XopherN71

Ahhhhh, what a refreshing and well thought out post from a fellow newbie - couldn't have said it better myself. (And I've tried) Thank you! (Unfortunately your post will soon be buried, only to be seen by a select few.)

I made a bunch of little 'zines' for log books in my caches with my logo on them and decided to make a bunch of extras for caches I ran across that had wet or full log books. Personally, I don't think it's any different than leaving a personal geocoin or wooden nickel, etc. In most cases either I leave my own log or I can't sign, if the log is recoverable I try that first (and always leave the original behind as well). What are your thoughts? Here's what the log book looks like: http://www.xophern71.com/logbook.pdf I guess I never gave it much thought until I got home tonight and started reading all the rant threads again.

The only thing I would like (and I understand it's in the works) is auto map switching with a profile change. Automotive = City Navigator Marine = Inland Lakes Geocaching = Topo Etc.

It's a neat concept, however I'd sure hate to have dropped my nüvi in the water... or dropped it period.

I had the same experience comparing my 60CSx with my Geko 201. The Geko was consistently within 4-5 feet of the cache while the 60CSx was within 15-17 feet. Not sure what the deal is... I guess the cheaper ones just closer mimic the hiders GPS This picture was taken directly on top of the cache location, as you can see the Geko reads about 4 feet while the 60CSx reads almost 30 feet to go.

I was in almost an identical situation about a month ago Had a Garmin nüvi 660 and gave geocaching a try... it's "possible" but not nearly as easy or durable as a handheld unit. I ended up buying a Garmin GPSmap 60CSx then decided to sell the nüvi and get a Colorado 400t instead. It's a GREAT hobby, enjoy.

Less clutter and I have no need for a 'recreation' profile.

If you want to download them here, yes... otherwise you can get the caches from Garmin as well from your myGarmin page.

$100/year sounds pretty steep, that's more than OnStar and only does one thing.

Definitely the GPX file format and compass view when you get close (map view to get you to the area, compass view to get you to the cache).

Wow, there's a MUCH easier way! Using this site or Garmin's site (can't tell if you have a Colorado or if you live in Colorado). If you have the Colorado you missed out When you find a cache on this site or Garmin's you can just select 'Send to GPS' and it will put the info in for you (using the PC cable). I guess I need more clarification on what GPS you have first though, but regardless - you can use (and I recommend) the compass page once you get close.

Everyone is going to have a different 'standard' in which they feel a cache should live up to. Me, I just applaud an effort and happy to see a new hide listed. Maybe the extreme cache rich locations can afford a bigger gripe?

Does anyone think Garmin is going to make the maps auto switching for different profiles? Now that I have Topo, City Navigator and Inland Lakes it would be a nice feature. Granted it only takes 2 seconds to switch maps.

Thanks. I got an email with a link to an original one just in case, just wasn't sure if there was aome special coding in the OEM profiles or not. Did you know you can add your own background images?

Can we agree that there is really no feasible way to write every possible 'rule'? Can we also agree that the volunteers do their best to interpret the 'rules' as they see them and enforce them as such? Lastly, can we then agree that if the submitter feels the reviewer (unpaid volunteer) did not enforce the 'rules' correctly, that there is an appeal process that can be submitted for final review? Folks, I hope it doesn't come to the point where we are forced to purchase, sign and have notarized a 1500 page hardcover book of 'rules'. (Not that it would ever happen, just saying.) I can appreciate hard work put into a cache, but at some point common sense meets responsibility and accountability.

No experience with it but I did find this list: http://www.natgeomaps.com/gps.html I find it odd that they show the Geko since it doesn't support maps. Not sure how reliable that list really is after seeing that.

Very true, good way to put it

Right on! I'm sure mine will duplicate some of yours but oh well... To me, geocaching is nothing BUT positive! 1. Gets me out with our 5 year old daughter doing something together outside. 2. Great exercise! 3. Once the hardware is purchased it's a relatively inexpensive hobby. 4. Learning some history of the area. Sorry, but I do have one negative... my shoes are always muddy and my pants always full of thorns when I get to work now because I have to get 'that one cache' on my way in

Politics and Religion Two things guaranteed to start wars.

I have a Magellan Map 410 I'll sell you for $30 shipped (Cont US), nothing wrong with it either and it even has all the buttons Don't know much about it, but I do know it works. Manual download here: http://www.magellangps.com/assets/manuals/map_410_en.pdf Looks like this:

Now that you mentioned it I think I'll change it back to Southeast Minnesota! Doh!

Nerves, I find your avatar offensive - please remove it (Kidding, only kidding)

The only 'swag' if you want to call it that, which even remotely offended me was a magazine or newsletter article that showed what happens at certain slaughter houses. The photos definitely were not appropriate and I'm very glad my kids weren't along when I found it. I removed the item, and replaced it with a game... I honestly don't know anyone that would have enjoyed the article, true or not - just not something that needs to be in a cache. That said, someone may have a completely different view - fine. I did what 'I' felt was necessary, which was removing it from circulation and trading

Thanks for the replies, I think I'll take the plunge (no pun intended).

Great suggestions above, you can also take a look at the Garmin Geko 201, you can get it for about $70 with cable... great little device, I love mine (and I also have a 60CSx and Colorado 400t). Geko definitely comes along for the hunts. Just depends on what 'breaking the bank' is to you.