Da_Bowz

Da_Bowz

Hailing from the Portage la Prairie area, Da_Bowz has been caching for several years now. They've come out to several events, and I've been able to go caching with them. Often when we get a chance to talk, it's about travelling, which all three of us love. I had noticed through the winter months (and by "winter months", I mean the real winter months, not April), that Mr. Da Bowz was doing a lot of caching in Winnipeg. So much so, that I suggested that they may want to considering relocating to our fair city. So far, they're still firmly planted in the Central Plains region of the province. Continue reading to find out more about this month's Cacher of the Month ...

1. When did you start Geocaching?

We started Geocaching in August 2006 when we found the The Peanut Butter Cache (GCWY05) by the MB Cochrane's, this cache has now been archived. It was a challenge as we were using an auto GPS and moving based on the West and North coordinates, knowing what I know now it would have looked hilarious to an experienced cacher

2. How did you find out about Geocaching?

We had heard about something like this near the Dauphin area about a year prior to starting our first cache. When we got our auto GPS we read an article in the manual and the rest is history.

3. What was it about geocaching that got you hooked into the game?

I know this maybe the standard comment but the thrill of the hunt and trying to find the elusive cache and the fact that it has taken us to many wonderful locations that we would never have gone.

4. Have you cached in any other provinces, countries?

We have cached in 4 Canadian provinces (Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta), 2 states (North Dakota and Minnesota) and 4 additional countries (Mexico, Italy, Greece, and Croatia)

5. Have you ever introduced someone to geocaching? If so, who?

We have taken a few people with us while out geocaching and showed them this hobby that we do. We hve introduced two couples to geocaching Ted&Dand and Eastern Bandits

6. How do you describe the sport of Geocaching to your family and friends who haven't tried it yet?

Well they will usually get the standard response that it is an electronic treasure hunt, but as the better half would say I go into way too much detail explaining.

7. What are other interests or hobbies that you have (please go into detail / accomplishments)?

Hobbies too many to name here. Have served on many boards and coached the kids baseball, soccer and Hockey teams. We currently are volunteers at the Portage Glesby Center which feature new and upcoming performers.

8. What are some things you don't like about geocaching? What are your pet peeves?

Our dislikes about geocaching are small, but would like to see fellow cachers use attributes a bit more especially the winter friendly icon.

9. What is the most interesting/unusual place that geocaching has taken you?

We were in Italy and I had read about this cache prior to our trip Solar's Alien Meteor (GCVZYA) in the Cinque Terra region. While we were sitting in a café alongside the ocean and we decided that we should try for it so up the mountain we travel, well not being very smart its 30+ C and we have a half a bottle of water. We did make it to the top and truly enjoyed the view and beauty of the whole region. The walk down and certainly the stop at the café made that cache find truly interesting.

10. What is the most memorable cache that you have found (or tried to find?)?

We have a couple that we found early in our caching days - archived Childs Play Trove TCDNMB YLHD (GC17DB4) this one gave us a real challenge, intially gave up and went to the car and decided we had to go back. Another caching team showed up and we battled the mosquitoes and found the very elusive cache, was a great start. Another was GC1BJD8 - Brown WMSF 08 Series where we hunted several times looking for this cache, but the better half of the team walks into the forest and spots the tiny cache very quickly.

11. What, currently, is your favourite, unarchived Manitoba geocache?

We have 2 caches that are that are on our favorite Manitoba caches the first one The Caves (GC1EY2Z) this one was a bit of a challenge for my son and I as we were not very familiar with the area but oh so cool when we arrived at the cache site, and the second is GCVGW2 - Camp Hughes which was a huge history lesson about the first world war and was so interesting as we walked the trenches just imagining what the training was like back then.

12. What is your favorite Caching Story?

Well our most favorite caching story occurred this past fall when we decided that it was perfect Sunday and the weather was so nice. We headed west along highway #2 finding cache after cache. Well we were heading after a specific Earth cache Y on the River (GC2GRJ6). On route we could see a dark ominous cloud approaching well it started to rain so as we arrive on site we have to wait out the rain. Clouds eventually part and the sun shines and we jump out to collect information that is required. Did I mention that we brought our dog, she was deaf and poor sight, well we jumped out and turn to take her picture when we here a click, yup she locked the doors and in the haste I left the keys in the ignition. After 20 minutes and a certain course of sentence structure we finally coax her to hit the right button. This did not go of course without looking for a large rock to break in if need be. She will always be remembered for this cache find, RIP Abby.

13. What is your most interesting item found in a cache?

The most interesting find in a cache was One Puzzling Mach (GC425Z0), hmmmm lot of interesting ideas here, can't let the cat out of the bag. We have also found some not so interesting things in caches that have been muggled

14. What items if any do you carry with you when you go on a hunt?

Well the funny part is the items that we usually carry are the ones back at the car when we arrive at the cache. But carry extra batteries, special tools as required, extra pens, pencils, notepads, Ipod, GPSr.

15. What kind of GPSr do you use?

We currently use the Garmin GPSmap 60CSx, and has been a wonderful GPSr and will likely have to look at a newer model down the road but the 60 will always be in our backpack

16. What methods do you use to avoid muggle detection?

Well there is always the standard bend down and pretend to tie the shoe, but mostly we pretend to belong there, blend in and most people just ignore us.

17. What is the meaning of your username?

The meaning was simple as a "Fonzy" type of slang saying for our last name like " Heh its da Bowz". Kind of a thing we use to say back in high school.

18. What was the most memorable travel bug that you have found?

One of the most memorable travel bugs was "Glacier" a white polar bear stuffed toy who currently has traveled some 40,790 kms this was one of the earliest travel bugs found by us.

19. Which geocachers do you respect or standout to you the most?

Well Manitoba Marauders were definitely the first ones to help us out at the start and then there is the Trove Chasers who taught us some of the finesse work involved in building a unique cache, and truly appreciate their hides. The list is many and would not want to miss any particular individual, but would like to say that the Manitoba cachers are very helpful and we also have some very creative minds and like the many mystery caches even if some are way over my head.

20. With whom do you normally go geocaching?

Usually we cache as a team, and sometimes will include our son and sometimes our grandchildren. In the past few months had the pleasure of caching with 4elements5senses and groovypinksocks and enjoyed the company with many laughs along the way.

21. If you could cache anywhere in the world, where would you like to go?

Hmmmmm I guess anywhere there is a new challenge. I think the United Kingdom would be high on our list as a place to geocache, think there would be some creative caches there. Germany would also be on the list with so many hiking trails, and of course Australia and New Zealand are high on the list.

22. Is there a challenging local cache you have in your sights right now? Which one?

Another Trove Chasers cache Lets get Physic-al Trove (GC176M0), I have worked this cache for some time without any success, and lately had some much needed assistance from the CO. so the final coordinates are in hand just need to get to the site and try to find the cache.

23. Of your placed caches, which is your favorite? Why?

Beginning or the End (GC1MPG1) is likely our favorite cache. This was the first cache that we put out and learned from the great Trove Chaser on the art of camo. We had fun building this cache and hopefully will be in place for quite some time.

24. What kind of books do you prefer to read? What was the last book you read?

Well this category falls in to the hands of the Mrs, and she reads all kinds of novels, me I'm an internet surfing kinda guy.

25. Can you play a musical instrument?

We cannot play any musical instrument but have often thought about the guitar or piano.

26. How far from your house is the nearest unfound cache?

West 35 km, South 48 km, East 59 km, North 52 km, so it's a bit of travel in any direction and usually a planned event and not just the spur of the moment. Wish there were a few more caches closer. Guess we have to get some geocachers in the area

27. Besides your GPSr, what other tools (electronic or otherwise), or software do you make use of?

GSAK, has made searching for caches a bit simpler and of course loading into the GPSr. IPOD allows us to get the description of the caches and a quick tool for additional help. Usually a backpack of sorts with additional caching supplies just in case repairs are in need and some additional tools mirrors, long handled magnets.

28. Do you use your GPSr for other reasons other than Geocaching?

The GPSr is mainly used for caching as we have an auto GPS for traveling

29. What is in your iPod/CD player right now?

Among many other apps Geocaching.com, iGCT Geocaching Toolkit these are the 2 that are most used on the IPod and Stuart McLean for listening as we travel.

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