Allison Wunderland

That's not "pretension." That's maybe "presumption" -- and sure as hell sticks the ball in their court. You're aware . . . I PRESUME . . . That the chronology in the transcript runs from bottom (oldest) to top (newest)? The headers include dates, times . . . Maybe a close reading, eh? ALL OF YOU ! ! ! RE-READ THE TRANSCRIPTS . . . BOTTOM TO TOP, OLDEST TO NEWEST. [Potty language removed by moderator.]

NOOOOOOOOOOOo . . . RE read the transcript. They didn't return my $$$. They specified IF I PURCHASED THE SOFTWARE FROM GARMIN. It's Garmin software, purchased from a retailer different than the one who REFUNDED MY PURCHASE PRICE ON THE GPS -- WHICH THE RETAILER WAS NOT REQUIRED TO DO. Two months constant inquiries to Garmin and I'm not getting any customer support. This transcript is about ONE issue of the dozens for which I've requested and not received support. STILL no confirmation I've registered (although I finally got my refund) -- Still no "software discount code" sent to me. Trust me on this . . . I taught "Business Communications" at the University. I know how to deal with businesses in business letters. Finally I got pissed off. Retailer refunded my purchase price. Garmin told me to stuff myself on the software -- That's going to cost Garmin in "market good will."

Here's the transcript, verbatim from Garmin.com [Duplicate rant removed by moderator to keep thread on-topic.]

Here's the transcript, verbatim from Garmin.com [Duplicate rant removed by moderator to keep thread on-topic.]

Here's the transcript, verbatim from Garmin.com [Duplicate rant removed by moderator to keep thread on-topic.]

Here's the transcript, verbatim from Garmin.com [Duplicate rant removed by moderator to keep thread on-topic.]

[Duplicate rant removed by moderator to keep thread on-topic.]

Here's the transcript, verbatim from Garmin.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I am sorry you were unable to get your issue with the maps resolved. If you purchased the maps from Garmin directly I can set up a return if you send me proof of the return of the 450. If you purchased it from another retailer you may want to check with them on their return policy. Please let me know. With Best Regards, Michael S Product Support Specialist Outdoor/Fitness Team Garmin International 913-397-8200 800-800-1020 913-440-8280 (fax) Att: Michael S, Associate #6020 www.garmin.com Original Message Follows: ------------------------ My retailer provided me with a full refund on your Oregon 450. Garmin should refund my purchase price on my 24K Topo software. I have receipts and packaging for the DVD. Purchase date circa April 8, 2010. Let's see some "Customer Service" here . . . Do you stand behind your products or not? I have $129.99 into a DVD and would be happy to pay shipping. > ----- Original Message ----- > From: TechSupp <techsupp@garmin.com> > To: > Subject: FW: NW corner of map missing (KMM16940831I15977L0KM) > Date: Tue, 8 Jun 2010 15:11:34 -0500 > > > > > > > I am sorry you are still not able to see the detail for this area. > Would it be possible you could email me some coordinates or an > image of the area you are not able to see on your Oregon. I could > then forward this information to our help desk technicians for > further investigation. > > Thanks, > > Dwight O. > Outdoor/Fitness Product Support Specialist - Day > Garmin International > 1200 E 151 St. > Olathe, KS 66062 > 1-800-800-1020 > www.garmin.com > > When replying to emails, please include any previous email > correspondence (AOL users should select the email text before > clicking Reply). Any correspondence not directly related to this > email should be sent to techsupp@garmin.com. > > > > Dwight O. > Outdoor/Fitness Product Support Specialist - Day Garmin > International 1200 E 151 St. > Olathe, KS 66062 > 1-800-800-1020 > www.garmin.com > > When replying to emails, please include any previous email > correspondence (AOL users should select the email text before > clicking Reply). Any correspondence not directly related to this > email should be sent to techsupp@garmin.com. > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Product.Support@garmin.com [mailto:product.support@garmin.com] > Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 3:02 PM > To: O'Neil, Dwight > Subject: Re: NW corner of map missing (KMM16940831I15977L0KM) > > > Thank you for contacting Garmin International. > > With Best Regards, > > Dwight O > Product Support Specialist > Outdoor/Fitness Team > Garmin International > 913-397-8200 > 800-800-1020 > 913-440-8280 (fax) Att: Dwight O, Associate #6164 www.garmin.com > > > > Original Message Follows: > ------------------------ > Settings per this email: > > Most recent software update in effect. Batteries show 3/4 power > (Alkaline "Industrial"). > > Changed "detail" from "Normal" to "Most." > > Display is WORSE. "50 mile" display shows OR, WA coast and offshore. > Enlarge to "30 mile" and display is reduced to a thin, horizontal > sliver. Watching while screen refreshes. Outlying display is brown > hatchmark pattern. > > "Less" detail improves display. OR, WA west coast displays to "5 Mile" > resolution. At "3 mile" the western edge and northern edge of the > map turns to brown hashmarks. "Scrolling" across the display moves > the location, but it doesn't change the missing display. > > The map detail works fine on the computer display, but the GPS > > 3-D display does not zoom larger/smaller and does not "scroll" > across position. It's difficult to sort out visually, and the upper > half of the display is blank white screen. > > Thank you -- > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Product.Support@garmin.com" <product.support@garmin.com> > > To: > > Subject: Re: NW corner of map missing (KMM16919874I15977L0KM) > > Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2010 12:52:56 -0500 > > > > > > Dear --------------- > > > > Thank you for contacting Garmin International. > > > > I would be happy to assist. I'm sorry this is not showing up on your > > device. Please make sure you map detail is set to the highest level by > > following these steps: > > > > 1. Press setup and then select map > > 2. Press advanced map setup and make sure detail says most > > > > Also please make sure you have the latest software update on your > Oregon > > by clicking on the link below and running our webupdater program with > > the device connected. Would you then please attempt to transfer the > maps > > again and see if the detail is now showing. > > > > http://www8.garmin.com/products/webupdater/howtoinstall.jsp > > > > With Best Regards, > > > > Dwight O > > Product Support Specialist > > Outdoor/Fitness Team > > Garmin International > > 913-397-8200 > > 800-800-1020 > > 913-440-8280 (fax) Att: Dwight O, Associate #6164 www.garmin.com > > > > > > > > > > Original Message Follows: ------------------------ > > > > Escalation from KANA On Demand Self Service >Subject: NW corner of > map > > missing > > Message: NW corner of Oregon, SW corner of WA missing on topo map > > display. It displays at the "2 mi" scale, but zooming in for detail, > the > > map appears cut off, displays a hatch-mark screen. Display detail > works > > fine on the computer interface, but not on the Oregon 450 GPS. Topo > 24K > > software DVD is purchased separately and downloaded w/ Toshiba > > L305-S5946 laptop. Pentium, Vista OS. > > Knowledge Session Log URL: > > ?session={44039420-703f-11df-dcc2-000000000000}&forward=sesslog > > Knowledgebase: > > garmin > > Market Name: > > On the Trail > > Product Group: > > Oregon Series > > Product: > > Oregon 450 > > Serial Number: > > 1TEO11847 > > Software Version: > > Topo 24K WA OR CA NV > > Type: > > Other > > User ID: > > allisonwunderland ??? > > Name: > > ------------------- > > First Name: > > --------------- > > Last Name: > >------------------- > > Email Address: > > ------------------- > > Phone: > > ----------------------- > > Address: > > ----------------- > > City: > > ------------- > > State: > > -------- > > Zip: > >------------------ > > Country: > > United States > > > 20100401 Firefox/3.6.3 ( .NET CLR 3.5.30729)> > > >

Here's the transcript, verbatim from Garmin.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I am sorry you were unable to get your issue with the maps resolved. If you purchased the maps from Garmin directly I can set up a return if you send me proof of the return of the 450. If you purchased it from another retailer you may want to check with them on their return policy. Please let me know. With Best Regards, Michael S Product Support Specialist Outdoor/Fitness Team Garmin International 913-397-8200 800-800-1020 913-440-8280 (fax) Att: Michael S, Associate #6020 www.garmin.com Original Message Follows: ------------------------ My retailer provided me with a full refund on your Oregon 450. Garmin should refund my purchase price on my 24K Topo software. I have receipts and packaging for the DVD. Purchase date circa April 8, 2010. Let's see some "Customer Service" here . . . Do you stand behind your products or not? I have $129.99 into a DVD and would be happy to pay shipping. > ----- Original Message ----- > From: TechSupp <techsupp@garmin.com> > To: > Subject: FW: NW corner of map missing (KMM16940831I15977L0KM) > Date: Tue, 8 Jun 2010 15:11:34 -0500 > > > > > > > I am sorry you are still not able to see the detail for this area. > Would it be possible you could email me some coordinates or an > image of the area you are not able to see on your Oregon. I could > then forward this information to our help desk technicians for > further investigation. > > Thanks, > > Dwight O. > Outdoor/Fitness Product Support Specialist - Day > Garmin International > 1200 E 151 St. > Olathe, KS 66062 > 1-800-800-1020 > www.garmin.com > > When replying to emails, please include any previous email > correspondence (AOL users should select the email text before > clicking Reply). Any correspondence not directly related to this > email should be sent to techsupp@garmin.com. > > > > Dwight O. > Outdoor/Fitness Product Support Specialist - Day Garmin > International 1200 E 151 St. > Olathe, KS 66062 > 1-800-800-1020 > www.garmin.com > > When replying to emails, please include any previous email > correspondence (AOL users should select the email text before > clicking Reply). Any correspondence not directly related to this > email should be sent to techsupp@garmin.com. > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Product.Support@garmin.com [mailto:product.support@garmin.com] > Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 3:02 PM > To: O'Neil, Dwight > Subject: Re: NW corner of map missing (KMM16940831I15977L0KM) > > > Thank you for contacting Garmin International. > > With Best Regards, > > Dwight O > Product Support Specialist > Outdoor/Fitness Team > Garmin International > 913-397-8200 > 800-800-1020 > 913-440-8280 (fax) Att: Dwight O, Associate #6164 www.garmin.com > > > > Original Message Follows: > ------------------------ > Settings per this email: > > Most recent software update in effect. Batteries show 3/4 power > (Alkaline "Industrial"). > > Changed "detail" from "Normal" to "Most." > > Display is WORSE. "50 mile" display shows OR, WA coast and offshore. > Enlarge to "30 mile" and display is reduced to a thin, horizontal > sliver. Watching while screen refreshes. Outlying display is brown > hatchmark pattern. > > "Less" detail improves display. OR, WA west coast displays to "5 Mile" > resolution. At "3 mile" the western edge and northern edge of the > map turns to brown hashmarks. "Scrolling" across the display moves > the location, but it doesn't change the missing display. > > The map detail works fine on the computer display, but the GPS > > 3-D display does not zoom larger/smaller and does not "scroll" > across position. It's difficult to sort out visually, and the upper > half of the display is blank white screen. > > Thank you -- > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Product.Support@garmin.com" <product.support@garmin.com> > > To: > > Subject: Re: NW corner of map missing (KMM16919874I15977L0KM) > > Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2010 12:52:56 -0500 > > > > > > Dear --------------- > > > > Thank you for contacting Garmin International. > > > > I would be happy to assist. I'm sorry this is not showing up on your > > device. Please make sure you map detail is set to the highest level by > > following these steps: > > > > 1. Press setup and then select map > > 2. Press advanced map setup and make sure detail says most > > > > Also please make sure you have the latest software update on your > Oregon > > by clicking on the link below and running our webupdater program with > > the device connected. Would you then please attempt to transfer the > maps > > again and see if the detail is now showing. > > > > http://www8.garmin.com/products/webupdater/howtoinstall.jsp > > > > With Best Regards, > > > > Dwight O > > Product Support Specialist > > Outdoor/Fitness Team > > Garmin International > > 913-397-8200 > > 800-800-1020 > > 913-440-8280 (fax) Att: Dwight O, Associate #6164 www.garmin.com > > > > > > > > > > Original Message Follows: ------------------------ > > > > Escalation from KANA On Demand Self Service >Subject: NW corner of > map > > missing > > Message: NW corner of Oregon, SW corner of WA missing on topo map > > display. It displays at the "2 mi" scale, but zooming in for detail, > the > > map appears cut off, displays a hatch-mark screen. Display detail > works > > fine on the computer interface, but not on the Oregon 450 GPS. Topo > 24K > > software DVD is purchased separately and downloaded w/ Toshiba > > L305-S5946 laptop. Pentium, Vista OS. > > Knowledge Session Log URL: > > ?session={44039420-703f-11df-dcc2-000000000000}&forward=sesslog > > Knowledgebase: > > garmin > > Market Name: > > On the Trail > > Product Group: > > Oregon Series > > Product: > > Oregon 450 > > Serial Number: > > 1TEO11847 > > Software Version: > > Topo 24K WA OR CA NV > > Type: > > Other > > User ID: > > allisonwunderland ??? > > Name: > > ------------------- > > First Name: > > --------------- > > Last Name: > >------------------- > > Email Address: > > ------------------- > > Phone: > > ----------------------- > > Address: > > ----------------- > > City: > > ------------- > > State: > > -------- > > Zip: > >------------------ > > Country: > > United States > > > 20100401 Firefox/3.6.3 ( .NET CLR 3.5.30729)> > > >

I've started searching the grocery aisles for containers -- plastic with a waterproof seal. Mayo, peanut butter containers work well -- although some discussion in these forums about peanut butter containers and peanut allergies. Pace Picante just went to a container with a "steel insert" in their lid. RATS! Steel rusts, corrodes. (We're at the ocean here.) There's a feature on this site which will show caches in your area. Not much point in further saturating an area already saturated with caches. My "style" is "easy to find, difficult/arduous to access." Hike in, off road, trails at the beach, in the woods. Once you get to the site, the cache is easy to find. A more "urban style" is to camouflage the cache, make it "sneaky" to find. Micro-caches work well in this vein. Would advise to search for a few before deciding where you want to cache one of your own.

Last time I checked there wasn't a "Rule Book." I reconnoiter the bejeezus out of Earth Google and anything else I can access before searching. I'm starting to think about metal detectors.

Just RETURNED a Garmin 450 for retailer refund. (He'd rather lose $$$ than a loyal customer.) NW corner of OR was missing on my 24K Topo software. Dealer couldn't get it to function either. Customer support from Garmin is deplorable. I'm still not "registered" online (submitted two months ago). I'm still waiting for the "Software Discount" from Garmin. Tech support issues go unanswered. Online documentation is sucky, skimpy, unsat. Garmin dealer concedes that support is poor. Garmin evidently has moved to automobile GPS and let hand-helds tech fall into neglect. Buy something else.

Just RETURNED a Garmin 450 to my dealer for refund. (He'd rather lose $$$ than lose a loyal customer.) Unit Topo 24K software was missing the NW corner of Oregon (some other stuff). Retailer could not get it to function either. Garmin tech support has been unsatisfactory. Garmin documentation online and otherwise is POOR. Retailer concedes that Garmin support for handhelds is poor, insufficient.

My retailer couldn't get the unit to work either. Be that as it may -- Garmin customer support SUX. And that's the reason I returned the unit for a refund. Poor documentation of the product online, in videos, in PDF files, etc. Garmin just plain doesn't provide discussion of features. I'm still waiting to figure out how the "pinpoint" feature on the map works. My software wouldn't display the NW corner of Oregon (where I live). Land mass was cut off the map, and gawd forbid I should cross the bar in a boat and find myself out in the ocean (which we do in this fishing community). Product wasn't working and Garmin tech support stinks. That's the reason I returned the unit. And no, this here ain't my first rodeo. I'm tech savvy and computer literate. It's not me.

Here's my recent review -- Caveat Emptor! Garmin needs to get with the program! Web site here won't let me give ZERO STARS. I returned this product to my retailer for a full refund after two months of unsatisfactory performance and non-existent customer service from Garmin. My dealer would rather have a loyal customer than any sort of $$$ he might lose on the return/refund of this product. This Garmin dealer concedes that customer tech support for Garmin is poor to non-existent. My $129.99 24K Topo software just plain wasn't working on this unit. Blank areas, no topo detail. Queries to Garmin Tech Support are fruitless -- Three emails and finally they stopped replying. Documentation and online support sux. Two months ownership and Garmin STILL has not acknowledged online registration nor provided my "software discount" coupon. Finally, after two months and a couple reminders, I got my purchase refund. Garmin sux. Their customer support sux. Garmin has let hand-helds go to hell in their product line while focusing on auto units. DON'T BUY ! ! !

I have a FaceBook page, same name as here if you're interested. I can't figure out how to use it for the most part, nor Twitter either. "Like" -- is that like a simile? Or is it like something I like? I can't decide. Why don't you Twit me and set me straight?

Spent a while the other day in CostCo looking at potential cache containers. Mostly plastic food containers, wide mouth, all plastic, reasonably rigid. I think clear is a good idea. As I get more involved in this stuff, I'm inclined toward smaller caches, less "junk" and more about caching in an area that's a challenge to get to rather than hiding in a sneaky spot. But then I'm not in an urban area and have open space to play in.

I just read the last few posts. I stepped in it with this idea, eh? Gawd knows what might be in those medicine bottles! I worry a lot more about reaching into a hole for a cache and being bitten by a snake.

A bit off topic, but we're 12 pages into it anyways . . . I spent some time yesterday in the aisles at CostCo looking for potential "cache containers." Never once occurred to me that the peanut butter container might trigger an allergy! But speaking of containers -- Some of them in the store are a "standard" configuration and used by different products. Only the label and contents vary. At any rate, Pace Salsa has a "perfect" container -- wide mouth, about a quart, even a nice groove in the side for securing a tether. I saw several different products in the same container. Nearly perfect. BUT -- the lid is a plastic rim with a metal "cap," like a two piece Mason canning jar lid. The cap is "brass" on the outside, with a plastic "gasket." I expect it might last a few years in a decent environment. But I cache stuff at the ocean, w/ salt air and corrosion all around. Whoever is producing this jar, I can't believe that the two piece lid has advantages in function or production cost over a one piece plastic lid. And the other option is to ask pharmacies for their empty meds containers.

ZipLock makes a double layer "Freezer Bag" -- which is nearly bullet proof. Generally the Ziplock sandwich bags are pretty flimsy. The "Freezer Bags" and "Double Freezer Bags" are more reliable.

It wasn't me! Here's a good rule of thumb. You're the adult. It's your child. You're responsible for what your kid gets into. "No, don't worry about the cougar on the porch! He's never actually eaten a child that I know about!" (But then I'm not from around here.)

"Lacerate" ??? English is not your first language? (I'm not being sarcastic. We have an international audience.) Did you get your question answered with the link? Basically you can use the copyrighted image if you provide a credit line in the design.

I have a blog on this Google Blog site. The "support" totally sux. There's not much recourse to actually contacting anyone there about anything. The site has a "report abuse" function, but it "dysfunctions" as a "form letter" without any options for specifying the basis for a complaint/report. Here's the deal. If the Park Service, or other agency approves the cache and this whack-job is removing and destroying them, we have grounds for a LEGAL complaint of theft/vandalism. As such, a site which promotes unlawful theft/vandalism is not indemnified by protections of free speech. In essence, "Google Blog" (whatever) acts as a "co-conspirator" in enabling this blog's unlawful activities. "Google Blog" is fundamentally difficult to contact. But, when I get back to my WiFi venue, I'm going to see if I can't rattle their cage. Google Blog needs to be more responsive, accessible, and responsible. Their disclaimer "We chose not to be an arbiter in free speech" doesn't cut it if the speech promotes unlawful behavior.

Allison Wunderland is on FaceBook, has a blog, signed up for several newsgroup blogs, and is on Twitter as AllisnWundrland because the Head Twits limit the letters in a name listing. Someday Allison will figure out how to use FaceBook, and Twitter.

I found a "dump site" just off the road in a state park. At first I suspected it might be a dead body! Shoes and clothing, out on the ground, partially covered with forest debris. And I'm sorry, but I won't handle that sort of stuff without some serious sanitary precautions! Moving right along, in the same area, near a second cache -- wet paper on the ground. (We get 100+ inches precipitation annually.) Toilet paper and someone had used the trees as a crapper, despite a Park Restroom being less than 100 yds away. That said, I'm cautious when reaching into "caches" where I'm not sure what's there. People stash some nasty stuff in some odd locations!