The Georgia Geocachers Association August 2006 meeting was held August 5th in Gwinnett County's Dacula Park.
In appreciation for our CITO efforts at Tribble Mill Park earlier in the year the county waived the pavilion rental fee.
There were approximately 70 people in attendance, with a few coming in late or playing on the playground equipment to complicate an accurate head count. The roster sheets indicated that 43 existing members signed in under 38 geonicks, and 19 new members signed in under 15 geonicks. It was a hot day for a meeting, but the slithery guests of honor seemed to enjoy the heat.

The August meeting was our annual "Snake Show", hosted by Dr. Mark Patterson, with able help provided by his assistant Brian. Dr. Mark spoke of the various venomous and non-venomous snakes to be found in Georgia, while Brian walked through the audience showing examples of the latter, while several examples of the venomous kind safely stayed in cages. As in the past, all in attendance found the presentation very interesting and informative.

Because of recent events at another Atlanta area park, we'd asked Dr. Mark if the county could also provide a presentation on personal safety in the parks, and that presentation preceded the snake show. We learned that Gwinnett County has standards for how tall bushes in the park can be, and how low the lowest branches of trees can be – all to provide good visibility and prevent people from lurking along trails. We also learned practical matters like not being so engrossed in listening to an iPod or watching a GPS screen that we're not aware of what's going on around us. Dr. Mark provided some flyers put out by the Gwinnett County Parks detailing safety tips and contact numbers. He also had carabiners with those phone numbers to give out. Those present passed the hat to give an honorarium to Dr. Mark and Brian at the conclusion of the presentations.

Those in attendance left the meeting with a better appreciation of how to be wary of the critters with no legs, as well as those with two legs, that we might encounter along the trail.

The meeting concluded with the usual raffle. Erik had 30 Green Jeep Travel Bugs to distribute, and AtlantaGal provided a large assortment of goodies for kids and those who did not get a travel bug when their ticket number was called. We also had the usual travel bug corral with TBs for the taking. We don't recall who took the bowling ball with a TB tag attached, but it surely didn't sneak out in anyone's pocket.

Thanks to all who participated. Our next monthly GGA meeting will be September 9th near Lake Allatoona. Come early and join us for lunch and geocaching in the area.