JillAlexandria
JillAlexandria
Interviewed October 2006
Those who regularly check our Forum discussions will already be a bit familiar with our Featured Geocacher for this month. JillAlexandria is a frequent participant in several of the discussions adding helpful and insightful comments each time she posts.
Recently Jill used the forum to announce reaching an important level of finds. She also read the posting of another geocacher (Tackelmom) who was seeking someone with whom to cache then volunteered to help. The two of them are now logging finds.
Jill also attends geoevents both here in Delaware and in our neighboring states. Her fourm postings tell about these.
Recently Jill has added geocoin photographer to her list of accomplishments. Visit our Geocoin gallery to view her picture of the Frozen Bone Cache.
With this interview, here's your chance to learn a bit more about this busy geocacher.
How did you become involved with geocaching - and how long have you been doing it?
I first learned about geocaching through a Girl Scout list. I checked out geocaching.com one evening, by 2 in the morning I was hooked. I realized there was a cache hidden 1/2 mile down the street and I knew exactly where it was. I went out the next morning and found it. I went over to the park that afternoon found another. After that I knew a gps was very necessary. So as an early Christmas gift to myself I bought my first gps unit. I've been caching for 9 months.
How many caches have you found so far?
I have over 315 finds now.
Which type of cache do you prefer seeking - traditional, multi, puzzle or virtual?
I enjoy multis- they are a lot of work and time but they are usually the best planned, in the best location. Most of all I like the ones that walk me through the woods and are worth the effort.
Which find was the most challenging?
For me, Higher Aspirations. I was physically able but a huge phobia made it tough.
Which was the easiest?
All those ones in the lightposts. Too easy.
Which was your favorite?
MASON DIXON Part 2 MOVING WEST This is a well planned cache, in a beautiful woods.
What's the most unusual thing you've found in a cache?
Nothing really unusual, but I do find a lot of lighters.
Have you had any memorable experiences while seeking a cache?
One time I walked around an old silo and two black vultures jumped out in front of me and flew off. I love vultures.
What advice would you give to a beginning geocacher?
Start in a park you know very well, with a easy cache.
How many caches have you placed?
I have placed one and will have another out before long.
Have any of them proven to be more "popular" than what you expected?
I'm just thankful that no one has any complaints, so far.
Have any of them proven to be more difficult to find than you expected?
My first hide was meant to be easy. Just a fun, kid friendly cache, my second will be also.
Have any of them been muggled? If, so how did you handle this?
Not yet, keep your fingers crossed!
What advice would you give to someone designing a cache placement?
Put it someplace where people really want to go. It should be a positive experience. It's best when I leave a cache and say "what a great place", rather than "what a great cache".
What's your best caching story?
Searching for a cache in a site populated by black rat snakes. There were snake skins hanging everywhere. I went back in the evening with leather gloves. I wanted to go at a time when the snakes would be more active. Yes, I love snakes too.
Beside geocaching, what other things do you like to do?
I enjoy hiking and photography, both go well with geocaching. I also like to crochet and I read a lot. I spend a lot of time volunteering at TriState Bird Rescue.
Which Delaware cache site would you'd like to see featured on the web page and why?
Newark Charter Cache I know it has a more limited audience because it is for premium members. It is a great school project, I like the way it gets kids involved. It's a nicely done cache in a nice spot.
Our thanks to JillAlexander for being our featured geocacher this month.
