cutting the other cachers lunches' so too speak and felt guilty not giving them the chance to have a FTF if that is what they chose to do. There have been a couple of new caches nearby that have taken a few days for the FTF to be claimed though.
Personally, I think the FTF race is another way of numbers taking the priority over the journey. That's not the reason why I/we cache. I don't find a log that just contains 'my 176th FTF!' very interesting to read. Then, like has been noted many times on the forum for many different topics, cachers chase caches for different reasons. Whatever rocks your boat.<p>
That's my 2c worth...can I have change?
Cheers.
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Shhhhh, don't tell Mr Router about this thread, he'll be dissapointed he wasn't first to post
FTF's a fun, you don't have the benefit of previous finder's logs to make it easier, but we don't go out after them like there is no tomorrow. With our caching somewhat decreasing and our area being fairly well cached, a FTF hunt for us means a drive, something the we just don't have time for any more.
1st lady
FTF's a fun, you don't have the benefit of previous finder's logs to make it easier, but we don't go out after them like there is no tomorrow. With our caching somewhat decreasing and our area being fairly well cached, a FTF hunt for us means a drive, something the we just don't have time for any more.
1st lady
As others have said they can be fun. Especially beating the very competitive FTF crowd in Canberra on a puzzle cache . As with other FTF sought the heart was pounding as I headed out to find a cache not found for several days. I also realised a FTF still feels good when I looked at a cache where I was FTF and being annoyed someone had subsequently posted a find on the net dated earlier than mine.
More recently I'm finding that waiting to the initial rush is over enables a relaxing hunt and more time to enjoy the general experience itself. (If the cache survives the initial rush).
More recently I'm finding that waiting to the initial rush is over enables a relaxing hunt and more time to enjoy the general experience itself. (If the cache survives the initial rush).
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Back in the good old days when there were only a few geocachers in NE Vic if a cache popped up during the week it was a simple matter to head out the following weekend and grab the FTF
The first cache I found was also my first FTF ... and it had been in place for 35 days . Since them I've snaffled another 73 FTFs, the most satisfying definitely being Catherine's Cradle which took over a year, two attempts and about 40 hours of walking all up to find
With the growth in the caching communities in Shep and Albury/Wodonga these days anything beyond a 50km radius of Benalla will usually be found before I could get to it
These days I have to be in the right place at the right time to go for a FTF ... but a blank logbook still has a certain je ne sais quoi
The first cache I found was also my first FTF ... and it had been in place for 35 days . Since them I've snaffled another 73 FTFs, the most satisfying definitely being Catherine's Cradle which took over a year, two attempts and about 40 hours of walking all up to find
With the growth in the caching communities in Shep and Albury/Wodonga these days anything beyond a 50km radius of Benalla will usually be found before I could get to it
These days I have to be in the right place at the right time to go for a FTF ... but a blank logbook still has a certain je ne sais quoi
- Dik:
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Sometimes I will join the race to a FTF on an "urban easy" if it's not too far out of my way. There is a thrill in the FTF, but if you are second, then it's just another cache.
On the other hand the best FTFs tend to have been out there for a long time and you need to make a big effort to get them. These are usually the caches that end up with very few logs ever, but they are worthwhile for the experience, and I would have made the effort to do them anyway, made all the more special by it being a FTF.
I consider one of my greatest caching moments was a FTF on a cache unfound for 3 1/2 years in India. Now that was a thrilling find.
On the other hand the best FTFs tend to have been out there for a long time and you need to make a big effort to get them. These are usually the caches that end up with very few logs ever, but they are worthwhile for the experience, and I would have made the effort to do them anyway, made all the more special by it being a FTF.
I consider one of my greatest caching moments was a FTF on a cache unfound for 3 1/2 years in India. Now that was a thrilling find.
- ozzie-jeeper
- 150 or more caches found
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FTF FTF FTF FTF FTF
FTF's are always delicious
Especially the ones a long way from home, or the high star rating caches
Any cacher who's seen my geomobile knows what I think of FTF's
Especially the ones a long way from home, or the high star rating caches
Any cacher who's seen my geomobile knows what I think of FTF's
- Bundyrumandcoke
- 5000 or more caches found
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Not a lot of a chance to go caching for me currently, let alone a FTF, BUT, there is a new cache about 400km away, that if it is still unfound Monday, will be worth an extra 200km approx trip to grab. I may well then detour another hundred K or so off track for another cache on the return journey.
Cheers
Bundy
Cheers
Bundy