HawkLawless1

Not in any particular order, but over time, I have found many of the below very helpful. - flashlight - extra batteries - extendable magnet - first aid kit (with a BIG tube of Benadryl) - whistle - multi-tool - extra replacement logs - extra baggies - SWAG

Honestly, I find it far easier to remove/reinstall .gpx file from my Oregon than it is to upload new files to my 60CSx. Either way though, it takes longer to process/receive/download a PQ than it does to update both GPSr. May seem daunting at first, but once you get the process down, it doesn't take much effort to repeat.

Ditto what everyone has said. I also have a couple extra logs and pencils to drop in a cache if necessary. Also a whistle.

From a discussion a couple months back, got turned on to some bags available via eBay. Found a Tac Utility Gear Shoulder Sling Bag by Combat Gears that comes in a couple sizes/colors with three primary compartments. I got the medium and it fits everything I need to take with me.

I've been caching since July 09 and hit #100 on 2/18/10. I was pretty selective in timing it because I didn't want it to be a PnG. So I waited and marked a multi-cache for #100...made myself work for it. I'm hoping to hit #200 before my 1yr anniversary.

Still a relative novice, but my memorable caches have either been puzzle caches that made me flex the brain synapses or have been in locations that inspired me to pull out my camera and snap a pic. Like it's already been said, if you find it interesting, those hunting may as well.

Used a green crayon once that had been left for swag because I forgot my pen in the car.

tweezers or pliers. A Leatherman is a good thing to throw in your backpack.

I've always tried to ascribe to the "Leave No Trace" approach, so the use of a machete is out. So, that limits me to the use of hands, legs, feet, and walking stick to put up with the thorns, vines, pricklies, etc. However, by the time I've crashed through the underbrush, I've been scratched, pricked, and poked too many times to count. I even went to get a tetanus shot when I got tangled in some rusty barbed-wire. I like to think of it as leaving a little bit of myself at each cache...

We could sell GPSr season tags and set a limit on the number of caches any one person can log. If you go over, you pay a fine. Obviously, size limits apply. Anything smaller than an ammo can has to be thrown back. This would definitely limit signal usage/abuse.

I don't care where you're from...that's funny!

Typically don't wear them, but when I do, I use a light work glove available at any major hardware store. Leather palm/fingers/tips, but the back is cloth, so the hands don't get too hot and they're more flexible than regular leather gloves.

N38 14.302 W89 08.270 951 mi NE of home...about 15 miles SW of Mt Vernon, IL Guess some of those caches I did in Germany last year skewed my results.

Very few phones are produced that have an actual GPS embedded in the system. Current GPS capability relies on cell tower connectivity and triangulation (i.e., relative distance from 3 or more cell towers) to determine location. So, the accuracy of the GPS would depend greatly on cell phones' ability to get good signals from multiple towers. As more and more towers are popping up all over, I'm sure cell phone/GPS capability is increasing. GPSr, however, rely on signals from satellites that are constantly available, so, especially in remote locations, would be more dependable than a cell phone. Also, GPSr provide more functionality than the standard iPhone for other outdoor activities. I've not been able to determine whether topo maps are available for iPhone. IMO, generally find that my Garmin is more consistently accurate. But, maybe it's my phone. Like others, use my iPhone for quick urban PnGs, otherwise, pull out my Garmin for everything else.

I'm a little further south and face the same problem in any one of the city parks around here...nettles and poison ivy abound. I say leave it. Depending on the experience, good or bad, it all makes for a great story later...albeit maybe with scars or a rash, but still.

The map icon for Archived/Unavailable Caches will be greyed out (available caches have white background) and the Title typically has been struck through. Also, read the description...if it's unavailable then there will be a note on the cache description page identifying it as "temporarily unavailable" or "archived". Recent logs might also indicate a missing cache. If nothing else, log a DNF. This lets the CO (Cache Owner) know that something might be amiss. BTW...Welcome to the Fun!

Unfortunately, working on a gov't facility, there are no "nearby" caches, unless I drive out the front gate. Try to get some at lunch every now and then. For the most part, however, I do most of my prep work and planning for caching trips between jobs at work.

Holy Cache Count Batman!! That's amazing. Good on ya!

Before I got my 550t, I was all about printing out every cache description, so I knew everything about the cache before I got to GZ. Now, I just select "Next Closest" and try to find it sans input. If I have a hard time, I'll read the description. If I'm still stumped, I'll take a look at the hint. But I really have to be in a bad way to do that...like traipsing through the woods for an hour. Sometimes, none of it helps and I'm still stumped.

GPSr accuracy is relative. Sometimes yours if off a little, then add to that the accuracy of the CO's GPSr when they posted the coordinates. You could possibly be off by upwards of 40+ft. Best to read the cache description and any hints before going...that'll help a lot. The majority of the time, however, you'll probably find the coordinates are fairly accurate. Best to pocket the GPSr when within 20 ft or so and just use the bio-locators you were born with.

Absolutely agree! I initially sold the idea to the kids based on the idea of "treasure", however, we were quickly schooled on the types and quality of swag that resides in most caches. And then when you start finding a lot of micros, there is no swag. So, we began picking places where we wanted to visit and it became "The Hunt". As long as there is a signable log...and even then, I carry a few extras in the event there isn't. Now the kids fight over who gets to hold the GPSr or sign the log...even retrieving or replacing the cache!! Good times!

Something like that would be awesome if all the bugs and posting issues could be resolved. Maybe make it the last or next to last of a multi-cache where you input a code collected at previous caches to get the final coords? Just a thought. Something unique like that would definitely make me go out of my way to log it.

Sure beats sitting on the couch! Gets me out to see places I've never seen before. And I'm hiking more now than I ever have. However, I have all these mysterious scratches that keep appearing all over my legs and arms. Oh, and the nettles...it can find any chink in the armor, no matter how much I try and I think it burns more now than it ever did as a kid. Wouldn't change a thing!

I don't see cache descriptions in other languages as a detractor...just a different type of a puzzle cache requiring a little more preparation. Would rather that than each cache description looking like the directions to my blu-ray disc player...9 different languages...and mostly because I can never get it folded back the right way.

I saw this quote on someone's signature block once, and I think it's appropriate: We never seek things for themselves - what we seek is the very seeking of things. - Blaise Pascal And while some of the cache shapes may become repetitive (e.g., ammo can, duct tape wrapped pill bottle, micro, etc.) the area around the cache is different from the last. So, for me, it's the "art of the hide" and the enjoyment of getting out and seeing something new. I have literally found places I never knew were there until I strapped on a backpack and picked up my GPSr. So it's been eye-opening. I think the most I've ever done in one day was 12, so I can't really answer your second question. But that was without too much real prior planning...just grabbed the GPSr and went. I think, however, that with some serious pre-planning and coordinated effort, any number is possible. It's all in what you want to get out of it.