Extreme Geocaching with noto45

By Lacey38655

In today’s geocaching world, you have found a micro, urban ammo can, you may have even found a puzzle cache or two, but have you found an extreme geocache? What is an extreme geocache you ask, well it is not the run of the mill ammo can hidden at the base of a tree. An extreme geocache is listed as a 5 difficulty rating and a 5 terrain rating, making this type of geocache extremely challenging to find. So if you don’t want to sweat in one form or another, stop reading now, because this series is going to be all about Extreme Geocaching.

 What we will cover: Who are the geocacher(s) behind those extreme caches, who finds extreme caches, what it takes to place an extreme geocache, and I’ll even tell you some items you will need to bring along in order to log that ammo can at the final.

Today’s third installment you will meet Ken Notaro AKA noto45.

What was your first 5x5 geocache found? A real (Extreme) Challenge.

What was your first 5x5 geocache hidden? I haven’t hid one yet.

How many 5x5 geocaches have you found? Six.

Should there be a special geocaching icon for extreme caches? I think so. There are not that many of them and they are a great accomplishment.

List your extreme geocaching gear? Example, rope, harness, scuba gear, ladder, sling shot, rappelling experience, machete. This list grows as I do them. I started with a ladder rope then a ladder and have move onto a harness.

When did you start geocaching? 4-21-09.

When you go extreme geocaching who goes with you? Usually a small group of local geocachers.

Any injuries from placing, hiding or finding an extreme geocache? No injuries, but was a bit sore the next day or two.

Longest time it took to find an extreme geocache, tell the name of that cache? I spent 4 plus hours in the freezing cold, doing In Search Of Sasquatch: Strange Noises.

Have you DNF’d a 5x5? Not yet

Explain why you like extreme geocaching? It is the thrill of doing something outside the box. I gets the blood pumping and keeps me young.

Should there be more extreme geocaches, or since the number is relatively still small, this is acceptable? I would say more but I think it’s a good number now.

Do you have any future plans for more extreme geocaches (hint)? Not at this time.

How far did you go to find a geocache? I went 1800 miles to seattle to do the triad.

Do you mind having the cache owner there with you while you hunt for an extreme cache, or would you rather they be accessible by phone? I'd rather they be accessible by phone, it keeps the pressure off me.

While doing an extreme cache, did you have to overcome a fear in order to gain the final? Yes, I have a fear of heights and I have to say I have pushed that to its limits and have over came it, somewhat.

What constitutes an extreme cache? I would say the terrain and the equipment you need to have to find it.

Have you solved more than 15 puzzle caches? I have solved 119 puzzles.

Do you own a boat, kayak, or canoe? Have you done any extreme water caches? I purchased a kayak this year to get to extreme water caches. I have a friend who has taken me out on his boat to water caches.

Have you ever felt your life was in extreme peril while attempting to find an extreme cache? I wouldn’t say in extreme peril, but I was quite nervous at times.

Most cache finds in one day? 883 in one day doing the ET highway.

What type of GPS do you use? I have 3, an etrex, 60scx and an oregon550t. I mainly use the Oregon now.

What has geocaching taught you? The challenge of pushing yourself to cache and the great friends I have made doing this.

Most memorable moment in geocaching that made you stand up and say YES! When I did the triad in Seattle it was a great moment going to the original geocache hide.

Puzzle caches, like them or hate them? They can be fun or extremely annoying, hard to say.

Ammo can VS Micro? I like them both but I prefer ammo cans.

What caches are off limits for you personally, what will you not go after? Nothing is off limits

By Lacey38655