stinger503

38, we just dominated a park in about 2 hours before an event. Then cached at the event until dusk.

I'm currently using a Magellan Triton 500. The device itself works perfectly but the software (Vantagepoint) is buggy. Its pretty easy to use as well. Haven't really checked out the Explorist series. If I were you I would look into the Garmin Colorado and Oregon because I believe they can play Wherigo caches. (Also anything that can use Chirp might be useful as well). I've used a Garmin GPSMap 76 and it had a pretty steep learning curve. I'm not sure that reflects all Garmins though. Delorme has some interesting products (especially SPOT compatibility) but I haven't really seen them being used. Last recommendation: do some research on the community. Chances are you'll be downloading maps (maps from GPS manufacturers can cost up to $100 or more usually), getting help and troubleshooting from them. Example www.tritonforum.com/

Which is why there is no event.

The person who signs the log book first in this case would get the FTF as there is no evidence that the online log was actually there first

By the very definition of FtF. First to Find, "beta testers" not only count but it is just simply an indisputable fact. First to find is a binary condition, either you are or you are not. If getting an FTF is important to you, something that does not make sense to many, it would be very hollow indeed if it was awarded to you rather than earned simply because you were given the coords by a source or listing service other than the CO. What about puzzle caches? If a CO just gives the coords to a beta-tester to test the coordinates then how is that fair to a non-beta tester who has to solve a difficult puzzle to get the cache? FTF is not a binary condition, it is also not a dictionary defined term either. For example what about group FTFs and shared FTFs? FTFs are for fun and not an official part of geocaching. There is wiggle room but there is also, I believe, a "code of honor".

I actually quite enjoy the system the way it is now. I had a geotrip a couple weeks ago so I did a PQ and then ranked by Favourites. I was not disappointed.

"Beta Testers" definitely do NOT count as FTF. They are there to test the cache/coordinates. It would be the equivalent to giving someone a day head start on a scavenger hunt. A hollow FTF if you ask me. Inadvertent FTFs by muggles do count but are not regarded the same as beta-testers. Event caches are another thing entirely. But they are exceptions. Finally Beta Testers don't have log the cache later because they already know where it is. It would be kind of pointless. Of course as stated, FTFs aren't an official part of geocaching, I'm just giving you a second opinion.

Consider me impressed

It's actually difficult to tell with travel bugs. I left a TB in a Travel Bug hotel one time and it was only after I was logging it that I found out a lot of TBs were going missing. Luckily someone picked it up before it could be stolen

Just for you I did a tally of my watchlist reasons: 7 are caches I haven't found and waiting for more logs to maybe get clues 3 are Upcoming Events (I keep them in my watchlist so I don't forget them) 2 are caches that I'm interested in seeing new logs (example 50 states of America challenge) 2 are challenge caches 1 is a cache that is of personal interest (FTF related ) 1 is a cache that is only accessible at certain times 1 is a cache I need for a challenge and don't want to forget

The multi-cache near the airport is fun too.

I wouldn't say they're terrible. I actually for the most part they're pretty good, especially the where it has different shades for how many caches you have and hovering over different countries shows your find count. Is there problems? Yes. Is this an superb start? Most definitely.

How could I forget? Before the Event, I backed the rear wheels of my car into a ditch! I thought I was screwed and going to miss the event! Luckily some cachers stopped and helped push me out.

I'm going to put out there what people really want... Only Premium Members can create Virtuals. 1. Most premium members know how to put out a proper cache so there is less chance of bad virtuals (and who wants to pay to put out bad virtuals?) 2. Less newbies and lazy people throwing up random virtuals every where 3. More money for Groundspeak Also if Virtuals aren't going to be counted towards Find Totals then don't bother bringing them back at all. If I find a cache (Virtual Caches are caches, just like Earthcaches) then I want it added to my total. Finally, let's stop pretending that Virtuals are going to be the next scourge of geocaching. Most virtuals are not going to be a McDonalds, just like how every geocache isn't a micro or LPC.

What about a mystery cache? Using GC2J3E6 as an example, simply put the starting coordinates at the ships home port. Then in the description or hint, say where it is on the ship. Example "Deck F, Lounge B-22, Under Bench by Fountain."

I've only had a couple close calls with deer. It's a good thing your okay.

It sounds like you made a good deal to me. I would try it out and see if it works for you.

Good thing it wasn't easy to open

Oh man, about 7 months ago I was so excited to start a day of geocaching that when I walked out of the house I sprained my ankle hard. Of course I was still going to go. On foot. For the next seven hours. Needless to say I could not walk the next day.

Ugh where do we start? Geocaching in the rain and then missing the last bus and having to walk all the way home. Being at an Event and locking my keys in the car. Every time I go off course towards the cache, through a field of thorns and find out that if I had just gone 10 more meters it would have been an easy find.

Completely worth it. I found around 45 caches in the Las Vegas strip and there was such a variety of hides and amazing places.

Actually SCUBA caches are pretty popular. I haven't done it myself but it seems like fun. Hope you make a couple of your own.

I'm not 100% but I think the reviewer will tell them when they submit it. You also don't see where mystery cache finals and multi cache stages are either.

I did the same thing, I read up on Geocaching at about 3 AM and was to excited to sleep. Without a GPS I had to write down directions for 3 caches using land markers like creeks and streets. My first cache attempt was off by about 25 ft (a creek was in the way), the 2nd was in a pine tree in a park that had a lot of muggles around so I abandoned it too. The final cache attempt and my first find was a small micro in a tree crotch. I took my time signing the log. What a great feeling. 600 finds since March now.

My blog is the Cache Tribune http://geocachetribune.blogspot.com/. I just became a follower of your blog, it looks great!