ThatXrayGuy

Thank you JeepinCalifornia! I was not aware of these. Steve

Haven't posted in a while. Testing. Steve

I always log something regardless of the outcome. Not only is it helpful to log a DNF for the reasons stated above, but it also helps me keep track of my caching history as well. I've attempted to find a few caches several times and I have always posted a note, if nothing else, to say that I've tried again with no luck. Steve

Welcome aboard and to the addiction! Steve

I print a Mapquest map and use that to get to the general area. I always keep my Vista C on though so I'll know how close I'm getting. Steve

Thank you all for the replies and suggestions! It looks like it will be a while before I decide on anything definite. The price of a used item definitely sounds appealing, but I will continue to do research on new models as well until I come to a final decision. It seems like shopping for a GPSr was much easier Anyway, I'm still thinking about the Tungsten E2. I'm searching for reviews at the moment. Steve

Thanks for the advice! I'll keep that in mind. Steve

I have begun shopping for my first PDA. I am becoming overwhelmed with all the options and information available on the different models. Reading manufacturer claims and specs is one thing, but I'd like to get fellow cachers' opinions on the use of these devices "in the field". First of all I'd like a new model. I personally don't want anything used, that's just me. I'm only planning on using the device for paperless caching and possibly jotting personal notes, but not much else. So, I'm not concerned with MP3 capability, WiFi, etc. I've narrowed down my choice to a Palm model because once again it is primarily for caching and if I understand correctly I need a Palm for cachemate to work. Anyway, I am thinking about purchasing the Palm Z22 or Tungsten E2 model. The Tungsten E2 has more memory and has a slot for SD, etc. while the Z22 does not. If anyone has experience with these models I would appreciate your feedback. Also, if someone has other recommendations I am open to that as well. Thanks! Steve

Hi there. Welcome to the hobby and forum. I'm sure you will have a great time. Steve

Thank you for the links Team Cotati! I have been a member for a couple of months now and even though I don't have very many finds I'd still like to get into paperless caching. The links are very helpful and are what I've been looking for. Steve

It has gotten me out of the house! Honestly, I bought my GPSr because I wanted to get out more and mainly to take up hiking. I knew that one wasn't needed on the trail, but I thought it would be really cool anyway just to keep up with my progress. It's nice to know exactly where I am on the trail. Anyway, while doing research for a GPSr I learned about geocaching and now I'm discovering sites and attractions in my area that I never knew existed. Not to mention that many of these areas are historic and interesting. So I am visiting areas near my home that I've never been before, learning cool historical facts, getting exercise, learning navigational skills, and having fun! Steve

Congratulations on your first find! It sounds like you are off to a great start with your new addiction I am a relative newbie myself with five finds so far, but I'm learning. I've discovered so many new places and realized that finding the cache is only half the fun. Good luck! Steve

I've only found five caches so far and I've always TNLN SL. If I do decide to start trading items though I'll definitely make a note of the trade in the logbook and online. If I were a cache owner I'd like to know what has been traded in/out of my cache just out of curiosity if nothing else. Steve

This is a pretty cool idea that another cacher had. I'm still trying to find the cache though Steve

I initially bought my Etrex Vista C for hiking then I learned about geocaching. Now I do more geocaching than hiking I like to take my GPSr along with me even when not geocaching/hiking and to places I'm familiar with because it's cool to get a bird's eye view of where I am. I bought the Mapsource Topographical maps at the same time I bought my GPSr so sometimes the streets aren't accurate but now I know that most of the little creeks and streams I cross everyday actually have names Steve

I agree with Miragee. I like to keep track of my Finds/DNFs as I'm sure everybody does and logging everything sure makes it a lot easier. I'll even take it a step farther and leave a note if I couldn't find the cache on the second attempt. Steve

I have a 2003 Honda Civic Si. Not so good for offroad, but the 32mpg is ggrreeaatt!! Of course I've driven it into places I never would have before I got into this addiction, uhum, hobby. Steve

I had to try this one three times before I could find it. I feel really silly now because on the third attempt I walked straight to it I logged it as a DNF initially then a note that I missed it again then finally a Found It! on the third try. If I wouldn't have found it today I would have just given up Steve

Thanks Quiggle! I was wondering the same thing. Steve

Thanks again for all of your responses! It has taken a while for me to post an update because I had to return to work today. The clouds started breaking up in the late morning and it turned out being a beautiful day I had a great time even though I only found 2 of the 5 caches I was seeking. I can't get over the thrill of finding that first cache! I believe that finding the cache is only 1/3 of the fun though. The other 2/3 being getting there and enjoying some fresh scenery. Most of the caches are in places I never new existed After searching for the first cache for 45 mins I gave up and moved to the next, but not before taking some pics of the lake which was nearby. The second cache was very easy and I found it pretty quick. The third was easy, but would have been easier without all the muggles nearby. I had to be careful there. I have to laugh about #4 because I couldn't even figure out which road to take to get me to the general area I tried two different approaches, but couldn't even get anywhere near it. Finally I searched in the area of the fifth for 20 mins and had no luck. I had to be careful there as well because of muggles. Funny thing is somebody else found it the same day (yesterday). So, as you all can imagine, I'm ready to start planning my next trek This stuff is addictive! Steve

Thanks to everyone for the kind words and well wishes! I woke up this morning to some rain showers, but hopefully these will clear up before too long. If not, I can always bring out the poncho or just dodge the raindrops I will definitely let you all know how I did regardless. Steve

Hi. I'm obviously new to the forum as well as new to geocaching. I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Steve and I'm from Central Louisiana. I had never heard of geocaching until about two weeks ago. While doing some online research to buy my first GPS, to be used for hiking, I read several refrences to this thing called geocaching. After deciding on the Garmin eTrex Vista C I did some research on geocaching and thought "Hey this sounds cool!". So, here I am with five geocache waypoints downloaded to my GPS ready to give it a go tomorrow. Seems like there are a lot of cool folks on this forum so I am looking forward to a great experience here. Thanks! Steve