zoeythedog

I've been caching for over a year and have been using a Garmin Etrex H. I've been pretty happy with it and it has met my needs pretty well. It locks on quickly, good reception and has great battery life. I've thought about upgrading to a GPSr with mapping features and got to thinking about what advantages that having detailed maps would give me. Most of my caching is short trails (.5 - 1 Mile) in urban and rural areas, I use caching as a way to find trails to do short hikes. I usually just use the arrow and the distance to get to ground zero. Most of the times, I try to do caches with parking coordinates at the trail head or find a suitable parking spot on Google maps. So, what am I missing by not having mapping on my GPSr?

I use mine all the time. I use GSAK to download waypoints and then use the Ipod Notes macro (available on the GSAK website) to load the waypoint information and recent logs to the notes section of the nano. Two items: 1. I used to use the Ipod Multi-notes macro but then changed computers to a Vista based system and it stopped working. Either Vista or an update to the Nano's software seems to be the cause. I now use the older Ipod Notes macro and it has worked fine. The multi-notes bundles the caches into chapters which makes searching and paging easier. I usually keep about 300 caches loaded in the notes and don't have much problem navigating. 2. I find that sorting the caches by GC number in GSAK helps to arrange the caches for paging through them. The notes are text only so no maps, graphics or pictures get downloaded.

I use a basic Garmin Legend H for gc. For paperless caching, I use an Ipod Nano and use the GSAK software to download the cache information into the Ipod. The nano keeps all the text information and the last five logs for each cache. Very small and easily readable plus has great battery life. The only drawback is that the cache information does not include any maps. But it works and I had the nano available anyways.

Wow, what a reaction! How about a little speculation to keep the conversation interesting? With the press coverage, release of the Geomate Jr and mention of GC in a movie, perhaps we are seeing the mainstreaming of this little hobby. So what's next? A reality show, of course! With the Amazing Race on CBS and the Alaskan Experiment on Discovery, a geocaching based reality show can't be far behind.

I have the Etrex H and am really pleased with it's ability to pick up the satellites and to hold a signal. Works well, even inside a car while driving under heavy canopy. I've been trifling with buying a new GPSr but have resisted because I've been so successful with the H's ability to do the basics, get a signal and get me close to ground zero. But, if you go with the H, make sure to get the serial cable. Enterring more than a few waypoints is a challenge when doing it by hand. The serial cable and GSAK make it a breeze.

Saw the press release on this and went to their website. I have mixed feelings on this thing. First, I like the idea of an "appliance" type product for GCing. I heloed a friend get set up in GC with selecting a GPS and getting waypoints and realized there's a lot of moving parts to getting started. But I wonder how useful this thing is if you can't update it easily and frequently. I also fret about sending people out without some of the details available (description, hints, recent logs, etc.). I think having the ability to update automatically via Wi-fi would be great but probably drives the cost through the roof. I'll be interested to see how this thing works out.

We went on vacation last week from WI to KY. Went caching just before the trip to pick up a couple of bugs to move them. Of the 4 caches that listed bugs in them, only one cache actually had a bug. There were supposed to be seven bugs across the four caches. Got to KY and dropped off the bug and went looking for caches with bugs to make the return trip, of the ten or so caches we found none had the bugs that were listed in them. So, what's the story? Are bugs disappearing at this high a rate? It was discouraging to come back to WI without a bug in tow. BTW, the Land Between The Lakes area is a great geocaching spot, beautiful trails, lots of big ammo box caches and some interesting stuff to see. Highly recommended.