Chuy!

Another sad lose of a dear pet. Doubly hard to come at this time of year I'm sure. Heartfelt condolences, Harmon & Sandy, SD Rowdies Thanks, you guys... For all of my friends who aren't on FB, here's a link to a photo tribute of Max's wonderful life. We will miss him terribly... :( Max (the dog) So sorry to hear about Max. That's a very nice photo tribute. "A good dog never dies. He always stays. He walks besides you on crisp autumn days when frost is on the fields and winter's drawing near. His head is within our hand in his old way." -Mary Carolyn Davies I'm bummed! Here's a pic of Max and Ginger! frolicking at a waterhole in Horsethief Canyon.

You can download Basecamp from the Garmin website. MapSource comes with the Garmin mapping software you purchase, which includes the Trip & Waypoint Manager - although there are ways around that too. If you want the CA topo maps available on gpsfiledepot, it only discusses MapSource. But, since Basecamp is free to download, you can give it a shot. Edit, gpsfiledepot offers info on getting MapSource free.

I make "pre-tracks". I use the Path feature in Google Earth to create tracks. It's similar to making your own tracks in MapSource except in G-E, you can see the actual trails! After creating the path, I save it as a .kml file, then use software (I go online to GPS Visualizer) to convert it into a .gdb file which MapSource reads and then download into my GPS after selecting a color and naming the track.

Some Nuvi models have a satellite screen; wherein, you can navigate by the numbers. On my Nuvi 750 & 755, press and hold the strength signal bar in the menu screen until the sat screen opens up. However, to navigate by the #s, you need to have the cache coords handy. I have them with customized POIs. It take a little getting used to, but I find it more accurate than navigating by the map screen.

Never heard of CacheSense till today. I looked at the web site. It appears you install gpx files on the SD card. Alternatively, if you don't have a data card, you can download an installer to transfer gpx files to the Blackberry via usb. I use Blackstar.

Yes, this Anza no-geocaching policy is old news. I'm curious why they are only now asking us to remove our caches when they could have done that initially. I'm thinking they got lazy about removing the remaining caches [that require more time and effort to retrieve.]

You cannot. The above gets you close but the nuvi 765t does not have the ability to add notes and upload back to geocaching.com. Sounds elitist - paperless = ability to add notes and upload them?! The notes capability is just one feature used by some GPS'. I use the Advanced Nuvi Macro. It's very similar to pilotsnipes' version mentioned by Chrysalides. I looked at both way back when and settled on ANM - I don't recall why, but either one gets you the cache description and recent log entries.

If you generate pocket queries and download GSAK, GSAK offers lots of options to load into the 30-character limit for each waypoint. If you have an Etrex with an external data card, (and maybe the Venture HC), you can use GSAK macros to add cache descriptions as customized points of interest.

My first Nuvi was a 660, then got a 750, then just got a refurbished 755 a week ago ($135 at Amazon). I don't know why you prefer the 660, I prefer the both the 755 and 750 over it. Maybe cause I couldn't do without the FM transmitter to play my mp3's on the radio. But I also remember what a pain in the heine it was to delete waypoints enmasse on the 660 - very simple with the 7XX. Anyhow, the Nuvi's come in many flavors and there is sure to be one that fits your needs and price range. I just got my wife a refurbished 1350t (lifetime FM traffic) from Amazon for $99. That, in my opinion, is a steal. The unit came unblemished and works flawlessly.

Look up GSAK, then check out their macros, specifically, the 60CSx macro that works with all Garmin handheld that support customized POIs (all the external data cards models). That macro can install cache webpage descriptions (short, long or combination thereof), hints, and log entries. There's a short learning curve and not very user-friendly, but it works. I use it on my Vista HCx and Venture Cx.

Generally, only the Garmin handheld units with the external data card feature support a minimalist form of paperless in the form of customized points of interest. Check your firmware history to see if Garmin gave your GPS this feature - the Venture HC's got it, and they don't have external data cards.

Only to those who receive their EOD training by watching too many episodes of CSI. PVC is actually a terrible choice for an improvised munition, because it tends to split before the contents reach enough pressure to turn the plastic into effective shrapnel. What you end up with is something that makes a loud "BOOM" and not much else, especially if the builders are using something with a slow burn rate such as black powder. When you fill PVC with something with a fast burn rate, such as any number of brands of plastique, the PVC is vaporized in the explosion, again, leaving virtually no shrapnel. The folks who build pipe bombs use thick wall metal pipes, (not PVC), because metal pipes allow for the build up of pressure, and the body of the pipe provides shrapnel. When you add in the lack of a fuse, or other detonation methods, PVC pipe really looks nothing like a pipe bomb. When a pipe is seen attached or sitting next to a building, or utility box, or even a guardrail, it can be very difficult to distinguish between a PVC or metal pipe. For the general public, the safe thing to do is err on the side of caution and call the PD.

Congrats you two.

Congrats to the 'stoners! Flagman at 12K - he caught me fast this year. Ragfoot at 5K - didn't he just start caching?! Well, 13 months ago... Splashes at 16K - watch out for Flagman! Team Adelos at 2K - It's not about the #s for them him... Congrats you all.

FTF means First to Find. The first cacher to find and sign the log sheet to a new cache brags he/she was the first to find. It's a competitive gesture among certain cachers. The fervor varies among localities. Some cachers will offer swag to the FTF cacher without expecting him/her to leave something behind. I ordered FTF bumper stickers that I offer on my caches on containers large enough to hold them. Cash is a popular FTF prize in my locality.

Congratulations, Chuy!!! Nice job CHUY! 12,000 now that's some big numbers That's 12k right bud??? When Map sent me an email on Sunday about the 12K, I had no idea what he was talking about. I thought he had lost it - thought he was talking about smuggling drugs or something. Turns out it was me that was clueless - Doh! Thanks for the felicitations.

Chipset might be malfunctioning. Check out this thead: http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=201210

Take a look at GSAK, nothing comes close to the features it offers for customizing waypoints. You can drop the "GC" and add those parameters you mentioned, plus some 20 other parameters. You can even include the hint in the comments section.

I have a Nuvi 750 for the dash. I've also used several of the older Street Pilot models. I have a Vista HCx and Venture Cx, and a 60cs - all have routing maps. My preference for all around, of these GPS', is the Vista HCx. I hike and bike alot and prefer it's compactness and lighter weight to the 60 series. If you don't hike/bike that much, then the 60 may be a better fit for the dash for it's larger screen size. The touch screens (Dakota-Colorado-Oregon) should also be considered - they appear limited only by their higher prices. But, if you are only going to have one GPS, you definitely want a handheld over a dash-dedicated unit because handhelds make much better dash units than dash units make a handheld. There are some hybrids such as the Nuvi 500/550, but there is a reason Garmin lists them under their dash unit category. The new Nuvi 295W looks interesting but battery only lasts 4 hours.

Congrats to JJ Duo, BlondeHiLites, and snflwrmh. Harmon, what are you waiting for? Get it over with. : )

Edit note: just checked out Basecamp and it's from Garmin. So, it should have similar features as MapSource. Will check it out... Only thing I noticed in viewing the notes for Basecamp for the first time is that it does not support GPS with serial connectivity. I have the 1st gen Vista; so basecamp will not work for me.

To reiterate what geecmom said above. Any powercord with a mini-USB male connection (not a micro-USB) will work. They all put out about 3-5 volts which will work for all Garmins.

Awesome views! Congrats on the 3K and the hike. Also, congrats to Dillweed on 5000 finds.

Congrats The Lost Clan, Tombmaker!, Kawikaturn, and Duncan! on the milestones. Those be big #s.

For Nuvi owners that have not heard, Garmin has issued a recall of certain 200W, 250W, 260W & 7XX; all are wide screen Nuvi's. On the upside, you'll get a new battery. Kinda nice as the Nuvi batteries can only be replaced by Garmin. Input your serial # here.