WVUPIKE

I came to this forum for help, not attitude. You told me to RTFM-would you have said that to my face? Did it make you feel tough to act like that? And you wonder why I responded the way I did! If you didn't have anything constructive to add to this forum, you should have kept your mouth shut. Det B-23 Ban Me Thuot. Kentwoodkrew, good idea about other locals. I made a tentative connection and hope to meet with them later this week. Thanks to everyone for all the help! Happy Sails to You

Thanks for all those who actually tried to help. Will check out the video later today. Happy Trails to You

I had been interested in a GPS for hiking and caching, and, with some appreciated feedback on these forums, I purchased a Venture HC bundle. When it arrived, I was more thrilled with anticipation than I would have been if it was a blow up doll. It has not been as rewarding since. The first big challenge was to get it out of the package without cutting myself. Did fair on that. Too far from my heart to kill me. I have also managed to get batteries in correctly the first try. Took it outide and got it linked up with satellites. Looked even better once I removed the cellophane like overlay that comes with it. Pushed a bunch of buttons. Tried to zoom but guess my zoomer isn't as good as it was when I was young. What do I do next? Apparently the base map barely shows I am on earth as opposed to a moon of Jupiter. I got the topo 100 maps disc with the bundle. Fits nicely in the toaster slot, but my wife stopped me just in time. She is going to download for me. So, say I get that done. What next? How do I indicate where I live (is that a waypoint?), where I want to go, geocaches, etc.? All I want to do is be able to hike without having to summon the National Guard or end up in places where the Japanese don't know the war is over yet, and to geocache. I know there is a manual. I tried to understand it, but it is written for people who wouldn't have needed the manual. Methinks I am becoming just like my father would have been. He was a petroleum engineer who travelled the world and worked on the Manhattan project. Using a slide rule. He passed in 1966 and if he were to magically come back today, he likely couldn't figure out how to even use the phone. By the way, I am having trouble with that too, but that is for another forum. So, right now I have this really cool paperweight, but, as we no longer use paper, it is useless so I might as well learn how to use it for it's intended purpose which is to entice old people to wander off where they shouldn't be going anyway and to play hide and seek. HELP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I got some feedback from Garmn. They said that the TOPO US 100k is the same thing as the old 2008, but that it is now compatiblle with the MAC. Otherwise, they said I got what I was supposed to get, but I would love confirmation from you folks too. Thanks.

Hi. I just received what was supposed to be the Garmin eTrex Venture HC bundle. According to the picture, it is supposed to have Topo US 2008 maps, cord, case. What I got is called Adventure Pack with TOPO US 100k. Is that as good or worse TOPO? Did I get the bundle or something else (better? worse?). Thanks and Happy Trails to You

Thanks folks. I ordered the Venture bundle from Cabela's and cancelled my order for the E 10. Methinks the E10 would be fine if all I was doing was caching in urban areas, but most of mine will be where good maps will be useful if not necessary. Happy Trails to You

Is Walmart's the bundle version? If I understand it right, the bundle includes good topos. I don't mind paying for the premium membership is it would be worthwhile. Most of my caches will be out in the woods, trails, etc. Thanks for the feedback.

Congrats on your new unit! I am just getting started and am considering the Venture HC bundle. I saw that you used to own one, and would appreciate your feedback. Thanks

Thanks for the feedback. I guess my dilemma boils down to whether to have paperless caching and no maps or good maps and have to use paper. Any other thoughts on that question or others in my original post much appreciated. The sale on the Venture is over tomorrow, so have to pull the trigger soon if I get that one.

Howdy. I am a newbie who after a lot of thought (not necessariy intelligent) ordered an Etrex 10. Now, I am enticed by the ad in Cabela's for the Venture HC Bundle for $129. As I understand it, that model comes with topos loaded. What are they like? Does that mean I wouldn't have to shell out another c-note for more maps? Also, am I correct that the Venture is not paperless? All the reviews I read on the Venture are good, but several years old. Am I better off sticking with the E10 with presumably up to date technology and paperless caching? Let's say I am interested in finding a cache on a trail in the mountains-how much paper would I have to print in that regard? How much more detail on the cache will I get from the E 10 and would it be worth it over not having maps on the GPS? My typical use will be hiking on trails for which there are trail maps such as national forests, state parks, etc., and also caching. Will the E 10 enable me to know where I am on those kind of trails? Most of my caching will be in parks and forests. My main focus will be caching as opposed to hiking, but would like to do both if I don't have to compromise. I have never even seen a GPS so please excuse my ignorance! Thanks.

I appreciate all the input! I looked again at the Garmin site and the e10 won't allow map loading, but I decided to purchase it anyway. I am unlikely to hike areas where maps aren't already available in print or that aren't marked, so not worth it to spend more for that feature. Ultimately, I made my decision on Garmin's reputation and also because the e10 is a new product (presumably with up to date technology) that is designed specifically for a casual newbie like me. I bought it through Amazon at $115 something, and they included free shipping. I plan on getting the premium membership when I get my unit. Thanks again.

Please forgive this newbie, but I have researched to the extent that my brain hurts! I would like an inexpensive unit that I can use for hiking and geocaching. I am looking at the Magellan Explorist GC and the new eTrex 10, but can't figure out if they can be used for both purposes and if I have to buy additional info on caches, maps, etc. The etrex 10 is probably my choice if I can use it for hiking without additional purchases. Would consider other units too and appreciate advice. I see Cabela's has the Garmin etrex Venture HC bundle at $129. Thanks for helping this new guy find his way (nice pun!).