p4geos

I was born in Butler, PA, raised in Greenville, PA. All my family is still there, so I'm back there several times a year visiting and sneaking in some geocaching. So I consider myself a part-time resident.

Ok, that explains why some say they use the compass screen once they are in the area of the cache. I couldn't figure out how to get to it. Thanks! I've been just using the map screen, now I'll have to figure out which is better. Much to learn, but at least it is a fun learning experience!

Thanks everyone! I'll have to check out the gpsfiledepot website. Yes, I did update the the software via the Garmin website. I'll try the restart trick and see if that helps the locking up problem. My first thought was "Uhoh, I broke it already" Relieved to know that wasn't the case. We took it out today to find some local caches, and I was quite impressed. We found three out of 5, and probably could have done better, but the wintry temps were getting to us, so we were quick to call it quits.

We started caching just a few weeks ago, using our garmin auto gps, but soon realized we'd need a handheld. Yesterday our Colorado arrived! So far I'm very pleased with it, but have a few questions. I attempted to load a pocket query of 500 using GSAK, but the Colorado just froze up on "loading maps". So deleted that query from the unit, then tried just 200, that worked fine. I thought it could hold up to 1000 but not like I'll ever need that many anyways. Hmmm..unless I need to load them on a memory card? It comes with US map preloaded, so I'm assuming I don't need to install any other maps? As far as driving directions to a cache, do I punch the coords into the auto garmin, then use handheld once I'm at the location? It only seems to show major roads on the map, unless I'm missing something in the settings. Is it necessary to set the screen brightness every time it starts up, or again, am I missing something in the settings? Anyone who has one of these and can offer some tips, it would be much appreciated. Thanks bunches!

Thanks everyone for the great advice about logging. I'll be looking more forward to it now, instead of just feeling "obligated". I'm actually just using my car Garmin atm, but my Colorado 300 has been shipped. Woohoo! Hopefully I can find the more hidden caches with it!

That's the kind of hunt I'm looking forward to. So far mine have been pretty basic. Are photos also encouraged? I noticed the "gallery" but I'm assuming the only way to add photos to it, is to attach them to a log, correct?

I'm in the same boat as MonkeyMenace. Since there were no real guides on this, I assumed to keep it short and simple. I would prefer to use it more as a caching diary, adding more details, so years (hopefully) from now I can look through them and see how things have changed. But I worried that I would be too "wordy".

I just ordered the Garmin Colorado 300. Now I'm just hoping I'll be able to learn how to use it! Ya think I'll at least get some chocolate for Valentine's Day?? Nah...probably shouldn't push it.

I'm a complete newbie, we've only found 2 caches so far, and one was a log only. But for us it's the thrill of just finding it! Never expected any great prizes to be in them. As for handmade stuff, we would love to find that and would like to know who made it. I wish I was crafty enough to do such things.

Thanks for everyone's input! I have browsed around the forums and discovered there are apps for blackberry phones, but after thinking about that I don't think that is an option for us either. We live in beautiful southwest Virginia, and while it's very scenic, cell phone reception is very spotty. DH did sit down with me last night and looked over this site and I think he's taking an interest also. So I'm thinking a handheld will be in the very near future! I'd like to get one that is paperless, so I imagine that is going to cost us a little more.

We still managed to find 2 out of 3 on our first try! I just got a Garmin 765t for my b-day, and while looking around Garmin's site, discovered geocaching. Oh man, I think I'm hooked already! Problem is, I'm sure hubby is not going to appreciate it if I turn around and request a handheld gps for Valentine's day so I'm wondering if I can "get by" with what I'm using? Do many people use auto GPS devices?