Team Coleman

Doug, check Best Buy or Radio Shack. I got mine at Best Buy for $30. You might even check ebay, I saw them for even less.

Thanks Clyde. That worked!

I just downloaded GSAK 4.2.2 (never had a previous version) and when I launch it, it gives me an opening screen with the contact information and the help menu and link to GeoBable, but it doesn't do anything more. I can't click on any of the links. If I move my mouse pointer over the window, it changes to an hourglass. It then goes to Not-Responding. I've uninstalled and re-installed it. Same thing. Did I miss something?

I've been playing around with colors trying to get smoething that I really like. The one in the previous picture was a mix of portland cement, white sand, a hardener, and water. I considered using either fiber strands or wire for reinforcement, but I was concerned about their visual affect. I dont think it is necessary do to the size of the item. I created the mold using liquid latex rubber. I brushed thin layers of latex on my model rock, allowing each to dry before the next was applied. I guess I put about fifteen layers on it over a few weeks. Then, I put a really thick one on to ensure that the corners and base would be strong enough. Attached, you will find a pic of the rocks I made so far (and the mold). The real rock is in the upper middle. I am getting pretty good at matching it's appearance. I put the previously photographed rock on ebay. I figured I would place a few, give a few away, and sell a few to recoup my costs. edit to add the pic. <doh> Where do you buy the liquid latex rubber to make your molds from?

Well, after a bit of discussion, it seems that we would be in the $60+ range to make one that an ammo can can fit under. With that said, I don't see how that would be feasible and affordable so I'll have to bury this idea with a few others and look to something else. Perhaps the log idea might work.

Thanks Mtn-man. Not trying to cause any problems, just trying to see if there is interest. I understand about the solicitation thing and am not trying to do that. I just thought it was a really neat idea, but if it was cost prohibitive, it wouldn't be worth the effort. thanks.

Logs will be just as easy as rocks...Probably easier as Dan-oh pointed out, rocks have to blend. But I did check with him today and he can match any surface/color amazingly well. Our first prototype will be one that an ammo can can fit underneath. As for weight, as these are not made of concrete, they are much lighter, but very durable. Puzzler: That's almost exactly what we are thinking about, only smaller so an ammo can will fit under and more realistic looking.

We're meeting next week to discuss the price. HoundGrrls: Similar to that, but this is a little different in that this guy makes them custom and in any size. I've seen some that were over 6' tall that look real. He can match just about anything. It's incredible. Most of them are hollow, but I briefly mentioned the possibility of making them solid with a hatch of some kind and he was positive he could make something like that. But it sounds like we may look at the hollow option if it keeps the price down.

Okay. I'll keep that in mind regarding the size and other features. Most artificial boulders are an empty hollow shell with no bottom. This would work fine for placing your cache underneath if you guys would be more interested in something like that. It would also keep the cost way down. The only drawback, is the boulder might grow legs if you know what I mean. But I like your ideas!

I'm a landscape architect and have access to a very small company that makes artificial boulders for landscape applications. I've contacted him and have sett up a meeting next week to discuss possibly making an inexpensive boulder that we could use for geocaching. My initial concern, and I know this has been mentioned in the past, is that these can become cost prohibitive. But I think that this guy is small enough that I might be able to work something out. My initial idea would be to have a natural style boulder that is airtight and waterproof with a 4"x4"x4" cavity in order to hold your cache. This will probaby keep the boulder small in the 8"x8"x8" range with a little room for variation. Two questions, is this something that you as a cacher would be interested in purchasing and if so, what would you reasonably and realistically be willing to pay for such an item like I mentioned. If this works, then we'll look at other sizes. Also, I think that if you find an area you are interested in hiding a cache in that has a few boulders, we might even be able to offer you a custome boulder that would blend in with your outcropping if you send us a picture. What do you all think? Thanks.

I have a leatherman wave and love it. If price is an issue, do what I do on just about everything I buy that might be an expensive purchase....Check ebay. You'll be surprised at some of the deals you can get on NEW items. I have an ebay store and although I don't sell leatherman's, I do sell other items at much discounted prices to stay competitive with other sellers. Hope that helps!