[Colorado Papa]

EVERYONE IS WELCOME.

Start a new topic so it doesn't get lost with the other discussions. This all started because of the post in the New Mexico-Colorado Discussion. I have proposed we meet in Santa Fe and work the abandoned D&RG narrow gauge railroad heading north to Alamosa. Others can suggest other meeting locations.

Seems like someone in this forum is located in Santa Fe. Probably can find rates for a motel. I'll be in my RV. Campground on SW side and another NW. Think there are somemore towards Taos. Should we list this as a cache event, but only for parties interested in BMs?

[ckhd]

Group benchmark hunting... interesting.

It would make hard-to-find benchmarks a lot easier to find.

It's possible I could make it, for a day or two anyway. Santa Fe isn't too far away.

[GEO*Trailblazer 1]

Looking good to me have started the plans and saving pennies.

To make it easier I think we can supply our own lodging near as well.
But if a Local gets a good discount I won't pass it up.

Like many of the Benchmark events I have been to very few are really interested but all are welcome to be a part of this as well,maybe a few more are starting to ca t che on.

Maybe a little publicity here starting now will be good too.
The one down south at Big Hatchet went no where so far.
Imagine I drove 1200 miles one way to get a picture to put on the site and haven't heard much since.

I must admit though I planned it in a trip,we had to make anyway so my multi tasking mind got several things accomplished at once,like always.

[mrh - terre haute]

Got clearance from the "Master Scheduler" who agreed this sounds like great fun. Because of work constraints we'd only be able to come for a few days but depending on when you guys pick we should be able to make it.

[Colorado Papa]

This is just to keep the topic near the top of the forum. Maybe this should be pinned?
Earlier, I suggested may, possible Memorial Day weekend. Any other suggestions? Anyone offering to be the host?

[GEO*Trailblazer 1]

Pop a top,
Again.
I will be glad to start looking into hosting the event.
I have worked on a few out of state events before.

That date looks ok to me so far.

Just got back from SW New Mexico,and had an Enchanted visit as always,I do have friends in SW New Mexico as well,I told them about what we are planning but they are super busy and occasionally hunt BM's,with me,but will be glad to help us as well.
We got a real neat one called,
STARVATION ROAD PROJECT
BUT WAS FAR FROM STARVED

MARY E. NUNN CATTLEGUARD

[California Bear]

This sounds like a great idea. I would be open to considering May. Unfortunately, I can't host as I am out here in So. Cal., nowhere near the proposed meet locale.

[Colorado Papa]

GEO*Trailblazer 1, on Nov 29 2004, 08:24 AM, said:

I will be glad to start looking into hosting the event.

OK, you have it! I'll volunteer for your committee since I made the suggestion. Just tell me what I can do to help.

[Muzikman]

I am very interested in this. I'll probably be in CA around that time, so I'll have to see if I can swing it. Two western trips in a few weeks might be pushing it with the boss:)

[GEO*Trailblazer 1]

I am still looking into it.
I have been trying to get ahold of my Old Friend in Albuquerque.
He was one of the chainman on some of the New Mexico/Arizona/Colorado crew.
I think he would be interested just for posterty.He is not a GEO*Benchmarker but has plenty of History stored we could get out of him.

I will keep us updated as soon as new news is available.

I think that we should pick a place not right in Sante Fe,but one of the smaller places North or NW,It would be cheaper for us.
There are a number of places in the Sante Fe National Forest,Pecos Wilderness or Carson National Forest.

These are just a few options,please feel free to add your's.

[GEO*Trailblazer 1]

I have one Cache in New Mexico and CO Admin was the approver so I e-mailed this.

CO Admin,
Charles,GEO*Trailblazer 1,We are in the process of trying doing a BENCHMARK EVENT I.Lilke the Original,
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_detai...f2-7a0d874017ad

In Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado.
We are planning this for around Memorial Day 2005.
http://forums.ground...showtopic=83664

I have one cache in New Mexico approved by you and this is the reason I am contacting you.
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_detai...fd-2ce3b47b492a

I just wanted to ask first before submitting the Cache form to see if there would be any issues for me Hosting the event.
I have several friends in that area and am in the process of contacting others in the area for their local input.
I have done Events out of State and am aware of all the work involved.
http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_detai...53-e9f18298121a

Thanks for reading this and I hope you will respond.
GEO*Trailblazer 1
Charles

[Colorado Papa]

CP in another topic said:

JBAndersen Sep 27 said:

The dismantled railroad is that of the Santa Fe branch of the Denver and Rio Grande Western narrow gauge, known as the Chile Line. It was dismantled in 1941. In 1933 it appears Hwy 285 did not exist yet and the railroad was the transportation corridor in this neck of the woods. NGS (USCGS?) placed benchmarks every two miles along the old railroad bed. A lot of these are still in place.

Am curious where you found this info. I'd like to locate a map of the route.

Perhaps this would help to determine where we should meet. I could follow the route along US 285 south from Alamosa CO as far as Tres Piedras NM. From there it may have angled SE, possibly to Taos and I don't know where else????

EDIT: With a little more researching, located BMs (and caches) along US 64 (and abandoned RR) in the Cimarron Canyon State Park area, between Raton and Taos. Most of these marks were placed in 1934 and have not been FOUND since.

This post has been edited by Colorado Papa: 07 December 2004 - 08:18 AM

[GEO*Trailblazer 1]

It looks promising I just got this.
Thanks for the links.
I guess now we should determine our P.O.B.



--This message was sent through the Geocaching.com web site--

Hi,
CO Admin forwarded your email to me, since this is part of my review area. I don't see any problems with your proposed event, as described in the forums.
If I could make one suggestion though, the first part of your cache page should describe WHAT the event is about. I only say this because I was a bit confused by the other events you provided links to. I'm not a benchmark hunter, so maybe that's my problem. You might want to consider making this event into an "introduction to benchmarking". You just might get some cachers to attend that have always been curious about benchmarking, but didn't know how to start on their own. Just a suggestion, it's your event.
When you get within 3 months of the event date, feel free to submit it as a cache event and I'll review it.

RockyMtnReviewer

[Boldly Broken]

Hi. I also wanted to let you know that we are planning a geocache event in Rio Rancho, NM on 4/16/05. It is not a "benchmarking" event, but a traditional "caching" event to raise money for a local charity.

Details are at: http://www.geocities...lassic_tan.html

Thanks,
Boldly Broken

This post has been edited by Boldly Broken: 08 December 2004 - 10:52 AM

[Colorado Papa]

I suggested using Cimarron Canyon State Park. It has three campgrounds (map). The west one is Tolby Creek Campground which is near PID GM0243. The east ones are Maverick and Ponderosa campgrounds near PID GM0235. Plenty of BMs going east and west from either location.

Any other suggestions?

[Explorer99]

Sounds like fun and in a nice location. I'll be there if nothing at home requires my immediate attention and I'm over jetlag.

[GEO*Trailblazer 1]

Looks good to me.

[mrh - terre haute]

That looks like a great place. Should be a lot of fun.

[GEO*Trailblazer 1]

Getting closer to then now.
Updates soon!!!

[GEO*Trailblazer 1]

One of these days I will learn how to use the forum buttons correctly and maybe have a good memory to go along with it.

This is where is should have posted about moving the date to June 11 Closer to the Lewis and Clark Signature Event.

[Explorer99]

Don't know if June will work for me as my wife will be home for the summer and might have other plans. I've spent the last 6 hours reading about the Chile Line and looking up the caches along the way and I'm ready to go. I sure like babysitting a network on the weekends, lots of free time. Maybe I’ll just take a run down there after I get back from Wisconsin the end of May. Thanks everyone for all the good information.

[Colorado Papa]

Explorer99, on Feb 5 2005, 01:33 PM, said:

Maybe I’ll just take a run down there after I get back from Wisconsin the end of May.

Maybe I'll join you. I'm inclined to prefer Memorial weekend. Other things going on in June.

[Explorer99]

Colorado Papa, on Feb 5 2005, 02:19 PM, said:

Maybe I'll join you.  I'm inclined to prefer Memorial weekend.  Other things going on in June.

Great, it will give me a chance to learn Benchmark hunting from the master. I'll let you know how my plans go once I get back to the US.

[GEO*Trailblazer 1]

I can not do it Memorial Day I have tried every way possible.
Some one will have to pick it up for the Event part here at geocaching if you still want to have the event.
Sorry fellers.

[Explorer99]

Well then I guess the next question is ..... do we want to have an event or just show up at one of the campgrounds previously mentioned? Having never been to an event I don't know what is involved in setting one up or how structured they are. I have some free time the next 6 weeks while still here in Japan and could do any computer related stuff that might be needed for one. However, once I get back to Colorado there will just be time for a trip to Wisconsin before leaving for New Mexico.

[mrh - terre haute]

I'd say a " meet and greet" would be fine. Thoughts?

This post has been edited by mrh - terre haute: 26 February 2005 - 05:49 PM

[GEO*Trailblazer 1]

We will be there the week after Memorial Day.

from mid New Mexico to Montana.

I will be glad to meet or greet any of you.

[Explorer99]

Well it looks like it will have to be the week/weekend before Memorial Day or the week after as the campgrounds in Cimarron Canyon State Park are booked over Memorial Day. Guess I waited a little too long to try to make reservations. After living in Japan the past year I'm not sure I would want to deal with the Memorial Day crowds anyway. When I first read the post I was thinking of the solitude of being in the woods with a few fellow geocacher and benchmark hunters. Camping in an area labeled as a "high traffic area" wasn't in my plans.
I'll keep monitoring this post though and see what you others are going to do.

[Colorado Papa]

Well, I sure have been out of contact for the past couple months. Been enjoying the winter too much in south Texas. But it got too hot (90 degrees) so came back home to, of all things, SNOW!!!

Sorry to hear campgrounds booked up... I didn't do any reservations either. So we'll meet where possible, before or after to be determined.

Now who was it that was willing to climb up the butte with me to find that benchmark near Walsenburg, CO?

[GEO*Trailblazer 1]

WE ARE PLANNING ON STILL BEING IN THE AREA THE WEEK AFTER MEMORIAL DAY.

HOPE THINGS CAN WORK OUT.

[Explorer99]

Colorado Papa, on Mar 30 2005, 08:26 PM, said:

Now who was it that was willing to climb up the butte with me to find that benchmark near Walsenburg, CO?

When are you going to climb it? I might be back and ready to get back out hiking. Walsenburg is just down the road for me.

[Colorado Papa]

Explorer99, on Apr 8 2005, 02:56 PM, said:

When are you going to climb it?

I was thinking of doing it as we were heading down to New Mexico for the Chili Line get-together sometime around Memorial Day. However, I probably can make it earlier if you want. It's about 85 miles south of me and with getting only 7 MPG, would like to combine trip with other activities.

[BuckBrooke]

I'm not sure I can make the Memorial Day weekend. I do have a line of 10 1905 stations near Albuquerque lined up, with maps and a gameplan. It should be a good one day excursion out of the city, if anyone's available.

[Colorado Papa]

Looks like I'll have to back out as well. Spouse is having surgery 6/9 and too many appointments before hand. Dang, and I was really looking forward to this!! Maybe later???

[Explorer99]

That goes for me too. Came home to a lot of things I had to fix on the house plus I caught something on the plane so have been sick. Maybe this fall will be better.