Extreme Geocaching with Sniperchicken

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 meal 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 is 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 second installment you will meet Scott Bishop aka Sniperchicken who is a member

of the Mississippi Geocaching Association.

What was your first 5x5 geocache found?

 I think it was Five-and-Five#1 The Wooly Swamp (GCMRT5) now archived. I had organized a very memorable group cache hunt. Great memories there !

What was your first 5x5 geocache hidden?

GC1KFAD 3 Degrees:BLACKOUT

 How many 5x5 geocaches have you found?

Presently 8

 Should there be a special geocaching icon for extreme caches?

It would probably be tough for Groundspeak to nail down the requirements for such, but a cache listing attribute that could be added would be cool and could be used to narrow down a "search" for extreme caches.

 List your extreme geocaching gear? Example, rope, harness, scuba gear, ladder, sling shot, rappelling experience, machete.

**kermantle rope, Black Diamond climbing harness, grappling hook(really!),kayaks...other than that nothing most other prepared cachers don't pack with them already.

When did you start geocaching?

Sometime around May of 2006

 When you go extreme geocaching who goes with you?

Usually my wife and caching partner Lacey38655.Sometimes we will go with a group of various cachers. During the winter we usually plan an extreme cache outing weekend with bitbrain, endorider, Tiger130 and whoever else we can get to go with us.

 Any injuries from placing, hiding or finding an extreme geocache?

Umm, nothing major but i have fractured a finger or two on about 3 different cache hunts, threw out a knee and almost fell/slid off a snow covered rock cliff face from 30 foot up once.

 Longest time it took to find an extreme geocache, tell the name of that cache?

 I believe it would be the Walls of Jericho cache. There were several caches along the trail loop that led us to "the walls". Our group started in about 8:30a.m.,we made it back to the vehicle right around 5p.m. ;about 3.5 hrs in to reach the cache and the rest hoofing it back out(and a steep UP). 

 

Have you DNF’d a 5x5?

I've had to make multiple trips to locate a stage or finish the cache but never had to give up and DNF one.

 Explain why you like extreme geocaching?

It adds another level of excitement to the hobby, plus it makes for some great caching stories to share with others. It's a feeling of accomplishment and daring that you won't get with other caches. Most extreme caches by nature will present a risk of danger and physical distress...how far can you push yourself? Mind over matter !

 Should there be more extreme geocaches, or since the number is relatively still small, this is acceptable?

I think part of the allure of extreme caches is the rarity of them, but a few more would be great for those who have already completing those that are available in an area !

 

Do you have any future plans for more extreme geocaches (hint)?

No current plans, got some kayaks that need to meet some new water though...

 

 How far did you go to find an extreme geocache?

We've driven 5 or 6 hours to go on a caching hike of several miles does that count??

 

 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 might feel too self conscious if they were just watching. Definitely would want to be able to communicate with them if needed though.

 

While doing an extreme cache, did you have to overcome a fear in order to gain the final?

Not really, I’m not afraid of too much. I've have been uneasy "returning" from an extreme cache site though.

 

 

What constitutes an extreme cache?

A cache that requires special skills/tools/techniques to reach and or retrieve the cache. If it requires a long (5 miles+) hike in rough terrain i would also classify it as extreme.

 

Have you solved more than 15 puzzle caches?

I've completed over 160 puzzle caches

 

Do you own a boat, kayak, or canoe? Have you done any extreme water caches?

Kayaks and yes we've found several caches that required them.

 

Have you ever felt your life was in extreme peril while attempting to find an extreme cache?

Extreme peril...No, I haven't. With proper safety precautions and adequate abilities, one shouldn't feel so. Still there ARE times when i felt that fine line between confidence and near panic.

By Lacey38655

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