The Geos

The object of geocaching is locate a cache, after finding the cache you can sign the log that is inside of the cache. Also, if there are items in the cache you can trade another item for one you want. After signing the log, you then need to log your find in the geocaching website. You can find the name or cache id on the log book most of the time. If there is no name on the cache or the log, you can still locate the cache name from the website. We actually got into geocaching the same way by accidentally finding one 4 years ago. Since then we have been caching and having a great time.

Hi, not sure exactly which program you are using to load the paperless caches into your Palm but if you are using Cachemate make sure that you click on the import make sure that you have the number of logs greater then 0. This is on the right side of the File Import Option screen. Also make sure you are using the gpx file format from Geocaching.com.

All you have is make a gpx file from geocaching.com. You can do this with individual caches or with a pocket query if you are a premium member. Place the gpx file onto your computer, I like to place the file in the same directory so I can get rid of them when I need too. After your gpx file is on your computer, open GSAK, click on File then Load GPX/Loc. On the top line of the screen that pops up, find your GPX file, so remember where you placed it. After getting the data loaded into GSAK you can do various thinks with the caches. But if you don't want to change them in any way, all you have to do is click on File then Export then Cachemate PDB file. The name of the PDB file really does not matter so just call it any name you want. But again place it where you know it is so eventually when it is no longer needed you can delete it. Click on Generate and then it will tell you how many caches have been convert. Just click on OK at that screen. Then a confirm add with pop up. This should have your PDA user name and in the files to be installed screen you should see the PDB file you have just made. Click on okay, this will add it to the PalmOne Quick You can exit that screen and it will tell you that the data will be Hotsync on the next one you do. Now just Hotsync your Palm. After Hotsyncing click on Cachemate on the Palm. You will see a select import category, chose a database and category to place the information into. That should place all the caches into your PDA. Hope that this helps.

Depending on the terrain, the GPS will only get you close to the cache. Due to satellites being located and lost by your GPS it will change your coordinates slightly. That is why the GPS says the cache is in a different location even though you do no move. This is especially true if you are in a wooded area because the tree cover makes it hard for the GPS to get the signals from the satellites. I use a Garmin 76CS and the accuracy of it is anywhere from 9 feet to over 50 feet depending on where we are. Also, the coordinates can be off slightly depending on how accurate the GPS of the person that placed that cache was at placement. Sometimes we are within a foot or two to the cache, but we have also been up to 50 feet away. The best way to locate the cache I find depends on the type of cache (i.e. ammo box, tupperware or micro). After the GPS gets you close to the area then you just need to start searching. When you are looking around, check for areas that look out of place (i.e. if in a wood area look at stumps, holes in logs and sticks or bark that is piled up). After finding a few caches you will get a better idea what to look for. Also, make sure you read the cache page to see if there are any hints and read the old logs to make sure others are finding the cache. We used to print pages of the caches we were looking for and take that with us. But we have gone to paperless caching, which is loading the cache pages into a palm pilot so we can look at the page when we are at the site of the cache. We find that this help us. I hope this information can help you find some caches. We have been caching for 4 years now and really enjoy it. There are many different type of caches people hide, some are very hard to locate and others are real easy. Just keep trying and you will eventually find one. Good Luck.

I was using mobipocket but after the server went down and the option was removed, I have gone to cachemate. It costs a few dollars but it is easy to use. All you have to do is load the .gcx file into the convertor program that comes with cachemate and it will send the data to your palm. I really like this program a lot more then mobipocket.