Teach2Learn

Thanks for the reassuring words, Gecko and Woodster, and you were correct. I received an email reply from a Groundspeak representative today confirming the processing of my order. Furthermore, because they were aware I plan to make educational use of the TBs on my trip and after, they rushed the shipping for free. Now that's customer service! I think they're heeding your service tips, Woodster, although they're probably inundated as the popularity of geocaching skyrockets. Once again, communication is powerful, and I'm a believer in the power of the forum. [This message was edited by Teach2Learn on July 16, 2003 at 05:55 PM.]

If you're anywhere near medium-sized or large cities, there are inexpensive Internet cafes. London now has dozens, including a large chain known as easyeverything.com. You have a variety of payment options and unless you plan to stay on a long time, the cost is cheap. I think it's worth it to keep the TB owner informed and things up to date. Otherwise, I guess you'd have to have a laptop or PDA with Internet connection. Added edit: Technically the title is easyInternetcafe, but the hookup is through easyeverything.com. They're in many European cities now and some in America. However, there are lots of other providers and doesn't even Kinko's (probably expensive) provide it? And there's always the public library, if the hours fit your schedule and you don't mind waiting in line.

Coincidental timing? I think not...I believe in the persuasive power of the forum. Way to go, Cacheola Crew, I think your input and checking up on things helped moved the TB along, or at least the logging aspect! Blessings on your next TB's travels, Azziecat!

I'm hoping the Woodster's TB curse has lifted. I ordered a TB 8-pack on Sunday, July 13, and hope to have them in time for my trip to London and Paris on July 26. I received immediate order confirmation using PayPal, but have heard nothing from Groundspeak. I emailed them asking if I should pay extra for a rush order. I realize it's probably too early to worry, but anybody know current processing time? I know that TBs can take longer to produce due to individualization, but nothing indicated any unusual delays, so I'm trying to remain optimistic.

Although I'm a newbie, I've read similar threads where experienced GCs stated that about two weeks (or less) was a limit unless permission was received from the bug's owner. Unfortunately, there's no official policy. Maybe the cache owner who took it went on vacation, but he still should have told you. Otherwise, he better beware or other GCs may start to think he's the PigMan or a copycat. Hope your TB shows up soon!

Glad you chose #3--I like the association with the recognized GEO/GPS logo, though the others were nice too. Looking forward to viewing the finished product! Teach2Learn

quote:Hello Teach2learn, Thank you very much for that offer. All my TB already left France and are in Spain, Andorra, Netherland, UK... So, they started to travel. I hope your journey in Paris will be good. Just a little advise go visit Montmartre, but not only the "place du tertre" where all the tourists go but start at funiculaire and walk in the little streets around the place. That is my favorite walk in Paris. Be carefull café and restaurants are very expensive and not very good around the place du tertre. Best regards Les gaulois Yes, I checked the updated travels of your TBs. If oompaloompas drop off and log Snoopy Kayak in London, I'd enjoy grabbing him and helping add many miles to his journey, with the promise to release him the following week upon my return. Thanks for the Montmartre tip. I'm usually happy with the inexpensive baguettes and crepes. The walk (once you've conquered the hill) to Montmartre sounds nice. I do believe there's a traditional cache in the vicinity I might seek. Thanks again! Teach2Learn

quote:Originally posted by mrkablooey: quote:Originally posted by Teach2Learn:+ Magellan Meridian Platinum GPS with WAAS Enabled 16MB Database, Bundled with MapSend Topo for the United States--$314.00 that's a heck of a deal, where did you find it at that price with the Topo software? thanks. ~robert (that's _mrkablooey_, not _kablooey_) At Compuplus, courtesy of TL's suggestion. Try this link: http://www.compuplus.com/insidepage.php3?sid=3mf3cl0i8cr4c32&id=819

quote:Originally posted by Les gaulois:I'm afraid, you are right. very few French geocachers. But geoocacher from all countries are welcome. I have several travel bugs waiting for travelling. If you find some, please, grabe it and make them travel. Have fun in my country Romary Les gaulois I'll be in Paris for a few days at the beginning of August. I've seen primarily virtual caches listed in the area. Have your your travel bugs made it to the City of Lights? If so, I'd enjoy the challenge of finding them and helping their U.S. migration, if that's where they'd like to go.

Oops, forgot to mention that an additional $50 rebate for getting a MapSend product with the the unit will cover the shipping. Already printed out the form and it's good until the end of the year, though I'll send it as soon as I get purchase with printed receipt. Already had NiMH charger and some extra batteries for my digital camera. Thanks for the version update too--in this newbie's opinion, you are the guru of geocaching!

MeriPlat and accessories purchase made successfully... Items: Magellan GPS Meridian Carrying Case--$13.95 1 Magellan GPS MapSend Streets for Europe--$95.95 Magellan Meridian Platinum GPS with WAAS Enabled 16MB Database, Bundled with MapSend Topo for the United States--$314.00 Sandisk ImageMate 6-in-1 USB 2.0 Reader/Writer--$28.95 Sandisk 128MB Secure Digital Card--$53.00Merchandise Total: $505.85 I may have been able to find some of these items cheaper separately and the shipping (not shown) isn't cheap but it is fast. TL's advice was great and I'm ready to go cache hunting later this week! Only one question: I checked to make sure the item number matched the latest MeriPlat model on the official website, but does anyone know what the current 4.xx version is? Couldn't find it in the specifications, but I may have missed something.

Thanks, TL, your advice appears to be spot-on for my needs, leading me to more questions, of course. If you were to purchase a new (under $500) GPSR, would it still be the MeriPlat or would you go with the Meridian Color? I've seen both on display at Best Buy, but not in use. (The MeriPlat's overpriced there, though the Meridian Color isn't too bad at $429.) Am I correct in assuming that a SanDisk Secure Digital card for 64MB is fine? Does the MeriPlat run the 128MB and above without problems? I remember reading something about only loading 16MB MapSend regions at a time, perhaps that's what you were referring to regarding the Europe basemap. Any suggestions on a good card reader? I've seen multi-slot card readers for $39-$49. Good reminder about the batteries and voltage converter--I have one which is supposed to take care the 220-110 exchange and variations, but only in theory until actual usage. For my upcoming trip London and Paris trip, I was pumped to see all the London area caches but disappointed by the lack of caches, especially traditional ones, in Paris. Oh well, still hope to start a TB or two on a journey from there. Again, thanks TL--I'd enjoy hearing from you again or anyone else with such expertise.

After hours of research and countless changes of mind, I finally decided to purchase the Magellan Meridian Platinum GPS receiver (currently under $300 on Amazon.com). Now I want to know what I should get with it in order to achieve my basic purposes. Here they are, listed by priority: 1. Geocaching: mainly in KY and IN metropolitan and suburban areas with some trekking into the offroad areas 2. Geocaching: Europe, especially near cities like London, Paris, Athens 3. General route destinations and mapping, though I realize the Platinum is not a turn-by-turn GPS system So, in addition to the receiver what should I get in these categories? a. cable(s) b. Mapsend software c. SD cards: is Magellan brand required and what memory size works best: 16, 32, 64? d. carrying case e. miscellaneous Thanks for any advice you can provide, even if you try to persuade me into buying a Garmin after all of my research.