Forgive My Trespasses...and Let Me Catch That Vulpix!

As you can see from the map, it would be pretty difficult to really catch anything without trespassing.  Therefore, when I want more room to roam, I walk across the street to UH Manoa Campus to practice tracking methods with the Sightings feature on PoGO.

I decided to call it a day when it began raining.  As I headed home, I collected items from the last few PokéStops along the way.  Off campus, there is nothing to do but collect distance for eggs.

Once home, I typically shut my phone off and plug it in for charging.  Nothing interesting ever happens on my street -- except for Zubats, Rattatas, and Pidgeys.  Although, the Sturgeon moon is in its Waning Gibbous phase tonight...and it probably caused  change in Pokémon behaviors, because what popped up on my Sightings was a Vulpix!

It was raining, but it was exciting to witness such a phenomenon.  There, a Vulpix, was approximately within a 200-meter radius from where I was standing!  But...where exactly?!

Okay...breathe...think...there is probably nine minutes left.  I know that this temporary Sightings system works on a much quicker update rate.  Supposedly, it does increase the odds of the Vulpix showing on the screen will actually be in the neighborhood.  Ughhhhhh!

Thinking...200 meters is roughly about 200 yards.  Looking at the map, I only have two options to go -- up and down the street.  If I attempt to look anywhere else, I would probably be explaining to HPD that I was 41 Vulpix away from Ninetails.  I am sure that would go very well -- being on the evening news for trespassing on private property for something other than Dragonite or Aerodactyl.

Without another thought, I grabbed my umbrella and walked out to the garage.  I decided to go left and walk up the street.  I passed two houses and Vulpix disappeared.  "NOOOOOO!!!"

Okay.  Did a 180-turn and started walking back down.  Vulpix reappeared under Sightings within a few steps.  Good.  I kept walking.  **VIBRATE**  Pidgey appears.  "WHAT the...?  Get lost, Pidgey!"

I continued to walk down the street...past my house...past three more houses...  **VIBRATE** "Vulpix! Here! Have a razzberry!"

I noted its CP was only 98.  No problem, I am sure it would make a fine piece of candy and with that, I was comfortable curving a regular Pokéball.  "Now, come on home, Baby Vulpix."

Essential Items for the GO-Pack

It is always great to have a quick review of what items you may want to pack for your next Pokémon GO (PoGO) Adventure.  Be sure to dress accordingly and wear comfortable footwear.  For your GO-pack, I suggest a light messenger bag or backpack.  It must be comfortable to wear for hours at a time.

The following is a list of essential items that I take with me on each venture:

* USB wall charger + Power bank (20000mAh)

Keep your phone charged up.  I like to take advantage of wall outlets whenever I am taking breaks from PoGO, while journaling or eating.

* Wallet + ID / health insurance card + cash

In the real world, LIFE happens.  Carry a State ID or Driver's License and medical insurance card at all times.  Having at least $20 cash on hand is awesome when mobile pay, credit card readers, or ATM machines are not in service.  

* TheBUS app + Bus pass

 

This is the best way to travel, especially around Honolulu and the Kaka‘ako area.  DaBus app, plus a bus pass, equals more time for splendid Pokémon opportunity! 




* Protection from the elements
Have polarized shades, sunscreen, hat, and hoodie available to wear.  Just be prepared.  I always carry a small umbrella in my GO-pack to shade me or keep me dry, when needed.  Do not forget lip balm -- it is part of that first impression when you need it most!


* Water / snacks / breath mints
At the very least, carry a small, reusable water bottle and pack an energy bar or dried fruit.  Carry some kind of breath mint or freshener.  PoGO is an activity which brings people together!


* Small travel journal + pen
You'll never know what kind of tips you may pick up along the way.  I love my handy-dandy, little notebook!


* TP
Yes, definitely!  Toilet tissue is as vital as the rest of the items on the list.  Trust me.

Let us be very real here.  Walking the Kaka‘ako strip during business hours is great.  One would think the establishments there would have better rest stops than Magic Island or Thomas Square Park.  

I have pretty good foresight when I travel.  Most who know me say that I plan well, travel with purpose, and have productive days.  Last night, while hanging out at Kaka‘ako, I decided to take a good break before the last of the café shuts down for the night.  While I chill, the Barista told me he would close the shop in fifteen minutes.  I replied with a thank-you,  packed up, and decided to go to the Ladies' room before leaving.  

As I thought about how nice and smooth my plans went for the evening out, I looked over and...well, whaddaya know?  I stared for a moment, and then reached over to grab my reliable and well-prepared GO-pack.

Fashionably Late with Pikachu

Being last has its advantages.  

"Pikachu!  I choose YOU...for my Starter Pokémon!"

While everyone was out celebrating the game release, tracking down Pokémon, and filling their Pokédex, I was stuck doing whatever Life needed me to do at that moment.  During short breaks, my Trusty Twitter Feed kept me company and up-to-date with the latest game tips.  A great big Thank-You to Bloggers and Vloggers, like Polygon, Reddit, Trainer Tips, and other Pokémon researchers, for teaching me the coolest tricks so I may be the best I can be.

If you are off to a later start and would like to have a most loyal Pikachu friend for life, click on the link below to read the article by Marshall Lemon.  He explains how a new Trainer must physically go out and walk; continue to walk, ignoring the three original Starter Pokémon until Pikachu appears on the screen as the fourth choice.  It took about fifteen minutes before the magic took place for me.

Pokemon Go: How to Get Pikachu as Your Starter Pokemon

Pokémon Adventures on Hawaiian Time

I enjoy playing...and that is that.  Or is it? 

Pokémon GO (PoGO) is not just a simple game where individuals utilize smartphones catch wild creatures in supplemented reality.  Just about everyone who has access to the app is playing.  This game I enjoy is bringing a diversity of people together and socializing outside in the world again.  It has been about 47 days since the release of the game and I observe a change in people and how each is unable to resist the strength, heart, and cuteness of Pokémon.  

I would have been totally on board from the very beginning and probably be dominating a few Poké Gyms in my neighborhood, but the sad truth recorded on my phone displays "amateur skill set".  So my Pokédex is not very impressive at the moment.  My excuse for average ranking is that I was late -- real life happened.  I was busy with heavy work hours and summer school.  Although I managed to catch up pretty well, I am not leveled as high as most of my cohorts yet.  The amazing thing of it all is that I have not given up just yet.  It is for the love of the game.  What I see in this app is more than just a form of entertainment, but a type of phenomenon that brings people together to breathe in some fresh air.

I enjoy playing PoGO and breathing in that fresh air.  I know through perseverance, knowledge, and talent, I will become a better Trainer.  I may never be as good as Red (from Pallet Town), but I know I can be just as good as Ash Ketchum and Brock Harrison.

Fall semester is less than a week away.  I feel like I am going to be off to a late start...again.  I am totally excited about knocking out another semester, but could studies wait until I get past level 30?

Image borrowed from Pokémon/Nintendo.