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Archive for June, 2011

World Wide Flash Mob 2011

This past Saturday, I participated in WWFM 2011.

WWFM – World Wide Flash Mobs – A fun and friendly way to promote geocaching around the world. Thousands of geocachers at dozens of coordinated events spanning the globe, gathering at the same time.

Sonny and Sandy of the PodCacher podcast came up with the WWFM idea in 2007 after attending a mega-event. It was meant to be a fun “opposite” of a mega-event: all the cool aspects of a geocaching event, crammed into 15 minutes of excitement. An added dimension is represented by the letters “WW” – World Wide – these events occur across the planet on the same day at (mostly) the same time! These caching events are intended to bring geocachers together in a creative way, as well as introduce others (newbies) to the hobby.

Basic Requirements:

• Hold the event on the official, announced day, preferably at the official time
• The event should last only 15 minutes (some locations hold separate “after” events for more fun)
• Take a group picture
• Collect the number of people attended for statistical purposes
• Be creative and Have fun!

There were about 40 people at the mob here in Prescott, Arizona. We gathered at the southwest corner of the Courthouse Plaza at 9:45. At 10:00, we took off for a walk around the square and then met at the south side steps for a group photo. There was a doggie event going on so I know we attracted a lot of attention. I told a BUNCH of people all about geocaching and EatStayPlay.com too!

Unlike the Tucson WWFM event, for our flash mob, we all wore red.

 

The best part of these geocaching events is that you get to meet all the “famous” cachers in your area. Like JeanAnJoe who are prolific cachers having found nearly almost 5,000 caches and have hidden over 700.

Here’s some more information about geocaching events.

Readers Weigh In:

• Have you ever been to an event? What did you think?
• Have you ever been in a flash mob? (Geocaching or otherwise)
• Would you attend a local meet-and-greet?

 

I know you’re probably tired of hearing about my series of eGuides for popular summer recreation areas across Arizona’s High Country. But trust me, each is jam-packed with information about the best camping, fishing, hiking, and public lands that the city has to offer.

Plus special offers from businesses!

The newest title to join the cart is the Williams Recreation Guide!

This e-book is the must-have, insider’s knowledge of where to go in Williams for the best in summer recreation. It’s filled with over 40 pages of information, updated for the 2011 summer season.

And, the best news? You get it INSTANTLY as a downloadable, fully printable eGuide, FREE from the outdoor recreation experts at EatStayPlay.com.

• Lakes in Williams
• Historic Downtown including Route 66
• Williams Visitor Center and Museum
• White Horse Lake Recreation Area
• Kaibab Lake
• Maps, GPS Coordinates and Driving Directions
• Camping near Williams
• Selected hikes
• Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing
• And more!

Your eGuide is a 40 page printable Adobe .pdf book. It is Mac and PC compatible and you can print it all, a selection of pages, or save it to your laptop computer to take with you.

Do you own a Williams business? Would you like to promote it in the Guide? Contact Kim at Info@EatStayPlay.com Pricing starts at just $50 for an ad that will be seen by THOUSANDS of Williams visitors.

Take Me Fishing

Since it’s the start of summer, I thought I’d take a moment to remind you about the great work the folks over at “Take Me Fishing” do.

I’ve been fishing and camping all my life, but I know that many readers haven’t been so fortunate, and they are coming to the great pastimes of fishing and camping later in life.

Have I told you how fantastic I think this is?

I just love it when I go to my favorite Arizona put-and-take lake, Dead Horse Ranch State Park, and see all of the families fishing. I can easily overlook the shouting kids (something that normally makes me crazy when I just want to sit back and enjoy the quiet of nature) when I see families hanging out together.

The”Take Me Fishing” website explains the allure (pun intended!) of fishing like this:

Fishing gives families a break from their hectic schedules and time to reconnect with one another. Nothing can match the memories that your family will make and the bonds that you’ll build while spending time on the water.

Absolutely!

And nothing is better than when a state holds a Free Fishing Day where people can get out and drop line whether they do or don’t have fishing licenses. Most states hold their Free Fishing Day in June.

This is National Fishing & Boating Week. Many states have their Free Fishing Days this weekend. Find out when your state’s Free Fishing Days are this year!

If it isn’t Free Fishing Day, then all adult anglers need to have a valid fishing license. Your fishing or boating license helps sustain the sport of fishing and the environment.
Sportsmen and women help to restore and protect fish and their habitats in each state in this country by doing the things they love — fishing and boating. The purchase of state licenses supports sportfish restoration, preservation and conservation, as well as boating safety and education.

All over EatStayPlay.com, in my “rules” section for each lake or river or fishable body of water, I say: “A valid fishing license is required,” because I know just how important these fees are to the state’s economy – and because being a licensed angler is the right thing to do.

The next time YOU break out your Snoopy fishing poles and containers of night crawlers, make sure that your fishing license is valid. In Arizona, anglers under 14 don’t need their own licenses as long as they are fishing with a licensed adult. That doesn’t mean that children under 14 can fish for free!

“Take Me Fishing” has a great resource for you to find out about the licensing requirements in your state.

Want to know where the best places to fish near you are? Find the answer on EatStayPlay.com!

Readers Weigh In:

• Will you be participated in National Boating & Fishing Week?

(I’m going camping, kayaking and fishing June 9-12 near Williams, AZ!)