January 2024 - Infinity Hook

When we're out geocaching, we're often in new or unique situations requiring the innovative thinking for solutions.  With that thought constantly on my mind, I'm always thinking of new possibilities for the Geocoin Club's annual functional coin that starts off our new year of geocaching adventures.  I spend what small amount of free time I have watching bushcraft podcasts like Corporal's Corner, Bushcraft Tools, Erik Grankvist, and Coalcracker Bushcraft for ideas, for inspiration, and for the pure love of learning more about being in the outdoors. 

 

I recently learned about the "Tibetan Hook", and was immediately intrigued.  Natives of the Himalayan mountains who work as guides, porters, and instructors often carry a unique set of small metal tools that can be used in multiple ways.  Some of these implements have been around for an extremely long time and can even be found created from fallen meteorites!  Similarly, it appears the Dutch are infamous for a similar array of useful bits of unique metal tools with a multitude of uses.  Some of these are quite similar to the Tibetan hooks and while I researched both, I was really impressed with just how limitless the possibilities were for some of these tools.  

 

This month's coin combines several aspects of a few of these common tools in both design and functionality.  Open loops allow numerous knot styles for running lines, cinching lines, support lines and more while multiple line cinch points allow additional tension and knot stays for quick adjustments on the fly.  Whether you need a quick fix to keep your swagbag from falling open, some quick solutions for an emergency shelter, hanging a bear/rodent bag, or a possible improvised Tool of the Trade to snag that out of reach geocache, the possibilities are infinite!  I can already think of a few times just this year when this would have come in handy trying to retrieve an out of reach cache cleverly placed so only a clever tool would do to retrieve it.  I'm excited to see the group-think possibilities for the Infinity Hook and hopefully some pictures being shared of clever use for this functional coin.  Show us your clever ideas and share some Discoveries with your caching friends.  Take your imagination to Infinity!