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sleepysnails

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Posts posted by sleepysnails

  1. 18 hours ago, Mineral2 said:

    I'll argue that the gpsMAP6x series are every bit for serious outside activity as the Oregon series. At one point, they were similarly priced ($400 for the Oregon 450 and the 62s back in the day) for what was practically identical specs aside from buttons vs. touch screen. The differences today are simply due to the staggered update schedule. I wouldn't be surprised if Garmin releases a 66 series in January that includes the same WiFi and direct geocaching.com connectivity that the Oregon 700 series has.

    Anyway, my point is, don't undersell your 64st. It's of the same generation as the Oregon 600(t) and has all of the same features, with exception to the customizable shortcut button. That's the only truly unique feature of that line.

    This is SO TRUE Mineral2! I didn't mean to undersell the Garmin! I really like my 64st!  And, it is a serious outside GPS! I did not properly expressed my thoughts!  Thank you for the clarification on my reply! Maybe my thoughts were that the Orgeon looks more like an iPhone and more Star Trek-like and the 64st doesn't....?  I don't know, but, yeah, the 64st is a strong solid device and I am very glad to have it! 

    • Upvote 1
  2. I use my GPSr to Geocache and then log my find on my phone.  But, I've changed it and wait until I get home to log in my finds for the main reason for logging in TBs. I find that when I log a find, the option to also visit, drop, pick up a TB, isn't there.  I find that after I log my find, I have to go to my profile, then enter my inventory, find the cache that I just found, add a comment, and log it! 

    I remember when it was a lot easier with this app for this specific purpose... The option was there when logging in a find and it was an easy click. Am I doing something wrong? Or is this the new way now? 

    I find now that I don't even use my phone anymore and just use my Garmin. I'd like to go back to my old ways and log a find and dip a TB at the same time. 

    I took a break from Geocaching for a little while for personal reasons and I'm back Geocaching again and I find the new version seems good in some ways, but this is the only con, for me, about this app.

    If anyone else knows of an easier way, let me know! Thanks!  

  3. I use my GPSr to Geocache and then log my find on my phone.  But, I've changed it and wait until I get home to log in my finds for the main reason for logging in TBs. I find that when I log a find, the option to also visit, drop, pick up a TB, isn't there.  I find that after I log my find, I have to go to my profile, then enter my inventory, find the cache that I just found, add a comment, and log it! 

    I remember when it was a lot easier with this app for this specific purpose... The option was there when logging in a find and it was an easy click. Am I doing something wrong? Or is this the new way now? 

    I find now that I don't even use my phone anymore and just use my Garmin. I'd like to go back to my old ways and log a find and dip a TB at the same time. 

    I took a break from Geocaching for a little while for personal reasons and I'm back Geocaching again and I find the new version seems good in some ways, but this is the only con, for me, about this app.

    If anyone else knows of an easier way, let me know! Thanks!  

  4. I had the same choice a little while ago and I did that same as you, I came to this forum to ask. The same people who are helping you now are the same that helped me!  I got the 64st and love it.  I was debating on the Oregon one, but...  the reason I went for the 64st was mainly the price point.  I am not someone who will do any form of crazy climbing or hiking or way out there adventures outside of Geocaching.  I got a GPS mainly for Geocaching, light hiking, biking, and driving in the mountains (the screen is too small when driving, but there is large texts that show that is easy to read) where connectivity isn't as reliable.  If I knew I was going to use a GPS for serious outside activity, I probably would have gone for the Oregon.  If you have the cash, get the Oregon!  But, for me, money was an issue and I got the 64st and DO NOT regret it in any way!

    The only thing issue that I have are the rechargeable batteries that is recommended.  Of all the reviews that I read, they weren't favorable.  So, I've gotten the alkaline or lithium ones. It's a minor continual cost and the battery life on Alkaline is about 12+ hours and the lithium is more than double. It depends on how you use it.  If you are doing a FULL day of caching or biking and you keep your GPS on, it does wear down the battery a bit faster....  

    I had a 60csx before and already was familiar with the menu and functions.  I remember when I first got it, there was a bit of learning curve of uploading caches and everything else.  But, from my understanding, if you get the Oregon, I don't think that would be any issue.

    IMHO, It all depends on how you are using it?! At any rate, if money isn't too much of an issue, get the Oregon!  If money is a concern....  I love my 64st and I'm not disappointed in any way!  

    The reason why I got a GPS and not just used my phone, I wanted the accuracy, connectivity, and better battery life that I know my iPhone 7 wouldn't give me. Yes, you can just get a portable battery or just charge it in your car, if it has the ports to do so.  But, I didn't want to up my data usage on my iPhone and the refresh rate isn't always that great on the maps. Another reason why I got a GPS is that I cache with kids and they can use my phone, while I have the GPS.  

    Anyways, I ramble.  My advice, If you have the cash, get the Oregon! But, if money is a factor, get the 64st! 

  5. Hello!

    I bought a 64st a few weeks ago and it's been working fine. I wondered the same thing when I got my Garmin. So I matched it up with my friend's Garmin, my iPhone and their Android. Our GPSs were dead on, our phones were a off! Going over board as I usually do.. I went to Goole Maps and GPS Coordinates Mapping to double check accuracy and my 64ST was dead on.

     

    I had a 60csx and loved it! but, it finally saw it's last days and I had to get a new one.

     

    Did you download Garmin Express?

    Every time I plug my Garmin in to download PQ, Garmin Express also syncs and updates the firmware. I also have it synced into my iPhone in the Garmin app to track my movements and exercising. Although doing this drains your iPhone battery like crazy, so I don't always have it synced.

     

    At any rate, if you haven't yet, maybe download Garmin Express and let the it do what it needs to do.....?

    I wish that I could help because I'm very happy with my GPS. I use it every time I go for a bike ride, a light walk, and especially Geocaching. I've actually used it once for driving directions because my iPhone lost reception!

     

    I hope that this helps....?

     

    OH... BTW-- I had downloaded Garmin Express a several years ago and was using that one. I had a minor issue with my GPS and called them up. They told me to use the current version of Garmin Express. I was using an older version. Maybe, if you already have Garmin Express, maybe you have an older version of that....?

  6. I am an owner of a cache that has a trackable logged in, but it's not in there. It actually hasn't been there for a long while. I just never gave it any mind. But, recently there was a log where someone came to my cache specifically for that trackable because it was just from their country. I felt bad. So, now I want to take it off the cache page saying that it's in there.

    I don't really see a function to delete trackable from a cache as the owner. Any help would appreciated! Thank you!

  7. Thanks for all you help! I was doing some digging arounds and this is what I just ordered from Amazon....

     

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GBGVYS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

     

    I used the key words that you all gave: technora, nylon, Kevlar, etc...

    I got this and I know that it's now exactly what I was looking for, but it looks pretty darn close. I know that it's thicker and braided than what I was looking for, but... It's close....

    They have others that are similar and crazy expensive, but I found this for cheap....

     

    The Spiderwire that someone suggested looked a bit to silky...? or maybe a bit stiff....? That's what I got from the pictures....

     

    I think that thing "phone cord thingy" that this cord is is maybe a jewelry type of chord? When I was doing some research I found a lot of things that had this cord but I found a lot of it as being parts of things, but never by itself.....

     

    At any rate, if anyone here ever finds out the exact name of this type of chord, let me know!

     

    Thanks again!

     

  8. I just want to thank the people that had responded to my post.

    An update: I got the 64St about 10 days ago.

     

    I love it! I've been caching like I did years ago. It's a long story of why I stopped for a few/ several years, but I love the fact that I'm back into Geocaching! For many other reasons, but one of them was when my old GPS didn't work and I relied on my phone, I never could do any cache runs because my battery would run out very soon and I was always worried about the amount of data that I was transferring every time I had to up load the maps or look up caches on my phone. So, I only cached when I was out and if there was one near by. But, now... It's very different.

    The 64st can give activity logs, descriptions, hints, and it can be set to a Geocahcing profile focus function!

    I also forgot how much more accurate and faster in finding the coordinates the GPS is compared to the phone!

     

    Atlas Cached suggested the Oregon series, Yeah... That would have been Star Trek technology to me and would have been the way, but it was a bit too much. If I had more money to spend, the Oregon series would have been the way to go! And thanks for reminding me how to upload my PQ files into my Garmin!

     

    Red 90: Yeah... the only downfall that I have with the 60st is the screen size, but this totally fits in what I was able to spend. And, I'm quite satisfied with my 64st.

     

    Mineral2, Thank you for your suggestions and the open source maps. My Garmin is now locked to the streets for directions. Yeah, I use Siri for that, but just the other day, I was caches with a friend and my phone lost all reception... in an urban city?!?! ... Maybe tall buildings, maybe too many telephone poles....? Who knows why? I had my Garmin and my friend used it to tell me the street directions and it took is there!

     

    Very soon, I'm going on my bike rides and a little bit longer from now, I'm planning to do some hikes!

     

    At any rate, I just wanted to thank people here for you help!

  9. It's also not fishing line because it has more string-like characteristics.

     

    I have used braided "spiderwire" fishing line to secure geocaches, and I have worn out several lanyards. My choice is the spyderwire, it's much stronger. But I have no idea what you are wanting to use it for exactly. :unsure:

     

    I've used different types of wire/ string before and have seen others and in time they just wear out. I've used this lanyard,on my keychain, that's in the picture everyday for years and it's never shown signs of wear or tear. I just thought that this maybe the one to use... nothing more than that.... Also, just curious if there is a specific name for it.

  10. Thank you all! I was able to post my question and picture in the general topics section.

    I went the route by posting a picture in an archived cache that I have and taking the URL from there.

    I went to the other websites that were suggested, imgr and tniypic, etc..., but I didn't want to sign up for anything.

     

    At any rate, thank you for helping me find a solution to my problem!

     

    GO GEOCACHING PHOTOGRAPHY FORUMS!!!

  11. I was thinking about placing a geocache, but I wanted to use a specific type of string.

    What is this called...?

     

    It's the plastic loop like string at the end of a lanyard.

    It's not the clip part, but the actual string. It's real thin and real strong.

     

    The closest thing that I found is called a Dyneena, but what I've found is different than what I'm looking for.

    It's also not fishing line because it has more string-like characteristics. The one at the end of a lanyard is not fabric or sewn, but more plastic string like....

    I took a picture of a lanyard that I have and the arrow points at what I'm talking about.

     

    58dceccf-ac45-43e8-9efe-c3b174ee23fb_l.jpg

     

  12. Sorry to ask, but I thought that this was the only place to ask this question....

     

    I want to ask a question to the Geocaching Topics, in the General Community Forum, that requires a picture.

    However, I don't get how to insert a picture....?

     

    This is the forum that post pictures and I assume that this is as newbie as it can get, but I'm no computer wiz to any degree!

    Any help would be appreciated.

     

    Right above this text box: the smiley face, insert link, then insert picture.

    This is where I don't get it.... It asks for a URL...?

    I have a picture on my computer desktop that I would like to upload onto the post. There is no URL?

    I have a MacBook Air.

     

    In this forum, I see that there is an attachment button when wanting to post a new topic. Doe the General Topics Forum not have that option?

    And, if so... how do I insert a picture that is on my computer desktop?

     

    If you can help , that would be great.

     

    I think that I uploaded a picture years ago in the forums, but it's been a while since I needed to upload (or in this case insert) a photo that I completely forgot how to.

     

    Thanks again for your assistance!

  13. 1. So... yes and no.

     

    The topo map included with the handheld units is not routable. It does show streets, but the device does not lock to them or give your turn by turn directions. For that you would either need to purchase City Navigator, one (or more) of the regional 24k topo maps from Garmin, or use the Open Street Maps for free.

     

    That said, you could also save some money and download free topo maps from www.gpsfiledepot.com. These maps are generally more detailed than the Topo 100k, and while they're not routable, did I mention that they're free?

     

    I don't know that I'd rely on a 64s as a driving GPS. The screen is small and low resolution, and the buttons make setting up your navigation a bit of a pain, especially if you have to do it while driving. The Oregons have a similar sized screen, but it's higher resolution. It also has a Nuvi-like interface to use while driving. The Montanas have a larger screen and also have a nuvi-like interface for driving. I use my Oregon 600 with a custom made profile to drive to geocaches. But for general vehicle navigation, I have a Nuvi - a dedicated car GPS.

     

    2. I believe that MacCaching is no longer maintained and updated. So, yes, iCaching would be the mac cache manager of choice. But it's not necessary. You can load GPX files directly to all modern GPS devices, which means you can download PQ files and unzip them directly to the GPX folder on your device or SD card. Therefore, no need for iCaching. But if you do decide to use iCaching, the answer is yes, you can either import the downloaded PQ files into the program, or download them directly from within via API.

     

    3. No, there is no automatic updating of anything on the 64 series. You have to plug it in and run Garmin Express to update firmware, and you have to buy or install free 3rd party maps to keep them updated. Geocaches must be downloaded and reloaded to update.

     

    WOW! Thank you so much, Mineral2!

     

    You answered questions that I've ben trying to find out for a while! It makes sense now why the answers on Amazon seemed ambiguous.

    It does have street view, but that's all you can do with it.... see it. It doesn't lock onto the streets and navigate following the road. That's... funny, I wonder why? It has to be some money reason...?

    I have to buy the Garmin City Maps things for $80 and reload the Garmin Express onto my computer.

     

    You are correct in using this thing for driving. I think I just typed that there as a matter of habit. My phone works fine for my basic needs when driving...

    When I first started geocaching, I did it for health reasons... to get out and being more active. Well, my health is becoming an issue again and I need to get back out there. I plan to get back into biking, hiking and going to the mountains again.

    I assume the 64st, like my 60csx, will help when I'm riding my bike, hiking in the mountains and on the lonely roads with out phone service...

     

    And, wow... Just plug the GPS into the computer> go to Geocahcing.com> goto my PQs> and let the magic happen....?

    But, the magic is something that I don't understand...

    Before, I would download a PQ, save that file onto my desktop> open MacCaching> load the files into there> then press a button in MacCaching, and it automatically puts it into my GPS that I attached using a USB cable.

     

    I know the technology has changed a lot and I've been using old technology for a while, but... I would just plug my 64st in the computer (via USB) and in Geocahing.com there a "button" to press in the PQ section that would just do the magic for me?

     

    Well, anyways, I guess that question is not important right now. After I get the 64st, probably this afternoon, and, after I set up the street maps, I'll come back and ask more questions.

     

    Thank you very much!

     

    I feel like it's going to be when I got my first smart phone... scary, hard, mind-blowing, but fun!

     

    Mineral2, Thank you !

     

    You will still have to download the PQ's, unzip them, then copy the GPX files to the Garmin\GPX\ directory on the new GPSr. - That's the magic!

     

    Hello Atlas Cached!

     

    Thanks for "the reveal" on the magic! Yeah, I assumed that my imagination was a bit too simple!

    I saw your suggestion on the Oregon and saw this it was a bit more that I had wanted to spend.

    The idea of true paperless and connectivity like that... yeah, that's the magic!

    But, I guess I can't afford the Penn and Teller Magic show... but, maybe the Burt Wonderstone magic show! :)

     

    At any rate, thanks for the replies and responses! I know that I'll have some more questions about the 64st. And I knew that this was the place to start asking, not Amazon! Helpful friendly people who know their stuff!

     

    Thank you!

  14. WOW! Thank you so much, Mineral2!

     

    You answered questions that I've ben trying to find out for a while! It makes sense now why the answers on Amazon seemed ambiguous.

    It does have street view, but that's all you can do with it.... see it. It doesn't lock onto the streets and navigate following the road. That's... funny, I wonder why? It has to be some money reason...?

    I have to buy the Garmin City Maps things for $80 and reload the Garmin Express onto my computer.

     

    You are correct in using this thing for driving. I think I just typed that there as a matter of habit. My phone works fine for my basic needs when driving...

    When I first started geocaching, I did it for health reasons... to get out and being more active. Well, my health is becoming an issue again and I need to get back out there. I plan to get back into biking, hiking and going to the mountains again.

    I assume the 64st, like my 60csx, will help when I'm riding my bike, hiking in the mountains and on the lonely roads with out phone service...

     

    And, wow... Just plug the GPS into the computer> go to Geocahcing.com> goto my PQs> and let the magic happen....?

    But, the magic is something that I don't understand...

    Before, I would download a PQ, save that file onto my desktop> open MacCaching> load the files into there> then press a button in MacCaching, and it automatically puts it into my GPS that I attached using a USB cable.

     

    I know the technology has changed a lot and I've been using old technology for a while, but... I would just plug my 64st in the computer (via USB) and in Geocahing.com there a "button" to press in the PQ section that would just do the magic for me?

     

    Well, anyways, I guess that question is not important right now. After I get the 64st, probably this afternoon, and, after I set up the street maps, I'll come back and ask more questions.

     

    Thank you very much!

     

    I feel like it's going to be when I got my first smart phone... scary, hard, mind-blowing, but fun!

     

    Mineral2, Thank you !

  15. 1. So... yes and no.

     

    The topo map included with the handheld units is not routable. It does show streets, but the device does not lock to them or give your turn by turn directions. For that you would either need to purchase City Navigator, one (or more) of the regional 24k topo maps from Garmin, or use the Open Street Maps for free.

     

    That said, you could also save some money and download free topo maps from www.gpsfiledepot.com. These maps are generally more detailed than the Topo 100k, and while they're not routable, did I mention that they're free?

     

    I don't know that I'd rely on a 64s as a driving GPS. The screen is small and low resolution, and the buttons make setting up your navigation a bit of a pain, especially if you have to do it while driving. The Oregons have a similar sized screen, but it's higher resolution. It also has a Nuvi-like interface to use while driving. The Montanas have a larger screen and also have a nuvi-like interface for driving. I use my Oregon 600 with a custom made profile to drive to geocaches. But for general vehicle navigation, I have a Nuvi - a dedicated car GPS.

     

    2. I believe that MacCaching is no longer maintained and updated. So, yes, iCaching would be the mac cache manager of choice. But it's not necessary. You can load GPX files directly to all modern GPS devices, which means you can download PQ files and unzip them directly to the GPX folder on your device or SD card. Therefore, no need for iCaching. But if you do decide to use iCaching, the answer is yes, you can either import the downloaded PQ files into the program, or download them directly from within via API.

     

    3. No, there is no automatic updating of anything on the 64 series. You have to plug it in and run Garmin Express to update firmware, and you have to buy or install free 3rd party maps to keep them updated. Geocaches must be downloaded and reloaded to update.

     

    WOW! Thank you so much, Mineral2!

     

    You answered questions that I've ben trying to find out for a while! It makes sense now why the answers on Amazon seemed ambiguous.

    It does have street view, but that's all you can do with it.... see it. It doesn't lock onto the streets and navigate following the road. That's... funny, I wonder why? It has to be some money reason...?

    I have to buy the Garmin City Maps things for $80 and reload the Garmin Express onto my computer.

     

    You are correct in using this thing for driving. I think I just typed that there as a matter of habit. My phone works fine for my basic needs when driving...

    When I first started geocaching, I did it for health reasons... to get out and being more active. Well, my health is becoming an issue again and I need to get back out there. I plan to get back into biking, hiking and going to the mountains again.

    I assume the 64st, like my 60csx, will help when I'm riding my bike, hiking in the mountains and on the lonely roads with out phone service...

     

    And, wow... Just plug the GPS into the computer> go to Geocahcing.com> goto my PQs> and let the magic happen....?

    But, the magic is something that I don't understand...

    Before, I would download a PQ, save that file onto my desktop> open MacCaching> load the files into there> then press a button in MacCaching, and it automatically puts it into my GPS that I attached using a USB cable.

     

    I know the technology has changed a lot and I've been using old technology for a while, but... I would just plug my 64st in the computer (via USB) and in Geocahing.com there a "button" to press in the PQ section that would just do the magic for me?

     

    Well, anyways, I guess that question is not important right now. After I get the 64st, probably this afternoon, and, after I set up the street maps, I'll come back and ask more questions.

     

    Thank you very much!

     

    I feel like it's going to be when I got my first smart phone... scary, hard, mind-blowing, but fun!

     

    Mineral2, Thank you !

  16. I'm wanting a new GPS. Because my 60csx is seeing its last days... :( The 64st seems like the way to go.

     

    I'm not a techie. The person that I bought the 60csx from set everything up for me 8 years ago. They also taught me how to load pocket Queries using GSAK.

     

    When I made the switch to a MAC, I started to use MacCaching.

     

    About two years ago, I bought the Garmin street map, thinking that I would update the street maps on my Garmin 60csx... sad to say, It never uploaded and Garmin Express never recognized it :(.

    Called Garmin two years and they said that the 60csx was out of date and not fully supported... I ate the $80 and moved on in life. It was never able to fully load. And after I tried everything that I could while the Garmin support service man was on the line, my 60CSX never worked the same... I stopped using it...

     

    I've been Geocahcing on and off for the past 8 years. The past couple of years I've been using my iPhone. But, now, I am starting to really get back into Geocaching. I want to get out there more and go to places that may not get Phone reception.

     

    I just recently tried my Garmin 60csx and its still not working the same. It keeps freezing, shutting down, etc...

     

    That's why I'm thinking about getting a new GPS. The 64St looks like the one..?

     

    I want to use it for driving, hiking, biking, and especially Geocaching in the mountains.

     

    However, I have a question that Amazon doesn't answer. Actually, there are multiple different answers and I thought that I would ask the Geocaching Community:

    Remember, I'm not a techie at all.. Sorry if these questions are a bit newbie.

     

    This is the one was looking at on Amazon: Garmin GPSMAP 64st, TOPO U.S. 100K with High-Sensitivity GPS and GLONASS Receiver

     

    My questions:

    1. Is this unit good to go? Would this unit have street maps already on it? On Amazon, some people have said yes if you zoom in and others said no and it's just shows freeways and cities...?

    2. Am I correct that MacCaching is not the way to go anymore that iCaching is the way? Is it easy to upload Pocket Queries onto the 64st using iCaching?

    3. I read somewhere, I cant remember where, that this unit auto updates, like Google Maps kind of thing....? True?

     

    Thanks for any help!

  17. Hello all!

    I plan to travel to Houston, TX (from Los Angeles) in a few weeks and will be staying very close to the convention center. I won't have a car, but have noticed quite a few around that area. I was wondering if there are any within walking distance of the convention center that you could suggest?

     

    I'll be there for a week at a teacher's convention that is going to happen there. So, I won't have any full days, but I know that I'll have a few hours per day to go geocaching.

     

    BUT, if you know of one that is just simply awesome... Taking a taxi and going could be worked out.

     

    If you have any suggestions, please let me know! Thanks you!

  18. My answer: During the day, I'll have coffee, Altoids, Oreos, and Beef Jerky....

     

    OK, but the question was what *food* do you eat? :huh:

     

    Haha! Yeah.... I guess it's not "food".... I guess its more snacky stuff. I usually wait until the end of the route to actually eat with the group that i'm with... but I got to tell you the Coffee and Oreo combination... I can't believe that isn't on the market!!!! Then the Altoids to clear up the palette for a nice bit of the Jerky to just chew on... it's a great combination for me.

     

    Hey, who wants to go on Shark Tank and invent the "perfect" food package for Geocaching... $500,000 for 10% equity...?

  19. niraD,

     

    OH MY! I've never heard of that?! Huckle Buckle Beanstalk Style!! I love it! That solves an issue that I have! Thanks! I also did a few searches about it and there is quote a history about this idea. So simple! I can't believe that I hadn't thought about that! Thanks!

     

    And yeah, taking them to caches that I've already found is important for a few reasons. 1. Knowing where it is, how to get there, and parking is an issue when dealing with students. 2. knowing that the actual cache is kept up and clean is important 3: Knowing that it's there because a DNF is kind of a let down, 4: to the trouble of going to a place and a DNF occurs... not really worth the effort. Of Course DNFs are part of the game, but...

     

    I do like to take them to some caches that I haven't found, not to increase MY numbers (I really don't care too much about that), but, I'll found out about one that seems real cool and we'll go for it. But, yeah... a majority of the ones that we go to are ones that we've found before. I don't go on different 'routes' each time. There are routine routes that I take. The students study the history about the area (last cache that we go) and the areas that we stop by (looking for caches along the way) to the last cache. For example, The next trip that I'm taking students on is to the Salton Sea, one of America's worst man-made natural disasters! It's about 3.5 hours away. I usually pick them up at around 7:00am and then drop them off around 6pm. My excursions last all day. For the past few years, we've been keeping a journal about each trip. The Kids like to go back on it and read past entries in our GeoJournal.

     

    I also love the idea for a sponsor. I'm friendly with a local grocery store owner. I've never thought about connecting the two together until this post. I'm definitely going to pursue this direction!

     

    This actually rejuvenates me!! I love the simple ideas that solve, seemingly, complex problems! THANKS!

    _____________________________________________________________________

     

    GopherGreg,

     

    You are very true about the first cache! The first cache that I take my new students to that Demuggles them is known as the largest cache in Downtown LA. It's a cylinder about 3feet long and 1foot wide. It's huge and smack in the middle of downtown Los Angeles! When the students find it, they can' hardly believe that its hidden in plain sight and been there for years!

     

    I really enjoy your story. If you don't mind, I'd like to share it with my students. Just for the fact that there are other students around the same age (I teach middle school) are Geocaching somewhere else in the world. I think that they'd like it...?

  20. Gopher Greg,

     

    Thanks for the great suggestions, but the problem is that these kids live in the inner city of East Los Angeles and in Middle School. The freedom for them to walk around the 'hood' in a small group looking and hunting around for small containers on their own is a bit too sketchy. They'd get picked up by the cops in a second or get challenged by a gang, or just get jumped for the GPS and whatever they got on them. Caching in East Los Angeles isn't bad during the day as a young adult to adult. But, Middle Schoolers, pre-teens, or young teens are a bit too young go walk around here by themselves... Sad isn't it...

     

    I've learned the food dilemma:

     

    Packing their lunch is a great idea that I've done many times. But came to a conclusion, most of the time, they don't bring anything because 98% of the students that go to my school are on a reduced lunch program (meaning that the families are too poor to afford food at home. So, the school supplies them with breakfast, snack, and lunch). Most of the kids hang out after school to grab what's left over from the day to take home for their dinner. A lot of the parents here are third generation (ex)gang members, (ex)drug addicts, on food stamps, and we have a few homeless families here, too. So, the times that I did do that, some of the kids would bring a lunch, but the ones that didn't would just watch the others eat! I couldn't let that happen, so I started to buy them food. Now, my program is set that I end up taking the kids to a steak house or a Korean BBQ place. You should see their eyes, the questions, and statements..."Why are the napkins made our of cloth? I've never used chopsticks! What's a steak knife? This is what a steak looks like? We don't have to throw our plates away? Oh My gosh, the bathroom is so clean and smells nice! How come the waitress is so nice?"

    Like geocaching, I learned that I like taking the kids to places and experiences that they probably never had experienced before. I tell them that they have to bring three things, Bottled water, A pen, and their sketchbooks (I'm their art teacher). Optional items: tradables, fruit/vegetables, and a camera. I don't buy them soda or candy nor can they bring any. I try to promote health living. As the time went on, I needed to find a way to "filter" the students to see who would earn the trips. The kids go though quite a bit of learning and prep (solving the multi, puzzles, and mapping out the best efficient routes to each cache, and finding the best cache route options). And after all is said and done, Four kids gets to earn a trip each month and sign into the Geocaching account and record their finds. Usually, the total cost, including gas and food, is about $150. I do the end of the year Geotrip that cost me about $3/400 (Because they learn about medieval Europe, we do a crusade here in Los Angeles and hike up in the hollywood hills all day, then to the Hollywood sign, and end-up at Medieval Times. The students must get a 95-100 in their history class, perfect behavior, and also Ace all MY tests!). I've done it long enough where I allocate it in my own personal budget. But, That is where most of the cost goes.

     

    The donations idea, I love it. But, these families are poor. $5.00 is a very reasonable amount, but it's against a school rule here that we can't charge/ask for donations from students for a class, an after school enrichment course, offered in school. It has to do with the fact that money would be involved. I can't touch money at all. It all has to go through accounting and the school. It's because of the 'bad' people out in the world who have embezzled money meant for kids. In order for me to begin a 'fund' for that class, i'd need approval from the district offices. Trust me, I've gone the gambit on trying to get money and funding.

     

    Anyway, I guess there really isn't a simple solution to reduce my personal costs and efficiency how how to take care of 20+ students who love this hobby, but don't have the means to support it themselves....

     

    I guess I didn't know what I was asking in my original post.... I think that I already knew the answer... Anyways....

     

    Thanks, Gopher Greg, for your words! One question for you... How did your 6th grade teacher introduce Geocaching to you? Did they take you caching or they just told you about it? And If they took you Geocaching, was it in a small or large group?

  21. Anwyays, I got this pop up on my phone for this topic. I replied to this post awhile ago. And it seems like this topic is getting revived again. Well, in my previous post I saw that I recommended the GPSr more that the phone. I want to retract that now....

     

    Back then, I didn't realize the different phone companies and their ranges. I have AT&T... I don' t like it, but I signed up for this deal if I got this long a** agreement... had I known then what I know now, I would have gone Verizon!

     

    Well, I've found that I use my smartphone a lot more than my GPSr. The reason why, convenience. And, I find myself caching for maybe two of three at a time. And, I only cache once in a while. But, when I go for the power days, usually once every few months, I'll use my Garmin. The reason, 1. the battery, 2. I find the accuracy still a better (but not by that much), and 3. Because I'm used to how the Garmin works, it's a lot easier for me to manipulate (going from geocache to geocache) on a long day.

     

    I do carry both and use both, but again, for a long day of caching... My iPhone 4s doesn't last too long. I do have an external battery that I use, but the the AT&T factor comes in and I can't get that great of a reception in all places. Unlike my friends that have Verizon that I cache with.

     

    So, my new response is... use what works for you! And, how does one find out what works for them... trial and error!

     

    MY $.02

  22. Hello!

    I'm an art Teacher in East Los Angeles and Have been taking students Geocaching for a number of years. But, I found myself slowing it down this year in particular. I think that the reason is I can't find a more effective way to do this? I can only take 4-5 kids out at a time. (There very few caches in the inner city and no real Geocaches in East Los Angeles or any that one would want to get after school hours!). So, I have taken kids over the weekend, one Saturday a month) to different places. We would talk about how GPS devices work and how it utilizes the satellite systems and how to read a topographical map. Also, I show them how the coordinate points work on a global map. I've gone the full gambit about doing trackales (They've all been muggled!)!We do the puzzles and multi-caches together. I've even set-up a separate 'student account' for the kids that they all share, so they can keep track of logs and go and find them on their own (they borrow one of my three Garmin GPS devices that I got for this club). But, here is my dilemma...

     

    I work in the inner city. it's a real poor area. My school does not help with any funding. I pay for everything. Which I figured when i first started this a few years ago. I have 25 students who want to do this, and i can only take 4-5, at the most, on a trip. Because, the whole thing about geocaching is to actually go out to different places and find the caches. I've allocated one saturday a weekend to take groups out, but it's pretty hard to sustain this after the third year. I've asked other teachers at school for help, but they find it interesting, but no one is 'dedicated' to this. Also, when I have taken a teacher with me and they are able to transport kids to various different areas, having 10+ kids trying to find a cache... well...it kinda... well... it sucks! Too many people dilutes the "joy" factor of the actual 'find.' We've done city caches, but they are not as exciting as the ones that involve hiking in the mountains! Or generally take them on a 3-4 hour drive from away Downtown LA.

     

    So the challenge is this:

    Because I've been doing this for several years now, I have the interest of the students. I have the passion for this and I also have the support and trust of the parents and school (although there is no funding), but I knew that going into this. But, the thing is, I don't know how to do this so it can be a long term sustainable system? Meaning, are there any suggestions on how to do this with about 25 students in the inner city where we have to travel far to find some decent caches? (yeah, the micros are fun, but the need to balance it out with the "wow" factor caches is almost impossible in the city.) Any suggestions of how to actually manage the 'hunt' for a cache? I don't want to give this up, but it's difficult to maintain this once a month. It's so costly! Did I mention that I always get them a lunch sometimes a dinner... Those of you reading this that teach in the inner city know what I mean, a lot of these kids don't have the food at home or the care. Neglect, bad food, hygiene, and eating habits is common place.

     

    My whole purpose of this is to show the students that there is an entire world out there beyond the few blocks they they mainly exist within.

     

    So, If anyone has any suggestions of how to improve on this....? If keep doing what I'm doing is what is to happen, then so be it. But, I thought that I would throw this up in the forum and see what comes back?

     

    PS- Please don't read this as if I am getting burn out and discouraged of trying to combine my two passions. I just don't know how sustainable this is? I LOVE TEACHING AND GEOCACHING! AND I LOVE TAKING THE STUDENTS TO PLACES that they probably would never have been to go to in their entire lives. I'm just asking if there are any suggestions.......

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