Finchum Family Cachers

     So exciting to see my youngest grand daughters caching.  They started last month with their dad and  grandpa up in the Payson, Arizona area.  There is no doubt from the pictures that they were enjoying themselves.  Kids are such techies today, I'm pretty certain that I will be getting some GPS lessons soon.

     Climbing trees to get the cache is a lot of fun for the kids.  I don't think I would be able to do this one with out a long handled grabber.

     The whole family got into the hunt for caches on their two week vacation that took them from Arizona, north and across to the Pacific Coast in Oregon.  What a neat activity to add to this kind of vacation. 

     Team Trixie's Trax placed their first TB on the trip and I am sure we will have exciting updates on this and their new caches soon. 

National Dance Day

      Some people can dance and others can Geocache.  But can they do both?  Since today is National Dance Day, I have been searching for that video that proves that they can.  Certainly, from the cachers that I have seen dance -  well, I have a difficult time saying that I can truly call it dancing.  If any cacher out there wants to prove me wrong, please do and send me a little video as proof.  I will be more than happy to post if you will allow.

     Here is what I have found to this point.

     Here is Spindoc Bob in his ongoing compilation of dancing at some of his finds around the country and overseas.   Well - we'll give him a '10' for enthusiasm and creativity. 
   

     Then I was lucky enough to find our dear friend, Joshua Johnson, doin' a little dancing with his family and friends.  Here we have Mayberryman and Gilby heading out to find 9 FTF and the well deserved victory dance.
 

     You have seen what I have found - you be the judge.  And let me know.

     Here's a Geocaching Challenge for ya - find a geocacher who can really dance.  What a fun competition that would be.  For myself, I will stick to the search of swag.

Andrew Toms and PGCAR2012

     First timer on this blog - here's Andrew Toms to tell us about his up coming event, PGCAR2012: Prince George Cache & Release 2012.

     Here's a brief description directly from Andrew -

    It is a lot of fun. A lot of work as well I camo 50 caches, print out 50 custom logbooks, hand out the containers to be hid then compile all the hid caches and create a passport with all the caches in it. Everyone who attends has an exclusive chance at FTF as no caches are published till after the event. This year I've so created and am minting an event coin. This will be my 4th annual cache and release event and my 6th annual fall wrap up.

                                                            Andrew Toms

     Here is what I have found about Andrew's event and Andrew himself -

     This will our 4th annual cache & release event. This years event will once again be spread over two days with 50 new caches will be released released for the event if you can help hide caches please contact me. You must attend the event to have first crack at the new hides.

     Sept. 15&16. Registration will start at 8:30am Sat Sept. 15 with prizes and a potluck BBQ at 4:30pm Sept. 16

     This year we will be introducing an event coin for $10ea

     We will be having a potluck BBQ at 4:30 with prizes. Please contact me if you will be bringing food. see you all at the event! Donations to help offset the cost of the caches and costs of the event would be greatly appreciated.
                                         Andrew Toms

     and about Andrew - in his words -

     

I started Caching shortly after moving from Winnipeg MB in Jan 2007. I have been having a blast meeting new people, and discovering the hidden gems all over the province in my travels. I can usually be spotted in Geo mobile.

Andrew Toms lives in Prince George, BC, the location of the event.  As always - we will hope to get updates from Andrew on the progress of the event and also it's results.  Thanks Andrew for hangin' with us today.

Caching Family Tree

     About the time I think Geocaching is a free choice, I lay out the facts and realize that caching is either contagious or inheritated. 
Either way is just fine with me. 

     Less than 2 years ago I went on my first cache, thanks to my Niece, SchnauzerQueen.  Today our caching family has grown to some impressive numbers.   Take a look at this family tree!

     And it all started with the Queen.

A New Beginning For Chuck Mettille

      Such a sad ending to the life of Chuck Mettille, but his caching friends have bonded together to form a new beginning for Chuck and his family.  From what I have read it seems to be absolutely perfect.

     This is a team effort.  I don't have or have not seen info that tells all but what I do know is that Mike (Merlot) and Kraig Neese are a couple of the key players.  I am certain that the caching community and Chuck's family appreciate, more than words can say, all the thought and feelings that went into this project.
     
   
  All the hard work paid off to make this work of art.

      Family and friend spread the love of Chuck, allowing friends

      to express their feelings also.

     Here's the info posted on Geocaching.com about the landing spot for "Chuck's Last First".

     Chuck's Last First
 N 33° 46.472 W 112° 03.732
UTM: 12S E 401647 N 3737663

This cache has been renamed in memory of Chuck Mettille. He (gncaz) earned the First to Find Honor at 11:11 a.m. on July 7, 2012. Tragically, he died on the way back to his car. Please show proper respect at the cache site.

Links to the various news stories:

Article from the AZ Republic newspaper

Video from Channel 3 

  
Video from Channel 15 

A Sonoran Preserve cache. The cache is on a great intermediate hike/bike trail.  There are several access points to the mountain trail from the paved trail along the soon-to-be completed Sonoran Parkway.

There will be a Memorial Hiking Event this fall when the weather cools for a supervised hike on the Ocotillo Trail to Chuck's Last First.  Details will be available at a later date.

          . . . and the final resting place of "Chuck's First Last"

                                R.I.P.  Chuck

Tupperware Funny

Now - you know that the person who came up with this little comic was not a Geocacher !

Brilliant Caching Tools

     There  are certain traits required to be a good cacher.  The ability to think 'outside the box', turn on the 'eagle eye' when needed, always be conscious of Mother Nature, and develop tools of the trade from what others may throw away.

Check this out - do you recognize this.  If you ever did the Spam routine when you were young, you do.  This is the type of 'key' that was used to open the can.  It came attached to the top of the can.  Now, it is a pull tab.

      And then there is this item I saw on my Facebook wall yesterday.  I have yet to find out what it's actually called or it's official use but for the geocacher it's simply handy.  Size is important when loading up your caching bag so this is perfect.

Always keep your mind open to special caching uses of odd it items.

TB Rods & Dogs Meet N Greet

     It's countdown time in the Tucson area.  SchnauzerQueen is organizing and sponsoring her very first event.  The Queens' TB Rods & Dogs Meet N Greet will be held at a dog friendly park in central Tucson.  I am not sure what sort of surprises she has in mind as far as challenges, games and prizes but I am sure it will be great fun. 

     This is a family friendly event and even if you don't have a Tb Dog or a TB stick on your vehicle, you are more than welcome to attend.  I believe she is only asking that if you a rain stick that you use it to bring in the clouds and cooler weather and please hold off on the actual rain until the bbq is done and the charcoal is cooling off. 

     Go to the Geocaching page for the event info or you can find Penni on her facebook page also.   Weather you live in the area, like a little road trip or just passing through, stop by.  And if there is anyone who has never Geocached in their life, this is a perfect time to come by and find out what it is all about.  I am sure there will be plenty of cachers with lots of stories and advise to share.  Best thing - you don't have to belong to a club, be a member or pay any kind of fees.  It is just a fun thing.

   





 Mark your calendar - 14 days and counting

Space Coast Cachers Facing A New Challenge

     The folks from Space Coast Cachers are rising to the occasion.  They are taking on a great challenge - a cache a day for the next year.  You may be thinking this may be pretty feasible but I am not talking about finding a cache.  I am talking about placing a cache a day.  That sounds pretty wild to me.  I am anxious  to follow them and see how it is going.

     Here is a description of the 'plan', direct from Dale.
     

     Geocaching Challenges, love them or hate them they are here to stay. We have decided to embrace them and see what we can do about generating more interest in them here on the Space Coast. When you visit the Space Coast Geocaching Store you will not only be able to grab the #1 favorite traditional cache in the entire state of Florida, you can complete a challenge as well as capturing two different Munzees.

      Barb and I have decided to attempt to place one challenge every day for 1 year. Not sure we will be able to find that many places but we are going to try. We plan to host an event that will be challenge related. We understand many people do not like the challenges but if you put aside the fact that they do not count in your numbers they really can be a lot of fun and bring you to some really interesting locations that just cannot support a geocache. Besides, they do show up on your profile for everyone to see how many you have completed. So if numbers are what you are interested in then why not grab as many challenges as you possibly can? The other thing about placing a challenge is the fact that there is no impact on the environment, no maintenance required, for the most part no permission needed, and you do not have to be in your home area. You can place them anywhere of interest. The community will decide if you challenge is of good quality or not.

     So why not join us in embracing Groundspeak’s latest idea and place a challenge of your own. Or if you are not interested in that at least go out and complete a few of them to see just how much fun they can be. Sometimes we just need to step out of our comfort zone and do something goofy. You will be amazed at how good it will make you feel.

     You know that I will keep you updated so check back to follow this brave team.
   

Cooling Off with NAG

   This weekend is Pow Wow in the Pines, in the Flagstaff Arizona area.  This area is beautiful with tall pines and cool breezes all day long.  And don't forget the sweater.  The nights cool off a lot.

     My niece, SchanuzerQueen is heading that way so I am sure that I will get some pics to share soon.  If you are lucky enough to spend the weekend in that area, there is plenty to do.  Here is just a few -

     Bearizona - Experience animal wildlife the way it was meant to be, in a natural environment, all from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle. Your family will enjoy our wide variety of wildlife, from majestic bison and nimble big horn sheep to stealthy wolves and adorable bear cubs.
     

     Museum of Northern Arizona - Join artists, musicians, dancers, and cultural interpreters from the Navajo Nations as they gather at the Museum of Northern Arizona for the Navajo  Visitors will hear the Navajo language, see pots of clay being formed, and watch weavers create detailed designs on traditional looms. There are also opportunities to meet silversmiths, folk carvers, and painters. They will enjoy the pageantry of Navajo social dances and delight in centuries-old musical traditions. And they will be able to sample traditional foods—red and green chili stew, roasted sweet corn, and the ever-favorite Navajo tacos with frybread.

     Arizona Snowbowl -  While much of Arizona is living up to its hot, dry reputation with triple digit heat, Arizona Snowbowl is offering cool temperatures and cool views with the return of the Sunset Skyride! This Friday, June 8, and every second Friday of the month through October, the Sunset Skyride will run from 3 to 6 p.m. A free barbecue dinner comes with the purchase of a Sunset Skyride ticket and live music!

      The Lowell Observatory - features several large telescopes to explore the skies. Evening programs followed by sky viewing are offered throughout the year.

     Live web cam from Heritage Square - this is a lot of fun to watch.  Save this site for those great snowy winter days.  Actually, the entire site is great.


     As for myself - I would sit under a great big pine tree and read a book while waiting for the monsoon rains to hit.

Cool Muggles and Ingot

     I don't know about you but I believe that 'sometimes', geocachers are like a bunch of teenage girls.  We like to talk about what we hear from other cachers, who's got the most caches this week, who's dating who, where's the best puzzle, what will it take to get a FTF, etc..  This can be happening over coffee or beer, on the way to work or on the drive home in the wee hours of the morning, or just through Facebook or a forum.  There is never an end to the conversation between cachers.  Thus - the comparison with teenage girls.  And it doesn't hurt we are all (I believe) very young at heart and refuse to grow up.  Life is too short for that, right?

     Back to where I was going with this - I caught wind of a TB that had made it to a very exciting location.  Exciting sounding for a TB at least.  I don't know how long I would enjoy this place, except for the locals; I would love them.  Anyway - This TB is affiliated with Mark Johnston.  He is the proud owner of Ingot.  And proud he should be.  It is beautiful.
 
     So I asked Mark to share a bit about this and he did. Before the story arrived I was thinking - "That sounds really neat"  Once I received the post, along with photos, I changed my mind.  This isn't just neat, it is remarkable.  Total 'awhhh' factor.   I'll let you read for yourself.

A virtual visit to the coldest continent

                by markj57

In my business I’ve traveled all over the world: Europe, Asia and Australia dozens of times, South America 4 times, and once to Africa. But the one continent that has eluded me is Antarctica.  After I got into geocaching I wondered if I could make the virtual trip by sending a travel bug there.  So, on January 10, 2011 I placed my "Golden Travel Ingot" into a local cache in Scottsdale Arizona, with the stated intent to travel to Antarctica and return safely to the US.

It spent the first couple of months wandering Arizona, then some time in California, before finding itself in late April 2011 in Cancun Mexico.   Three months pass.  It gets picked up by someone whose parents are going to Antarctica 9 months later, who promises to ensure it gets there.  Months and months pass with no word.  Will I ever see it again?  

Suddenly on March 9, 2012, I am notified it was logged at “Econelson”, a cache in Antarctica, complete with photos!  Woohoo! 

2 months later it surfaces safely back in Texas, and has since wandered to Louisiana. I’m hoping it makes it home west to Scottsdale again, and am gratified to the caching community that helped it achieve its goal.

     Thanks Mark for sharing this story.  I am lovin' the muggles and the whole story.  Good luck to Ingot making it back to the warm sunny days of Scottsdale.

Yuma Flooding

Just a quick note here to show you what I just saw on Facebook.
This is the home of the S.W.A.G.  Yuma Event.  Today it is flooded, but looking fun.   In February 2013, when we are all gathered for Yuma Event #10, it will be perfect. 

Cacher Jim and Emma

     Cachers are a family.  We all know that.  So when we hear about a cacher going through a tough time, we want to be there for them.  Thank goodness for Facebook – we can stay in contact easily.  I saw this story last week and of course was drawn to it for a couple of reasons.  First – this is a cacher.  I don’t know Jim personally but his story is still important to me.  Second – this has to do with his dog.  Yeah – I am a sucker for a dog story, even one with a sad ending. 

      I can relate a bit.  About 23 years ago we lost our long time family member, Tippy.  It was sad but he left us just as he lived – gallantly.  Just a few months later our 3 year old dog, Bubba, became very ill.  Long story short, after many thousand spent, they decided that he was dying of a broken heart and there just wasn’t anything we could do.  We don’t want to put a dollar value on our pets but it is unavoidable when the bills mount up.  

                           Meet Emma

   

 Meet Emma’s human, Caching Jim.   Here is a bit of her story and how we can help her deserving human.

 Here's a few post from FB –

Geocaching Jim

July 12

Just found out that our dog, Emma, has cancer. They found a mass on her spleen and the cancer has spread to her lungs and her heart. She is so old that surgery would probably be too much for her and most likely would not take care of all of it. She also has some internal bleeding. She had to stay at the hospital today...we will be going to say goodbye to her tonight. :(

July 16

I still have these available. I am trying to raise some money to help cover Vet bills. Please PM me if you are interested.

My dog has been sick for a little over a month and we have been spending a lot of time and money trying to help her overcome her illness. Yesterday she collapsed, so we took her to the ER and found out that she had cancer and it had spread quite rapidly. She passed away last night.

To help cover the medical expenses, I am selling my Series 2 Home is where the cache is coins for $5.00 each and have them available in Black Nickel, Copper, and Antique Silver. These are 1.75" in diameter and have glow effects on the front and back. Trackable, unactivated, and custom icon.

If you are interested, please message me. I will accept paypal, checks, or money orders. Thank you so much!

July 13

I am selling my Isolated Beauty coins to try to help raise money to put toward some unexpected vet bills. I am asking $6.50 each and have them available in antique bronze and antique copper. These are 1.75" X 1.75", 3D front and Back and has glow effects on the front. Trackable, unactivated, and custom icon.

If you are interested, please message me. Thank you so much!

July 13

To help cover the costs of an unexpected vet emergency, I have put together a few more grab bags of Geocoins. There are 5 trackable coins (unactivated) in each pack. I will also throw a bonus item in each package. I am asking $50 (shipping is included in this price). If you live outside of North America, the cost for these packs will be $57. Please message me if you are interested. Thank you so much

So now you’ve got the info.  If you are in the market for a few new trackables, here is a chance to purchase one that will honor Emma and help out her human, Jim. 

     Find Jim on Facebook, through his webstore - www.wherethecacheis.com, or if you would like, just leave a message here and I will forward your info on to Jim. 

     

      As always – I will keep you informed with any updates.

Safe View of Fang-tastic Roadside Attraction

     Does the name give justice to this cache?  I don't think it does.  Fang-tastic sort of sounds like a cute little play on the word 'fantastic'.  Tho this is an exciting and fun cache, there is an intentional scare tactic here.  This little sign tells a better story.

The Fang-tastic Roadside Attraction is even more deceiving with the word 'roadside'.  Who are they kidding!?  It is located on something more like a path, pretty much due East of Tombstone Arizona.   Since I have not been to this cache yet, I only have the word of SchnauzerQueen, who made it there this past winter.  From the pics that I found on line, and the ones SQ shared, I would say what she had to say about this location is right on.


Let me share with you the description that is on the Geocaching site.

An outdoor museum of oddities and artifacts by the side of dirt road leading to a ghost town.

A hand painted sign along Gleeson Road points down a dirt track: "Two scenic miles to Rattlesnake Crafts and Rocks." It'd be a tourist trap, if there were any tourists here. It'd be a roadside attraction, but Gleeson's not much of a road. What it is, though, is a fun and worthwhile trip to an amazing combination open-air museum and gift shop filled with items crafted from rattlesnake hides.

The creators and curators of Rattlesnake Crafts, John and Sandy Weber, granted us permission to place a cache within their display of Western antiques and oddities. The ammo box looks right at home amongst the milkcans, kerosene lanterns, rusted license plates and eccentric metal sculptures. We chained it to a post in the shade under a wooden shelf, but didn't otherwise hide it. Spend the time you save looking for the cache exploring this fun place.

When you visit, remember your camera; you'll regret it if you don't! Rattlesnake Crafts is open daily dawn to dusk. There's no charge for admission, though there are items for sale in the gift shop.

     Southern Arizona is not the most cache populated area in the U.S. but it has, by far, some of the most intriguing and creative caches I have ever seen or heard of.   Fang-tastic Roadside Attraction looks like a perfect place to visit, during the winter, when most good snakes are sleeping.  Make a weekend of it by staying in Tombstone at one of the quaint B&Bs or extend the creepiness of your trip by staying in the world re known and haunted Copper Queen Hotel.  

Charles “Chuck” Mettille - All Cachers Feel The Loss

      Sometimes things happen that remind us all of what a small world we live in.  Sometimes things happen that remind us what a close knit family the caching world is, no matter where on this earth you live.  The lose of Chuck Mettille is an example.   I had never met Chuck or his family, as far as I know, but the story of his departure is touch to say the least.
 

     Mark Johnston, a Mettille family friend, was asked to post the following on Facebook.  Please take a moment to read and take note.  Some of the points here are life savers.

Chuck's family has asked me to post the following note on this site, so here it is:

 “He Was Just Taking A Walk In The Park”

I would like to express my condolences and deepest sympathy to the family of Charles “Chuck” Mettille of Cave Creek Arizona. Chuck passed away yesterday (July 07, 2012) while “GeoCaching” in the North Phoenix area of the Sonoran Desert Preserve.

I would like to especially thank the following people for their efforts in finding Chuck when he went missing: Chris and Jason (Chucks’ sons in law), Charles Mahan, Scott Nicol, the geo caching online community, and the officers at the Phoenix Police Department.

Chuck Mettille took a trip geocaching Saturday morning around 10:00. Although Chuck did tell his family that he was going, he had not informed anybody of his target areas. He only gave a vague location of 7th Avenue and Carefree Highway. After many hours passed without any word from Chuck, his family began to worry. Together, Chris, Jason and Charles were able to determine where Chuck was probably geocaching, through the online geo caching community and recent postings of new caches. Through their creative approach and deductive abilities, they found Chucks car at the trail head located at Central Ave., about a half mile south of Carefree Highway. There were several new caches posted for that area that they thought Chuck would want to “bag”. They found success after hours of searching and input from the geocaching community.
Scott Nicol, whom had no connection to the family, was my search partner. Scott was a fellow geocacher and a genuinely great and caring human being. He learned of Chucks disappearance via the internet and drove all the way down from Sedona to volunteer his time to help search. He knew of the particular caches that we thought Chuck might be chasing, so with his e-maps in hand we set off to find Chuck.

After walking the trail and adjacent ravines for about 20 to 30 minutes, we found Chuck about 15 yards off trail and about 12 feet down in a ravine, where it appeared that he may have fallen (speculation). It was about 1 AM this morning (July 8th). Chuck had unfortunately perished before help was able to reach him. We immediately notified the Phoenix Police Department who was already on scene, searching for Chuck by foot as well as helicopter.

I also had the displeasure of notifying Chris, Chuck’s son in law of our discovery. Chris, Jason, and Charles had been searching the semi-mountainous area as well, but were well south of that particular area at that time. Chris then relayed the message to his family members. Notifying the next of kin was especially difficult as I know Chuck and his family on a personal level and have known Chris for the better part of 20 years.
I would like to remind anyone and everyone, from the day hiker to the outdoor enthusiasts, that hiking in Arizona’s deserts at any time, and anywhere, especially during the summer months is a dangerous thing to do, even if you are prepared. The beauty and allure of the area are in stark contrast to the hazards located within.

Chuck was hiking in city limits just a few hundred yards from a housing community, he had hiked in all alone. I’m sure that he felt very safe and capable of this “walk in the park”, but what compounded the lack of a hiking partner was the appearance that he also had gone off trail.

There is no certainty as to whether Chuck elected to leave the path due to confidence, or if his judgment was impaired by dehydration. The cause may have been an unrelated health issue or even snake bite, but that information isn’t available yet. I do know, though, that his chances of survival would have increased a hundred fold or more had he been accompanied by another hiker.

Chuck was a successful, independent, self-made man whom loved his family dearly. He went for walks around the neighborhood in the mornings for exercise. He always seemed to have a project going. He had “bagged” over 1200 caches in the last year or so and was in excellent health. He was outgoing, energetic and really enjoyed the challenges that came with the sport of geo caching.

Chuck, much like the rest of us, wasn’t perfect. He made a couple of small mistakes that many of us do when we get comfortable with the daily routine of things, and it cost him his life.

Please remember, that when you go out hiking, YOU are responsible for your own safe return.

This all may sound a bit cliché, but here are some rules of hiking that I personally would regard highly as ‘Cardinal Laws of Hiking”:

•Let somebody know where you are going and when to expect you back.
◦ Be as specific as possible. Chuck did neither. He only said what he was going to do, not where or for how long. He left home around 10am. By 5pm the family became worried enough to rally the troops and begin their own search. The local police departments could not help because he had not been missing for more than 24 hours and nobody knew where to even start looking.

•Hike with a friend.
◦Chuck was alone with no one to help him.

•Take at least enough water and snacks to last 6 hours beyond your expected hike time.
◦It does not appear that Chuck had taken an adequate water supply with him. The geo cache that he was after was about 1.5 miles down the trail and the high temperature for the day was expected to reach 108 degrees with about 25% humidity. Couple those numbers and add another 10 to 15 degrees for direct sun light and you get an extremely high heat index. This was a 3 mile round trip on a desert trail. Albeit it was in city limits, that is a long hike in those conditions. It has come to my attention that Chuck carried a canteen with him. This may have been enough water for the hike, but certainly not enough to help cover for any unforeseen delays. You may also need to render assistance to another hiker at which time the extra supplies will come in mighty handy.

•Carry a whistle.
◦Chuck was only 15 yards off trail, but because he was in a ravine, other hikers could not see him and probably not hear him if he had the energy to yell out. A loud whistle takes very little energy to blow and the high pitch sound carries well beyond the limits of the human voice.

•Wear the proper clothing.
◦Chuck was wearing cut-off jeans, a short sleeve t-shirt, tennis shoes and a fishing hat. These did little to protect him from the viciousness of our Arizona afternoon sun or the rugged ground which he hiked.

•Enable a GPS locating app on your cell phone.
◦Chuck had a cell phone that worked. His family called it repeatedly throughout the day. I don’t know if he had it on him or left it in the car, but I do know that the cell phone company could not locate it unless they had a court order to do so. Had he installed a GPS Locator app and enabled it on his phone, his family could have at least located his phone which would have expedited the search considerably.

•Stay on the trail.
◦Chuck was found about 15 yards off the trail, we may never know why, but it is the fact that most hikers that get into trouble are hikers that have left the trail to take a short cut or to take in the sights.

•Be aware of any extreme or extraordinary conditions which you may encounter.
◦In this case, Chuck was hiking during a particularly hot weather event. Take into consideration the type of terrain that you are willing to tackle and the effects that the weather may have on them. A hot, dry event can leave the ground parched. The rocks loosen when the soil dries out which can cause very loose scree or talus laden slopes. Conversely, an unusually wet event can easily lead to flash flooding.

Accidents will still happen, you can’t plan for every eventuality, but if you do these things, you can reduce the probabilities of becoming a victim and neither me, nor any other search team member will have to make that call to notify your next of kin. I would much rather carry you out injured, kicking or screaming 10 miles on my back than have to tell your loved ones that you won’t be coming home.

Just an extra 5 minutes of preparation on your behalf can save hundreds of hours of search time, your family and friends from an enormous grief and most of all…..your life!
It was just a walk in the park after all. That was how we found him.
Today is a very sad day for Chucks family and friends. My best wishes and prayers go out to them all.
Brian A. Borton Sr. 7/8/2012

The story is touching and important.  The safety facts are invaluable, especially coming from a family member of one lost on a caching trip.  The tips will be re posted here from time to time.

Thanks Brian for sharing and Mark for passing this info along to all of us.   

More info on the life of cacher Chuck Mettille will follow in the coming days.