Rain has kept us off the geo-trail the past few weekends. It isn’t easy signing a log in the pouring rain. We’re hoping to get out this weekend and grab a few. As I mentioned in a previous post, we are always on the lookout for other finds along the way, usually of the edible kind.

We’ve found morels, berries, grapes, wild strawberries and wild asparagus. These treasures inspired me to write my wild edible and medicinal plant book. I’m still plugging away on it and hope to have it done very soon.

The last time we were out, we also came across a different type of find, one that I despise. With our unusually warm winter, the season is ripe for ticks. The well-prepared geocacher should make sure and add some tick spray to his geo-bag. To avoid them, you need to use a product that has at least 20 percent DEET. You don’t have to go with the stuff in the small bottle. An aerosol with the right amount will keep you protected.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you don’t need to use tick spray if you are urban caching. The other night, I was sitting on the couch when I felt something on my leg, a nasty wood tick, no less. The thing of it is though is that I had only been out to get the mail that day. I got the bugger from walking across my lawn.

As a general guideline, you should start using tick spray once the snow cover has gone. They can come out as early as March. There is an old husband’s tale that says you needn’t worry after the 4th of July. Sorry, to break the news. The ticks are still out into the fall, but it tends to be more of the nasty deer tick variety. These ticks carry Lyme disease, so you can’t be too careful.

It’s just the part of geocaching that we all have to deal with. Ticks, poison ivy, bad weather and loose dogs are all part of the game. At least with ticks, you have a good weapon in your corner.

I really hate it when people leave their dogs running loose. I’ve heard of too many horror stories of dogs killed from traffic or coyotes. Other than that, it’s just plain rude. I cringe when a dog chases my car. I hate it even worse when I’m geocaching and a strange dog approaches. There are a few things you can do to make sure you don’t get bit.

Use common commands

Even the worse farm dog probably has heard the words “No!” or “Sit!” These are the commands you should try first. If anything, instinct might take over, and the dog will pause long enough for you to get back into the car or down the trail a bit. Most dogs won’t follow too much past their perceived territories.

Don’t make eye contact

It’s best not to give a dog you don’t know the perception of a threat. That might happen if you look it straight on. If the dog is over friendly and wants to jump up, turn your backside toward him and push him off gently.

Don’t assume a dog is friendly

Unless that dog owner took the time to socialize his dog when young, he may be more aggressive than you realize. Tail-wagging is not always an indicator of a friendly dog. If the owner is not around, stay away from the dog.

Last Resort Solutions

I hate to suggest this, but safety is important. It’s not your fault if you have to resort to using something like Halt! Dog Repellent. It’s the fault of the irresponsible pet owner who is to blame. If it comes down to an attack or using a repellent, opt for the latter. People die from dog attacks.

Finally, don’t hesitate to report the owner. Chances are that if they are that irresponsible, then their dog probably isn’t up-to-date on its vaccinations, namely, rabies. I love dogs, which is why I would try to protect them despite their bad owners. Remember too, that the next encounter may be the child that gets bit. If the dog is not vaccinated, it can be put down. Your call to animal control can help prevent this unfortunate scenario.

Stay safe out there, and cache on!

I love geocaching, especially the fact that it takes me outdoors to remote parks. That’s my favorite kind of geocaching. There’s another reason that we enjoy it so well. I like finding treasures of other sorts while in the field. We found these morels last year while geocaching at a nearby park, albeit one that we don’t frequently visit.

Finding wildflower and wild edibles is just another great thing about geocaching. When you geocache, you’re looking down a lot anyway. It’s fun when you can see something unexpected there as well, like these morels. It’s a good time to also spot those spring wildflowers. They last for such a short time that’s it easy to miss out.

After years of doing it, I’ve decide to write an e-book about the ins and outs of collecting wild edible plants. There’s a bit more to it than just finding the plants.

There are several rules of thumb that you need to follow so your next trip isn’t to the doctor or the police station. It comes from those years in the school of hard knocks. I’m hoping to have it available on Amazon within the next week or two. Meanwhile, keep your eyes open for other treasures on the trail.