MikeOtt
MikeOtt
Interviewed March 2006
Mike Ott is a name that most Delaware Geocachers recognize. It can be seen on countless cache site log books throughout the state. Additionally it can be found on a number of site descriptions on geocaching.com. But there's one other accomplishment that makes this name well known - Mike Ott is the leader of the Delaware Geocacher's group.
Delaware Geocachers was initially brought into existence through the work of Howie of the team Howie and Squirrly. After Howie needed to relocate to another state Mike stepped forward and kept it going. Actually he has done more than just keep it going. He has hosted several Events - planned gatherings for socializing and geocaching. Last November he hosted a Fall Event at White Clay Creek State Park that proved to be a kind of turning point for the group. Right after the event new caches and cache seeking activity increased dramatically. A few weeks ago Mike hosted a Winter Breakfast Event that brought a number of Delaware Geocachers together at the Old Country Buffet near the Christiana Hospital. In addition to handling all this Mike has continued to geocache and to collect geocoins. (Some of his collection is on display in the Picture Gallery). This interview gives you a chance to learn more about this busy and dedicated geocacher.
How did you become involved with geocaching - and how long have you been doing it?
I had a GPS that I used for hiking and kayaking in Vermont. My father sent me an article in his local North Jersey newspaper about geocaching that featured local cacher BrianSnat. When I pulled up the Geocaching.com site I found that there were two caches just two miles from my house. I got my first cache on 12/29/02. Not being very original I took the name MikeOtt.
How many caches have you found so far?
I have a little over 500 caches. I slowed down for a little while so that I could hit 500 caches at the SEPAG Dinner event in late January.
Which type of cache do you prefer seeking - traditional, multi, puzzle or virtual?
Its not really a secret that I’m not a big fan of micro caches, especially in shopping centers. I much prefer a traditional cache that is out in the woods and it takes you a while to get to it.
Which find was the most challenging?
You have to separate out getting to the cache and actually finding the cache. The hardest one I have done is “And That’s Monadnock (GCKD09) in NE Vermont that was a five hour round trip hike of 6 miles and a climb of 2200 feet to the top of Mt. Monadnock. Besides the cache you could go up he old refurbished fire tower and be able to see 20-50 miles in every direction. That kind of cache is common in Vermont but out of the question in Delaware.
The hardest find was the Dam Trolls 14-7. It took three visits and hints from many people to get it.
Which was the easiest?
A lot of the Horn under cover caches—the easiest I drove to only 5 feet away and found 10 seconds after leaving the car. . I like to kid Horn about this, but he has done different caches and no one has more energy or enthusiasm for geocaching.
Which was your favorite?
I have done some great caches in Vermont, a lot of excellent BrianSnat caches in North Jersey, but in Delaware my clear favorite is TeKnight's "Getting around to it". (webmaster's note - See the March Featured Geocache for a review of this site)
What's the most unusual thing you've found in a cache?
Nothing comes to mind. The one thing I will always take and save from a cache is a signature item with a cachers name on it. Programmer’s poker chip would be most common around here. Some of the items include geocaching buttons, wooden nickels and poker chips, key chains, pencils, dog tags, craft items, and even a “ E=MC2s stool sample”
Have you had any memorable experiences while seeking a cache?
The most unusual was while doing the Cache of Happiness (GCG49N) which was about a 0.3 mile walk around the back side of Lake Willoughby, one of the most beautiful lakes in Vermont. This was in July and it turns out the cache is right next to a very secluded beach that is reserved for Nature Lovers. (webmaster's note - this is another name for a clothing optional beach) I kept looking down at my GPS and quickly found the cache.
What advice would you give to a beginning geocacher?
Start out with some easy caches. I always take a compass and use it up close, since most GPS units “compass” only work when you have been moving. If you are going into a woods area that you don’t know, always mark where your car is so you can find your way back. And finally if you fail on a cache, don’t be afraid to ask for help. I have called or emailed many cachers for help and have been asked for help by cachers including the Dam Trolls( >2000 finds) and CCCooper (>12,000 finds)
How many caches have you placed?
I placed 23 caches and have 19 caches still active
Have any of them proven to be more "popular" than what you expected?
I tried to focus on making quality caches where there was a reason to go to a certain spot and not just because it was a area that did not have a cache.
Have any of them proven to be more difficult to find than you expected?
All of my earlier caches always had a hint that for sure would let you find the cache. I feel like getting there should be most of the fun and effort. More recently I have made harder to find caches, with the hint placing you in about a 20-25 foot circle where you knew the cache could be. Higher Aspiration and FTF and Alternate Definition have been the hardest.
Have any of them been muggled? If, so how did you handle this?
Only one cache has been Muggled, ironically it was the first cache I ever did. I replaced it, moving it about 100 feet away and so far it has been fine.
What's your best caching story?
Last June I did an event cache breakfast to give out the White Jeep Travel bugs. After that (about 10 am) TeKnight, Kalt Bluetig, Programmer and myself decided to do a few caches and headed to Rising Sun Maryland. We went all over and didn’t get back until about 9 pm for almost 11 hours of caching. After the recent Delaware Breakfast, we re-united along with Horn to do another full caching outing in south Delaware, but we kind of wimped out and finished at about 6 pm.
What advice would you give to someone designing a cache placement?
I think the first consideration should be to make it Muggle safe—hidden so the non-cacher would not see it. Or if the terrain supports it, go for an interesting hide. If you are going to make it very difficult, the hint should at least let you know you are looking in the right area.
Beside geocaching, what other things do you like to do?
Lately I have spent too much time (and money) on geocoins. I really like hiking in White Clay Creek Park and working with the Friends of White Clay Creek park on trail building/maintenance and doing programs for the park. Not too long ago RunFrog, Wahkegan and myself did a program on GPS and geocaching.
Which Delaware cache site would you'd like to see featured on the web page and why?
Its not easy and not lots of people have done it, but Teknight’s Getting Around to It would be my choice. Hart612 has done more caches in Delaware than anyone and also deserves recognition. (webmaster's note - See December 2005's Featured Geocacher for an interview with Hart612)
Thanks, Mike, for sharing these answers with us and for your leadership of the Delaware Geocachers group.