Trail Bandits

Wow, I just created a Pocket Queries and used Magellan software to open what I was emailed. Works great!!!

Hi Rockin Roddy, I have the same GPS unit you have. Are you using Magellan Geocache Manager that came with your unit? That seems to be the answer to loading these units. I tried that GSAK and it doesn't seem to add all the info on to the Mallgellan. Or let me say, if it does I couldn't figure it out. The Magellan software adds in Cache name, Waypoint, Difficulty, Terrain, you can add when it was placed, last found, and a hint. The secret to adding more then one page is, after loading the 1st page on the Magellan software, save the next page you want added, (this can be done using the same file name you used loading the first page) clink open on cache manager, clink one time on the geocache file, then down at the very bottom of the page check the box that says, ”Append to existing file”. This will add to the file. If you don’t check this box it removes the file you were working on and make a new with just the new page. The file can only hold 200 caches per file, but the number of files is limited to memory installed. It makes it cool if your going out of town for a few days. You can create a file called Canada and save all caches you want to do while there without having to lose your at home data. In some ways it is a pain, some we have been able to basically paperless cache without another unit. If you need more info write me, maybe we can learn this modern stuff together.

Winter caching has both positive and negitive factors. On the positive side, few muggler problems to report, snow can be your friend as footprints can be more help then any clue given.. The swaming bug factor is gone. Like other cachers have said, the umbrella of leaves are not a factor with your GPS, making locating the place easier On the negitive side, long wet walks can be almost not do able. Snow can make for good cammo, but so can leaves and overgrowth. But the biggest factor has to be the cold, a nice 2 mile walk on a 70 degree day would be crazy with a -20 degree wind blowing by your nose. Best advice, read the posting and logs, choose your caches wisely and winter caching is a lot of fun. Those caches that seem wild for the winter will be waiting for you on that 1st spring day.

Here is our log from GCX8W6 Where do I start?? We had attempted this cache a few weeks ago, and came up with a DNF. Bloodhound emailed Izzy and got slight hint. Using this hint, and spending the next few weeks grounded due to a bad asthma attack, gave me time to work this out in my head before coming back. We happened to be in the area tonight, and figuring this would be an easy way to get back on the geo scene without needing oxygen. We stopped without the GPS, or paper thinking neither would be of use due to knowing where to look. I started looking at what I was sure was the cache, working on grabbing the container when Debbie says, “There is a sheriff watching us”. I turned around to the Sheriff pulling up right behind us, not looking to happy about us being there. He asked what we were doing; I tried to explain geocaching, which he had never heard of. OMG!!! We still hadn’t found the cache, what proof did I have this was legitimate? Thank God, he took us as being harmless leaving us by saying, “Don’t break anything” as he took off. NOW I NEED OXYGEN!!! I turn and continued working to free the cache, even still worried about this being what I believed it was. I have to say, this container is one of the best I ever seen, we signed the log and retreated with needing oxygen as blue as one of the Smurfs with the sheriff pulling out just ahead of us

We began as a Dad and 3 boys ages 13, 8, and 4 going out looking for the treasure. The older boys and myself were always locating the cache. I came up with the idea, and spread the word to the older boys, "Let Brad find the next one. If you locate it quitely call Brad over and have him look in the stump or under the pile of stick." I have to say, one of my favorite memories was the 1st time we did this. Brad was about 5, and was so excited, yelling, "DAD, DAD, I FOUND IT!!!" Wow!!! It was best day I ever had. Looking at the older two boys, the smiles they had lead me to believe they got as much enjoyment. Now, 4 years later, myself, my new wife, and Brad still log together, my sons bloodhound and Nick are becoming great geocachers under thier own names.

Update: Bill & Gary have hidden 6 Gold Coins in 6 Different Metroparks. Each coin has a number on it. When you find them all, they give you coordinates to a picnic they are planning. It seems like it will be pretty cool. ~Nick~

It sounds like that these are popular caches in Michigan. Next we are working on the Metroparks Ones in Michigan. So Far we have found the Wolcott Mill & Stoney Creek, and will be heading to Metro Beach tomorrow. Anyone planning on doing those? There are 13 in the series. ~Nick~

Has anyone on these forums finished the Bill & Gary III? I just finished it today with my family, and I was just wondering if other people liked it as well as I enjoyed. ~Nick~