emb021

Ok. Maybe this is something that can't be done. I had looked in the manual. I have a Garmin eTrex 20. At a geocaching event a year ago, I had all the local caches uploaded into the unit, and they appear under the Geocaching icon, not in the waymark icon. However, back at the same location this year going after caches I couldn't, I found that a handful of the caches have bad coords. Now, I have my smartphone, but try to avoid using it (GPS on it sucks the battery quickly). BUT, it seems there is no way to go into the geocaches and edit the coords. If they were waymarks, no prob. Not sure if I just need to re-upload all the caches to the eTrex just to fix a handful. Any ideas, or is that my only option? thanks

Actually, I've sort of started to do that to a degree. I've started to use geocaching.com's maping tool to create a map of an area, with the caches I haven't found marked (I make sure they are numbered). this way I have an easier time organizing where I'm going. Yes, cachemate does allow you to mark an entry as found. But I want to mark them in order. May be a little anal, but I like to keep track of my find order. I mark my finds in order, then enter them in geocaching.com in that order. One thing I found frustrating with cachemate is that it didn't organize the caches into groups: archived, found, not found. I'd rather just dump out not found caches from GSAK for uploaded to cachemate. Not sure what I'm doing wrong.

Actually, I've sort of started to do that to a degree. I've started to use geocaching.com's maping tool to create a map of an area, with the caches I haven't found marked (I make sure they are numbered). this way I have an easier time organizing where I'm going. Yes, cachemate does allow you to mark an entry as found. But I want to mark them in order. May be a little anal, but I like to keep track of my find order. I mark my finds in order, then enter them in geocaching.com in that order. One thing I found frustrating with cachemate is that it didn't organize the caches into groups: archived, found, not found. I'd rather just dump out not found caches from GSAK for uploaded to cachemate. Not sure what I'm doing wrong.

Hate to jump into this thread, but am having a similiar issue with going paperless, and hope someone can point me in the right direction. I'd watched HHH's videos, btw. Currently I use GSAK and a eTrex Legend HCx. I have a Palm (Tungsten E2) with cachemate, which I've uploaded the PBX file to. (I also have a Nuvi 260W, which I am now using, but don't as yet upload any caches to. Use it to help drive the caches, tho) I'd like to go paperless, but am a little frustrated. My current style is to have a printouts for each cache, with a basic map and decoded hints. I have the printouts organized into folders for different areas (certain cities, areas of our county). When I go for a day of caching, I organize the printouts in order of how I want to tackle them. This is what frustrated me about going paperless is I don't see a way to 'organize' myself in terms of what caches I'm going to. Another aspect is that I use the printouts to manage what I've found, not found. I mark finds in the order I find them, mark any tbs/geocoins taken/dropped/discovered, and mark any DNFs. I know I can do this with cachemate, but worry about getting them marked in order when I log things in geocaching.com.

I like the idea of "geojournals" to keep track of your cache finds. I first go into letterboxing, so for that, had a journal book to keep the ink stamps I got. When I got into geocaching, I wanted to do the same. Keeping stats on my finds, and including things like coords for finals and multis, clues given for series caches, and the like. So far, I've been using the large, official geocaching log books for this purpose. But as they aren't geared to that, I haven't been too happy. I've been thinking of working out my own format, using a 8.5x5.5 sheet, then making it available to others to use. You're looks interesting, but I see a few issues that make it less useful for me. No room really to record final location of a puzzle cache, or each state of a multi-cache. No place to record waypoint (GCxxxx) name of the cache. No place to record cache number (find #100 for me, etc). I've been thinking of including the cache type (regular, virtual, earthcache, etc). No place for that. When I hit a cache with a large number of TBs and geocoins, I usually take a few and discover all the rest. I like to record ALL the ones I discover, and there just isn't room for that.

Nano- Main type I've seen are the "Mr. Magnetic" nano, which, as noted, is about the size of the tip of your pinkie. If you check out stores that sell geocaching supplies, you'll see them. I also found a nano that was a magnetic screw (head of screw screwed off, and the screw was hollow with the log). Micro- more variety here: 35mm film can, match holder, magnetic hide a key, altoid tins, bison tube. I've also seen caches that were a business card-sized magnetic strip (you wrote your name & date on it).

Unless its unactivated, you treat it like a travel bug. If its unactivated, you can treat it like a trade item. (unactivated coins are rare, and usually only left as rewards for FTFers).

I was hoping to be able to download this info into my Garmin 60CSx - but I guess I can't ??? Or am I missing something...thanks for the question, I've been wondering that myself...! AFAIK, you can't do that. Very few GPSr allow you to download that much info to them. There are new GPSr that can do 'paperless' caching that allows for that. Believe the Oregon & Colorado, along with the PN-40 can do that.

FWIW, I have a eTrex Legend HCx (used to use a Venture). I had to install the USB drivers to connect the Legend to my computer. I download the GPX files from geocaching.com, and then load them into GSAK. I then use GSAK to upload to the GPS. The last time I had a problem, its because the drivers were missing, and my computer didn't see the GPSr. I am not aware of a way to download stuff from geocaching.com directly to my GPSr.

I've heard of a guy who caches and used maps from Google Earth to find them, no GPS.

http://www.amazon.com/Are-You-Scared-Tony-...5268&sr=1-1 Looks like yet another direct-to-video (or direct-to-DVD in this case) horror film that seem to have come out in the last few years.

Expandable memory- GPS units have some memory in them. If you load too many waypoints/caches, you'll hit a wall. Maybe this is an issue for you, maybe not. Also, most GPS don't have built in full maps. So have expandable memory means being able to add a card with a more detailed maps. For me, this was a feature I wanted on my second GPSr. Paperless geocaching- I think some of the new, highend models have this built in. But am not yet willing to go that route. Getting an inexpensive PDA would also do this. I've been thinking of doing this with my Palm Tungsten E2 yet. The prices of some PDS have dropped to the point were you could probably pick up one cheap. Electronic compass- I've always carried an inexpensive compass with my caching gear. I've yet to be convenced have an electronic compass built in is that necessary. High sensitivity- having a unit that is better able to find the location can be very useful. This was another feature that was a big factor in my second GPSr. FWIW, my first unit was a Garmin eTrex Venture. When I was looked for my second, I narrowed it down to the Legend HCx and 60Cx. When I learned that in terms of accuracy they are the same, price lead me to get the Legend. Hope that helps.

Several scouters in my area geocache, and a few of us have run geocaching events at camporees. (I just did this at one of our major ones in January). What most of us do is setup several temporary caches in the park (especially if there are no 'official' caches). We will have a booth setup with info on caching. Have handouts on caching (using geocaching-U's brochures are great) and examples of caches (different sizes and types: ammo cans, decon containers, 35mm, nanos, lock n locks, etc). Some of us even have nice science fair type displays, with pictures of caches and such on them. Try to have several GPSr units they can borrow. Most of us try to make sure the kids (we rather they go as a group with an adult leader, this way we can make sure we get back our loaner GPS as well as we have a responsible adult to make sure nothing gets out of hand) understand some basics about geocaching: * using a GPS * typical hides and how to look * understand the concept of trading stuff * understand trackables (TB & geocoins). One thing we really haven't had is anykind of recognition or reward. what I've been thinking to do is making up some similiar certificates and have the caches we setup be a series. They have to find them all, and those who do get a certificate (prehaps have a special code in each cache to write down as proof). Then maybe do a drawing of all the scouts who completed the series for something (maybe one of the Cache to Eagle geocoins or the like). Also, check out some of the patches at geoswag.com. Some look like merit badges. Another idea for prizes.

As noted, check with your council office. Many scout councils have several GPSr units for use in NYLT courses, so they should be available for loaning to units.

I tend to agree. There should be a CHEATERS section of the forum or perhaps a separate website for people who need to look up an answer like using the solutions in the back of a crossword book to fill in the grid. Just look at all the websites and books there are for cheating at video games. Someone could make a fortune selling answers to puzzle caches. That'd be harsh if it were remotely creative. There's no need to be cheeky with me since I was actually tossing that out earnestly. I said apprenticeship. So experienced puzzle solvers can teach inexperienced puzzle solvers ways to solve puzzles on their own. I'm at a very beginner level. I can solve a cryptogram and anagram and anything that's very basic (like a font change to WingDings). I'm bewildered by most of the puzzle caches in my area. If an experienced puzzle solver in my area set up an Event as a Workshop, I'd be there. Well, in my area a puzzle cacher setup a series of puzzle caches as a teaching aid. Calls them Puzzle Solving 101. about 7-8 caches, each using a different style of puzzle. Then each cache you find gives you info to use to find the final and collect your diploma.

Geocaching-U is a great resource for such things: http://www.geocacher-u.com/ Downloads and printables are here: http://geocacher-u.com/content/blogsection/8/54/

You'd probably have better luck posting on the Florida Geocaching Association forum to get ahold of Isonzo. Unless the park is an environmentally sensitive area, some bushwacking is really not a problem. Those caches put in such parks are usually right near the trail for just such a reason.

Oh, so you came by our geocaching session at the Lincoln-Marti Camporee??? You should have taken the chance to chat with us about possible models. We had several eTrex, and I had some Garmin brochures. Its funny that we had GPSr from 3 different people and we all had various eTrex models. Of your 5 possible choices, I would say go for one with a "H" in it over one without. H means 'high sensitivity', which means it picks up the signals from satellites better. After that, you have to decide what other features you want. Personally, I don't see the need to pay extra for the electronic compass and altimeter. I personally now use a Legend HCx, which replaces my Venture. (I still keep the Venture as my 'loaner' for others to use). Comparing the Summit HC, Venture HC, and Legend HCx, these where what decided it for me. * the Legend HCx is expandable. I had found this a problem with my Venture. I can also add full maps, which is nice. (all three have a 'basemap', which is the major highways, and that's it) *the Summit HC has an electronic compass & altimeter. Don't see a value in that, so its a reason I wouldn't get it. Otherwise the features of the 3 are the same. As others advised, check on-line prices. Once I had decided on a model, I kept an eye on Amazon, as they were every so often given prices within the range I wanted to pay. I think within 2 weeks or so, it dropped to the point I was willing to pay, and got it. FWIW, I was also looking at the 60Cx vs the Legend HCx. Once I found the reception of the 2 was the same, the higher cost of the 60Cx pushed me to go with the Legend HCx.

FWIW, when I was looking at replacing my first GPSr (a Garmin eTrex Venture), I was looking at the Legend HCx and the GPSmap60CX. Color was nice, but not a major factor. Expandability was a factor, as I had run into a 'wall' with the less memory on the Venture, and wanted the expandability. The built-in basemap was nice (Venture doesn't have that), plus the ability to add more maps was good. An electronic compass and altimeter didn't interest me enought to pay the extra for those features. I live in Florida, so altitude doesn't reallly matter, and I carry a regular compass with me, so why pay for an electronic one? There is a price difference between the two, plus the controls are different. As I was used to the eTrex, going with the Legend HCx would be good. A BIG reason I wanted to get a new GPS was I wanted a more precise GPSr. The next "H" eTrex has a high sensitivity chip set, and the GPSmap had the quad helix antenna. So a deciding factor was which was better in that area. I finally broke down and asked here, and was told they were the same. As the GPSmap was more expensive, that made me lean toward the Legend, and I got it. Now other factors may be important to you, such as the water charts and being more water proof and such, so you may want to consider the 60 or even the 76 in that regards. Hope that helps.

I actually use GSAK to uploaded the data directly to my GPSr via USB. So I don't know if dumping the data into a file is really necessary or not.

You can't get lost. You have a GPSr.

As a cacher and cache owner, a good cacher should carry a small supply of cache repair supplies, including new logs of different sizes in ziploc bags. I would NOT replace a log, but WOULD ADD an additional log. I WOULD log a 'NEEDS MAINTANIENCE' to alert the owner that the log is full and needs replacement, and note that I left a new log there. Owners may want to keep old, full logs, and I know I wouldn't appreciate them being taken by another cacher.

As others have noted, this is why its important to log your finds (and also your DNF) at geocaching.com. For myself, I use GSAK to manage the data I upload to my eTrex Legend HCx. Within GSAK I always update the data for both finds and archives. This way when I upload a new set of data points, finds and archives are not marked as caches to go after. This method works for me and is fairly simple.

It's considered bad form to claim a find, but not log it with the cache itself. (if the log is missing/wet, leave atleast a slip of signed paper). In my home town, there was a cacher who had claimed a lot of finds, but no one saw his signature in any of the caches he claimed to find. Was a minor 'issue', such that when I was going for caches I knew he claimed to have found, I checked. And we aren't talked 1-2, but in the double digits.

As noted, to properly claim a find, you must sign the log. There will be some caches that you may not be able to get to for various reasons. In my area there are a few that require using a boat (canoe, kayak, etc) to get to. There are even a few that require scuba diving. These should be clearly noted in the info so that you know what is needed, and maybe design NOT to go for them. Also in my area is a cache WAYYY up in the tree. Part of the rules for this cache is that you must get to the cache itself to properly sign it. No having someone in your group go up and bring the cache down. Personally, I would not attempt to get it without using a ladder (which I know others have done). Unless that cache has been archived (I think it was), it remained a DNF for me.