Bobthearch

Mine is exactly like this one, really: It looks ~much~ better in real life. Guess I'll have to keep pestering the wife about bringing the digital camera back from school... -Bob

Got it... -Bob

I'm getting the same message at the same page. I guess I don't get it. I'm trying to upload a picture from my computer for the current "My caching bike" thread. I don't want to upload an avitar or picture to be displayed in my profile... It's really easy I bet, I just haven't found the correct instructions yet... -Bob

Since I started caching, I've been leaving CDs of astronomy freeware that I've compiled. The CDs contain no shareware, viruses, or spyware. Yep, they're popular, often the very next item traded out of the cache. It took hours and hours to compile the disk (there are screenshots and descriptions of each program, and I tested each program on my own computer). But once that's done, blank CDs in hard cases are only 50 cents. Best Wishes, Bob

Just to add... the Delorme and National Geographic software are excellent computer programs. Your GPS (as long as it can be fitted witha data cable) can communicate with this software using a computer. For instance, you can map a trail as a Track File, export it to the computer, and overlay it on the Delorme or N.G. topo maps. However, you can't tranfer third-party topo maps to your GPS. If you buy a Garmin, you must use the Garmin software. If you have a Magellan, you must buy the Magellan software. The Garmin and Magellan topo lines are rather crude compared to acutal topo maps. So it's not a bad thing to use both the propietary software for using on the GPS, and a third-party program for using on the computer. Best Wishes, Bob

I highly recommend the Garmin MAP76S. Same as the MAP76 but with a built-in compass that really comes in handy. My second choice was the Magellan Meridian Platinum. I liked the potential for upgrading and it had comparable features as the Garmin for about the same price. But everyone at work had Garmins and I wanted to be compatible. And so far there has been no need for the Magellan's extra memory capabilities. You'll probably be happy with either unit you're considering, but slightly happier with the two I mentioned. Happy shopping, Bob

Gosh, I wish I had thought of those ways to get money. I went about it the hard way and got a JOB. Now I have no time for Geocaching... -Bob

I think the rule is "No knives". Simple rule that applies to small pocket knives or utility knives too. -Bob

You wanna go to Members Only Parties and seek Members Only Caches? I see a simple solution: become a Member. There's no discrimination or elitism; ~anyone~ can be a member. You just gotta cough up a few dollars. Me, I'm a "gated community" sort of person, but not if it costs money. Best Wishes, Bob

Don't most scientists use the UTM grid? It's metric after all. I know that archaeologists use UTM, whether GPS or map plotting. Not all of the USGS topo maps have UTM lines, but they all have ticks on the edge that can be extended across the map. And it's true that the GPS system ~used~ to have a built-in margin of error that varied daily. The errors on the nicer GPS units, like the handhelp Trimbles, could be corrected each evening using the internet. In addition to not being correctable, "recreational" units weren't that accurate back then anyway. The purposeful error was for defense purposes. President Clinton did away with it years ago. -Bob

Most likely problem is a scratched CD. Although all of the other ideas are possibilities too. -Bob

They aren't legally obligated to honor an advertisement in cases of typos or other errors. I wouldn't pester them about it though. They'll be more likely to discover the mistake sooner and less likely to ship the units. If they send you the wrong item, send it back and get a refund. If they discover the mistake and cancel the order, you haven't lost anything. If they ship it for that price, you got a good deal. -Bob

I've never seen an Explorist; they're a new product. Here are some comments on the eTrex line, that I'm somewhat familiar with: * eTrexes are well-built, mostly accurate, although they don't do as well in the forest. Under dense tree cover, an external antenna is the best bet. Even an internal quad-helix antenna often loses signal in the forest, especially in steep canyons or valleys. * The eTrex Legend is the lowest model in the eTrex lineup that can hold the Garmin MapSource products. * The eTrex Vista has an electronic compass that works even when you're not moving or can't get a solid signal. Nice feature to have... My main complaint with the eTrex is the readout. The screen is small, but that's no reason why the coordinate readout should be so ~tiny~. They devote most of the screen area for a graphic showing satellite locations... A minor eTrex complaint is the buttons. They're scatttered around on the sides of the unit and aren't labeled. In between the budget eTrex line and the cutting edge 60CS is the GPSMAP76S, something you might consider. It doesn't have all of the toys of the 60CS, but it's a solid unit that'll do anything you need. Quad-helix antenna, can be loaded with Garmin's MapSource products, large easy to read screen, and good "tactile feedback" on the buttons. Nearly any storebought handheld unit is sufficient for find the campsite or truck at the end of the day. And they'll all get you close to a hidden 6" Rubbermaid container. Some will get you closer than others more often. Happy Shopping, Bob

I wonder if the "Waterways" software has those mapped? -Bob

GPSMAP 76S, even though the poll choices seem to be gone. It's a mid-way choice between the tiny-screen eTrex line and the more expensive V. Haven't tried a 60CS yet. -Bob

If a handheld GPS isn't accurate enough, here's a system I've seen oil exploration companies use to lay out siesmic lines: They use a base station with a radio antenna. The radio antenna is from 40 - 100' tall and the base station is a trailer. The guys placing the seismic points use backpack-size Trimble GPS units that receive signals from the radio tower. The accuracy is measured in centimeters. Sure it's expensive, but it sounds like just the thing if a $400 store-bought Garmin isn't good enough. The backpacks are in the neighborhood of $14,000 each. I have no idea how much a base station and portable radio tower cost. Best Wishes, Bob

GPS is more accurate, especially with a quality unit that can average the location and use WAAS. To use topo-only plotting, you'd have to pace out or somehow measure on the ground from the plant's location to a known location on the map. That's sort-of accurate, but nothing like a GPS that can be accurate to 2 or 3 meters depending on reception. For my work as an archaeologist, various goverment agencies now require GPS coordinates. -Bob

Nothing's easier than EasyGPS. I recommend starting with that and then trying other software. If you become acustomed to EasyGPS, you'll have something to compare the rest too. You'll be familiar with the limitations and features of EasyGPS and have and idea of what to look for when 'upgrading'. -Bob

Nearly any handheld GPS unit is good enough for geocaching. It just depends how much extra $$ you're willing to spend for extra features. I bought the GPSMAP76S because of the larger screen and ~much~ larger numbers, it has a real compass that works even when you're standing still (and all of the pages can rotate with the compass), and it can be loaded with the MapSource products. The eTrex Legend is the lowest-end product I would consider for myself. Just adding my thoughts. Hope you find something in them helpful. -Bob

My advice is to save the Hanta Virus for last. With a 40% fatality rate (50% around here) you may not be around long enough to finish the checklist. Those are all very serious diseases with potential for major long-term health problems. Certainly ~not~ a rite of passage. Fortunately these can all be prevented somewhat with the use of deet insect repellants. Here in the Southwest the plague is naturally-occuring. Another one for your list... Hope you get well soon. Be a little more careful in the future, huh? Best Wishes, Bob

Here, this one has your name on it: GCKM8M -Bob

I was holding off on these just so you could bag a FTF. However, you never showed and I couldn't wait any longer GCKNJ6 GCKQWX GCKP0J Perhaps you should expand your horizons. You could have flown to Colorado Springs, rented a car, driven down here, found the caches, and still beaten me by two days... -Bob

Fly46: Yes, only 40 caches found so far. But that's a YEAR, plus six weeks... Yep, I'm a relative beginner compared to some folks around here. That's why the original post is in the form of a question. I wanted to know what more experienced cachers thought. Thanks for your input. Best Wishes, Bob

Wow. A lot of good responses. Yep, there are a lot of 'issues' that I didn't think of. I'll certainly keep looking for the caches, even if they're all identical. And yep, just got the Geocaching Notification e-mail. The same people have placed yet another cache in a highway R-O-W, along I25 where there are already two caches within a few miles. Nope, I don't feel I'm 'owed' a FTF prize. But did expect something worth swapping for, seeing how each of these caches is a swap container... Hiders should spend at least as much effort placing a cache as the Finders who come later to seek it, IMO obviously. Note to LeanWolf: The astronomy CDs are often the very next item traded when I leave them. The software itself isn't home-made. Each of the programs has been installed and completely tested on my own computer. I never download or re-distribute shareware or spyware. In addition to the program files, I also include screenshots of each program and have written a document with descriptions of each program. Shoot me a message through Geocaching.com and I'll send you one of my disks if you're interested. Here are a couple examples of what I burn on the CD: Celestia Planets' Orbits Best Wishes Everyone, Bob

Good point, Major C. I never intended to stop looking for them. But I'll try to come up with a variety of trade items so the Second-to-Find people won't get sick of computer CDs... If there had been one, I certainly wouldn't have taken the FTF 'prize' from each location anyway. I mean, how sporting is that with exactly two local geocachers, the folks that hid them and myself. Whoever drove down the road first with a GPS was obviously going to find every cache first. I guess if they keep laying them around, I'll keep looking. And I'll continue leaving the 'swag-pile' better than I found it. It has motivated me to start preparing for a cache I've been thinking of placing. Want to get 'er done before someone puts an empty tub there first... Happy Trails, Bob