Old Salty Dog

An update on the paperless caching I've been trying out. I like it! The PPC is a Dell Axim X51v that is wireless/bluetooth enabled. That allows me to surf the net to the GC website, tailor my pocket queries or grab a single coordinate and download it directly to the PPC. That's a really nice feature to have if I'm away from the house and need some info. The GPS is a Holux GPS that's bluetooth and about the size of a matchbox. Sync's so fast it'll amaze you and it's got good battery life. Only one software package now. Beeline GPS software gets the job done well. It uses the GPX file to show the info you downloaded with the PQ and gives you navigation cues. Notes are build right into it and it has all of the "usual" GC icons. No real issues with battery life in either device but having the extended battery for the PPC or at least a second standard battery will be a good backup. I carry the PPC in a rhinoskin aluminum case but I'm looking for a better option. I'm sold, paperless caching is for me.

I'm just getting into the paperless caching and I'm going far enough to try to combine all of my caching "tools" into one device. Santa dropped off a new wireless/bluetooth Pocket PC yesterday and since I had an idea of what I was getting, I have been doing some research into what I'll need. The first is to set up pocket queries, something I've been using for a long, time now as it makes caching trips much easier. I've used several applications for organizing/managing those .gpx files and my favorite is GSAK because it lets you do so many things with the file before you push it to the handheld. On the handheld, I'm using GPS Sonar. Although I'm using Windows Mobile 5.0, it runs just fine. For GPS interface/mapping, I'm doing a trial with Bee Line GPS (http://www.visualgps.net/) and I'm happy with it so far - it's got geocaching features built into it so your GPS nav data and waypoints are all integrated into one happy package. I don't have street level maps but if I need those, I can use pocket streets and export street level maps to the thing and navigate with those. I like the challenge though. My GPS rcvr is a bluetooth unit that sits on the dash (creatively designed holder in word) while in the car and clips right onto my camelback/geostash bag when I'm out of the car. In addition to the GPS holder, I'll be getting a Pocket PC holder and then both devices can be on a charger while in the car if needed. So far, my battery life has lasted longer than I can on a winter caching day. No more three ring binder and GPS (verion 1), no more GPS, Palm Pilot and notebook (version 2) and finally, no more GPS and Pocket PC (version 3). Now it's the pocket PC and my hydration pack and I've got all that I need. No more papers to loose and before long, GSAK will have a better macro that will allow me to push my cache notes directly to GC.com when I sync the Pocket PC! It can be done, it just takes some time to figure out what software meets your needs.

We lurk, though rarely... fun to see what everyone's talking about tho'!

We're 40 and 41; started caching at 38 and 39 - - I think you're right on! "Old" people rule!

The wife (Jenny) and I (Craig) went out to find the "Ye Olde Ellis Cache" this morning. We arrived at the proper place to begin our hike but there was a vehicle backed into the area. Turns out the guy had camped out at the spot overnight (so he said). I began the climb to find the cache and Jenny occupied the "camper" when the resident deputy pulled up in his Expedition. He didn't give us any problems but the "camper" was a little strange. After the deputy left, the guy actually climbed down into the cement cistern with a "HEY!, it looks like someone is living in here" and he came out with a tshirt that had a logo for his father's company on it. I was glad to see him leave but he went west on the road and we later saw him at the end of the road above I-8. All of this was just hours before the rain, lightning and fires today. Never did find the cache but we'll go back when it's cooler and we have more time. Strange fellow though, I'm guessing we found his residence. Someone had been cutting down bunches of poison oak in the area of the cache too.

Thanks and I'll have to do that. I've created a geocache monster with the wife so now I've got a way to get her out on a bike or 4 wheeling with me. Everyone wins! JennyCraig

I've been looking through the cache list looking for those that I can use to play with my other hobbies too. Is there anyone that does caches that are good for 4WD's and Mountain Biking? We are new to this but having a great time so far!