baselinebenny

Yep, replaced EasyGPS with it too. Wonderful program. Ben.

Firstly, thank you all for sharing your stories. It is helpful to know that others have had a similar experiance. Nearly three years ago I had a nervous breakdown. I was suicidal and had major depression. One other person on the project actually attempted suicide. It was in the middle of last year (2003), after making very slow progress, that my psychologist told me that I needed a hobby. On the list she gave me was orienterring. In researching orienterring, I came across geocaching. I borrowed a GPS from a friend and went and found three caches that day. I now have more regular exersise and for the first time in my life, have a hobby, an activity that I do just for me. Sure the family comes along sometimes, but I do it for me. I've come to realise that everyone needs some space of their own, mine is on the path to a cache. I still battle with depression but I am improving more quickly now (fewer downs, for less time). To borrow a line, "I have a life now". Ben.

</lurk> I've found many posts very informative, they guided me in making a decision on what GPSr to buy, they type of batteries to use, the extra gear that makes the hike worthwhile and enjoyable. The raging battles take the shine off the site but this forum is better than usenet for the S/N ratio. I mostly post in the .au site, and occasionally read the posts here, after selecting which threads to read based on the subject line. Nowhere is going to have 100% signal, 0%noise. Baseline Benny. <lurk>

I was in a similar situation, I went with the vista for the extra MB of storage, VERY glad I did. The compass is a very useful feature, very glad I got that as well. If you can afford it, save yourself an upgrade in the future by getting a vista. Ben.