Outspoken1

To address the question of Prevalence: There are permanent LEGO sculptures at several zoos in the US; there are several perms in Germany; yes. many are from LEGOland - but many are also at other public areas. I could cite prevalence in several categories (ex., gasometers) but the real issue is the discovery of items that 'grow' a category. I think sometimes we get too fixated on numbers instead of quality. I never even knew what a carillon was until the category was created. When I wrote of the limited number of photos (actually, URLs to the photos) - I meant that the forum protocol only allowed me to put two or so in a forum post - not that there were not more photos. I tried to give 6-8 URLs and was told by the software that there were too many URLs. I am proposing this category because several LEGO sculptures were submitted to Figurative Public Sculpture and do not fit the category description, so they had to be declined. Just as the Silhouette Sculpture Category was created (due to declines in Fig), I am only trying to help give a 'home' to others Waymarking discoveries. Take care, Outspoken1

Hi everyone: Our group began discussions for a category of permanent LEGO sculptures. Some of these sculptures were submitted to the Figurative category, but do not meet that category's requirements. Interest was expressed in the creation of a LEGO category - so our group began the process. However, the Forums for Waymarking ran into problems at the same time - so there was not too much discussion. We do not want to submit a category to vote without discussion. Rough ideas for the category are that the sculptures must be made from LEGOs (well, duh!); the sculpture must be a unique creation - not from a LEGO kit; the sculpture must be permanent and on display to the public at regular hours (for instance, in a zoo or theme park); the sculpture must display complexity and/or magnitude (in other words, a LEGO sculpture of a simple building would probably not meet the category requirements but a sculpture of an entire downtown area probably would. Here are some examples of permanent LEGO sculptures: http://misc.righttouchcmt.com/LEGO01sm.jpg http://misc.righttouchcmt.com/LEGO011_Phil_Zoo.jpg P.S. Just learned that there is a limit of the number of media files one can post as examples - so only posted two photos.

Hi everyone: Our group began discussions for a category of permanent LEGO sculptures. Some of these sculptures were submitted to the Figurative category, but do not meet that category's requirements. Interest was expressed in the creation of a LEGO category - so our group began the process. However, the Forums for Waymarking ran into problems at the same time - so there was not too much discussion. We do not want to submit a category to vote without discussion. Rough ideas for the category are that the sculptures must be made from LEGOs (well, duh!); the sculpture must be a unique creation - not from a LEGO kit; the sculpture must be permanent and on display to the public at regular hours (for instance, in a zoo or theme park); the sculpture must display complexity and/or magnitude (in other words, a LEGO sculpture of a simple building would probably not meet the category requirements but a sculpture of an entire downtown area probably would. Here are some examples of permanent LEGO sculptures: http://misc.righttouchcmt.com/LEGO01.jpg http://misc.righttouchcmt.com/LEGO011_Phil_Zoo.jpg P.S. Just learned that there is a limit of the number of media files one can post as examples - so only posted two photos. Whoops - posted in the wrong area.

Hi everyone: I tried to search for this topic, but struck out--though I remember reading about this several years ago. I have updated my Palm device from a Tungsten T (let me now if you're in the market for one!) to a Treo 700p [Palm]. I have installed Cachemate (most current registered version) on my Treo Palm and used Geocaching Swiss Army Knife [GSAK] (most current registered version) to transfer my .gpx files from GSAK to my Palm. On my Palm Tungsten T, I had all the caches I have found checked off (grayed out) in Cachemate along with the date of the find. I like to keep my found caches in case I want to suggest some to a fellow geocacher I might meet in the field. I am totally stumped as how to get Cachemate to make my found caches indicated as 'found' when I import them (along with the not found caches) from GSAK. I vaguely remember reading that there is no way to do this automatically - that I have to manually mark each found cache as 'found'. I have been working on that the past few evenings, but I figured I would ask before I waste many hours on a process that 'might' be able to be completed automatically. I looked on the Cachemate site FAQs, etc., and did not understand what any of the plug-ins did. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much, Outspoken1

Hi everyone! I have several old Palm Tungsten T PDAs that are dying. It is just an age/use thing (I have even replaced the batteries). PDAs are just not manufactured anymore. I want to get a cell phone that uses the Palm OS for Cachemate. I don't need the 'phone' part of the cell phone--just the Palm OS. It can be an 'older' phone model-does not matter. I find that Cachemate is really helpful when I find I suddenly have a couple of free hours to go Geocaching (Lucky me!!). Any suggestions of specific cell phone and/or features in the cellphones to look for? Or am I doing this the hard way and there is a better solution of which I have not thought? I figure I would just find the phones on Craigslist or ebay. Thanks soooo much for your kind guidance, Outspoken1

I still use the archaic 'small notebook' to write down the date I Geocached and the caches (GCXXXXXXX and the name of the cache) I found/did not find (DNF). Then I can log onto Geocaching and log them easily when I have time. I also can update my Geocaching Swiss Army Knife (GSAK) program. As others have said, just get out and go try. See if there is a local group in your area/state (just execute an Internet search for something like "geocaching groups in [your area/state]). Post a note here for geocachers in your area. Have fun!!!

New Home page looks nice. It will take awhile to get used to things that have moved, but I know quite a bit of work went into this. Bug - I use Firefox 3.0.1 (most current) as my browser. Went to print virtual cache GC43AF (so I would have the questions hardcopy) and text was cut off on the left margin regardless of the print size. That is, Portrait 100%, 90%, 70%, etc. I went into Internet Explorer and the page printed fine. Hopefully, this can be fixed without too much work. Was not a problem before this upgrade. Thanks, Outspoken1

Since most of my geocaching is suburban, I use two small shoulder bags. The main bag is about 9" tall by 8" wide by 4" deep. I have a second bag a bit smaller with bigger swag in it ( (this Victorinox Fanny Packis similar - mine does not have the water bottle carrier; I found it at the thrift store). My first geocaching bag was earthtones; but I found that I was having a hard time locating it in tall grass when on the final hunt (within 10'), so I switched to a bright red bag. I have found the local thrift store is a great place for geocaching bags. Often, the freebie bags people receive at conventions end up at the thrift store for pennies compared to the hiking stores. Your purchase also helps the organization that runs the thrift store (ARC, Salvation Army and DAV in my area). In my main bag I carry my GPSr, digital camera, PDA, tweezers, flashlight, hand wipes, nitrile gloves, small swag, pen, pencil, handouts about geocaching, a few bandages, compass, extra batteries, extra key for truck (yes, I locked myself out once!), and cell phone. The other bag carries larger swag and leather gloves. If I am mainly looking for micros or small caches, then I only take my primary bag. If I am going after larger caches, then I also take the bag with bigger swag. Although I don't really care about swag that much anymore, I do like to leave goodies for children who may be out caching with adults. People were nice to me when I was a kid, so I am trying to pay back. When I do have time to go into the woods, then I put my main geocaching bag in my daypack with food, water, dog treats (for my dogs--not me), first aid, sunscreen and other hiking-related goodies. Also, by having my geocaching bag so compact, I can keep the bag with me in case I get a few minutes in a different part of town to grab a few caches. Have fun, Outspoken1

As the previous member mentioned, the automotive GPSr are not well geared for Geocaching. If you get a handheld GPSr (Garmin and Magellan are most common), these units have built-in features to really help your geocaching. You can get a new handheld GPSr in the $100-$250 neighborhood. I found my purchase of my Garmin has paid for itself time and again just with enjoyment and learning. If you find you don't like or don't use the handheld GPSr, you will not have any problem selling it. Take care and welcome!! Outspoken1

Many times, a muggle is a future geocacher!!

That is kinda of a mean comment. Not everyone is a great typist (like myself). Let's play nice, OK? Take care, Outspoken1

I'm sorry you had problems with the cache owner. I have both hidden and accidentally 'broken' a cache (lid came off rusty Altoids tin). I feel it is my responsibility as a cache owner to maintain/repair/replace ASAP because as a geocacher, I know how frustrated I get to look for a cache and not be able to find it--only to later find out it is AWOL. That is why I have only placed 15 caches and will probably not place too many more. The upkeep on these caches is quite enough. I have not investigated the cache, but from previous posts, it seems the cache was poorly placed and not too safe. I think the cache owner may have over-reacted or just not been in a good mood that day. I think YOU went above and beyond by offering to pay for the replacement cache! Kudos to you!!! Please don't let this unfortunate incident turn you off to geocaching and fellow cachers. 99% of everyone I have met in geocaching (even when I made a 'dumb' mistake) have been very courteous and helpful. Take care, Outspoken1

I support the paranoid times premise. I also do quite a bit of Waymarking in the Denver, Colorado area. I was taking pictures of historic plaques on old buildings in lower Downtown Denver when a Denver Police Officer casually came over to chat. I figured he was checking out what I was doing, so I explained. He told me that they (Police) have to now (if possible) ask what photographers are doing. Homeland Security. He was very polite and I did not feel threatened (that is, cease and desist), but yes, we are living in very paranoid times.

In the winter, use a pencil. If you forgot your tweezers, you will NOT be able to get the log out of the container. If you forgot gloves, you will have needed them. Ouch. Machinists often make the best caches (Especially for women) Stop at the store to use the restroom before starting the hunt. Tie a spare car key to your GPS (yes, you have figured out the rest of the story!)

At a minimum - GPS, camera, pencil, tweezers, PDA, spare batteries (especially in the winter). As previous poster mentioned, so many times my schedule has changed and I ended up have time to either Geocache or Waymark and didn't have my 'stuff' with me. Have fun, Outspoken1

See if there is a geocaching group in your area (just Google or Yahoo or Dogpile or ...). I had a little help from very friendly locals when I first started. Take care, Outspoken1

I believe (I could be wrong) that the Garmin etrex series does not allow for folders (or some sort of sorting). The Garmin etrex sorts either by location (automatically brings up the 50 closest caches) or by name (alphabetical). Hope that helps, Outspoken1

I do agree with the intent of the original post. Yes, there are people who have a natural ability to make great hides--but a little experience can truly help. I don't think '100' was meant as a hard rule, but the author was trying to get across the idea of learning (yes, learning!) the difference between a mediocre cache, a good hide and a great cache! Why? Because I have learned this lesson in my profession. I am a massage therapist and I remember learning so much when I was in massage school. One of my teachers said, (paraphrased) "When you graduate from here, you will be able to give a competent massage. If you choose to learn and grow in this profession, the following is true. By the time you have given 500 massages, you will be starting to learn what is a true massage. By the time you have done 1,000, you will have a great foundation. By the time you have given 10,000 massages, you will be a well-qualified massage therapist." I have been in practice for 11 years now and I fully realize that the massage I provided when I graduated from massage school pales in comparison to the massage I provide now. Was I a poor massage therapist at first? No. But I had much to learn and experience. When I first started really geocaching (only about 18 months ago), I had read similar advice on the forum boards. Because of my massage school experience, I did follow the wait until 100 (or a few more than 1). I have had many compliments from my hides; in large part because I learned from other caches - what makes a really neato cache versus an obvious lampost skirt hide (no, I am NOT opening that can of worms because SOMETIMES the LSC is a fun hide - watch out for hornet nests, though). To prove my point, look at the HUGE forum posting on 'Evil Caches.' This sport/hobby is so fantastic because it runs and continues to grow on 99% volunteer work. All of us fellow geocachers basically 'get along' to grow this world-wide game into both a learning and exploring experience. So maybe waiting until a new cacher gets good footing (that learning thing again) in the nuances (which are very hard to 'write up' in the directions for hiding a cache) with more than a handful of finds would add to everyones pleasure and experience. Take care, Outspoken1

For whatever consolation - all of us have had days we've been skunked (didn't find any). Try again in better weather! Enjoy, Outspoken1

Most GPSr come only with a base map that is pretty useless for pin-point travel. As others have mentioned, use Google/Yahoo/Mapquest/Google Earth to figure out where the general location is. After you really get hooked (sometimes taht takes as long as 2-3 weeks), save your coffee money for the Garmin City Navigator 2006 DVD. Amazon had (notice the had) the best price during Christmas. That may have changed. It'll set you back about $120, but it is well worth it, IMHO. Once you have paid full price, Garmin will offer an update less costly price with each year. I licve in Denver and we have sooo much building going on in Colorado, that I get the yearly updates just to keep up. I did geocache for about 6 months before getting the DVD maps. The City Navigator has made my geocaching more efficient, but you still have to use your old noggin'. I have had the automatic route try to make me stop on the shoulder of a 6 land highway. Seems the cache was in the bike path tunnel under the highway!! I'm still laughing over that one! Take care, Outspoken1

You can also carry log sheets. The templates are on the Geocaching website under the Hide/Seek menu choice. At the bottom of the column about hiding a cache, there are pre-made templates you can download and print on your printer. I try to carry a few for the smaller micro caches (Buffalo tubes, etc) that tend to fill quickly. Take care, Outspoken1

When you go online or to the computer shop (the Garmin uses the same cable as many digital cameras) try to get one with the filter (looks like a 1/2" diameter by 1" long solid cylinder near the small 6-pin end) to improve your transfers. Outspoken1

Pocket queries are very helpful, can be a bit intimidating to the first time (or even third) user. First you'll select the Build Pocket Query on you Premium Member account page (right hand side menu has it listed about 2/3 way down). This will go to the next page that give a big button choice (pink I think) to Create New Query. Click on this button and you will g to a very complex (to the newbie) page with lots of radio button and choices. First - Name your Query. This will allow you to go back to it once you have saved it. Now select the day to run (remember the queries are run on USA Pacific Standard Time). You can only run 5 per day. For the time being, it is OK to leave the default to run only once. Once you get the query fine-tuned to what you want, you can set a day (or days) to run it. For instance, I run mine on Thursday, so I have all my geocaching stuff updated for Friday and the weekend. You can load up to 500 caches on your GPSr. But start with about 300 caches and that will keep you going for quite a while. I select Traditional cache, virtual cache (I like these-not everyone does-a virtual cache was grandfathered. Other virtual caches are now at Waymarking.com), Multi-cache, Unknown Cache, Earthcache (again, I like these - not everyone does) I keep any container checked. Micros tend to be most difficult to find, but this time of year, are often the only thing because many are hidden under lam post skirts, next to BIG decorative rocks, etc. Magnetic keyholders are also a common micro that can be found on cold snowy days (I'm in Denver, CO). Now I select That I Haven't Found, Are available to all users, and Is active I would make terrain less than or equal to 3 I would make difficulty less than of equal to 3 From Origin, I put in my actual home coords. You've got a GPSr, why not use it!! I do a radius of 50 miles, but with so many caches in my area, I actually only get about 30 miles out (that is, more than 500). This depends where you live. If you are in a more rural area, you may have to increase the distance. Placed during is None Selected I do not use the attributes. Compress to a .zip file, then submit. When you submit, there is a blue text link that allows you to preview the Query. Do that! I have sometime made my selections too complex or restrictive, that I come up with nothing. The query above I have listed I run weekly on Thursday. I also run a second Pocket Query of Subscriber Only caches (Instead of 'That are available to everyone', I check 'subscriber only caches.' The next thing you will probably need is GSAK (Geocaching Swiss Army Knife) to keep track of all this data. I would strongly encourage buying this is you like it, just to help support all of the effort that has gone into and continues to go into this program specifically made for us Geocachers (no relation or interests with the author or program). I hope this helps out. Later, you can also figure a poin to point route and get caches along that route. To do that, you will need to use Google Earth, but that program is free. As a Premium Member, you can get daily email updates of caches placed in your area. Visit here. Take care, Outspoken1

I used my GPSr without City Navigator for almost a year. I got an idea where the cache was located from Google/Yahoo/Mapquest then I just followed the bearing needle of my Legend CX once I got close to the area. Oddly enough, that really taught me how the GPSr works. I was given City Navigator for my Christmas present last year. At the time, Amazon had the lowest price for the DVD. Then Garmin sent email about the 2008 version available at a discounted price. For all the fun I have geocaching and Waymarking, I sprung for the upgrade and am not disappointed. I also upgraded the micro SD card up to 1 gig buying the chip on sale at Micro Center. You don't have to buy your SD micro thru Garmin. Right now I have Colorado and Wyoming on my GPSr (City Navigator 2008) and I remember that is about 36 MBs. Someone (?) in one of the forums said to load all of the City Navigator (entire US) would be under 2 gig (but I am not sure of the accuracy of that statement). So, what I am trying to say is that you don't really need the City Navigator or Topo (whichever best suits you needs), but it is really nice once you have the software. BUT, the automatic navigation feature for geocaching will try to take you as close to the cache as possible. A few times the navigation had me stopping on the side of a 6 lane highway, Uh, no! Well, the cache was in the tunnel on the bike path that went under the highway! So you still have to be aware of the way to get to a cache. Really kind cachers will put parking coords in the cache description for parking area. Take care, Outspoken1

Since I mostly geocache in urban-suburban areas, here is what I carry almost all the time: GPRs and extra batteries Palm with Cachemate to read about caches, hints, etc Pen - Pencil - TWEEZERS!! (learned this one the hard way - found the cache - couldn't get it - had to come back Small Flashlight Card about Geocaching (for muggles) Camera (I also do Waymarking - but I have had some grandfathered caches that required a picture). Camera if also great for unexpected 'neato' caches, beautiful scenery or unexpected features (like the cache in my industrial area that had ostriches across the ditch--real, live ostriches!!) Swag Extra paper to replace logs or write clues or ... Nitrile gloves (I am a massage therapist and I have to protect my hands) Little magnet - to see what is magnetic when looking for very well-hidden magnetic caches! Couple of bandages for little accidents Cell phone - for emergencies Oh yeah, extra key to truck (yes, I have locked myself out in the excitement to find a cache) In my truck, I keep hand sanitizer to clean up after looking/finding the cache. I have some gaiters for late summer when the weeds have dried and are now full of stickers when you walk through them. A small notepad to write down the cache GC_______ so it is easier to log the finds when I get home Summer: Add bug wipes, water, hat with brim, compass (some caches go indoors and you suddenly need magnetic north instead of a GPS OR in the woods a compass is a fail proof backup, extra swag to fix caches full of broken toys or golf balls. A friend if cache is in a skanky part of town As others have mentioned, items you need depend on location (area) and distance to the cache. If the cache is in a populated area like a local park or shopping mall lot, then probably all you need is your GPSr, pen/pencil, and maybe tweezers. If you are walking along a bike path or in an open space area, then items increase in relationship to the distance you have to walk back to your vehicle to get needed items! Caches in the woods increase to basic day hike items plus Geocaching specific items. If you are walking out of sight of your vehicle with no natural path (like a sidewalk), do waypoint your vehicle so you can always get back to where you parked! Oh yeah, most important - a smile! Have fun, Outspoken1