Rattlebars

Thanks. I thot that just F5 would do it and wondered why it didn't. Learned something new today. CTRL+F5! Thanks! By the way: The cache spoken of is the cache (collection) that your browser keeps of internet pages and such, not a GEOcache (just in case you were confused). Just trying to return the favor.

ANYONE who would talk like that to a FAMILY with children present regardless of the circumstances should be reported to the authorities. Now, you had a sour one. Let me assure you that instances like that will be rare and you probably won't have another. Just to counter that bad report, I have included a couple of recent logs from one of my caches (GC18TEE) which is near a playground. And, no, the person who cooks breakfast is not me.

If you are running Windows XP, I have written a very nice script to get your GPX files to your iPod as "Notes" with a simple DragnDrop or double click in just a few seconds. ---> CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS <---

Markwell to this thread about antennas and how to mount one on your head (Yea, then they can REALLY call you a propeller head!). -->CLICK<--

This is a pete & repeat topic and it has wandered astray more than a Geocacher in the deep woods with an MIO unit with "snap to road" still on. Two things stand out. "Lifting skirts" and "gamete" (a misuse of the word where "gamut" should have been). Interesting coincidence, but it could just be my mood tonight. Everyone should own at least one LPC. And for the sake of the topic, I'm trying to figure out what cache fishdirt got harassed over. The profile is empty of owned caches and if the OP is using this forum to prattle about a cache listed on another site then misuse seems a pattern. Garbage? A dumpster cache? But, that's my mood tonight again I guess. I've not found a cache in nearly thirty days which may have something to do with it. The last two I found were dumpster caches placed by an owner who usually does much much better. That kinda took the wind out of my sails on caching for awhile (and that _IS_ on topic)..... but I've also been busy.

This may be a bit more easy to translate for you. Shown below are two "members only" cache listings. They have the little silhouette (man in a box) next to them. There will probably not be too many for you to find, however. A pocket query with "Is Active" checked and "Are for members only" checked would find you some.

I have one in Western PA just over the Ohio line that recommends the use of a boat or canoe. Other paths to the cache are available but are very hard to traverse according to the logs. I did not place nor have I maintained this one on foot, always with a canoe on the Shenango River. No one has yet logged it by boat. Won't help you out much tho! GCXKKQ

Being a victim of budget restraints, I can only load 500 at a time into my old antique Magellan so larger GPX/WPT files would be useless. One can stack the BABEL command lines to create the needed number of export files...... at least my old girl can load several files of 500 off an SD card rather quickly but individually. Living in a cultural vacuum as I do, 500 is plenty enough. Again budget (and time) restraints would negate searching for miles and miles and miles anyway gas prices being what they are and my best record to date is 12 in one day... not first prize quality, but it serves (though I do have a six FTF in a day personal best). Again, I often neglect to check where an OP might reside..... and I wonder how one in such a populated area can make heads or tails of what must be a plethora of icons on the map. (Note: I am aware that BABEL is under the hood of GSAK and from time to time you'll get a glimpse of the "DOS" window (though there is a parameter to pass along that will cause the command window to run invisibly.)

Yes, up to 500 caches will be contained in one GPX file filtered as you would like them filtered. GBSBabel will do the conversion for OV2 files which you can load into the TomTom...... (I cannot attest to this statement because I have no TomTom to try, but GPSBabel might just send it straight to your TomTom thru the USB port). GPSBabel...... http://www.gpsbabel.org/ It's a DOS (command window) based program with a nice GUI (Graphical User Interface) added . Run it once and you can make a .BAT file to run it again with the same Pocket query.... Tom Tom output in .BAT file format would be: gpsbabel.exe -p "" -w -i gpx -f "K:\1129311\1129311.gpx" -o tomtom -F "K:\OUT\daily.ov2" I'm a fan of simplicity. See this thread ->click<-.

It was more than the 3:30 thing... I had some lines of code reversed so look at my other post and see. I will repeat it here for clarity. Don't look at your quote of my post in yours, it's incorrect. c:\gpsbabel\gpsbabel.exe -p "" -w -s -i gpx -f "K:\1129311\1129311.gpx" -o gpx,snlen=8,suppresswhite=1 -F "K:\OUT\daily.gpx" copy K:\OUT\daily.gpx G:\daily.gpx /Y c:\gpsbabel\gpsbabel.exe -p "" -w -s -i gpx -f "K:\1129311\1129311.gpx" -o magellan,deficon=shooting -F "K:\OUT\daily.wpt" copy K:\OUT\daily.wpt g:\daily.wpt /Y REM THE WRITE RESULT TO COM1 c:\gpsbabel\gpsbabel.exe -p "" -w -i gpx -f magellan -f "K:\OUT\daily.wpt" -o magellan -F com1:

I know this is heresy around here, but I don't like GSAK. WAAAYYY too much work for a simple fun sport like caching. I use .BAT files with GPSBabel to put smart names in the PQ GPX files and to send the waypoints to my GPS thru the cable. Takes about 5 seconds with one double click. I then drag the new meaningfully named (like "DAILY.GPX") to my Axim pocket pc "internal storage". Tap the start menu on the Axim, tap GPXView or GPXSonar, tap the name of the GPX file to load and one will get a list of caches with the Waypoint (original or "smart") on the left and the cache title on the right. Tap one and it will display. You can sort the cache list by name, waypoint, distance (from what you have set as home), date placed, or date logged by tapping the appropriate column title above the list (the blue area). These can all be sorted inversely or straight by tapping the same column again (you have to scroll to the right to get the dates, etc.). Seconds it takes and I'm out the door. WWWAAAAAY more simple. I also wrote a Windows XP Script to write GPX or LOC files to your iPod as notes. Home page for that is here -> GC_2iPod <- and it's free for anyone who wants to download it. My son uses it as he has no Pocket PC. Sample .BAT file for GPSBabel..... BTW this is REAL easy. Just do it once with the GPSBABEL GUI and then hilite and CTRL/C copy the line from the output window, paste it into Notepad and save it as a XXXXX.BAT file. Double click the .BAT next time and you're done in seconds. c:\gpsbabel\gpsbabel.exe -p "" -w -s -i gpx -f "K:\1129311\1129311.gpx" -o gpx,snlen=8,suppresswhite=1 -F "K:\OUT\daily.gpx" copy K:\OUT\daily.gpx G:\daily.gpx /Y c:\gpsbabel\gpsbabel.exe -p "" -w -s -i gpx -f "K:\1129311\1129311.gpx" -o magellan,deficon=shooting -F "K:\OUT\daily.wpt" copy K:\OUT\daily.wpt g:\daily.wpt /Y REM THE WRITE RESULT TO COM1 c:\gpsbabel\gpsbabel.exe -p "" -w -i gpx -f magellan -f "K:\OUT\daily.wpt" -o magellan -F com1: Edit to fix the code which was reversesed. Sorry. hope this helps.

Miragiee is correct, but after checking the HTML box, you can still just type in your description in plain text without much coding except for the link as you have also correctly determined. The only thing that you have to remember if you're just typing plain text is that for a paragraph break, you would use the code <p> and for a simple line break use the code <br>. The <br> is not really needed as plain text will "wrap" to the user's browser width, but the <p> is needed between paragraphs. Inserting a picture is done with <img src = "http://www.whateverpicture.jpg"> and that picture must be somewhere on the web at the www address. One very easy way to add a picture to your listing is to upload an image to your page listing from your computer using the "Upload images" link on the right side of your page. Once you can see the page, click on the image link and the picture will show. Right click on the picture and on the pop up context menu, left click on "Properties" down at the bottom. This will bring up a dialog box with the actual address of the image in the middle of it. You can click n' drag to hilite that or just triple click it and use CTRL/C to copy the link. Close the dialog, go back to your page and use "Edit listing" to go again to the editing window and use CTRL/V to paste the image link which will look something like this: http://img.geocaching.com/cache/cd76b062-c...fedc4a82288.jpg Fix the code to <img src-"http://img.geocaching.com/cache/cd76b062-c1f8-4a45-8e9a-cfedc4a82288.jpg"> and there you go. <EDIT TO ADD PICTURE> You can practice on the image below. Just right click > properties > triple click the link > CTRL/V to copy the link. I upload images to one of my archived caches to use here in the forum quite frequently. This image is "image3.jpg" in the gallery of GC104XB <--- click.

If you view a listing page while connected to the Internet and active-sync both GPXView and GPXSonar will show pictures (including smileys) that are embedded in the listing. Both will also follow external links. For View, you must set that up in browser settings. View will not retain them as offline once you've disconnected. For Sonar, the images and external linked (viewed) pages are still available when offline (in the field) until you delete the temporary internet files. This is found off the tools menu under preferences. You must be viewing a page to get there off the tools menu.

And our Team Gear for special hunts..... ....................................

I wrote and have been using this little Windows XP script for my own use for awhile and I thought maybe some others in the Geocaching community might find it useful as well. I'm a fan of simplicity. I even run GPSBable using .BAT files and don't use the GUI. I find that most of the programs for handling GPX or LOC files are just so overloaded with features they are cumbersome to use (I know, I know - I'm a heretic). At any rate, this was my answer to the complexity. Drag n Drop or double click. A simple script that converts GPX and/or LOC files to iPod Notes files and writes them directly to your iPod in a flash. Takes about 4 seconds for 500 waypoints. I like it. I polished it up a bit for public use and it's completely free to any and all. To download the script, just visit the GC_2iPod home page located here. This script uses GPSBable to do some work. You will have to download it from GPSBabel.org if you do not have it already. Here's the blurb: Don't want to spend a bundle on a PDA or Palm and have to carry that extra load with you when GeoCaching? Use this Windows XP script to convert your .GPX or .LOC files to Notes for your iPod! All information from the listing like Difficulty, Terrain, Size, Description, Logs, Hints, Additional Waypoints and Owner will be included with your .GPX conversion. For .LOC conversion, you'll have just the Name, Coordinates and Owner. You can mix 'n match them too! Just drag and drop up to 15 GPX and/or LOC files onto GC_2iPod.vbs (or a shortcut to it) and it will convert all of them and send them to your iPod Notes folder! Or, just double click GC_2iPod.vbs (or a shortcut to it) and you can choose a single GPX or LOC file to convert. Create meaningful named folders inside your iPod Notes folder to have access to the listings you want - anytime you want. Also automatically delete your "found" caches from the folder you choose. Encrypt your hints or not, the way you like.

Yeah. Rayovac Hybrids. I used to use Eveready but they had a short shelf life. They discharged just sitting there. Eveready is 2600 and the hybrids only 2100, but because the Evereadies lose just sitting, the Hybrids are clearly the choice.

Yup. It's kinda like -- "What are the three most important things about real estate or geocaching?" Location location location.

On topic: Do it after you find it. That's it. (see below) Sorta on Topic: Due to the limited and very pricey resource we call gasoline, it really IS NOT CUTE for you to sit by your computer with an evil grin and wait a day or two after an FTF before you log it. In fact, it's behaviour unbecoming a geocacher. And yes, it really p***es me off. And yea, logging an STF quickly would help the situation, so do it. I do.

The coordinates are right and it's supposed to be a "regular" so that's where it should be. However, if you were in the middle of the road... Google Earth turns up this map with the coordinates. It's in some woods NEAR a road (Katherine) & some dirt paths. Make sure you have the correct datum set for your GPS. GC.COM uses WGS84 and some GPS units come defaulted to NAD27. If you have NAD set and are looking for WGS, then your gps would be about far enough off course to put you on the path to the East (see map) instead of where the cache is. Check your setup screens and make sure you are using the correct map datum WGS-84. Also, make sure you have a GPS that's not set to "SNAP TO ROAD" or "PIN TO ROAD" as that will have your GPS always setting itself in the middle of the nearest road even if it's 500 yards away..

Don't forget to add that the Geocaching community, though a diverse lot, is a friendly crowd. List the caches near your postal code and e-mail some of the owners..... I bet you could find a fast friend with wheels nearby.

Usually the cache listing will tell you what to use, MAG or TRUE if you need to use the compass for a find. If it doesn't tell you then use TRUE and you'll be right about 99% of the time. Most caches don't need the compass, but the compass screen is handy for the pointer to your destination - the cache - and the setting is unimportant. For normal use, TRUE is usually better than MAG but it's not that important unless you live in the arctic circle. Edited for clarity?

Go to the cache page where you got the original coordinates and look in the upper right corner. Click "Log your visit" and then choose FOUND IT and write a note in the text box.

No way. Don't be shy. I've given up spots to other cachers who needed a particular spot to make a multi make sense. I also spent a full week creating a interesting cache after checking to see if any caches were nearby. Nearest one was TWO MILES. But, the day I set and listed the cache, in the meantime someone have placed a micro within 100 feet of the last stage. I mailed them, they were very happy to remove it. I'm sure relating the story you told us here to the owner(s) would lead to a favorable response unless they were rude or crude (not many cachers are considering the type of folk who are drawn to the sport). Give it a shot.....

Ouch! Probably right (but don't forget, I have a protective metal plate on my head soo...... ) However, it should say what you say it's suggesting rather than saying what it says. I agree, but that original particular oft quoted passage says nothing of the good advice you have stated. And I have just visited two dumpster caches that for your reason in bold disappointed me because the hider is usually better at it.

First, I'm going to state that I don't know where this quote came from but I've seen it in nearly 1/3 of the threads in "Getting Started" and elsewhere with much frequency. I don't agree at all. I keep my ol' Magellan Meridian Color in hand at all times. Most times on the screen with "rubber band" and sometimes, not often, on the compass screen when the map screen is insufficient (very rare, but I do use a "small" map). Why would one want to put away the GPS when it still says 30' or so? Makes no sense unless the GPS is a bad one. I can't imagine my old Meridian Color being any better than any other unit and certainly not better than the newer units with SIRF. I can say that in 85% of my traditional cache finds, my GPS says 8' or less when I'm standing on the cache. Of course, when the placer's unit is off, like one of our locals who uses his phone and never averages, it will be off by more, but I can "circle" the cache to narrow it down and use that method when I know this fellow hid it. The second part of the statement makes much sense, but with your GPS in your pocket, how would you know? I'm guessing that the poster implies "take out your GPS again to approach it from a different direction" and if that's so, why ever put it away? I only put mine away when I need both hands to climb a tree or embankment. NOTE: I'm using a "small" map. I normally load a very small map (say only a hundred miles square" of the location so that the "rubber band" screen updates quicker. If I do load a "large map" (a few hundred or nearly the 64meeg limit of the Meridian) rubber band is less effective but the compass still works so I never "put the GPS away." Edited to add that I will sometimes in the dark woods, use one of these antennas. This will give some a laff, but I wear a jungle hat and have fashioned a small metal plate about the size of the antenna's magnetic base which has foam padding on one side. I put the plate under the hat and snap the magnetic base to the top. Works great! Edited to fix "64K" to 64Meg".