gerper

Garmin Vista. When I bought this, I thought it would have many features that I wouldn't need or use, but I'm glad I spent the extra $$'s, as I found that I do use them. I also just picked up a Palm Tungsten E as I am going to go paperless.

Thanks, I was mostly confused about the "TPTB" accronym.

I have been a member for just a short time, and really enjoy this sport. However, I have noticed that the forums here have become a big, uh, hostile about some sort of issue. So, could someone please explain to me: -What is "TPTB" and the issue(s) around it? -What the heck is going on with the "backlash" about this site (if any)? I don't mean to "stir the pot, I am just a bit lost as to what the problems are here and would like to know the big picture.

Okay, I bought a new Palm (Tungsten E) on Friday, spent the weekend inputting information in it and downloading programs (CacheMate, MobiPocket, etc). I also got a premium membership so I can download pocket queries. I was able to download the queries in MobiPocket, but what do I do with Cachemate? Do I have to manually input cache information or can I import that? Sorry about the "elementary" level questions here, but I am just getting started at "Palm Caching" and am a bit stuck. As always, any other help would be GREATLY appreciated! Once I get all this Palm stuff resolved, it will be time to go caching!

I log my finds as "gerper" in logbooks on caches, and have recently printed up stickers to put in books so I don't have to use a pen (hey, makes more time for caching!!). I have a pretty common "real" name, so using my gc screen name is just easier to follow or contact me. I also make sure that I log online. Maybe it is a numbers game, but I would like to think that I follow the rules, it makes the game that much better for me (and hopefully, others).

I am going to be getting a new Palm this weekend (probably a Tungsten E) for geocaching. I just joined as a premium member so I can download the queries. What can I expect to show on my Palm when I download a particular geocache? Does this eliminate the need to print out the information sheets on caches? Besides cachemate (which is the most popular here, judging from posts) what else is recommended? Finally, can anyone suggest a Palm holder or protector? Any information is appreciated!

See ya....... I'm going geocaching. Yeah, there are "other" sites for geocaching, but I still think this one is the best ran and the most informative. As the saying goes: "Your results may vary"

I am thinking about getting a new Palm to use for geocaching (right now, I have a Palm III, way too old!). Any recommendations for which model? Also, what about software? Where the heck do I begin on this?! Any help would be greatly apprecaited!!

A very cool concept Woodster, but this looks like it will require quite a bit of upkeep to assure that it will be sealed. I have found caches in containers like this, and they were always wet on the inside. Interesting to see how this works out though!

While one can never have "too" many toys, all those receivers sound like a bit overkill. I can understand two, but that many? Why?

Thanks! This worked and I am going to release one of my bugs tonight. Nice to know that I got the numbers to match up!!

I too lost my father (last year) and am planning on releasing a travel bug on a keychain with his photo on one side and a bit about him on the other. I am then going to ask that the bug be traveled as much as humanly possible and photographed often (I think it will be neat to see how far my dad "traveled" via the internet thru caches!). My father loved to travel, but due to being sick, was unable to do so as much as he wanted. As for your fathers hat, I would keep it and take it with when YOU travel. How about taking photos of yourself in different vacation spots, and then making a scrapbook? It sounds like this hat is quite precious, if it were me, I would never let it out of my ownership.

I too would like to thank you for being responsible and not placing caches for which you cannot maintain! It is pretty tempting to place caches, and I applaud you for not doing so when you travel so much. I say, seek on and find caches until your hearts content. As for the person who critisized you, they are just jealous.

I received the 4 TB's that I ordered today, and activated. Problem is, they are "generic" and I can't tell which is which, as the code isn't showing up. How can I cancel these bugs, and then activate them one at at time, as I place them? Help!

I think that my question is not being understood. There are places that I think would be good for a cache, but I just don't have them "ready". Having one ready to go makes it that much easier to place, once a spot is found (assuming the research is done, as is making sure it is safe to place and not on private property, etc.). I wouldn't just drive down the road and "dump off" a cache without researching it or making sure that there are none nearby. Likewise, there was a spot that I thought would have been good for a cache, but the more that I think about it (and have my cache all ready to go), the more I think that I could find a better spot, as I want to make the cache not only fun to place, but much more fun for another person to find, as well as making it worth THEIR time.

I have a Garmin Vista, and I am wondering if I should turn the WAAS on or off for geocaching? Does WAAS allow the unit to update sooner and with more or less accuracy? Are there any other adjustments or changes that I could make to the settings of my Vista to make it more accurate for caching?

I would only place a cache at a cemetary if it was an old one (ie, spooky) or has historical signifigance. I think it would be disrespectful if a cache was placed at a local cemetary that is visited often or if there are services done there often. It's sort of odd to have muggles watching over you when you are poking around a local park, I couldn't imagine having to try to be descreet if a service was going on!

This is more of a "what is your method for placing caches" question. Many times, while driving around, I will see a spot and think, "hey, that would be a good place for a cache!", but I don't have a container with a log sheet, goodies, or a "rules" sheet with me. So, I am curious as to if you have "premade" cache containers and keep them in your car, ready to go if you see spot. Or, do you make up a container and then place it at a pre-determined spot. I am just wondering which method is more popular and why you use it.

To me, a find is a find. Micro's are nice to find, as they are usually a "quick cache", but I can see where you are coming from in terms of there being lots of them out there. Lately, I have noticed that with traditional caches, I do the TNLNSL thing and leave. There really isn't anything worth trading for.

Maybe because I am fairly new at this, being FTF isn't that big of a deal (I have only found about 6 caches). To me, it is the game and finding the "treasure" that is the exciting part. Last week, I was looking for a good 15 minutes at a wall of hedges and I cannot begin to describe how happy I was when I finally found the cache... I was just about to give up! Perhaps after I have gotten a few more caches under my belt, being FTF will be more important, but for now, it is the thrill of finding caches and seeing new parks or areas that I otherwise would not go to that are exciting to me.

Eeek! And I thought it was bad having to deal with leaves this past weekend!

Unfortunately, this is just "part of the game". I always leave nice items (ie, new) when I find a cache, and while I don't spend a fortune on them, I try to find things that someone would actually want (PEZ dispensers seem pretty popular, as do toy cars, etc.). I have found that it is more the search that is the actual prize, as well as the area. Heck, I lived 5 miles from a park for 22 years and didn't even know it existed until this past week when I did a cache!

I've seen a few caches that are specifically stated they should be done at night and have done a couple of them myself. However, I'm courious as to how many of you cache specifically at night and why? Seems to me that it would be a bit unsafe, especially if you are in the woods or out in the "boonies". Still, being that daylight hours are short (especially during the work week), night caching might not be a bad idea. Who caches at night, why, and have you encountered any kooks or spooks?

I agree with this post, and have brought this up before. I have noticed, in the few caches I have found that people basically put junk in the cache (ie, broken toys, old tapes or cds that nobody listens to, used things that are very abused). When I find a cache, I replace the item with a NEW item (PEZ - new, glowsticks, pencils, lanyards, etc). I always try to "trade up", which is pretty easy considering that a lot of the items are basically "junk". I have started to accept the fact that it is not the "recieving" of something in a cache, but exploring a new park, trail, etc. that I had not yet seen before. I have also found that as I cache more, I can use my GPS more efficiently, and find my way around better. However, it is nice when you to find a nice trinket in a cache. As for me, I try to put back something that is new and that someone would/could enjoy.

Good suggestions, keep them coming, I may just have to pick up another GPS. It would be nice to have when on a GC if the batteries die and for navigation.