MisterCakes

Hey all, Thanks in advance. I was talking to a buddy the other day who geocaches and we were discussing getting to know the environments that we cache in. I constantly walk around on caches wondering what this thing is and that thing. At a very least know what plants, animals, environmental variables are harmful and helpful would be ideal especially in the geographic region/environment i'm caching in. Leads to 2 questions: 1. If your into this level of detail, whats your process for indoctrinating yourself in the environment your caching in? 2. What types of details have been especially important,helpful or satisfying to you on both your hiking and caching endeavors? Thanks to all responses.

All, I had some run-ins with some nasty tick infestation spots in the my travels in the rural NorthEast (Southwestern PA). What are some of the strategies for protecting yourself practically as a geocacher who can get into some nasty brush? Thanks in advance.

All, Thanks for taking the time to read this. I don't post much but I was looking to get opinions. I currently have owned a Garmin 76CS series GPS for the better part of 6-7 years. I have been caching lately and it is becoming increasingly frustrating to not have paperless on the unit. My usual protocol is to print out the cache and the notes on the cache, throw them in my backpack and take them with me. Its a hassle with deep brush gloves to keep pulling out my "reports". I'm also a little bit slightly concerned about the compass as it seems to be more and more sporadic in light cover. So the questions: 1. Has the technology in GPS/Electronic Compass come so far as to substantiate an upgrade from the 76CS (In your opinion)? 2. To People that are still using a GPS that isn't paperless. What is your strategy for compiling and using your information for most caches? 3. I have a very hard time finding a best of the breed GPS. All reviews have severe negatives from some and some severe positives from others. Is there a GPS that is the prohibitive favorite for quality of life as a geocacher? Money is no option. Thanks in advance

Thanks all for the replies, i'm going to try the Delorme PN-40 ($299.99 at crutchfield with shipping) and bought a Lacrosse BC-900 and a pack of 4 Eneloop batteries. I'm going to use the Garmin as a backup. The big delimiter was the price of the maps for me.. My software is way out of date on the Garmin 76 CSX and the $30 unlimited map download seems pretty nice. Again - i appreciate all the feedback! Nate

All, I have a Garmin 76 CSX which has served me quite well through the years yet i have always been somewhat dissatisfied with the Battery Life and i have had it for quite a long time. I wonder whether "new advancements in geocaching technology" have been made regarding some of the newer GPS models. Based on reviews/opinions on this site as well as the $29.99 for unlimited maps per year and the 10-13 hours per shot of battery life as a persuader i have thought to upgrade. Any thoughts from folks that have owned either one or both? Thanks in advance, Nate

All, I have a Garmin 76 CSX which has served me quite well through the years yet i have always been somewhat dissatisfied with the Battery Life and i have had it for quite a long time. I wonder whether "new advancements in geocaching technology" have been made regarding some of the newer GPS models. Based on reviews/opinions on this site as well as the $29.99 for unlimited maps per year and the 10-13 hours per shot of battery life as a persuader i have thought to upgrade. Any thoughts from folks that have owned either one or both? Thanks in advance, Nate