DJ the Not So Ordinary

Hi, Here is a 8inch X 3inch X 5inch waterproof box. waterproof box There a few waterproof tackle boxes available online as well for under $15. Once they fix the search button on these forums, I will search for my earlier post and provide that link as well. DJ the Not So Ordinary

UPDATE: After 4 attempts at the multi-cache in question and I FINALLY found it. The term "benchmark," as used in the hints of this cache, was not used within the official geocaching defined terms. Instead, it was a play on words (mark on bench). What made it hard was the fact that there 2 other items that looked like real benchmarks near the waypoint in question. One was an official iron pole driven into the ground and marked "transition point" and the other were two stone columns that looked like a pictures of benchmarks I have seen others post here. Both of these items were within 50 yards of the actual waypoint (which, of course, I didn't know at the time) The problem was the fact that those two red herrings did not have the coordinates posted on them, yet looked like benchmarks. Instead, I found the coordinates underneath a bench nearby (thus, the "benchmark"). All-in-all, I found the cache confusing because of the hint. I think a hint like "sit to think" or "pull up a chair and enjoy the view" might have been a better hint. Anyway, thanks for your help and comments. I am off to try some more multis now. DJ the Not So Ordinary

Thanks Roadrage... you are right, I meant it the other way around. DJ

Hi, I have a Vista C and rarely use the compass. That being said, since I do all my geocaching in NE, I have mine set for the correct declination in my area (and thus I am using magnetic north). To figure out your declination, follow this link. DJ the Not So Ordinary

I find that the quality of items in caches is low. It seems that people empty their junk drawers into the caches. I ignore business cards and actual am disappointed when all I find is that sort-a-thing. My immediate thought, when I see a business card in a cache, is that the person is trying to sell me something. I find that totall to be outside the point of geocaching. I was at a geocaching event locally last month and one geocacher handed out a business card to everyone advertising his home alarm business. I found that annoying. However, if I need an automechanic, I would like to use one (assuming that they are all the same) that I like. One of those factors would be geocaching. So if i had to choose between two automechnics that had the same skill and price, I would pick one that is a geocacher. Many Christians have the same problem: they would do business with another christian if they could. But it creates a problem for a church. The members of a church have jobs and would like to sell products to each other, but is it ok to use the church directory to mass-mail to the congregation? My church has said "no." What the church did, and I think a better approach, would be to have a section of these forums that would be a "yellow pages" idea where you could list your business or services available. If you like to do business with a geocaching plumber in your area you could find one in this part of the webpage. This is what my church does: we print a separate directory called "Christian Business and Services" and anyone that is a member of the church that has a business or service (and who wants to be listed) is. DJ the Not So Ordinary

Great conversation: I have been doing geocaching for about a month and the very first cache I did had a TB. I was very excited. I took the TB home, photographed it, logged it on the website and then put it in my backpack when I went back out caching later that week. Unfortunately, the next 3 caches I did were all to small (or full) to place the TB. I found this fustrating because I wanted to move it along. The other problem I can see happening is my kids want to keep a TB because its cool. I created 4 TBs (all superhero action figures). They were so cool to my kids, that I had to sneak them out of the house and cache on my own so I could get them in circulation. I think the final reason TBs might stop moving is if their mission (assuming they have one) is fullfilled. For example, i have a Batman action figure TB moving now. His mission is to get to the "bat cave" cache (there are 4 batcaves registered on geocaching.com). Once he gets there, I would not object to him stopping. DJ

I have gone to the first coordinates on the cache and they are for the parking lot. I have walked a bit down the trail (maybe .1 miles) and did not have time (plus I had my 2-year old son with me) to go any further. This one is going to involve looking for a "benchmark that could be a sign," then I am suppose to "not get rattled" and then "look for roots." I am most likely going to try this one next Wednesday. ******** The first day of law school the Dean told all the students "we are going to make you think like a lawyer during your 3 years here." I guess he was right: here I am using, as you described, deed-qualitty descriptions (how true--LOL), in this hunt. Airmapper: good point! At least I am not working! DJ

In this case, no coordinates are provided for the cache. The only coordinates given are for the parking lot. Thus, the hints are crucial to this cache and that is I wanted to find out if he was using the term within the accepted definition of benchmark. DJ

"Benchmark" is a term of art in that it has two precise definitions (as provided at Benchmark hunting). When the term (or any term that has a precise meaning) is used inconsistently with its definition, it causes confusion among the audience who is used to, and expects others to also be used to, a particular term and accepted definition. I will give you an example of a misused term of art. During relief efforts with hurricane Katrina, there were reports of "profiteering" by certain merchants selling bottled water. Profiteering is a term of art. It means the act of making a profit by methods considered unethical. It means a situation where a seller's asking a price for a good or service is much higher than what is seen as the 'fair' price. In most jurisdictions, profiteering is a crime (and in some cases a felony). The problem in this case was the fact that the water vendor's price for bottle water ACTUALLY reflected his actual costs associated with purchasing the water from his distributor. He was not profiteering at all. The incorrect usage of the term of art by the media lead to serious trouble for this merchant when he had done nothing wrong. My point in telling this story is to show that using a term of art (and yes "benchmark" is a term of art as defined as such by geocaching.com) can cause confusion when used incorrectly. You are absolutely correct Harry Dolphin that this hider may be using a "real" benchmark in his hints, but my point is that I would hope that if a person is not actually employing a real benchmark in his/her cache that they would be considerate enough to NOT use a term of art or, if they desire to be clever or cute, that they make it a little clearer that they do not intend that term of art’s actual definition to be used. This entire post goes back to my original question, which is whether or not this hider is using the term "benchmark" incorrectly, or put another way, outside the definition of "benchmark." I guess I am pleased to learn from the various comments on this thread that the answer to my question is just as complex as many legal questions. For example, "can you breach a contract for non-performance?" It seems that your comments (thank you by the way) provide one answer, which is "it depends." I guess as an attorney, I should have expected nothing less from my original post. When was the last time anything was black and white? LOL I am GOING to do this cache just to find out now! DJ

I disagree with Briansnat's review of cache containers with regards to tackle boxes. Of course some tackleboxes are not going to seal well. There are, however, very nice ones that are waterproof and are EXCELLENT caching. For example, this waterproof tackle box is only $9.99 Fishingonly.com. A large one is only $12.99 and can be viewed here. Pelcin also makes a great line of high-end waterproof boxes that range in size from micro to suitcase and range in price from $8-$250+. You can see their product line here. While Pelcin boxes are often used for electronics, they can be ordered without the foam padding and thus are great boxes for fishing gear (I keep my fishing gear in one in the back of my truck all the time). Of course a cheapo tackle box from wal-mart is not likely going to keep the contents dry, but there are very good ones that do. DJ

Lots of people use tupperware. Personally, I like when people use fishing tackle boxes (that are camo color). They generally are big enough to hold lots of items and they seal very tightly. If you get one that is dark brown, black or camo, it also helps with hiding it. DJ

Thanks for the comments about the term "benchmark" Team Neos. I guess I am just going to have to go for it and find out. I do not think I will bring my son on that trip as I doubt he can do more than 3 miles at this age. I guess the lesson learned from this is as follows: If you are going to be tongue-in-cheek in your descriptions of your caches that might use terms of art, try to designate the tongue-in-cheek part with quotes or some other destinguishing feature. As for my GPSr, I use a Vista C. I do have it set to WGS 84 Datum and I do use UTM. But I always double-check (and triple check) that I entered the coordinates through gsak in the correct format (albeit, UTM or hddd mm.mmm or hdd mm'ss.s). My most recent cache (yesterday) involved a situation where the hider acknowledged that his coords were off by 85 feet. Based on the conditions of the terrain (it is a swampy marsh area) it is very possible that the cache was moved 20 feet or so to a dryer spot before I found it. Thus, the coordinates listed on the cache description may have been true prior to the awful rains we have received over the past month. I was posting the coords in case others had the same problem of having the cache show up on their topo map in the middle of the pond. DJ

Sputnik 57, I was not asking for help in finding this cache. If you read the post again I am looking for help in understanding the term "benchmark" as used in this cache's description. I did read the benchmark hunting guide before I posted and after reading that I was wondering if the cache description was incorrectly using a term of art or whether or his use was correct within the accepted definition of "benchmark." I provided the details of the cache's description to provide context for my question, not as a blanket request for help in finding this cache. When I started this thread I was hoping for an experienced geocacher to say either "his use of the term benchmark is not completely within the correct definition" or "yup, his description is consisent with 'benchmark' as a term of art." Also, I did do the benchmark search and closest benchmark for that area is over 1.7 miles away and no where near the lake. So again, this makes me question whether or not he is using the term correctly. If it really is a benchmark, than shouldn't it show up on that list? If he is just using the term generically, than he is incorrectly using a term of art. I am a lawyer and I prefer precise usage of terms of art. Forgive me if you think I am searching for help in finding this cache. I am simply trying to understand the term benchmark in the context of Charmed by Chauncy. DJ

Hi, I am trying to find the Charmed by Chauncy cache charmed by chauncy on geocaching.com The waypoints (for both the short and long verisons of this hike) are parking lots. The hints, once decrpyted, are as follows: - Hit the trail - Benchmark could be a sign - Don't be rattled - Check your roots I get the first one, start hiking the trails. The second one throws me for a loop. I thought a benchmark was a geodetic control points that was permanently affixed object at various locations all over the United States to enable land surveying, civil engineering and mapping to be done efficiently. I also thought that these objects are usually metal disks, but can be any other object that serves as a control point (sign?). What does this hint mean? That there is a metal disk somewhere on this trail? The trail is 3 miles long with a variety of paths that split. How would I even know where to start looking for the metal disk? Or does this mean the benchmark for this hunt (and not a real benchmark) is a sign (on a wooden pole, for example) and thus once I find the sign, don't get rattled (still do not know what that would mean, but I am hoping that once I find the "benchmark that could be a sign" it will make sense. The 4th clue is obvious; check the roots of some tree probably. But I am still puzzled by the "benchmark could be a sign." Since I am taking a 6-year old on this hunt with me, I would prefer to understand that clue before we start walking for miles and miles not understanding what we are looking for. Any experienced geocachers willing to help me make heads or tails of that clue? Is this a case of the person using the wrong word? Or should I really expect to find a benchmark (as defined by Benchmark hunting)? Thanks in advance for your comments. DJ

Garmin's security on the unlock codes is very tight. The unlock codes you receive are based on the serial number of your GPSr. If they gave you a new GPSr, then your original unlock codes will not work. I had the a similar problem, and I had to call their technical support and get a new unlock code based on the serial number of my new GPSr. DJ

I have a Garmin Vista C. I carry it around in a camera bag to keep it safe in my backpack. I am interesed in a carry case that will allow the satelite signal to be received (which of course the camera bag doesn't) yet protect the unit from scratches etc. During my search for such a case, I came across the offical etrax carrying case. Looking at the pictures of this case, it looks like part of the unit (namely, the joystick, screen and some parts of the receiver) are exposed or at least visible (or uncovered). For those of you that might own or have used this carrying case I have a couple of questions: 1. Can you actually get satelite reception with the cover on? 2. Do you find that the buttons or joystick are difficult to use with the cover on? 3. Can you read the screen through the plastic cover? 4. Does it really protect it? 5. Would you buy this cover again? Thanks. DJ

Neo_Geo, I had to laugh out loud at your post. Just the other day I was telling my boss that I could not decode half of the internet shorthand language that my clients send via email and that it was actually costing me productivity time trying to. You did a good job showing how it is actually counter productive to being efficient. To me, when I see someone type like that, I immediately think they are one of the following: a. Not particularly bright; or b. Not capable of using the English correctly, so they change it. This type of discussion reminds me of the debate about ebonics a few years ago. Now we are faced with the same type of debate in written form with this new fad of shortening words to ridiculous "ebonic" style of writing. DJ

Peter is right, I was thinking of the Vista and the Vista C. They are much more similar then the legend compared to the Legend C. DJ

I have never used barometer at all. The compass I have used a bit, but for hiking not geocaching. I use the "pointer" for geocaching. DJ

Good news about no unlock codes! Wish I could help you more on the other issue. DJ

Yes it can. I use GSAK and a Vista C and when I export the geocaches from GSAK to the Vista C the icons show up as treasure chests on the Vista C screen. I believe if also does an icon for multiple caches correctly as well. I do not know about your second question. DJ

Hi, I just went through the same analysis of the Vista C vs. the Magellen Explorist 500. I decided on Vista C for the following reasons: --It uses regular AA batteries. I like the idea of always being able to stop at a 7-11 and get new batteries instead of having to recharge batteries (who can recharge on a week-long backpacking trip?). Plus, I have bad luck with rechargeable batteries, both built-in ones like cell phones or regular AA rechargeables. Either they leak, explode or have very short charges. --After doing a lot of research on these boards it seemed that lots and lots of people were having problems with their Magellens and the firmware inside them. Problems seemed pretty serious and there seems to be extreme frustation with Magellen's responses to the firmware problem. I did not find threads about Garmin problems that seemed as serious as the magellen problems. --I got the sense from these boards that there were less people upset with the garmin vista (made me think of the PC vs. Mac debate). --Garmin Vista C can hold the detailed road maps of the State of Massachusetts from the City Select CD. I generally spend 99% of time in one state and do not need to switch SD on the fly for new maps, thus the extra SD with the Magellen would be overkill for me. --I do not need topo maps on my GPSr, i use the National Geographic TOPO PC maps for my Topo needs. --Garmin Vista C is cheaper (I paid $229 for mine brand new). OTHER THING: Magellen's webpage talks about 'no service fees' to use the GPSr. I got the impression from this statement that other manufacturers of GPSr might charge service fees. For the record, I know that Garmin does not either. Who knows about others? Based on your fact pattern, it sounds like you only need one state at a time for your detailed road maps. Unless you are going to be travelling out of state alot or need TOPO and detailed road maps at your fingertips at all times, I would go with a Garmin. Oh, and the battery thing---I hate rechargeable batteries. DJ

I have a Legend C. I thought the only difference between a Legend and a Legend C was the fact that the Legend C was color. If that is true, than logic would say anything you could put on a Legend would also work on a Legend C. Let me add a warning though, that answer is only a hypothetical answer, as the unlock codes for Garmin products are unique to the GPSr, thus, if you have an unlocked MetroGuide Europe V7 for your Legend and you also want to put it on a Legend C, you will have to call Garmin to get a new unlock code. DJ

I just bought (from Target) a Delux City Select Package for $129.95. It had a PC-based GPS device and North American City Select CD. I have a Vista C and did not want the PC GPS thing and since $129 was a very good price for a new one I bought it. I ran into all kinds of problems. There was an unlock code with the City Select. The software went just fine on the computer and the data downloaded to the Vista C just fine, but when you tried to use the Vista C it generated the following message "maps not unlocked." I spent hours searching the FAQ on Garmin's site, google and here. Finally, I called their help-line. After a 40 minute wait, I spoke to Alex. I explained the sitation and he was skeptical. He was explaining that people sell these on ebay all the time and then people like me call up all the time and want an unlock code. He said he had heard all have stories as to why we need an unlock code. I told him I would fax my reciept from target (which I did). I also gave him my Garmin User name (used when I registered my Vista C). I told him that his company's box DOES NOT say that the City Select CD in the package CAN ONLY BE USED with the PC-GPS device, thus I was misled (i got the impression he has heard it all before). Finally, he agreed to generate a new unlock code for me for free based on the serial number of the Vista C (that is how it works by the way-- the unlock codes are UNIQUE to the device you are installing them). Thus, I will not be able to install this on any other device unless I call and pay for another license. While I was pleased with the end result, I was actually mad about all the trouble their product put me through. Their product should clearly say on the outside: "City Select CD contained in this package can only be used with the PC-GPS included in this box. Additional licenses can be purchased separately for other devices." If the package did have warning, I would not have purchased it. My advice is do not buy from ebay. Too much risk in my opinion. Pony up the full price and puy it direct from Garmin or Amazon or some other real store. And do not buy it bundled with something else that you are not going to use (like what I did). Way too much hassle! DJ

Hi, Here is the link to the webpage. Please note that i just populated the pictures with generic photos. When I am really completed, the photos will be of the actual location. djnso.com DJ