Hey Rainy,
I too am brand new to Geocaching. I just bought a Maggelan Explorist GC at Gander Mountain for $150. To me, it seems that the Explorist GC makes getting started practically idiot proof. I have yet to try it out for a real cache...I'm near Pittsburgh, PA and we're having a bit of a cold spell. GOOD LUCK and ENJOY THE WORLD OF GEOCACHING...I KNOW I WILL.
Goldenbabies