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Spokane Valley Cache Machine


travisl

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Note: circumstances may change after this initial posting. Look for my posts (with the icon13.gif icon) in this thread for all the important details and changes.

 

(Link to dinner event cache.)

 

The Spokane Valley Historical Museum tells remembers that the Spokane Valley was originally the ancestral homeland of the Coeur d Alenes and the Upper Band of the Spokane Tribe. Pow wows were held in the Valley along the Spokane River bringing the Palouse, Nez Perce and other tribes for annual games, trading, and storytelling. Games, trading, storytelling? In the Spokane Valley? Sounds like a Cache Machine.

 

So fill up the tank, grab your gear, toss down some breakfast at way-too-early o'clock, and start on the route at Silly's Were Here. Sunrise on Saturday, March 21, is around 6:30 a.m., so we'll start then. From there, move at your own pace and get as many as you can.

 

Dinner's at 7:30 p.m. at The Timber Creek Grill Buffet, 9211 E. Montgomery, N 47° 40.794, W 117° 16.848. See its event page for details. Please log your "will attends" on the event page.

 

Note that several caches on the route map are marked with a "do not enter" icon icon_disabled.gif. Those cache owners have justifiably asked for their cache to not be on the route, and for the cache to not be sought during the cache machine. The cache is, in the owner's opinion, in a sensitive area, whether it's environmentally unwise, socially sensitive, or physically fragile. Just don't get it. It's not like there's a shortage of caches in the area.

 

NEW: You may find this bookmark list of do-not-hunt caches useful.

 

Rules:

1) Follow all traffic laws, and drive safely. This is not a race; there are no winners. The only loser will be someone who gets hurt. When someone asks what you're doing, the right answer is honesty: "geocaching".

 

2) Respect private property, even if the cache owner didn't. Post your DNFs proudly.

 

3) One logbook entry for "SVCM" is fine for most small and micros. Don't go filling up the logbook just because you want to mark your territory. 100 people's names and dates will fill up most one-sheets. Be kind and bring extra paper to add to caches with full logbooks.

 

4) As with all cache machines, if you find the cache, you'll be the one who has to re-hide it. Hide it as well as you found it. Handing it off to someone else and pointing down saying "it goes there" isn't good enough. Don't be a jerk. The extra 45 seconds isn't going to ruin your day.

 

If you’ve already found a couple of these caches, that’s fine - give us a chance to find the cache, and then we may turn to you for a hint. Suggestions and ''Count me ins'' are welcome on the event page.

 

----

 

The Spokane Valley Cache Machine FAQ:

 

When is it? When is the start time?

Saturday, March 21, 2015. Start time is 6:30 a.m. at Silly's Were Here.

 

Will it be one large group, will we be split into teams, or what?

We'll start as one large group, but after a dozen caches or so, the large groups will likely fragment, and on a long day like this, you'll probably be on your own by the time most people in town are waking up.

 

Is anything going on before, during, or after?


  •  
  • Friday, March 20, at 7:00 PM: An informal pre-event dinner will be at Rancho Viejo, 14201 E Sprague Ave. Last-minute changes will be announced at dinner and in this forum thread.
  • Saturday, March 21, at 6:30 AM: Cache machine begins!
  • Saturday, March 21, around noon: There are rumors of a lunch stop hosted by the Inland Empire chapter of the WSGA. Stay tuned.
  • Saturday, March 21, at 7:30 PM: Dinner will be at The Timber Creek Grill Buffet, 9211 E. Montgomery, 47.6799, -117.2808, stop 123, event cache GC5MH9W.
  • Saturday, March 21, after dinner: Nothing’s planned, but I see that there are lots of night caches in the area.
  • Sunday, March 22: The Cache Cave Brunch: Coffee and pastries at the Cache Cave. Drop in between 8 AM and noon.

 

A cache on your map shows the wrong place to park.

Hey, that road doesn't exist!

What's with making us ford the Spokane River?

Thanks for catching that! Let me know, and I'll incorporate it into the route.

 

If dinner's at 7:30 p.m., why does the route go to 11? Is this a two-day event?

The extra time is a buffer, in case you're so good that you'd run out of caches before you run out of daylight. I don't expect anyone would be able to hit all of them between sunrise and sunset. Of course, if you wanted to hit them after dinner, or on Sunday, I'm sure you'll be able to find folks to join you.

 

It sounds fun, but I've already found some of them.

I would hope so -- this is the third cache machine in the Spokane area (see also, September 2003, April 2007) Come laugh at us, try to remember where they were, look at the old logbook signatures, or guess when we'll be at the caches you haven't hit yet.

 

You don't have X cache on the route. Why aren't we getting that one?

I try to avoid most multicaches, most puzzle caches, caches that appear to be overly time consuming, and caches that the owner has asked us to avoid. I'm also skipping caches that just seem at first glance to be a little lame, because there's so many caches and so little time. Don't worry, though, it's Spokane, so I still have some lamp post caches for you.

 

You have X cache on the route, but it's disabled/archived/a two mile hike.

Let me know, and I'll remove it from the route (if archived) or will check with the owner (if disabled).

 

X cache is in an environmentally sensitive area.

My cache is physically fragile and I don't want it broken.

By all means, let me know. I don't want to send 100 people there to stomp all over it.

 

I disagree with the whole idea of cache machines. I don't want you finding my cache.

Sorry to hear that. It's too bad you've got a neat place to show us that we won't be able to see. Let me know, and I'll remove it from the route.

 

What's this gonna cost me?

Nothing for the caching. Or, at least, nothing more than it would cost than if you did the trip solo (e.g., paying for your own gas, hotel, and dinner). I'm not collecting any money for this. Nothing's been discussed yet, but I'm guessing donations at the lunch stop to offset the cost will be welcomed.

 

Lunch? Breaks? Bathrooms?

Lunch is in the works, and at this point, I'm guessing that donations to offset the cost will be welcomed. Otherwise, there's no breaks in cache machines! Just hold it. :-P Or find something on the way.

 

Also, one of the first stops on the route is at a Starbucks, so you're welcome.

 

Rain? Snow? Landslides? Flooding?

Probably, yes. Do what you safely can, and skip ahead when reality or your capabilities don't match the plan. Be prepared and flexible.

 

What do the map symbols mean?

Turquoise lines show my suggested route, but if there's a brown trail or grey road that I've drawn in, ignore the turquoise. Red car icons show places to leave a car for a short time. And there's these symbols:

ce16d180-40c2-423d-a3ab-b976b7b4a2b2.jpg

Edited by Cascade Reviewer
Update info for travisl
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Bookmark is posted.

 

#5 - GC45MJP - Last four DNF. The newbie find log doesn't make sense, I think it is a DNF.

#10 - GC58VPH - Last three DNF. Might be there, might not.

#14 - GC2NZ7P - Last eight were DNF. The one recent find was a mis-dated delayed log.

#18 - GC4MDVG - Last four DNF.

#21 - GC4ZW0N - Last three DNF.

#36 - GC1T7CM - Last five DNF.

#59 - GC2PHND - Last four DNF.

#60 - GC2N5J1 - Last two DNF, but it is an ammo can so might be gone.

#63 - GC1V940 - Need to keep an eye on this one.

#83 - GC1ATZ0 - Last three DNF all with comments on homeless camp.

#121 - GC1MVJM - Archived.

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Bookmark is posted.

 

#5 - GC45MJP - Last four DNF. The newbie find log doesn't make sense, I think it is a DNF.

#10 - GC58VPH - Last three DNF. Might be there, might not.

#14 - GC2NZ7P - Last eight were DNF. The one recent find was a mis-dated delayed log.

#18 - GC4MDVG - Last four DNF.

#21 - GC4ZW0N - Last three DNF.

#36 - GC1T7CM - Last five DNF.

#59 - GC2PHND - Last four DNF.

#60 - GC2N5J1 - Last two DNF, but it is an ammo can so might be gone.

#63 - GC1V940 - Need to keep an eye on this one.

#83 - GC1ATZ0 - Last three DNF all with comments on homeless camp.

#121 - GC1MVJM - Archived.

 

missed a couple

 

#51 - GC3CGV4 - Need to keep an eye on this one

#58 - GC2PHND - Has a NM, one note on missing and 3 DNF's

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It's looking like half the hotels in town are sold out, and except for a couple of sketchy ones (the bottom 2 of 12 in TripAdvisor), they're pretty pricey. I'm strongly considering staying in Post Falls instead (at the Riverbend Inn, where I stayed for the Coeur d'Alene CM). Any idea what's else is going on this weekend or suggestions of hotels to avoid?

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It's looking like half the hotels in town are sold out, and except for a couple of sketchy ones (the bottom 2 of 12 in TripAdvisor), they're pretty pricey. I'm strongly considering staying in Post Falls instead (at the Riverbend Inn, where I stayed for the Coeur d'Alene CM). Any idea what's else is going on this weekend or suggestions of hotels to avoid?

I'm booked at the Rodeway Inn on East Broadway in Spokane, which is just a mile or two from the start/end of the route. Got an online rate of $56 via Choice Privileges. Reviews give it 4 stars, which is good for a Rodeway.

 

Rodeway Inn & Suites

6309 East Broadway , Spokane, WA, US, 99212

Phone: (509) 535-7185

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It's looking like half the hotels in town are sold out, and except for a couple of sketchy ones (the bottom 2 of 12 in TripAdvisor), they're pretty pricey. I'm strongly considering staying in Post Falls instead (at the Riverbend Inn, where I stayed for the Coeur d'Alene CM). Any idea what's else is going on this weekend or suggestions of hotels to avoid?

 

It looks like the Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show is that weekend.

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I just priceline bid a 2 star in Post Falls for $49 a nite and got the room at the Riverbend Inn (which I have stayed at before) - I knew at that star level I would probably get that one. If I didn't, then it would've been the Sleep Inn or Comfort Inn (wish). Either way, it might be worth trying to see if you can get under that price. REMEMBER, you are only guaranteed a room that sleeps 2 (possibly not 2 beds), but I will be calling the hotel to put a request in for 2 beds when the priceline reservation comes through there. My total cost with taxes was $114.96 for the 2 nights.

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Riverbend isn't a bad choice. It's perfectly average. Kinda old, kinda dull. Breakfast is dry bread and maybe a hard boiled egg. But for the price, it's good enough.

 

I'm also considering the Knights Inn near the airport. No bad reviews, a little less driving coming from the west side, and it's close to the casino if I decide to go there on Friday night.

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Glad I saw the posts. We couldn't get into our favorite motel in Liberty Lake. We usually stay there when we are in town but they have no senior nights left and their price has gone up for the weekend to horrible prices. We just booked the Sleep Inn in Post Falls for $59.40 a night and get points towards Choice Hotel free nights for down the road plus they have free deluxe continental breakfast. We prefer the Sleep Inn over the Comfort. We've stayed in both. See you all there.

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It's looking like half the hotels in town are sold out, and except for a couple of sketchy ones (the bottom 2 of 12 in TripAdvisor), they're pretty pricey. I'm strongly considering staying in Post Falls instead (at the Riverbend Inn, where I stayed for the Coeur d'Alene CM). Any idea what's else is going on this weekend or suggestions of hotels to avoid?

 

It looks like the Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show is that weekend.

 

This is why I typically try to book our hotel for the next cache machine the week after I get home from the previous cache machine. Not necessary the best price 3 months in advance, but I have been known to cancel and rebook, often in the same hotel to get a better rate. Though I have to admit I have never done the price line thing. I just always fear not getting to stay where we will be comfortable, or mot being able to find one that will take a big dog when we have her with us.

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The second draft is up! I'll post the final on Friday the 13th, not because it's lucky, but because I'll be away from my mapping tools for most of the next week.

 

Feedback is always welcome and appreciated.

 

Notes from JHolly's list of caches to monitor:

 

  • GC45MJP - Eight months since someone confirmed it was missing. Reported it to be archived. Removed from route.
  • GC58VPH - Was just found. Yay!
  • GC2NZ7P - Six months since it was confirmed missing. Reported it to be archived. Removed from route.
  • GC4MDVG - 39 finds with only one DNF day, and then 6 DNFs in a row. Tagged as "needs maintenance" and removed from the route.
  • GC4ZW0N - Probably not there, but one DNF didn't search too hard, and previous finder said coordinates were off. It looks to be a quick one, if it's there, so I'm going to leave it on.
  • GC1T7CM - Five DNFs after 221 consecutive finds, and "needs maintenance" logs unresolved for nearly three years. Reported it to be archived and removed from route.
  • GC2PHND - The FTF cacher reported it missing nearly a year ago. Already reported as needing maintenance four months ago. Reported it to be archived and removed from route.
  • GC2N5J1 - 128 consecutive finds followed by 2 DNFs, owner hasn't logged in since September 2013. It's gone. Reported it to be archived and removed from route.
  • GC1V940 - It's had 2 DNFs before, and a 9-month find gap like this, so I'm going to leave it on for now, but yeah, I'll keep an eye on it.
  • GC1ATZ0 - In addition to the homeless camp, there hasn't been a gap in finds this long since the cache was hidden. Marked "needs maintenance" and removed from route.
  • GC1MVJM - Archived? Removed.

 

Also, I've added a few caches, including the lunch stop (GC5NBA6). I've updated the event rules with references to the Sunday brunch. Another cache is on the do-not-hunt bookmark list. And a few other little tweaks. Have at it!

 

And as for hotels, I've locked in the Knights Inn, because I'm cheap, and because a poker table is nearby.

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Second draft bookmark is posted. The data file on My website has been updated.

 

Possible problems

 

#18 GC4ZW0N - sounds like the coordinates are a bit soft.

#35 GCQGCA - need to keep an eye on this one.

#48 GC3CGV4 - need to keep an eye on this one, might be gone.

#54 GC321MF - typical boy scout cache. The maintainer wrote a note 11 months ago it was missing and will replace in a week. Still hasn't and no DNF's or finds. I logged a NA.

#55 GC1JC08 - four DNF's in a row. I logged a NM to check on the cache.

#58 GC1V940 - need to keep an eye this one.

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Second draft bookmark is posted. The data file on My website has been updated.

 

Possible problems

 

#18 GC4ZW0N - sounds like the coordinates are a bit soft.

#35 GCQGCA - need to keep an eye on this one.

#48 GC3CGV4 - need to keep an eye on this one, might be gone.

#54 GC321MF - typical boy scout cache. The maintainer wrote a note 11 months ago it was missing and will replace in a week. Still hasn't and no DNF's or finds. I logged a NA.

#55 GC1JC08 - four DNF's in a row. I logged a NM to check on the cache.

#58 GC1V940 - need to keep an eye this one.

 

#58 GC1V940 has been archived 3/4/15

 

Terrible Ts

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A little off topic, but a heads up to those of you who plan such things way in advance: I'm moving the Quincy Cache Machine date again, to October 3. The September 26 date conflicts with a big event being planned for Long Beach, probably 4 times the size of the QCM.

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Also, if you're still looking for a cheap room, I see that Hotwire.com is currently listing a mystery one-star room at $34 a night in the East Valley area. Everything I'm seeing about it matches the Crossland Economy Studios, which is ranked pretty low on TripAdvisor. For $87 total for two nights (including tax), if you don't mind dog hair and maybe a few roaches, it's a strong contender, four miles from the start and end points of the route.

 

I locked down the Knights Inn near the airport, 10½ miles away. What's a few more miles when I'm driving clear across the state?

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A little off topic, but a heads up to those of you who plan such things way in advance: I'm moving the Quincy Cache Machine date again, to October 3. The September 26 date conflicts with a big event being planned for Long Beach, probably 4 times the size of the QCM.

Geocaching event?

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A little off topic, but a heads up to those of you who plan such things way in advance: I'm moving the Quincy Cache Machine date again, to October 3. The September 26 date conflicts with a big event being planned for Long Beach, probably 4 times the size of the QCM.

 

The event details will be posted soon, but you'll want to keep your calendar open for the September 26-27 weekend on the Long Beach Peninsula! After eleven years of hosting annual Halloween themed events in the northwest corner of Washington, I'm switching things up with a late September event in my new back yard in the southwest corner. Look for about 150-200 new caches with something for everyone, beach bonfires and pirate treasure. It's going to be EPIC!

 

Thank you, TravisL, for adjusting the date of the Quincy CM to accommodate all the folks that have already booked hotel and timeshares for the end of September event in Long Beach.

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A little off topic, but a heads up to those of you who plan such things way in advance: I'm moving the Quincy Cache Machine date again, to October 3. The September 26 date conflicts with a big event being planned for Long Beach, probably 4 times the size of the QCM.

 

The event details will be posted soon, but you'll want to keep your calendar open for the September 26-27 weekend on the Long Beach Peninsula! After eleven years of hosting annual Halloween themed events in the northwest corner of Washington, I'm switching things up with a late September event in my new back yard in the southwest corner. Look for about 150-200 new caches with something for everyone, beach bonfires and pirate treasure. It's going to be EPIC!

 

Thank you, TravisL, for adjusting the date of the Quincy CM to accommodate all the folks that have already booked hotel and timeshares for the end of September event in Long Beach.

Kewl, sounds exciting, and love the Long Beach area. I hope yours will become an annual event, too!

 

Since Travis has had his fall CM calendared on the third/fourth weekend of Sept for years (timed to the equinox), fingers crossed that y'all can coordinate in future, so we can enjoy both without moves or conflicts!

Edited by hydnsek
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Final version available yet? Also, as my first CM, are the caches available as a PQ to upload into the GPS this week?

-Russ

 

The final version will be announced here - keep watching. Typically it comes out early in the week before the event. This is so the work of those people assisting with the status of marginal caches can be incorporated into the final route. It is worth the wait. B)

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shucks was hoping the final would be up by now, we'll be leaving on Wed in the hopes to do some of the Eastern Wash, St Pks... Really hate doing rushing around with last minute things.

Typically Travis posts the final the Monday before the event. But he did say in a previous post that he would post Friday the 13th. Unless I missed it I have not seen the final yet. So if he does post some time tomorrow I should have the bookmark posted Tuesday morning.

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Sorry for the delay, folks. Short story: it might be as late as Thursday before I post the final. I hope it's a lot sooner.

 

Longer story and a little inside baseball: I generally put the route together on my computer at work on my lunch breaks, so all the data files live on that machine. I had aimed to post it last Friday, because I'm supposed to be at a conference in Burien today, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Unfortunately, system issues at work knocked me off the Friday plan, and some family medical issues arose this weekend that kept me off kilter and away from the conference today.

 

I'm hoping to connect remotely and get it done tonight, tomorrow night, or Wednesday night, but worst case is that it won't get done until Thursday. Too many variables to promise anything before then.

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I wouldn't really recommend using the 2nd draft personally. We did that for one cache machine a few years back. As it turned out there were 4 drafts for that cache machine a few deleted and a few added, there was some ordering changed too. It didn't work out well for us at least.

 

I think the best thing we can do at this point is hope Travis is able to get it up sooner than later. I think the backup plan for us will be loading up the caches the night before into the GPS and doing the best we can with what we have.

Edited by SirKarp
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I wouldn't really recommend using the 2nd draft personally. We did that for one cache machine a few years back. As it turned out there were 4 drafts for that cache machine a few deleted and a few added, there was some ordering changed too. It didn't work out well for us at least.

 

I think the best thing we can do at this point is hope Travis is able to get it up sooner than later. I think the backup plan for us will be loading up the caches the night before into the GPS and doing the best we can with what we have.

 

I'm posting this mostly for the folks like ubie, who are trying to figure out what to do. We have had a bit of debate here. we are leaving Wednesday night and searching for state parks caches on our way over. The way we like to prepare for a cache machine, trying to do it in the hotel Friday night really isn't practical. So going against what I said just last night we have come to the conclusion that if the final draft isn't up sometime tonight we are going to have to go with draft 2, and simply remove any caches from draft 2 that look like they will get dropped of the final. It's pretty much our only reasonable choice. I just wanted anyone thinking of doing the same to know there not alone and it might be the best bet depending on your situation.

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Using the draft 2 bookmark list and route will be a very good alternative. I don't expect any major changes, and when I post the final, I'll make an extra effort to point out any changes that I do make.

 

Travis, Just wanted to say thanks for validating this idea.

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Better late than never: I carved out some time this afternoon and just posted the final route. (SirKarp, I wasn't sure I'd be able to when I posted my note at lunch today.)

 

Changes from draft 2:

Adding: None

Removing: GC1V940 "Moab" and GC321MF "Troop 425".

 

My specific notes from jholly's last watch list are inline below. His stop numbers refer to draft 2, which will be a few stops off on the final.

 

I'll see some of you at the pre-event dinner on Friday night (Rancho Viejo, 14201 E Sprague Ave, 7 PM); many more of you at the start point (6:30 AM), on the trail, at lunch (noon to 2 PM), or at dinner (7:30 PM) on Saturday; and some of you at brunch on Sunday (8 AM to noon). The forecast is for light rain on Saturday morning, with clearing in the afternoon, mid 50s, so dress accordingly. Travel in the passes is looking good.

 

#18 GC4ZW0N - sounds like the coordinates are a bit soft. Yup. Now noted on the route. Should be a quick find/no find either way, especially knowing from an earlier log that the coordinates are off and to avoid electrical areas.

#35 GCQGCA - need to keep an eye on this one. Recently found.

#48 GC3CGV4 - need to keep an eye on this one, might be gone. Almost certainly gone, but it's at the lunch stop and the owners are active. Should be a quick DNF if it's not fixed.

#54 GC321MF - typical boy scout cache. The maintainer wrote a note 11 months ago it was missing and will replace in a week. Still hasn't and no DNF's or finds. I logged a NA. Removed from the route.

#55 GC1JC08 - four DNF's in a row. I logged a NM to check on the cache. Keeping. I hope the 3/8/15 "found it" log is for real.

#58 GC1V940 - need to keep an eye this one. Archived, as noted by Terrible T's. off the route.

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Ok, this is a weird one. I created a PQ off of the bookmark on the event page. I downloaded the PQ into GSAK. For some reason it shows that all of the caches on the route are on my ignore list which is not the case. In fact, I downloaded my ignore list as a PQ, ran it in GSAK and using the google map macro the only caches that show on the map are caches that are actually on my ignore list. Is anyone else having an issue with the PQ showing all the caches as ignored?

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Okay, I have scoured the forum for someone who might have a GPX file out of GSAK of just the caches for the SVCM and have come up with nothing. I have gone and pulled what I thought was PQs from my own sets of them and came up with over 1000 caches. Gone through and taken those out that were on the DO NOT CACHE list and still I have issues narrowing this list down to something workable. Any ideas or does someone have a list of only SVCM caches?

 

Merlyns Ghost

P.S. I haven't done any of this for some time and yes, I'm a little rusty but help of any kind would be greatly appreciated..

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Okay, I have scoured the forum for someone who might have a GPX file out of GSAK of just the caches for the SVCM and have come up with nothing.

 

That's because sharing the GPX file would be against the Groundspeak terms of service. Instead, go to jholly's bookmark list, and at the bottom of the page, "Create Pocket Query". That'll go through the process of creating a GPX file for you to use.

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