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sleepysnails

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Posts posted by sleepysnails

  1. Hello all. I originally created this post about a year ago. A few people commented me on my choice of eating while caching on a long day... Coffee Lattes and Altoids. Yeah, I would eat that all day! That was a year ago. I guess I always found those as my 'lucky' foods. You know, the superstition traditions in Geocaching... Well... I have them. Certain items in my pack and certain foods I like to bring.... But, things have changed... granted, I still drink Homemade coffee lattes in a thermos, and Altoids, but and what has changed: If I am going to far off places, I'll make sure to stop by a "local" store and get some localized snacks (if there are any) and trinkets. Oreos and Beef Jerky has made it on the list, too. Also, after a long day, depending on the direction I'm coming from, I'll stop by certain restaurants. For example, If I'm coming back from the East, there's a great Steak House. If I'm coming from the west, there's a great sushi place. Returning from the south, I'd always stop by this taco house. And a few miles north of me is this fantastic Burger joint!

     

    I don't go on these "long" day trips a lot. I may go a few times a year. I would go a lot more, but I don't know how to get around this thing called...work?

    So, now that it's been a year, I have the same question again:

     

    What foods do you bring with you on a long Geocaching day?

    My answer: During the day, I'll have coffee, Altoids, Oreos, and Beef Jerky.... oh yeah, WATER! But, I now I stop by a restaurant at the end of the day, and eat like a beast....

    Your answer: .....?

  2. If she's kind of close to Old School Trail, she's kinda close to several others that look interesting and fairly easy. GC3G6TP, GC4821A, and GC4ADHT, for example. Is she willing to try a different one?

     

    She just has some good memories of this place and once she found out that there was one there, she got excited. I just know her well enough that this is the one that would lead to many. If I suggest another one, there would be a drop in excitement level and then....'Ill find it later' then ultimately, "Ahh, forget it..." And when I see her again, she'll be like, "Thats a cute thing that you do, but I just don't get it....?"

     

    To be honest with all of you... This is the first time that I've shared something with my girlfriend's mother and I just so want this to work out...

     

    But, thanks for the reply and I know that they will eventually find it. I'm just bit anxious about it......

  3. Hello Geocaching Community,

     

    I've been geocaching for a few years and I am getting my girlfriend into it and now her mom is wanting to learn about it. We live in California, but my girlfriend's mom lives in Georgia. She is kinda close to the OLD SCHOOL TRAIL (GC13H2M). I tried to contact the CO and some others on the list, but no reply or/and others haven't logged on for several months.

     

    My girlfriend's mom is a muggle and I'd like to try and de-muggle her and she wants to be de-muggled. But, I'm not there. I am 1,935 miles away from the cache. She tried tried a couple of times with her sister, but couldn't find it. I've tried giving them as much help as I can through text and them sending pictures of GZ, but there is only so much I can do. I really don't want them to give up! I would like them to love geocaching as we do!

    I feel that if they find this one, they will be hooked. I just don't want them to become frustrated and then give up.

     

    They don't have a membership or want to sign up, right now. They just want to check it out and this is the one that they are doing it with.

     

    I know that I am "breaking the rules" if I ask you, people near that cache, to tell me where the cache is to help out some newbies, my girlfriend's mother and her sister across the country, to find a cache, but I'm asking for advise?! Or what I could do to assist them without even being there? Also, if you are someone who have found this cache, if a further "hint" could be given privately, so I could stear them the right way..? Any help would be appreciated!

    Thanks. ~Sleepysnails

  4. Hello,

    I have my old PC and solely use it for GSAK and downloading all my PQs, but that's another story...

    I mainly use my MAC AIR and had the same problem when I got it, too. I'd start up my Google Chrome browser. Then I'd plug in my Garmin and it said that it recognized it and that it wrote it on there, but it was no where to be found...

    Then for the heck of it opened up firefox, it did the same thing.

     

    Then I opened up Safari and it works. Try that. It worked for me and my Garmin....

     

    I hope that it works for you!

  5. Hello, Ive been Geocaching for about two years and love it! I'm a mere beginnier with about 360 finds and 3 hides...

     

    For a while now I've been trying to find a way to place a large cache near where I live, but one problem... I live in downtown Los Angeles. I've been trying to figure out a way to place something larger than an Altoids tin or a Tupperware container somewhere...?

    Most of the ones, if not all of them are nanos, micros, or an Altoids tin. There is only one here in the city of Los Angeles that is a truly large one and it's awesome! (GC1DZX9). I would like to place more containers that are large, but am having trouble thinking about what and where. I don't mind doing something similar to the above mentioned cache, but I'd like to try and do something different....

     

    It been a while and I finally thought that I would throw it out here in the forum and see if there are any suggestions....?

     

    What size am I thinking about... Larger than a sandwich size container...?

     

    If you have any suggestions or pictures of containers that are hidden in a metropolitan area, please let me know!

     

    Thanks!

  6. Advice: the smart phone is good for beginning your geocaching adventure, but you'll get to a point that you will need to go outside your general community/ city because you've found all the ones around you that you want to find. That is when you'll probably need a dedicated GPS. Because going to the mountains, desert, and those crazy tunnel caches will seem more intriguing, too!

    Au contraire. I've cached with the 3GS and upgraded to the 4S, and have only used that since I began in 2009. The 4S is plenty capable in forest cover, rural areas with little or no cell coverage (cell coverage is not required for GPS use), and out in the desert (and that was first hand with my 3GS - my group of 4, 3 non-cachers and myself, were relying solely on my device..in the desert).

    I tend to voice up in these threads because the thought tends to be one person's experience means it's one or the other. Ultimately, use what you're comfortable with (balanced with tech capability), because as much of a 'negative reputation' smartphones have, they are capable of providing a successful and fun and solid caching experience.

     

    Use what you're comfortable with, because while "smartphones" on average may be less accurate or capable than GPSrs, high end smartphones are certainly far more capable, and it's the app that more defines what your experience will be like.

     

    The best caching combination, as most anyone will agree, is a combination of both smartphone and dedicated GPSr. Generally, the GPSr will be faster and may be more accurate than a smartphone. But by no means is caching with a smartphone only good for 'beginners' or limiting technologically. If you know how to use the smartphone and optimize its use while caching (for battery life, pre-preparation for rural trips, and data organization and communication), then a GPSr may never be needed.

     

    In short, a GPSr may guarantee you a smoother caching experience. A smartphone can provide (as a device) far more than just a solid caching experience, thus it can be more expensive. Both classes of device provide specialized capabilities that can improve your caching experience. Therefore the best option, if money isn't as much of an issue, is both. And please, if caching with a smartphone, only cache with a mid- to high-end smartphone with quality GPS support. =P

     

    Also please, ignore people that say caching with only a smartphone is, generally speaking, a bad idea. Context and detail matter :) "smartphone" is far too broad a term by which to classify a gps device.

    Perhaps try a forum search, for there have been many a raging debate regarding smartphone vs dedicated gps... :lol:

     

    You are extremely correct! I'm not saying that smartphones are 'bad' in Geocaching. I'm not being as clear as I should. The caveat that I should have made more clear in my post is that it is my opinion and my experiences. Everyone has different desires and experiences. The combination of both is the best way to go! But, if the debate is either or... I'd go with the GPS over the smartphone.... But, that is my humble opinion...

  7. I was reading the thread of "bad caches." Yeah, in my time I've discovered a number of them. I was thinking about how to possibly minimize the amount of bad containers....

     

    When someone wants their cache hide to be approved by the reviewer, have that person not only submit their entry, but also a picture of their cache. The only person that would see this picture would be the reviewer.

     

    Now, I know that a lot of caches become bad because of the lack of upkeep and weather, but there are also A LOT of caches that start off bad and just get worse.

     

    It's just a thought...

     

    An addendum to this idea is:

    Not only submit a picture of the cache to the reviewer, but the placement of where the cache it is to be placed...? (because there have been a lot of caches poorly placed at well....)

  8. I saw this and needed to add myself to the mix!

     

    I'm not actually a dog owner, but.....

     

    I'm house sitting for a friend right now and went geocaching with their dog today. IT WAS A BLAST! I've been thinking about getting a dog for a while, but this experience really took me over the edge with my choice!

     

    I've known that people geocache with their dogs all the timel, but I didn't give it any mind until now. NOW, I GET IT!

     

    I woke up this morning and decided that I was going geocaching, but I wasn't too sure if I should brining Olivia, the dog, or not. My first reaction was, 'Of course not, it'd be too much of a hassle!' Then as I was getting ready to go, I heard her wimper a bit, then I thought, 'oh, heck... I'll try it...."

     

    I was going for three caches that was a simple hike. The entire walk to find all three and make it back to the car, I was estimating would take about 40 minutes.... well, I was a bit wrong!

     

    Olivia went nuts! she was so playful and... happy?! I've never been a pet owner, but I think I saw something that I never thought i'd see... happiness in a dog!! We ran, we sat down, we searched, we played, and 90 minutes later and finding 2 of the 3 caches, we were back in my car heading home.

     

    I've been house sitting here for about four days, yes I know Merry Christmas to me (long story), and Olivia was always just stayed in one part of the house and I did my thing on the other side of the house, but things may be different now.

     

    When we got back, she sat up next to me and hasn't left my side! I've been petting her all day... I actually fell asleep and she was still there by my side!

     

    Although I don't have a dog, I soon may get one and post again on this thread as an actual owner!

     

    I'm actually planning a Geocaching Day with Olivia tomorrow.

     

    Fun Times!!

     

    KUDOS to all you dog owners out there!

  9. I saw this post an had to reply.

    My $.02:

    I have an iPhone 4S with the Lifeproof case (very much like the otter box). I also have the Garmin 60csx. When I started geocaching I didn't use either. I used google maps, read the caches descriptions and the logs and went for it! I found my first 50 that way. Then I got my Garmin and life was good. Then I got my iPhone... Life couldn't get easier! That is only for areas with good reception and in urban areas. When I go hiking or anywhere outside the urban area, I use my Garmin. Sometimes, I like to go back to my old school ways and just use google maps!

    Advice: the smart phone is good for beginning your geocaching adventure, but you'll get to a point that you will need to go outside your general community/ city because you've found all the ones around you that you want to find. That is when you'll probally need a dedicated GPS. Because going to the mountains, desert, and those crazy tunnel caches will seem more intriguing, too! And, if you are going to that next level of geocaching, get a GPS worth getting. Not saying that the one you have isn't good, but there are better ones.

    So, keep what you have. Use you smartphone for now because it works! And maybe later when you find that reception is a problem, use the GPS that you have. And when you find that you want to upgrade, get a better GPS!

     

    To a certain degree, I think that geocaching is like raising kids and golf. There are just SO MANY toys and tech you can get because its the new now next thing and you can spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars on that next thing, but one thing I've learned, don't get it unless you really need it.

    Just my $.02...

  10. I want to thank all of you who helped.

    It seems that I can't use GSAK with my MAC.... oh well....

    I also don't feel like paying more for a software that would seemingly frustrate me because of it's limitations....

    It also seems like I can't use the current plug in, I need to download an older version for my Garmin 60csx.

    All of this I understand, but...

     

    I am still having a slight problem... I really can't find a link to upload an older version of the plug in...?

    I would not in any way consider myself a 'techie' and I do have very simple understandings when it comes to computers and it's applied technology.

     

    If someone could assist me with sending me a link, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks for all your help!

  11. I was wondering if anyone has a Mac Book Air? I have one for work. I use my PC at home to do the GSAK, but I would like to use my Mac Book Air, too.

     

    I did the necessary thing, I downloaded the Garmin plug-ins and installed it correctly, or so my Mac Air says.

     

    So the problem:

     

    I'll plug in my Garmin 60csx via USB. I'll go to Geocahing.com and find a cache. I'll click the upload to my GPS button. The Geocaching site recognizes that my Garmin is attached. Then when I click write it, the Geosite does its magic and says it was written correctly. All seems fine, right? I've been doing that with my PC at home and my old Mac notebook. It always worked.

     

    After I uploaded it into my GPS, I'll search for it and it's not there. It's not in my Garmin. I've checked my POI folder, It's not under the Geocaching tab under either category: Caches found or Caches not found. I've checked the USB Mass Storage folder and I can't find it?

     

    Well, my question is, what am I doing wrong? I can survive not using my Mac Book Air, but it'd be nice to upload at work and plan a Geocaching route.

     

    SIDE QUESTION: I've heard some ups and downs with GSAK and the MAC? I don't mind getting another subscription for my MAC only if it works? If it does, maybe that is the route to go?

     

    Thanks in advance for any help!

  12. I was wondering... On a long day of Geocaching, what do you bring to snack on?

    You know what I'm talking about. When you and a friend or just alone are going for that 10-30 or more caching kind of day, what do you bring? Or do you just reply on the road and local stores?

     

    My answer is a thermos full of homemade coffee latte and altoids....?

     

    Is that strange?

  13. Hello,

    I have a Garmin 60csx and LOVE IT! I'm finding out that I need two GPSrs. I, also, have the Geomate jr and thought that would be enough, but after several months of having that, I'm realizing that I should have spent my cash on a full GPSr. I've become a Garmin fan and have been looking at the 62 series, but I haven't read too much about them here on this forum. Are they still newish that people are still tyring to figure out the kinks?

     

    I use my GPS mainly for finding places, work, and Geocaching. I'm not your avid hiker and I don't plan on climbing Mt Everest anytime soon. People have said that the 62s is the one I should get, but I thought that I would throw it up into this forum and see what others think? I know that the other models have the camera built in, but what are the other perks that people see using while Geocaching?

  14. I was so confused when I got mine, too! I eventually got GSAK and my life was better.

     

    Before that I added them one by one.

     

    Then I used the interface menu on the Garmin.

    Turn it on> hit menu twice> goto system interface> mass storage. ( I have a PC)

     

    This will lead you a folder on your computer (like plugging in a USB FLASH DRIVE).

    The garmin folder will pop up onto your computer screen.

    Open it.

    Open up your Custom Points of Interest folder and put all your PQ into there.

    This is where I store all my PQs.

     

    How to find it on your GArmin:

    FIND> scroll down to Custom Points of Interests> wait a minutes> voila!

     

    IT's SO MUCH EASIER USING GSAK! If you are really into Geocaching, throw down the $30 to get GSAK! Or do the trial one....

    Depending on the size of the memory card, you can load thousands of caches! I currently have loaded all of Southern California's Geocaches onto my Garmin! I do a lot of driving aroung So. CAlifornia.

     

    There is a learning curve to GSAK as there is with you Garmin. If you do have questions, drop me a line. HAVE FUN!

  15. Thanks for the replies. When I bought it, it already had the detailed maps on it. Thanks to the previous owner! I turned on the GPS and saw that it was a 2005 map. Six years old map. Thanks for the info!

     

    Next question: In all of your opinions, how up to date are the street maps and should I update frequently? I am a person that uses the GPS mainly for Geocaching, getting around town, and I do some light traveling across the states. I do like to have the new now next thing, but I like to be smart about it. In you opinion, would it be worth it? Thanks for any replies.

  16. I was wondering how up to date the Garmin maps are?

     

    I have a Garmin 60csx. I bought it used about four moths ago and it already had the road maps of North America on it! I was wondering if there is a way to know how old the map is that is on my current GPS?

     

    Also, does Garmin updates thier map for 2012 on thier site?

     

    I was thinking about downloading the North American map on the Garmin site to be updated on all the new streets, roads, stores, etc. But, right before I did, I thought that I would ask my questions here. I assume that it's been discussed here, but I don't know the correct seach terms to find it. If anyone can direct me to finding out this info, please let me know. Thanks!

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