Mighty Tiggers

Looks like it is back up. Moderators - please delete this thread. Thanks!

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Ya, cudlecub has a good point about the compass. I don't find the compass very good on the 60CS AT ALL, but I carry a regular lensatic compass anyway. I've been using the Garmin Topo USA maps uploaded to the 60CS and the contour lines and maps are right on. The streets aren't exactly accurate, so you may want to get one of the street map series (you can upload more than one map type). That said, I use the unit in "off-road" mode anyway and really don't need the street detail. I would rather see the exact details of streams, hills, valleys, and ridgelines on the display... very useful and very accurate.

Greetings, I have a Garmin 196 that I use for aviation and a Garmin 60CS that I use for Geocaching. A few days ago, I put the two side by side with some interesting results... The Garmin 196 costs 2-3 times what the Garmin 60CS retails for, so I was surprised when I discovered that the 196 was only half as accurate as the 60CS (on the ground)! Specifically, the zone of inaccuracy of the 196 was normally double that of the 60CS. Perhaps the 196 doesn't have very good performance when operating in "Land" mode. In "Aviation" mode, the 196 was very sensitive to altitude changes, but it still wasn't as accurate as the 60CS in the field. Both have WAAS and both had the most recent firmware updates installed. Sometimes I fly helicopters and the Garmin 196 is very accurate when I'm out. However, the antenae is usually mounted on the instrument panel and there are no trees or overhead cover to worry about when flying. Today, I was mapping out the final locations for a new multi-cache I'm almost ready to release. So, there were a lot of trees that partially obscured the sky. I found the Garmin 60CS was able to receive and process WAAS signals through overhead cover much better than the Garmin 196. The zones of inaccuracy were very different. For example, I would have a 22' zone on the 196 and only a 12' zone on the 60CS for the exact same location, each unit running side by side. I realize that each unit was designed for a different task, but I was also disappointed that the coordinates weren't close to each other. MT

Wow... lot's of different opinions here. I think that briansnat's idea of a regional award for a cache is a great idea. You could have different categories (i.e. most scenic, most inventive, most difficult, etc). I also agree with sbell111 that a definition won't have much meaning because we all cache for different reasons with different lifestyles. Sometimes, I want to go after the quick and easy ones - especially when my two year old daughter is with us. Sometimes, I want to hike for a mile or two - like when my five year old son is with me. How to increase quality caches? I think there should be a mandatory minimum find before you get to place any caches on GC.com and I think regional awards programs are a great way to inspire the next generation of challenging caches. I like Geocaching for what it is, and it fits my family lifestyle. If you want something more exclusive that actually REQUIRES quality, then go to http://www.terracaching.com/

Alan2 Renting is a good idea to find out what you like and don't like about an RV trip. My wife and I had taken a trip via rental a few years before buying our RV, so we had an idea of what we were getting into. Financially, you need to use your RV often if you buy it, or else it doesn't make sense to purchase outright. Here are the Google results for RV rentals in the NY area: http://www.google.com/local?hl=en&lr=&q=re...&sa=X&oi=localr davidcarie, I wish your recovery continued success. My brother is only 42 and is blessed to be in remission. Health is everything, so good advice on getting an annual physical and testing. Get well!

Our family didn't get into Geocaching until after we started camping in our RV. The season is about to start, so this will be our first RV / Geocaching adventure. We like going to the State Parks (mostly Maryland), so we keep our travel fairly local and go during the weekends. I have a 30 foot travel trailer http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/default22...rec&page=sierra that I pull with an F150 (with oversized engine to pull the extra weight). It makes it easy to drop the trailer and then have the truck to go places we want to. Plus, I can throw the bikes or whatever in the back of the truck for the kids. I usually import all the waypoints of caches in the area I will visit, which makes it easy to choose which ones to go after. Having a base camp to Geocache from will be lots of fun, but I don't want to plan much more than to ensure I have all the options ready. When we go caching, now, we are limited by time and travel distance from home. With the RV, we can be as active or inactive as we want to because we'll have everything right there. Besides, how cool is it to curl up to an outdoor fire after spending a day out and about.

Wow! I'm glad I ordered three of them when I did! Sorry to see the service go, but thanks.

Jeremy, No disrespect intended with the bold font. It's just something I've always done on forums when referring to another user. Some usernames don't have a capitalized first letter, so I started to make the entire username bold in my replies. It was not intended as a malicous way to bring attention to anything. sbell111, I probably didn't state that last part clearly, but I'm trying to take a fair and balanced approach to the discussion. Concerning your other point about the number of cachers and impact to land managers who serve the public. In my area, there are dozens of hiking organizations. One of the more popular ones is the Potomac Appalacian Trail Club. Not only do they have routine meetings with policy makers, they've even formed a partnership with NPS. In fact, they have cabins on NPS lands that their members can use (it is also open to the public on reservation basis). My point is, the Director of NPS embraced the organization over time and they work together on policy JOINTLY.

The differences in opinion are a great source of education for me; nevertheless, you keep discussing what regional organizations are doing. The Leprechauns gave a vague reference to what MIGHT be worked on in a national basis, but I haven't heard of anyone meeting with key policy makers in an effort of advocacy for geocaching. Also, your assumption that a national organization would strike fear of masses into the hearts of land managers is a bit laughable.

GC is not the entire world and you can't be all things to all people. It happens to be my favorite place, but it really isn't setup to voice something of this scope. It seems to me that those that have a CON opinion are bias in some way. Those that are PRO may lack the experience that others have. In any case, I have yet to hear a valid arguement that clearly spells out reasons why we should not have a national organization to represent the best interests of all the groups. Why is this so complicated, folks? Doesn't it make sense that we should be more organized and represented on a broader scale for the benefit of all? Tell me, right now, who is soliciting the Under Secretary of the Department of Interior? Do the smaller, regional groups, do this? NO! Some of the regional groups are very effective at dealing with regional issues. It would be great if someone who already had experience running one of those successful organizations would consider doing the same on a larger scale. I happen to think that person should be a full-time asset. We need a liason to befriend, educate, and to help shape an amicable policy with the people who are responsible for that area. Regional groups don't have the impact, funding, and it isn't a part of their charter. Edited to add: The comments, suggestions, and points brought up by The Old Bet Brigade are the reason why we need organized representation on a national or international level. That kind of experience needs to be shared with the folks that impact geocaching activities in their span of control. Without imput, decisions and policies become a problem and probably assume the worst of geocachers. Why? NOBODY IS TELLING THEM DIFFERENTLY!

Yes, many of the local organizations have been STELLAR! However, when you have a State agency make a formal and broad policy decision, it IS a big deal. Other States will cite "the recent decision in Oregon" as precedence to further restrict activities. Jeremy, GC is awesome and fits my lifestyle and family perfectly... but I get the impression that you are trying to retain too much control. Having a national or international organization will only bring more attention to GC, not less. Terracaching and others will be what they are and GC will be what it is. All of these groups need a unified voice in front of policy makers, and NOBODY is doing it at a national level at the Department of the Interior where it NEEDS to be. Of course, this is my opinion only and I could be wrong. That said, JohnnyVegas and others make a strong argument for having a larger organization to represent us all. I'm a member of a few groups, and I've seen it make a difference... in policy, in legislation, in management, in public relations, etc. Are you saying we would be better off WITHOUT an organization? I don't see that logic at all.

I think some folks are missing the point. Other states and agencies WILL start to curtail Geocaching activities... it is simply a matter of time. One of the great things about this sport is the freedom and independance it provides. It can be an individual sport, family fun, or it can be a group activity. That can also be a problem because there is no unified voice to address concerns and help educate the public and the various policy makers. I have to completely disagree with Jeremy on this, as well. A national or even an international organization wouldn't be some type of hiarchy and the "one ring to rule them all" comment is waayyy off. Representation with policy makers and law makers makes a HUGE difference. Such an organization should include many of the other groups, like Terracahers and others, for this purpose. For example, a letter drafted to the Director of Land Management of XYZ that states, "the 70,000 members of the United States Geocaching Society" will have more impact than a few letters from a few individuals. If you fight tooth and nail against some of these institutions, it will likely be a long and difficult road. However, if you work WITH these institutions and educate them as to the benefits, you will likely bare fruit. In my opinion, it can NOT be done on a volunteer basis. It is probably time that an organization is created so that one or more individuals can work on our behalf on a FULL-TIME basis. We have to meet with the Bureau of Land Management, with NPS, with Department of the Interior, etc and SHOW them examples of the benefits we provide with CITO, CITO Events, and logs that indicate a problem with a park was reported to authorities (i.e. I've seen logs where folks mentioned that a bridge got washed out and they reported it to Park authorities). Eariler today, I saw a post on the forums that talked about recently discovered booty and looked like a bunch of stolen watches, etc. Would I pay a couple bucks to have someone look out for my interests? You bet! The sport continues to grow and I think we would all benefit from national or international representation. In my opinion, it is time for someone to shoulder that responsibility on a full time basis. Regional issues will continue to be addressed by Regional groups, but we need a national presence to make a larger difference and to curtail our rights to Geocaching. I'm a recent member of the Marlyland Geocaching Society and they have excellent liason programs with local officials. You will ALWAYS need a Regional group to address county, city, and other municipalities. However, I think we need a national or international group to address the broader issues, including federal and congressional areas of interest.

It hasn't happened yet, but some of the caches in the area may contain improvised explosive devices. Unless you find one placed by someone you know WITHIN the safe borders of a fire-base, I wouldn't touch it.

ShowStop, you are quite the responsive and helpful Geocacher! Thanks for your help. I'm traveling from Maryland and will be staying in Anaheim during the same period... http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=90071

Rare Earth Magnets: http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=...2363,42348&ap=1 Travelbug / hitch hiker accessories: Stencils and stickers: Rubber stamps: Bison capsules & magnets: Battery Holders: http://www.sissy-n-cr.com/store.shtml Electronic kits, gadgets, and sensors: http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/ AM radio broadcast equipment: (You don't need an FCC license under 100 milliwatts with short antenae - good for 1/4 mile) http://www.ontheair3.com/

Check your .mil account

Darn, it's too bad I didn't read this sooner. I'm going to California tomorrow!

Greetings, I'll be spending a few days in Anaheim, CA this coming weekend. I'll have most of Saturday to myself, so I'd like to get some Geocaching in. What are some unique and interesting caches in that area? Thanks, Tiggers

I suppose we should keep this "scenery only" pictures, but this is one of my favorite picture. I love the smile on Little Tigger's face when we found this cache. What a cheezeball...

If I could, I would love to use this as my cachemobile...

Pork King has it right. Pop-ups and other items are really a nuisance, especially when they are even related to that space. However, I don't see anything wrong with a small banner in the upper right hand corner that rotates advertisers (i.e. Garmin, Magellan, Hiking Magazines, etc). They wouldn't be intrusive at all. If you were interested, then you click on it... if not, no harm done. Some sites make it so annoying that it ruins it for everyone else, but it can be done with taste and done professionally.

Thanks to Sissy-n-CR! I received my stamps, bison tubes, and other goodies today. The quality is much better than I expected. This is probably a hobby for Sissy-n-CR, but I wanted to say that you definately make Geocaching a better activity by providing AFFORDABLE products and services. Well done! For those that haven't visited their online store... http://www.sissy-n-cr.com/store.shtml

Put a little silicone grease around the gasket and you'll probably be fine (as long as you don't throw it on a stream on purpose). If you look at the label, it says, "Water Resistant (Non-Submersible)." I have one of these, and was thinking about using it for a cache... I'll have to think about that some more. If it stayed upright, you would be fine... but how can you guarantee that will happen (might depend on cache location)?

I'm looking for some type of proximity switch activation for a future cache. I was thinking about some type of passive system like a small mercury switch, because there wouldn't be a drain on the battery until something was moved and the circuit was closed... and that's my problem. I can't guarantee that someone on the hunt will move anything close to the cache before they get there, and I don't want to put it on the cache itself. The goal is to activate a switch when someone gets close to the cache (for what I can't say here). So, I started thinking about an active system... perhaps motion detector or infrared laser or something else. That's another problem, because you would have constant battery drain. Even if I used a photosensitive switch to keep the unit "off" during the night, there would still be battery drain. The future location is close enough for easy maintenance, but I want to limit visits to the site. I'm not an electrician, and I have VERY basic skills. Any recommendations? Oh, please reply as if I'm an infant, because I probably wouldn't understand any geek-speak from you genius engineers out there. Thank you in advance!