dreamcatcher97and04

You can always submit a grant request through Bill Gate's foundation which focuses on the use of technology in the classroom. I'm not sure if it is available in Canada, but you can always look to find out more information. That way you would be able to get a whole set for your classroom. I think that Garmin 60 is over $100 (US), so I don't think you would be able to get 9 on your budget.

Have you looked in the region specific forums? That would be a good place to start. Introduce yourself and someone will probably contact you. I know when I started a month ago, I was immediately contacted by cachers in my area. It was great to get some advice and hopefully I'll be able to meet some of them soon. As far as the baby goes, you may want to look into a hiking backpack that the baby goes in. It woud make caching a lot easier for you. Or even an all terrain stroller. Also, I'm not sure if she is old enough, but make sure to always put sunscreen and bug repellant on her. I have a 3 year old and felt terrible after our first hunt in the woods when she came out with all sorts of bug bites. I use the one that has both in one bottle (maybe Coppertone?). Good luck and have fun.

I am also a new cacher and get "wigged out" when I am close to house or in broad view of the public. I just feel like people are watching. It's probably all in my head and no one even cares that I am around. I did get some good hints about looking like I belong (always carry a clip board and look as though you are writing things down as you hunt!). I was very frustrated with the first 3 I tried to find right near my house. I had NO idea what I should be looking for or even where to start. I still only have a few finds under my belt but feel like with each find I am getting a little better. I like you did a lot of research about caching before I started. My best friend has been doing it for well over a year but I was still a little leary of it all. I mean, come on, there are tiny "treasures" hidden all over the world....apparently YES! I am glad that I decided to give it a try Good luck hunting!

This is a great question! I am new also and have not been sure about the DNFs. Initially, there were 2 caches that I looked for and did not find. They were very close to me, so I knew I would be searching again soon. I did not log them as a DNF. Within a few days, I went back and found them and logged the caches as found. Today while out, there was one I could not find. I'm not usually in that area, so I'm not sure when I would go back. I went ahead and logged it as a DNF. I'm new and expect that I will not be able to find most caches until I get a little better. I don't have a problem with posting a DNF b/c I know that eventually I will go back and try to find it. However, one post said about posting a DNF for the same post a few days in a row. I think that would be a little redundant. I think I would log it once as a DNF and email the owner saying I had been out there three times and would they mind giving out a little hint. It seems like there are varying opinions on this subject. I think it's great to see what others do in the situation.

I just started caching myself. I have a 10 year old and a 3 year old. My youngest gets the idea of "treasure hunting" and gets disappointed if we can't find it and have to leave. The first one that we found that did have toys in it, they were so excited. They had no problem leaving a few things for the new ones in the treasure box. I like the suggestion of a jogging stroller for a younger child. I know a lot of strollers are even "all terrain". I think that a hiking backpack would be great too. Make sure you put sunscreen and bug repellant on your baby! I forgot once and felt terrible when the little one got a few bug bites.

Welcome! I have just recently began to geocache but have known about the "game" for a while. I say that you are one dedicated person! To sit by the sidelines for that long, learning all you can and now beng able to jump in. Congrats to you Have a great time. I'm sure that you are anxious to get out there and cache.

Maybe it is not a compass at all then! It looks like one, but like I said, I have no idea since the technology of the GPS is even new to me. It pops up on one of the navigation screens on my Magellan 210. There's a two sided arrow that moves but there is also a dotted line. I really haven't looked at it much since I have no idea what it all means! The caches that I have looked for are relatively easy ones. Which means when I get to the area and can see on the GPS that I am close, I actually just turn it off. Since I'm only after one at a time, I figure I don't need the GPS anymore. I'm sure as I pick harded finds, I will rely on the GPS more. Thanks for the compass/bearing indicator explaination.

I am also new to the game! My best friend introduced me to it although she no longer lives near me, so we can't cache together. My daughters and I have found 2 caches so far and 2 others are driving me nuts right now Hope you are enjoying geocaching as much as we are.

As a newcomer to the game, I read ALL the information about a cache. I'm hoping to pick up on some hints that may be thrown in or extra details that I should look for when out "hunting." I usually put the cache info. plus a few "hints" on my GPS to help me remember what I read.

I'm a newbie too! I also just got a GPS and am still figuring out how to use it correctly. I've got the general idea down, it's just the specifics I'm still working on. Like I have no idea how to read a compass! Does the compass point to the direction the cache is in? I've also noticed that my coordinates waver the closer I get to the cache. I've read on here, though, that once you get close just to shut the GPS off. I've done that with both of my finds and it seems to work just going on instinct and getting my hands dirty. I am also enjoying the adventure of geocaching. I've got two that are deceiving me right now and I swear I am even trying to figure them out in my dreams! I've got a lot of activities on my "plate" but I am trying to fit in caching as often as I can, even if it is just to find one cache on my way to something else. Good luck!

I just bought the Magellen 210 from Wal-Mart for about $150. It came with 2 programs that you put onto the computer first. They are great b/c when you are on this site, you click "download waypoints" and then you can upload them into the program. It is really really easy and I figured it out by fumbling around with it. Then you hook up your GPS to the computer and the caches are loaded. I would recommend only putting in a few, though, at first. That way you can learn to use the GPS and not have caches filling the screen. Good luck and have fun!

I just found our first cache today. I "knew" where it was hidden and went up to it without my GPS. I searched and searched. I kept thinking it should not be THIS hard. I was looking at it the whole time! I have decided that I am going to try to hook up with some other cachers to learn the ropes. Maybe if I can get a little assistance, it will give me a better idea of what I should be looking out for. Maybe! I have heard that it gets easier as you go b/c you get to know the way caches are hidden and you begin to trust your instinct a little more. Just try to remember that the fun is in the hunt!