muchado

Started as a Bear cub (I think) and made it through to Life Scout in 1976. Back then making Eagle required earning Swimming and Life Saving merit badges and I was a horrible swimmer and still am. There wasn't anymore I could do in scouts and a car and girls dragged me away. My general ineptitude in and around water still haunts me today as it keeps me away from those pesky "boat required" caches. I'm currently a Webelos patrol leader for my son's patrol. I've found lots of great places to take my patrol hiking through geocaching.

I'm looking for ideas on the best way to publicize and find cache outings. There are many caches or sets of caches I'd like to do, but don't want to do them alone for various reasons - long lonely hikes or safety in numbers, etc. Also, I occasionally just like caching with others and I especially like caching with cachers I've not met before. It's a great way to strike up new cache friendships. The available options are not ideal for me. I don't really like the idea of holding an event disguised so that it will get past the reviewer. I've always thought it's a bit strange that one restriction on geocaching events is that gecaching cannot be involved. But that's not the subject of this thread. E-mailing my geo-friends doesn't work really well for me because most of my friends have far more finds than I do and they typically have already found most of the caches in the area. Also, like I said earlier, I like to meet new folks while caching, so e-mail is very limiting here. The geocaching PTB say that the geographical forums are the way to do this, but I've almost never seen cache outings publicized on the forums and many cachers to regularly read the forums. Also, even the geographical forums cast a pretty wide net - in my case, all of New England. I would really like to see geocaching.com help out with this in some way. I think it would be great if you could have a get-together show up in the cache listings like events do. As you're looking at doing a cache, you could check if there are any get-togethers happening in the area. I imagine that there are many problems with this - reviewer workload, proliferation of outings, etc. Are there any suggestions? Thanks!

Ahh - that's the information I needed. I wasn't able to locate it on Paypal. I was looking for a separate area that listed open subscriptions and didn't think to just check my activity history. I found it and I'm all set now. Thanks for the help.

How do I cancel my automatic renewal? The renewal is supposed to use my Paypal account, but my account doesn't show it anymore. I think they got out of sync. I'd rather just pay it manually. Also, in the past, when you paid for your renewal, your renewal date would be one year from the day you paid instead of one year from your renewal date. Has that been fixed?

This is exactly what I was planning to try next if I didn't get any definitive answers from this forum. If this, in fact, works, then I could live with that. But, like you said, it is hardly the optimal way of doing things. I can't see any way to avoid this problem if you're trying to cache along a specific route unless you have two separate GPSr - one for the route and one for the caches. Thanks for the info.

This summer, I went on a family trip from NH to Hershey, PA. Neither the shortest nor fastest routes that my GPSr calculated was actually the best route. Mainly, I wanted to avoid some of the busiest roadways around NYC and CT. So, I used Mapsouce and created my preferred route using strategically placed waypoints to force the route to follow the roads I wanted to take. So far, so good. I then exported the routes and created a couple pocket queries for caches along the route. So far, so good. When it came to the trip, I downloaded the Mapsource routes and the caches along the route to my GPS. So far so good. Because of weather and general traffic irritation, I did not do any caching on the trip out. So far so good. On our return home, I did do a some caching during the drive. Our first stop was Cabella's in PA. I found three caches there using my GPSr. When it came time to get back on the road, I wanted to get back on my custom route. This is where things went bad for me. When I tried to tell it to follow the route, I expected it to be smart enough to just rejoin the route at the closest point. But, it was sending me back to the starting point - a couple hundred miles back. I fiddled with it (I don't remember exactly what I did) and finally convinced it to head me towards home. I didn't realize until it was too late that it had just reverted to the "fastest route" which brought me right through NYC and some horrible traffic all the way through CT. Worse, since I was off my planned route, I had no caches in my GPSr where I was traveling and missed the opportunity to add NY and CT to the list of states I have found a cache in. So, is there any way to re-join a custom route in the middle of the route?

I just bought the 2009 North America City Navigator NT. The entire map set fits in just a little over 1 GB flash. I just bought a 2GB (about $13 including shipping!) last week. I just wanted all the maps loaded along with plenty of room for custom waypoints. One thing about the NT maps - you can fit more maps on your unit because they are compressed, but I've noticed that my 60CSx is much slower drawing, routing, etc with the NT maps. Given the price of SD cards nowadays, I'd rather have the non-NT maps eat up more space but get the perkiness back.

Also, the 60CSx has both a magnetic compass and a GPS compass. The GPS compass only works while you're moving, but it works regardless of the orientation of your unit. The magnetic compass works even if you're not moving, but you have to hold the unit level in order for the compass to be accurate. A small compass icon shows up at the top of the screen when the unit has switched to magnetic compass. Luckily, you can program the unit to use one compass or the other in certain situations. I've got mine set up to use the GPS compass whenever I'm moving. If my speed drops below 1 MPH for more than 5 seconds, the magnetic compass kicks in. This works best for me as I want the GPS compass most of the time so that it points in the correct direction no matter how I hold the unit. When I get close to the cache, I stand still for a bit, hold the unit level, and let the magnetic compass point towards the cache. Remember to calibrate the compass after every battery change. Also, I find that as time passes it gets harder and harder for the unit to think it is being held level. Re-calibrating the compass will again make it easier to get it level. When calibrating the compass, you only have to spin the unit, not your whole body. Seems silly, but I've seen people actually spinning in circles in order to calibrate their compass. To configure the compass, go to the Setup page, then select 'Heading'. The lower two fields allow you to select the threshold where the GPSr will switch to using the magnetic compass.

I've been struggling with the same decision, but have opted for the DVD. I use GSAK to organize my geocaching activities and there are a few great macros out there to generate maps of your waypoints. Also, geocaching.com's Google Maps are great. The problem with all of these maps is they require internet access. Sometimes, I like to have maps with caches in places where I don't get internet. In these cases, I just export my caches to Mapsource. Mapsource is my last resort since I find it very awkward to use compared to Google maps, but when there's no/slow internet... If I were to purchase the uSD, I wouldn't have the benefit of PC-based maps. On the other hand, it takes a LONG time to download maps to my Garmin 60CSx, but even with my puny 1G uSD, I can fit half the country on it. So, I very rarely have to download. If you are planning on having both streets and topo on your GPSr, you may also want to opt for the DVD version. I don't think there is a combined uSD with both topo and streets available.

First, let me preface this post by saying that this is not a rant about cache spew. There is a very active and prolific group of cache hiders in my area. Of course, the majority of the caches are micros in very uninteresting places. There are a lot of reasons for this and I'm sure you all can come up with several. I've been wondering if one reason is that all the good places have been snatched up by existing caches. I'm beginning to think that a way to re-invigorate and encourage hides may be to start putting caches of a certain age to bed. I have a series of 39 caches that are all fairly active and are mostly located in interesting areas. Most of the caches are 1 - 2 years old. I'm toying with the idea of retiring/archiving the caches on their second anniversary of life. I'm hoping someone will go into the newly freed area and put another cache there. In general, I think most of the cachers that are interested in doing my caches have done them or will do them before they reach 2 years old. I think this may be a good way to keep my area interesting by seeing what new cachers can do in a newly vacated area. I can remember several times that I've come across an old or poorly maintained cache in an area that I thought I could do much better with. Later in my hiding phase, I even monitored archive notices in my radius so that I could recycle areas. On the other side of this thought, I consider most of my caches to be pretty good and have gotten predominantly good feedback on most of them. There's no guarantee that they'll be replaced with "better" caches. I've made no decisions either way. I'm wondering what people think about this?

I want to update my North America v7 mapping software for my 60CSx. I get the feeling a new one is due out soon. I was hoping it would be out April 1 since that was the last release date, but I didn't see anything. I would like to update before going away for vacation later this month. Anyone have any idea when 2009 is being released? Thanks.

I would like to use GSAK to export a set of caches in Mapsource format (.gdb). I'd then like to display that set of caches on my Mapsource maps with the waypoints and child waypoints showing up as the "standard" geocaching icons we all know and love. I already know how to set up the GSAK export to select custom icons for the various types of waypoints and child waypoints. I've already set up my GPSr (60CSx) to display the custom icons. What I need to know is how do I define custom icons in Mapsource? Where can I get a set of standard icons that I can use in Mapsource. What is the mapping between the Mapsource icons and the GSAK export settings. In other words, when I am at the export screen for Mapsource, and I press "Change" to map the icons, what "Icon" do I select for each "Cache type"? I apologize if this topic had already been done. I did check the FAQs and Search but came up empty. Thanks for any help.

I enjoyed reading this topic. Just about everyone who's answered the call plays the game the way I'd like to see it played. Here's some of the rules/guidelines of the game I have set for myself. 1. I don't waste time being offended at how some others play the game. When I saw or heard of someone doing what I consider cheating (i.e. not following my rules) I would get offended. Now, it's just so widespread that I'm much more at peace when I ignore all the "cheating" - play and let play. 2. I try to be honest in my logs about my experience and what I think about the cache. However, I guess I think less than half the caches I find are worth finding. I find it hard to come right out and say "this cache sucks" in my logs. I'd like to be more honest about that. 3. I log all my DNF's. If I abort the effort fairly early due to time, weather, or light constraints, I may or may not log a DNF. But if I even half-heartedly search for it, I'll log the DNF. I don't really associate anything negative with the DNF - I'm more than willing to log my failures for all to see. 4. I like numbers a lot more than I like to admit to myself. But I don't compare numbers with anybody other than close caching acquaintances who I know play by the same rules as me. Every once in a while, I like to put up big numbers (>20 in a day) on a cache raid. I'll plan a strategy and everything. But mostly, I just plug away at caches when I can. 5. My favorite part of caching, by far, is discovering new places I would never visit otherwise. 6. Getting time for caching is a problem for me. I have a wife and a 9 and 7 year old that I have to spend time with. I also have a job that takes up lots of precious time where I could be caching. I try to do caching early in the morning on weekends and a couple before or after work occasionally during the week. 7. My daughter (9) likes the idea of caching, but it's hard to get her to come along. I don't try hard enough and I should try harder. 8. I like all my hides to be special - either a fun/interesting hunt or a fun/interesting final. I'm building a Shakespeare series with a goal of having a hide for every play. But I'm not in a hurry. With few exceptions, I just wait until a connection between a cache idea and a play makes itself evident, then I run with the idea. I've got a great idea for my next one and I'm just looking for some time to set it up - it's going to be a bit of work. I've hidden one park & grab lame nano. I got the nano from a cacher who did a series of "gas saver" caches in a nearby state. I liked the idea and asked if he'd mind if I put a "gas saver" in NH using the nano I got from him. Unfortunately, the idea has been copied over and over again so that there are a lot of lame micros in the area - great for numbers, but useless otherwise. 8a. I hate finding unmaintained caches and try to address any issues with my caches that are raised in the logs in a timely manner. 9. I like the puzzles I can solve and hate the ones I can't. I have too many unsolved puzzles near my home that are taunting me. I almost always have at least one puzzle that I'm trying to solve. I finds them as I solves them. 10. I am not above using phone-a-friend for hints - but only after I've looked for at least 30 minutes and it just won't add to my experience or entertainment to come back again. 11. I generally don't like to log coins or TBs that I haven't found in a cache. I'm not really interested in TBs unless they really catch my eye and I can help them towards their goal. I like the coin icons, but I'm not interested in "discover"ing loads of coins I see at events. 12. With one exception, I've not logged a cache or event more than once. That exception was two caches under a single listing and the owner intended for the cache to be logged twice if you find both containers. 13. I don't consider a non-virtual cache "found" unless I sign the log. I've only one exception to this where I injured myself about 50 feet from the cache and my caching buddy logged me in. 14. I mostly cache alone, but really enjoy those times where schedules match up and I can go caching with others - although I feel a little funny sometimes about logging finds where someone else found the cache. But, it's the cost of caching with friends. I've probably broken every one of these rules/guidelines at least once, but not much more than that. I've also never taken a Mulligan in golf.

I'm sure there are lots of reasons people do this - here are mine. Not very existential, but heartfelt. 1. Exploring places I know about but never bothered go. I won;t go exploring without a goal of some type - the cache is a great goal. 2. Disovering nice spots that I didn't know about - I almost squeal with pleasure when I make a great find that I would not have without the goal of a cache. 3. I think many, if not all of us are collectors at heart. Caches/finds are a great thing to collect and get you outdoors and off the couch. 4. My 9 year old daughter is starting to like caching. I'm hoping we'll continue to share some nice time together caching when she's to old to otherwise want to hang with dad. 5. I love getting outdoors and hiking in the woods. Again, probably wouldn't do it without some goal.

Any idea how long they will be distributing the jeeps? In other words, is it too late to send in a form?

Ooooo. I currently use the "best practice" - PQs => GSAK => cachemate. When I first got my PDA (cheap Palm Vx off e-bay), I started using Plucker and liked what I saw on the Palm, but HATED the desktop application - too slow and needed lots of babysitting. So, I switched to cachemate. But, I did like the Plucker pages on the PDA. This is the first I've heard of Sunrise. I'm going to try it - if it is faster and doesn't rquire the babysitting, I may think seriously of going back to Plucker.

I am currently using GPX Spinner and Plucker on my Palm Vx. I'd like to move to using the MobiPocket e-books that come down with my PQs. MobiPocket Reader requires PalmOS 4.0. I haven't been able to find a version of PalmOS for the Vx greater than 3.5.3. Has anyone gotten MobiPocket Reader to work on a Palm Vx? If so, can you share the details on how you did it? Thanks.

Really? I could have sworn that I could download either format from any list (Nearest from home, PQ preview, etc). I do have the option to download GPX from the cache details. I've never really needed/wanted GPX before so I wasn;t paying much attention. Thanks for the correction.

I'm a premium member. I no longer see an option to download waypoints in GPX. When I hit the "Download Waypoints" button, I only get LOC files. Did I miss something? I've looked around on the forums and on the cache page and can't find any mentions of it.

Thrak, must calm down - I'll give you my home coordinates and you can come by for a beer. I have no intention adding sound to the cache page. It will be a small series of sound clips that will need to be downloaded when you want to go find the cache. They won't play when the page is loaded. Neither will pictures load when the page is loaded. I will be linking to them. Thanks for the answers.

I just started geocaching in October and am still using my first GPSr - the Magellen Explorist 200. I got it for less than $100 and it has served me very well until the past several weeks. All of a sudden, I'm having trouble getting a position with an accuracy better than 100 feet or so and lots of bouncing all over the place. Prior to this, I could get a decent fix (better than 30 feet) in all but the thickest tree cover. The detrioration of the accuracy seems to have coincided with the onset of really cold temperatures. I've been out caching in freezing temperatures a lot lately. I keep my GPSr indoors when I'm not using it. Is it the cold that's causing my problem? Can anyone think of any other reasons? I haven't changed the way I use it or the types of terrain in any significant way. Thanks.

For an upcoming cache hide, I would like to include some pictures and sound clips to be used as clues on the cache page. Can someone tell me the "best practice" for doing this? Thanks.

I logged a TB as being dropped in the wrong cache. I actually placed the "MY MORGAN" TB in "The Treasure !" (GCQFJR), but I accidently logged in "The Treasures of Captain McGregore" (GCQFHN). I deleted the log entry where I "dropped" the TB, but the TB is still listed as being in the wrong cache. I've posted a note in the latter that says that the TB really isn't there. I didn't write down the TB number anywhere. I've sent mail to the owner to get the number. My question is - once I get the number, what's the proper way to correct this mistake?

I've taken down the "real" XML data and have left some sample skewed data - looks weird with one now in the middle of a highway and another on the wrong side of a large river.

Again, let me state that I'm not trying to take anything away from geocaching.com. I like everything they stand for and wouldn't want to cause any dilution of intellectual property. However, I would also like to use some derived information for my personal use through Google Maps - there is a such thing as fair usage. So, here's a thought on how we or GC could keep everyone happy with regards to both Google Maps' TOS and GC's TOS. The only information from GC shown on my Google Map is the name of the cache, the ID, and the location. For any other information, you have to go to geocaching.com. I'm assuming the cache names and ID are not really an issue and don't dilute your IP. The only thing of any interest here are the coordinates. That's the real value. So, I propose that I skew the coordinates by some random heading and random distance within 100' or so. That's more than accurate enough for my needs with regard to my map, but is virtually useless to any geocacher. In order to get the exact coordinates and find the cache, the path of least resistance would be through the geocaching.com site. The geocaching.com waypoint download could even supply the skewed coordinates themselves in a new field. Otherwise, I can skew the coordinates in the XML file before putting it up on the site. So, even those intrepid enough to read the XML couldn't get to the "goods".