RussellM

But that is the problem (to some), there is competition. I don't know about everyone else, but i like competition and therefore enjoy keeping score of the number of caches i have found. At only 58 found, i'm not breaking any records, but it's still fun to see how many i've done. At the same time, the scores mean different things for different cachers. I could go to the nearest city (watertown) and find 30 microcaches in one day. Sure it would raise my number, but what fun would that be. Numbers can be misleading if one person attacks hard caches while another reaps the LPC. When it comes to a team competition, why not. I will be very proud of my finds regardless of how many another team racks up. While the final decision is left up to the GC moderators, i say why not? Won't make the game any less fun for me.

If it isn't lotto tickets in caches, then it's lead poker chips. Soon, caching won't be safe for anyone.

Whew, i wish i had researched a little bit too. I have a ipaq 5555, great pda, but syncing it with my vista laptop was a pain in the a**. I am pretty good with computers, and this was testing my limits. I got the easy stuff out of the way (downloading the new 6.whatever drivers and sync center. That went ok, and i am able to add programs to the ppc, but i still can't figure out how to add the gpx files. As stupid as i feel and as easy as it seems it should be, i still can't do it. I'll figure it out eventually, but until then, i'll be printing the sheets off. Good Luck

Looking for a good starter gps? I have your answer. Garmin Etrex. There are a few differnet levels. Simplest is the Yellow Etrex and the most advanced is the Vista. I started with a Yellow Etrex and still use it 3 years later. Ebay is the best bet, it should be around 50, maybe a little less.

Can't you buy recharable battery packs shaped like two AA? That way you could go with the superior brand (Garmin). Some of the etrex models are perfect for those getting started. I would recommend a blue etrex legend based on simple features and cost, but there are as many units as people. Happy buying!

Sometimes, the frowned upon items are the best. I happened to find some firecrackers in a geocache on the fourth of July. While i was under 18 at the time, they sure were fun. Was it illegal, prob not. Same story with lottery tickets. There is a popular cache around here which places lotto tickets for fun. I was under 18 when i found them and i believe it contributed to my delinquency. Its just a fun ftf item, lighten up.

If you revisit a cache and log it as found again, does that throw off your find count? I've been trying to decide this for years

Really though, 2 days at most, and also remember to check your junkmail folders.

I think its a good idea. If you decide to get it started, let me know, I'll do NY. Did you have an idea of what you wanted to place in these caches or where you wanted them? If they are dedicated to fallen officers and firemen, then should they be placed near a meaningful site? I look foward to seeing this idea grow. Good luck

God i love New York. The DEC has taken a hands off aproach to geocaching. Kind of a don't ask don't tell policy. While i know that won't last forever, i'll enjoy it while it's still here.

Do you mean you are unable to drag and drop files from Vista to PPC using the WMDC File Management window? The only choice it gives me under the WMDC file management window is "browse the contents of your device." Browsing is great, i can take stuff off, but it won't let me put stuff on.

I got that far. I have put a few programs on my pocket pc and synced with it. I just can't seem to get the gpx file on to the pocket pc. Vista is putting up a few roadblocks, but everytime i trysomething new, it doesn't work. Simply put, i have put gpxview on my ppc, i just cant figure out how to put on any gpx files Thanks Russell

Well, now that i have my pocket pc, i'm having trouble sending the gpx files to it. I have installed gpxview on the ppc, but i can't seem to send files to the ppc. I am using Windows Vista, so i am wondering if that is playing a part in the problem. Thanks for any advice RussellM

RussellM, It is highly possible that we were bidding against each other on the ipaq 5550. Funny....except that if we did, you won. That would be really funny. I think the item went for 150.02, sound familiar?

Well, i ended up buying a ipaq 5550 off of ebay. A little bit nicer than i needed, but i've got plenty of other uses for it. It has wifi and bluetooth, so getting new cache info should be easy. With 128 mb of memory and a sd slot, i can store as many caches as there are in NY. Thanks for the advice, i'll let everyone know how the first few weeks go.

As much as i liked my filter, i now use a "seripen". It is a small handheld UV light which kills all bacteria and small organisms. I never have to change filters or buy spares. The downside is the whole battery issue; run out of batteries, run out of water. Have you considered a steripen or something similar?

I want a Garmin 60csx. With my palm costing more than my gps, it's time to upgrade. Ohhh, and i want a red dodge viper to get to the caches

Upon the recommendation from the forums users, i bought a iPAQ H5550 pocket pc. I haven't gotten it yet, but i am already thinking about the possibilities. I would like to get a gps bluetooth module for it, yet i am having trouble finding info on compatability. Even if i find one that would work, i am wondering about software and other issues. If i can connect is one thing, if i can take full advantage of the device is another. Any advice or links? Thanks

Whatever palm/ppc you choose, look on google for the basic review (by pc mag or another unbias source) Palms that suck and have many negative features sound like a gift from god on some of the ebay sites. While i know what i want, software is still an issue for me. This post has done a pretty good job clearing it up. I like the idea of using a pc with my laptop (windows). Either way, we will see what happens. I don't have to have a ppc now, but i'm still crusin, looking for a deal. If you are selling one, email me.

And the prices don't seem that great. A few years ago when the exchange was better, i would have been jumping in my car and going to get one now. Yet with us = canada dollar, it isn't that great. Look on amazon.com, the free shipping is nice too.

Sounds like a good idea, but is the software all the same? I've bought scanners from different countries (aka canada) because the software is different. If you still want to buy one, i think amazon ships internationally. If all else fails, i might be able to ship it too you.

I just became a premium member after leeching off of geocaching.com for at least 5 years. Now that i have access to all the premium features, i'm hoping to get a pda to take full advantage of the services. I was looking at pocket pc's, but had a question about geocaching software out there. I've heard enought about palms to know they are supported and well used for geocaching. Are ppc's the same way? any programs you would recommend?

Don't ride too fast. Having to replace the gps would take the fun out of saving 30 bucks for the mount. Still cool though

I'm interested, just allergic to ebay. Let me know if you are willing to drop the price a little, the comment about the scratches kind of scared me. I guess what i meant to say was that i don't have paypale

spastic finger