SnaggleT

Thanks Prime Suspect - I realized what I needed to do shortly after my post. Thanks muchly for the response!

On the lines of the previous question; MAPSOURCE has 8 custom Symbols listed when you go to: Edit=>Preferences=>Waypoint=>Symbols How do you edit these 8 custom symbols for the Mapsource program? I know GARMIN makes the xImage program to change the custom symbols on the GPS but it doesn't work for the computer program. To make matters worst, I changed these symbols on my laptop somehow, (so I know it's possible) but I can't remember how to do it for my desktop!

Definately the IQUE3600 series - comes in either PALM or Windows Based and has the built in GPS plus a large color screen, with cachemate it's all that's needed and has the SD Card Capability - but you get what you pay for.

Pre-ordered 2 sets and paid via PayPal $64.00 on 3-20-06. Has a delivery date been set? Still waiting to actually hold them and solve the puzzle!

Sent Email for 2 sets

Definately take 1 or 2 from my fellow Marylander.

Yep - That's a bummer! - I have a 17" Wide screen and now need a 10" Magnifier to read it. I think it's to prepare us for the new Nano Caches becoming everso more popular!

Sent Email for 4 coins

Count me in for 2 Sets

Sorry - I missed the directions on that - like I said, I am a rookie with a question. As for position - I'm truly NEUTRAL - I asked a question for confirmation (which the reviewer suggested I should do for clarity) and instead of receiving an answer I received opinions - I have no control of that. If their are no more Virtuals - Great - change the finds to notes (like a previous person said - I'll keep my experience forever and if virtuals are too remain I'm sure I'll hunt for another. ) However, if in someone's "opinion" they want to twist around what I've said - I'll sit my popcorn down for a moment. Since I was unaware that this was an ongoing topic issue, prior to my knowledge of it, I will gladly close it because I truly didn't find the answer. Thank you all.

The word "perhaps" at the beginning of the sentence you are referring too, implies a possible hypothetical situation. As for the virTual cache already at the site - I'm happy for it. Maybe one day I'll check it out - if it remains. As for your comment about disabled cachers only able to find lame virtuals - you are probably correct, they would take offense - However, nothing I wrote ever said that - sorry you interpreted it as so. I think I would have written it like you did, if I meant it to be taken that way. I do like your concept of drive by caches though. It could have possibilites.

WOW seems I've missed a bit. Sorry my body needed sleep. It's hard for us East Coast Seekers to stay Up with you West Coast Seekers. None-the-less, I can honestly say that according to the "Guidelines", I have yet to find a factual concrete answer which satisfies my question. Many people have responded with their opinions, what they think of virtuals and with "Grandfathered" caches listings as examples. Unfortunately, when I submitted the cache (3 days ago), I selected the "Virtual" option strictly on the fact that due to the "item" I wanted people to locate was "Off-Limits" according to physical caches and because the option was there to do so. I was unaware that it was next to impossible to have it listed. Caching only for about a year, I still consider myself a rookie, but I wanted to try to contribute to this "Sport". I realize that this global game draws all walks of life and not everyone will agree on certain topics and have favorites of what they feel is right or suites them best. I'm not sure how the rest of you got intrested in this sport but for me, It was the fact that someone placed something, or knew of something which they wanted to share with others and it was up to me to find. To me, it was more about the Hunt and Finding what needed to be found in a spot where I probably never been too before or would have been too at all. It didn't matter if I was looking for "Words that were just Words" or Tiny Magnetic Keyholders or Soaked Tupperware Containers or Well Stocked Ammo Boxes. To quote "Joelscapes" a person who captivated my interest in the sport "It's the Hunt that Counts" Even people who despise Virtuals (GPSaxaphone ), being like myself, have found them because they were there to be found! My personal preferences are Mysteries because they excercise the mind as well as the body. I believe ju66l3r summed it up the best: So if they are no longer going to be part of the game, then remove the option to place them until the issue is resolved. Because for rookie Hiders, like myself, it discourages them from attempting to place caches of any type. I mean if you can't even get a lame Virtual posted how will you ever design an over imaginative well creative cache? Perhaps if "Virtuals" are to be killed, then a new type could be created to take there place such as an "INFO Quest" Cache which would require the finders to submit certain information which could only be found at the destination. Maybe this would bring a whole new group of individuals who may be disabled (i.e. Wheelchair) to be able to participate. We should be thankful that this unique "sport" is open to everyone and anyone who just wants to seek out a quest of their own and doesn't have to be an "athlete" to do so. Perhaps another type of cache could be a tourist cache - specifically designed to show certain areas of your state. Like I stated previously, to me, "Geocaching" was about the hunt and finding what the creator of the cache wanted you to find - if you chose to look for it. If you didn't like that type of cache you don't need to find it but being it's there to find you probably will. Finally, being so that this is America and we are so diverse - I feel that the creator of the cache should be able to place their creation as they see fit as long as it meets safety and practical standards or guidelines and is not strongly offensive. Having someone determine whether they think something is WOW or Awsome or Lame is censorship. Perhaps the reviewer who denies a Monument at the 911 Pentagon Site would say "It's rather ordinary" but to the creator of that cache whose Uncle perished in the blaze that Monument means alot and they would like to honor them in some way other then a cache box. As for me, I've said more then enough and now that additional fuel has been placed on the fire - it's time to leave and watch this topic burn!

No need to be appologetic, it's understandable. The area is a remote country like setting which we were just trying to bring some intrest to. As for the Multi, by the looks of it - that's the way it's heading - We were just concerned about the proximity to the tracks (but that can be worked around too). I think if the reviewer would have been more blatant and said, " As of this date for this reason, there will be no more virtuals..." It would have been more acceptable rather then linking guidelines stating "a tree is a tree, a car is a car, a view is a view, etc... and No signs, monuments, statues, tombstones or historical markers because they are all too lame" - In my eyes that doesn't leave much because if it was that grandiose or outstanding then a sign, monument, statue, tombstone or historical marker would be there too, - which to me does contradict itself. I mean I'm not too aware of that many "outstanding" items which don't have a historical marker or monument. Why even the Grand Canyon has plaques.

Excellent now we're getting somewhere - may I ask what you are basing this on or are there guidlines for this "New Functionality" Because the current guidelines are almost contradictive of what a virtual is. I've been seeing a rise of "Earthcaches".

Correct my thread did start like that, but what constitutes a virtual cache? And believe it or not - I agree with you, if nothing falls under the guidelines for them why have them? Are they to be no more?

Typically I would agree but knowledge is power and one shouldn't be afraid to learn. If you read the quotes Physical cache's can't be placed there. AS for creative caches I have submitted over 4 physical caches in the last week and none have yet to be approved. If you can help I would be glad. As for lack of creativity the only cache which I have placed has gotten very good reviews for being clever. Check for yourself http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_detai...0c-4a069102bb5c I understand Virtuals may not be your cup of tea - It would have been our 1st too - but you still weren't able to answer my question.

Robert, Funny you would be first to respond - I had considered contacting you prior to posting this thread. Your idea is fine but, unfortunately there isn't too much open space nearby which is far enough from the tracks that isn't private property. However, wouldn't that be a Multi? (similiar to 1st Killed at Gettyburg) and not a virtual. Which brings me back to my original question "What is a virtual". So many virtuals in the past took you to a location and hopefully taught you something. Whether it was "TheRealIronman" or "Fallen Firefighters' Memorial" You hopefully learned something and now under the new guidelines they are:

It has been since July 21st 2004, that a "New" Virtual cache was placed in the State of MD according to the "Seek a Cache by State" Generator located under the Hide & Seek Cache Tab. Since that time the "Guidelines" for hiding caches were updated on 2/14/05. Being that the case, my wife had the intrest of submitting a "Virtual Cache" for the Ransom Train Wreck which claimed 28 lives over a 100 years ago which was recently Commemorated by a Plaque Dedicating Service which made front page news in the Carroll County Times on June 22, 2005. After viewing the site and reading the series of a couple plaques, we created some questions which could only be answered by being there and submitted the cache. Basically the same M.O. as any other Virtual. However, before we had even finished adding a background URL - the cache had been archived? The reviewer had placed this note: OK Being so these commemorative plaques were about 65'-75' from the railroad tracks, we didn't think a physical cache could be placed as he recommended because according to the OFF-LIMITS (Physical) Caches one of the attributes is: After farther reading the guidelines again; I see the note under the Virtual Cache Description reiterates the same thing about physical caches. After reading all that, I read the link for the "conditions listed in the guidelines below" So if a trail is a trail and a view is a view and Signs, memorials, tombstones, statues or historical markers are among the items that are generally too common to qualify as virtual caches? What is left? One of the things I had enjoyed in the past which apparently will not be too much of in the future, was a simple learning experience from a plaque or monument. Unfortunately, the more we try to participate by holding up our end of becoming a hider and not just a seeker the more we become discouraged.

Having a PDA/GPS combined I am trying to download the coordinates directly to some type of address "folder". I have downloaded Cachemate Ver 3.5.2 and down load the LOC files to my Palm via this Program. However, I still need to manually input the coordinates to my address "folder" in order to link them to the GPS. If I became a premium member the GPX files would just provide more info correct? In short; there's no way to download the web page/coordinates to my IQUE and press the route to function? Is there?

Perhaps someone could direct me (no pun intended) to the proper software I would need to Download waypoints from the GEOCACHING web site to my Garmin IQUE 3600. I never intended to use my GPS for this purpose but a friend introduced me to Geocaching and I've tried it a couple times with success and now I'm hooked. When I originally purchased my unit I had intended it for more of a PDA and AUTO - Street Navigator. I believe that I have tried the EASY software on another link page for the palm/pc but had no success with the hot sync portion. I must admit that I am not too computer savy though.