OpenStreetMap: Three Rivers Trail Addition

OpenStreetMap creates and provides free geographic data such as street maps to anyone who wants them. The project was started because most maps you think of as free actually have legal or technical restrictions on their use, holding back people from using them in creative, productive, or unexpected ways.

I just finished and submitted a small addition to MadGeek's Three Rivers Trail cycleway. From what it looks like, he did get the majority of it mapped and I think it may be complete at this time, excluding small additions or corrections.

HOWTO: Remove Tree Sap

The PodCacher Podcast had a caller to the show with a tip on how to remove tree sap from your hands or arms and I must pass this along.

The solution is nothing more than hand sanitizer!  It is a cheap, simple and effective way to remove tree sap from your hands after climbing to the top of the plant for your 5/5 Geocache.  You just need to use a moderate amount of the sanitizer, and the stick of the sap will disperse.

Thank you PodCacher Podcast, and your caller!

The Ultimate Geocaching Writing Tool

I am always listening to stories of a long trek in the woods to only find the cache while not being able to sign the log because your pen is malfunctioning, the log book is wet, or the writing tool broke.  My solution and suggested purchase investement is the Zebra F-301 Ultra.

Product Description: Soft rubber Zebra grip provides the ultimate in writing comfort. Water-resistant ink won`t smear or bleed, keeping your documents safe. - [source]

Do not mix up the Zebra series of this pen.  Their is a Zebra F-301, which is not ultra, in which I have found will break in your pocket within two or three Geocache hunts.  The ultra is completely metal and will withstand the strain of a climb up a tree.

As the product description describes, it is water resistant, it will not smear or bleed making it an easy task to sign that damp or wet log book.  Be cautious though, their are several replacement ink cartridges, most of them generic and cheap, that will turn this utencil into the standard standby mistaken bank pen grab.

You will not believe what I am about to point out in regards to this gem.  I purchased the Zebra Ultra in 2002 on my first day of starting college.  It has been with me in every class and has traveled the united states since.  How can this be, college and beyond?  I am amazed myself, and a friend of this pen.

Camping Goodness, or Junk: TP Lamp

A Miguel Melgarejo concept, the Self-powered toilet roll holder Lamp allows you to take your TP to the woods with an enormous smile, as you will now be able to find the perfect spot to better your position, and your bowel.

You would have the ability to remove the lamp and use it for any other purpose as well.

via [Gizmodo via  Miguel Melgarejo via The Design Blog]

Cache Stats - Geocaching Statistics Application

Cache Stats is the perfect utility to keep track of your Geocaching find statistics. 

I have purchased and use GSAK, however this application is better suited to keep record of your Geocaching finds allowing you to view numerous statistics, graphs, find logs, ratios, and most other data that can be generated by importing your finds Pocket Query (Geocaching.com membership required) into this computer program.

Here are a couple screen-shots of Cache Stats 3.0

What has interested myself the most to utilize this application was its ability to generate an HTML output with graphs and images of your Geocaching find statistics.  You can find my current export here: http://journeys.geo-jots.com/page/content/stats   For the purpose of an example within this post, here is the HTML output as of the day of this post:

Myside's Geocaching Find Statistics

My Cache Stats as of 6/26/2009 (Generated by CacheStats 3.0. Get your own stats at www.logicweave.com)

(map from world66.com)

via [http://www.geocachingonline.com/]