Bobthearch

Since you're an artist-type, how about small sketches? I'd love to find a 3x5 piece of artwork in a tiny frame... Just an idea. -Bob

I wouldn't worry about the size difference, unless the weight is significantly more. One advantage to a larger unit is a larger screen, which can really come in handy. Hard to beat the one-hand use of the eTrex and the 'thumb stick' though. Best way is to find a store that has both models. They don't need to be the ~exact~ same, just from the same series. I found WalMart to be the only place to have at least one unit of each series, Garmin and Magellan. Have you thought of the GPSMAP76 or 76S? Seems they would be in-between sized. Happy shopping, Bob

Several people at work have bought various eTrex models with no problems. And that's after months of rugged use. I think you should send it back, and I bet you won't have the same problem twice in a row. Best Wishes, Bob

Yes, for the sake of friendliness I cry "uncle". I just ask one thing, if you see me looking for a cache and not carrying a stick, please don't beat me with one of Diablo's sturdy creations! Best Wishes, Bob

El Diablo, You wouldn't be biased now, would you? Especially since you ~sell~ walking sticks... We humans have been walking on two feet without poles literally longer than we've been humans... Ever see a Bushman or Sherpa with a walking stick? Who knows more about hiking... Wonder when the Wilderness Education Association will add "walking stick" to their Ten Essentials list... I'd crack up if I saw military forces using walking sticks! You're really more experienced at hiking than the Army? As a professional archaeologist, I literally hike all day, every day. I've worked with dozens, perhaps hundreds of other professionals in every type of climate and geography. Not one single walking stick, ever. So give me a break.

If it does, it's clled something different. The GPSMAP76S and the eTrex series use a different operating system, so nothing is exactly the same. Can you explain what the "delete alamanac" feature does? Then I'll know better if the 76 has the same thing. With the 76S, you delete Trip Computer, Routes, Tracks, and Points from the corresponding menus. -Bob

There are Freeware programs for doing just that. Check some of the reliable Freeware sites such as NoNags, OnlyFreeware, freeware Home, or Son of Spy Freeware. (quality download sites such as these do NOT offer Shareware or Spyware) Best Luck, Bob

I didn't buy one myself, but I ~really~ like the eTrex series by Garmin. There's multiple models that would be in your price range, depending on the features you need/want. Why I like: the 'thumb stick' and the picture menus. Happy shopping, Bob

Hi everyone. The word "sissy" was a last-minute subsitute for "gear nerd." Then I thought, if we all aren't Gear Nerds why are we using our computers to talk about GPS units?!? Anyone here a big enough Gear Nerd to use a caribiner for attaching items to a daypack? There's guys like ~that~ at work... Still no stick for me, thanks. Best Wishes, Bob

To be contrary, as I often am: I don't have a problem with Volks' thread. He didn't interrupt ongoing negotiations; he simply stated a fact. And if someone is about get ripped off on these forums, it's the responsibility of regular readers to help them out. I'd appreciate it if I were in their shoes... Just my 2c.

How about "Things my crappy neighbors threw in my yard"? I'd mostly be McDonald's wrappers and diet beer cans, but there's the occational tool or toy. A cache would be a better idea than just throwing that stuff in the dumpster, which is what I do now. Da&* renters!

I think it would be perfectly OK for someone to leave McDonalds toys or stickers, as long as they take something equally crappy. And some kids might really like a couple of stickers for their scrapbook. Personally, if I leave something in a Rubbermaid in the woods, it's the same as giving it away; I won't be sore no matter what. Anyway, the only way to prevent that from happening is to stand there 12/7 and watch the tub. Best Wishes, Bob

Since most Geocaches I've read about (and both that I've visited) are close to roads, a Subway sandwich picnic would be perfect. Or I've got this small picnic pack that has tablecloth, napkins, plastic wine glasses, and a chees cutter. With some wine and cheese, ~that~ would be caching in style! Best Wishes, Bob

Thanks for the info. I did read a little, but browsed this, where knives aren't mentioned: "Please! No alcohol, tobacco, firearms, prescription or illicit drugs. Let's keep this safe and legal." And I think it could be resonably argued that a small pocket knife isn't the same as a "knife" that would be grouped together with firearms and explosives. Yes, I think this particular item has a name written in marker; I'll just leave it. By the way, it's a ceramic angel with a plastic diamond embedded in the belly. Take my word for it, you wouldn't want to come accross it! Best Wishes, Bob

Timely question... I just bought one and used it today for the first time. I really like it. My second choice was the Magellan Meridian Platinum - I can't really say why I chose the Garmin. I was also looking at the higher-end eTrex models. I really liked the 'thumb stick' but I didn't care for the unlabeled buttons on the side, and the 76S has a larger screen. Happy shopping, Bob

I found my first two caches today, but didn't have anything to leave or trade. So I'm going back. I'm planning on leaving CDs that I've created of Freeware software. Sure would love to find a pocket knife with your company's logo! Is there a policy of throwing out ~really~ hideous items? Say, if I leave a pocket knife or calculator, can I take this particular butt-ugly item home and throw it away? Or do I have to re-cache it somewhere? Just wondering... -Bob

I have a *lot* of experience with different models and types of compasses. I hope you find these suggestions helpful: I've had terrible luck with Brunton, especially the Eclipse model. For one thing, the magnetic 'disk' in the compass is opaque, so you can't overlay the compass onto a map. Also, the base did not have an alignment grid for using with a map. And worst of all the writing on the comapss was merely painted on rather than etched in, so I had a perfectly blank pice of plastic after three days of carrying. The Brunton map compass (little yellow thing) actually has the bearings on a paper sticker that lasted exactly three days. Unless you have alternative needs for a mirror (makeup, signaling, whatever) don't spend the extra for a mirror model. They often break, require two hands and take longer to open and sight. Personally, I normally buy the Suunto M-3. They are very smooth operating, the lettering is etched in and lasts longer than any other compass I've used, and the price is right. Forestry Suppliers has much lower prices than local sporting good stores. Happy shopping, Bob

Having extensive experience hiking, walking, backpacking, and professional outdoor surveying, I have an opinion that might be worthwhile: Hiking sticks are for sissies. Toss it out and use the saved weight for extra water, film, bird guidebook, or just enjoy the lighter pack. If you ~must~ carry a walking stick (all your friends have one, whatever) I like Lone Duck's idea up the page. Happy hiking, Bob

Guys at work use various eTrex units. I ~think~ the higher-end models in the eTrex series have a compass, and would be in your price range. The 'Thumb Stick' is cool too! Personally I just bought a GPSMAP 76S that has a compass, but it's a little more than you say you want to spend. I found the best prices, at least for my model, at GPSNow.com. No problems with the order at all! ScubaSteve also had good prices, but doesn't carry the full line of accessories I needed. Happy shopping, Bob

Lucky?!? It's a well-known fact that Travel Bugs are bad, bad luck. Look forward to years of misery Best Wishes, Bob