Bobthearch

I wear the all-leather Danner Mountain Lights. And I've been wearing them for so long that I think my feet have formed to the boot. I can't find ~any~ other boot that fits well enough for hiking. They're about $200, and worth every penny. At ~500 miles / year, I generally get two years of like, then another year after re-soling. Happy shopping, Bob

I own a Garmin GPSMAP76S, but my second choice was a Magellan Meridian Platinum. I've also used various eTrexes, and they're great units if you need to save space or weight. -Bob

Just to add to what Madratdan said about government agencies: BLM land is managed by the Beurau of Land Management, which is in the Department of the Interior. National Forests are managed by the Forest Service, which is under the Department of Agriculture. National Parks are managed by the National Park Service, in the Department of the Interior. In addition, other federal public lands include National Grasslands that are managed by the Forest Service, and Corps of Engineers properties that are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense. Every agency has different goals and objectives, which are mandated by legislation. As a result, each agency has different rulles for every aspect of land use, including geocaching. Additionally, each property, district, or region may have varying rules for land use. -Bob

It's important to keep in mind that many people die while outdoors. I doubt the man's injuries was a direct result of geocaching. Best Wishes, Bob

I have a 76S and here's a couple of bits of info. To end the navigation excercise, hit "Page" button until you're at the "Active GoTo" screen. Hit "Menu" button, "Stop Navigation." I don't like seeing the directional line on my map screen, so I've told the map not to show it. Here's how: "Page" button until you're at the map screen. Hit the "Menu" button, "Setup Map," "Other" menu, "Heading Line" and select "Off." Hope this was helpful. Best Wishes, Bob

I just bough an external antenna to get better reception heavily forested canyons. My 76 does OK, but loses signal occationally, creating some bounces in the track file - not good when trying to map a historic road or hiking trail. I haven't tested the new antenna yet, but it's ~supposed~ to improve reception. You can by an external antenna inexpensively from gpsgeek.com. Best Wishes, Bob

I absolutely agree. But unfortunately Garmin units do not have memory chip capabilities. The Magellan Meridian Platinum is the most similar product that accepts memory chips. Yep, those rugged laptops are expensive, but one advantage is the ability to use better software, such as National Geographic topo maps and others. My Volusia doesn't do well offroad... Ride safe, Bob

My first choice would be a GPSMAP76CS. Too pricey to justify an upgrade for me at this time, but if it's for work you can write it off on taxes if you itemize. If you need professional-quality GPS, you might look at Trimble, but be prepared for sticker-shock. My unit is a GPSMAP76S and I've used it for field-mapping archaeological sites and historic roads. It's a great unit and probably does everything you need. Happy Shopping, Bob

Just to add to what "top pin" said. Any modern mapping software used on your computer can probably communicate directly with your GPS using a simple GPS-Computer cable. But to load maps onto your Magellan GPS, you have to buy the Magellan software products. -Bob

I have 2 LTFs. One actually was a virtual cache in the process of being archived. It was active when I left the house, and archived by the time I returned home to log it. I was able to log it anyway. -Bob

GPS units do that no matter which measurement system or which datum you're using. But I see your point. Most people probably leave their unit the way it came from the store. Best Wishes, Bob

I had three in one day. Had to drive 80 miles each way, but I got 'em. Another time I got two in one day - they were part of a series. -Bob

That doesn't seem fair. Everyone should get an equal shot. Can anyone confirm? -Bob

I've used a yellow eTrex and it's an excellent unit. Sure, it doesn't have all of the toys and features, but it's just as accurate as a $400 GPS, it's easy to use and easy to learn, and it's great for geocaching. Save your $$ for gas. -Bob

Do you suspect he's getting tips from a 'little birdy' or that he's come up with some computer alarm system? Otherwise he's probably doing something very similar to what you said, constantly hitting the Refresh button. -Bob

For me, the fun is all about the hike. Take me someplace interesting and unique where every RV-driving Texan hasn't already been. -Bob

Maybe you could be more selective of which map sections you load into your unit. It isn't necessary to load Any at all into the GPS itself. And I bet 850 MB is more than enough for the entire United States. You really travel over millions of square miles in one day? A rugged laptop would be the perfect thing for what you need. Best Wishes, Bob

As long as the signal can travel through your vehicle's glass, the mounting bracket shouldn't interfere. GPSGeek.com has lots of non-Garmin brand accessories for Garmin units. I highly recommend their service and products - and it's a LOT cheaper than buying stuff that says "Garmin" on it. -Bob

There 'ya go. I was wrong. I wonder if it's because of ocean navigation tradition? They don't use USGS topo maps in the Atlantic Ocean either. Most of my gov't interaction has been recording archaeological sites for various state and federal agencies - BLM, Forest Service, state archaeological services, highway departments, etc. They all use UTM. I took an oceanography class in college. Way cool! But I went into archaeology instead, and now geology. I am curious to find out if tolerance for sea-faring is genetic, or if I'd get as sick as a dog. -Bob

Drive and walk faster. Cache solo. Be prepared for any conditions on the first visit, so a second isn't necessary. Those simple things save me hours. -Bob

I just placed my first an hour ago and submitted the cache five minutes ago. My hope is that eventually someone may look for it. I left a $10 restraunt certificate for the FTF. They'll be hungry after the walk/climb. Yep, it feels 'neat' but there aren't many cachers around here. Ive been FTF at several caches over the last couple of months - many haven't been logged again. -Bob

Thanks for the info. I know many government agencies allow either NAD27 or NAD83. On the gov't forms you usually check the box according to which you're using, which is generally determined by the particular topo map you're working with. I don't know anyone who uses anything other than UTM for government or scientific work. Geocaching is just odd that way I guess... -Bob

hmmm... with two minutes of research and a small experiment, it seems NAD83 and WGS84 are the exact same. Can anyone elaborate or correct me if I'm wrong? In my location, NAD27 and NAD83/WGS84 are ~way~ different. -Bob

I guess now I gotta ask, why does geocaching.com use a non-standard system? Nearly all usgs topo maps are still NAD27. What makes WGS84 better than NAD27 or NAD83? Becoming very curious, -Bob

I wouldn't place them in bear country. First aid supplies have an odor that attract bears (supposedly). While I can't confirm that bears are attracted to band-aids, I do know firsthand that bears are very curious about anything that's a "smellable." Just something to consider... -Bob