Bullfrog Eh-Team

Another vote for GSAK on the 'pewter and Cachemate Mobile on the 'PPC' (an HP iPAQ)

It started as NOGPSTH, and has expanded to EOGPSTH. It may not have reached the 'Golden Triangle' yet; but the ontariogeocaching web site suggests an intention to spread further in Ontario. Their caches ARE listed on OUR Geocaching.com (check out GCT9H7, GCT9HD, GCT9HE, or GCVIC0). They contain NO indication of what to expect at the cache site, as prescribed for GC.com cache reporting. Instead, the cache SOLICITS the GC.COM reader to switch over to ontariogeocaching.com, for any cache information; and where one co-incidentally reads "businesses sponsor these caches" (I've been told by business associates the fee to sponsor is about $250 per year). Yes, they are apparently careful to comply with OUR 'Terms of Use' while in a GC.com presence - But, they distinctly SOLICIT Geocaching.com patrons into THEIR Commercially oriented and sponsored site. Surely that action in itself circumvents OUR geocaching.com "Terms of Use" ? Geocachers are pretty straight-up in their evaluation of geocaches. The logs associated with a cache usually portray the quality of the hunt, the hide, and the cache. I always check the logs, before electing to participate, and like the Blue Quasar "... I cache for fun... not prizes or to visit sponsors".

The next step, you ask ? As a local geocacher, I was asked by the local tourist board if I would place and maintain caches 'for them'; whereupon, they would then solicit financial sponsorship! I politely refused and pointed out what I believed to be the inconsistency with geocaching.com commercialism guidelines. I personally object to their 'marketing' of our sport. I chose to 'ignore' their caches, or any cache that doesn't entice me to go out and discover something new, with an interesting write-up on GC.com, rather than merely offering me a 'chance to win something'. I can do that at Rama, or elsewhere if I chose.

Just popped back in and surprised you're still looking. Thought you'd be 'out there' by now. Two other caches on the same route - well within 'Crown Land' territory, and within 3 hours of the big smoke, would be: GC1613 'Rocky Wilderness' and GCPP2E 'Herb Lake Cache'. They can be approached from Kawagama Lake or from Raven and Gun Lake. I understand there are camping spots at the south-west end of Herb Lake, as well as others. Check out the Haliburton Water Trails office at the Frost Centre for further details. PS - Hadn't realized that canoists might go camping along the Bruce - Interesting !!

Yes! It's the 'fish' TB. I too, had backtracked it to 'Up,Up,Up is the Way' But have learned nothing more about iit. It's a nice TB - but the accompanying dog tag apparently hasn't been activated ?? Any suggestions, other than merely returning it to the 'stream' as conventional cache swag, without a TB tag ?

I've retrieved a TB from one of my own caches, that apparently cannot be logged, because the TB code hasn't been activated, according to the GC site. Is there any way to learn who the owner may be, so I can return the TB to him/her for proper activation ? (If by any luck he/she may have kept the activation code !)

Why base the calcs ON A CITY ? Let's give all areas in Canada an equal shot! Just for the 'radia' measure comparison - mine would be: 5 km. - 6 caches (5 are mine) 10 km. 11 caches (8 are mine) 20 km. - 26 caches 30 km. - 39 caches 40 km. - 49 caches (that gets me into the WGS - 'Geocaching Capital of Canada !). Yesterday I drove 150 km. roud trip to try for another FTF. Didn't make this one. Only have 17 FTFs so far. Hey! this is 'fun'.

Not sure about those PDAs that are 'Palm' variety. But if your PDA is a PPC (Pocket PC), you should be able to link to the internet with wireless and/or Blue Tooth, and download your 'Pocket Query' or other .GPX file from Geocaching.com, and then dump it to the GPSr for paperless geocaching. I haven't done this yet; but am interested in how this thread progresses, since I am using an iPAQ PPC along with my Garmin map60CS for paperless caching now (but I still require the direct desktop computer link to get data from GC). I'd like to 'go portable' for the entire operation. PS - I'm using GSAK in the 'puter', and cachemate mobile on the PDA.

You might want to consider 'Nunikani' (GC168C). It is 'best by a dam site', on crown land, with suitable camping space, and after a decent canoe trip across the lake from the public boat launch and marina. It is within the former 'Frost Centre lands', and is now administered by the 'Algonquin Highlands Water Trails'. A modest camping permit is now required, which is available from the marina. However, like most sites, it can get busy in the summer months. PS: there are extended canoe routes and other camping sites beyond this site. edit - We went in with our 9.9 outboard this afternoon (about 20 min from the marina). Great picnic site. I'd allow an average canoist about 1 hour, and then 10 minutes walk/portage. 'Rough' camping near the cache. Lakeside camping site posted for three tents, just prior to the portage.

I have the Garmin 60CS. I bought the Garmin Legend for each of my two children (grown children) as Xmas pressies. They can both outperform the old man any day of the week! Bells and whistles are nice, but not needed. The PC linkage IS VERY useful.

I use GSAK on the desktop and Cache-Mate (Mobile) on my iPAQ 2490. I now enjoy paperless geocaching in much the same steps as listed by shakespearguru, with his GPXSonar. After reading this thread - I'll now try the 'field notes' routine. sounds interesting!

Another pair of 'retirees' here that openly admit they like to chase the FTFs. Another angle to consider is the population of geocachers within the area you practise your 'craft'. FTF's are reasonably available is our area, because there are not many others into the sport. We've only done 101 caches over the past 16 months - but that is almost every land accessible cache within a 40 mile radius! It's an all day event for us to go out for one FTF - but we enjoy the challenge, and usually meet other cachers coming from the other side of the cache, as well. Now the ice is off the lakes, we'll be using our boat to go after more caches, and maybe our 16th FTF ?

I guess our goal has been and continues to be 'to get outside and have fun'. Being retired educators, but somewhat overweight; we sincerely appreciate the enjoyment of just walking together, with a purpose, and visiting places we would have never otherwise known about. - Bullfrogeh & Lilypad - the "Bullfrog Eh-Team"

Sorry I ran out of cards for the WGS at the COG2 Fling. They were in high demand, as were the 'stickers'. Glad to hear so many positive comments about the Wilberforce and WGS initiative. Seems many of us have a soft spot for 'the little guy'. BTW - just got back from yet another FTF in the WGS! They are certainly busy at getting new caches out. AND - the 'Geocache Burger' at the 'Crossroads' of the WGS is superb! Bullfrog Eh-Team

Interesting to see the 'urban' competition in this forum - Re: cache density. But I haven't seem a good response to also building in the population density of the same areas referred to! It is definitely tough to decide if Barrie, Victoria, Vancouver or Ottawa may be the densest. But 'Wilberforce' certainly isn't dense. In their claim to 'Geocaching Capital of Canada', they do explain that their area bears the moniker "Wilberforce and Greater Surroundings" or the 'WGS'. What a great way to invlove all Canandian Cachers - for we are all part of their 'Greater Surroundings' - aren't we ? I am proud to be a part of their 'Greater Surroundings', proud enough to feel a kinship with Wilberforce, and their initiative on behalf of all Canadian Geocachers. Hmmmm! Must check - wouldn't Wilberforce also be reasonably close to "The Centre of Canadian Geocaching, in the Northern Hemisphere" (N45 - W78 ?). Wonder if another entrepreneurial geocacher might like to tackle that title?

Have to agree with Geofellas. Sticky Moose is sincerely interested in promoting the general area as a haven for Geocaching. Numbers ? - I'd suggest any comparison should be on a 'caches per population', within a given area. Obviously any urban area will come ahead if we merely look at cache density. Wilberforce and Greater Surroundings ('WGS') is very hard to beat in Caches per person per sq. kilometre, even to several hundred sq. kilometres! Many Kudos earned by Sticky Moose - in Wilberforce: The Geocaching capital of Canada. AND - They serve up a great 'Geo-burger', complete in a 'cache' container, down at the 'Crossroads' Restaurant in Wilberforce. Any proclamation that brings new interest into the Geocaching Sport ahs to be a great one. 'Bullfrog Eh-Team' - Proud to live (and cache) so close to the 'Capital'.

I always bring my 'significant other'. I use the GPSr to get close - and she invariably finds it.

I had no problem downloading their new PPC mobile version. Even crossed the border without a passport!

Thanks to all for the various advisories. I'm finally up and running in 'paperless' with GSAK on my PC and an HP iPAQ PPC loaded with the new PPC version of Cachemate which loads .gpx files directly. This set-up seems to have been my best option. Just hope I don't drop it! - as it was an expensive option; but I do use the Word and Excel features, and now enjoy the active-sync to my PC and the GPSr. Now if I can only get the PPC to jibe with Netscape rather than Outlook. Hmmmm ?

Paperless with a Mobile Pocket PC ? I chose to go the PPC route rather than a Palm; and recently purchased an HP iPAQ. It is now synchronized with my PC. The PC is synchronized with my Garmin map60CS. I'm currently using GSAK on the PC. How do I get the waypoints from GSAK on the PC into my iPAQ ? Is there a mobile version of GSAK ? or what ?

I'd say 'gopher-it'; although I've never come across a TB with such a specific routing. You're ready cutting down the options for some alternate sight-seeing. I'm wondering - 'If you took another trip, would you want to follow the exact same itinerary, or would you be looking for something new ?' Perhaps 'Illy' to Kiwiland, then Oz and return would be enough. You might even get some pics of stuff you missed the first time.

I may be wrong - but, I think that 'advisement' (not 'warning') was meant to remind YOU to move the bugs in YOUR inventory!

I know you can 'grab' your own bug. I have done it on occassion. And I'd presume those doing the 'Personal Bug' routine must be doing it every time they 'dip' their bug into, and out of a cache.

How sad! A Hockey Puck stranded for the winter! Wait till he gets up here to Canada! He'll only be 'stuck' during our summer, which is usually July 14th and 15th.

How about a real backyard Canajun 'ockey puk? HEYSHAWNSKI's got a genuine 'rink' puck visiting outdoor rinks right now! Check out the 'Harcourt Hockey Puck' (TBHYVC) that started in 'downtown' Harcourt, Ontario. He's a well bruised and chewed, fellow - typical of the 'pick-up' games of Satiddy Nite, if summon 'members tu tern the lites on. Sum puks is just too righteous fer keepin.