jnc1991

Sounds like a fine idea to me. So far as I know, we are the only ones to show interest in a NW Pa group... I am sure there are more out there that have not read the forum that would be interested. If we decided to do this, I could make attempts to contact others. The more the merrier! JNC

quote:Originally posted by mikechim:Cross state lines? How about dropping one off around hmmm I don't know maybe Erie, PA ? "...Not all those who wander are lost..." Hey Mikechim, sounds like a good idea for a cache in our area...know any well off folks that might be interested? JNC

quote:Originally posted by mikechim:Cross state lines? How about dropping one off around hmmm I don't know maybe Erie, PA ? "...Not all those who wander are lost..." Hey Mikechim, sounds like a good idea for a cache in our area...know any well off folks that might be interested? JNC

Is anyone in the area of NW Pa interested in starting a cacher group? Found out there is a group for Northcentral Pa called Keystone Cachers. I am willing to start organizing such a group if I can muster some interest. Please respond here on the thread or if you would rather you can email me at jnc1991@hotmail.com. Happy Caching, JNC

That would make sense...thanks for the suggestion! JNC

Either no one is interested or people from NW Pa are not coming to this forum... If there are Geocachers reading this from NW Pa, please contact me regarding the forming of a cachers group. If you are in the area and don't like the idea please tell me that also, and why you would not be interested. As stated before, if a group already exists, please tell me! Thanks, JNC jnc1991@hotmail.com

Being new to the sport I was troubled to see yet another attack on religious freedom going on inside such a good thing. Like you said, most Christians do not cry foul when they are forced to tolerate others beliefs and actions however we face intolerance and censorship daily. I did not want to suggest it but if it became such a problem that we could not have a cache that mentions God or Jesus ...I would want someone to start a website just for that purpose. I am glad Jeremy reversed his decision. A small victory at best. I plan to come visit this cache soon. Its famous! JNC

Our teams combined age is 12.1. No one member is over 30. I wish this game would have been around when I was a kid! JNC

I posted a rather lengthy reply to a similar question in the thread titled "GPS? Where?". It is not all inclusive but will get you started. There is also some good info on buying your first gps on the main page of geocaching.com. Personally, Im going with the Garmin eTrex (yellow). Economical...and it works well. JNC

I apologize if this has already been discussed, I was too tired to look through all the posts. I just started this sport last week...and as most newbies are, am fascinated with it. I have a suggestion, why don't we form an organization such as Northwestern Pennsylvania Geocachers? It does not have to get all formal but something to unite our voice. Could be a good thing. If this has been mentioned already, or an organization already exists please let loose on me! Thanks. Happy caching! JNC

Whether it is useful or annoying or not I dont see why it is a problem...doesn't seem worth addressing to me. I hope that does not sound to sarcastic, I dont mean it that way! JNC

Not too sure this has anything to do with the whole 666 "mark of the beast" thing. That will be something you will either take or die...it has not come to that, yet! This company offers the device in other forms such as bracelets and such. It does not have to be under the skin and can be easily removed which may be a good or bad thing depending on the situation. If it becomes affordable enough to tag my four children (non-permanently) I will do it. However right now there is a monitoring fee which would not quite fit into the budget...I'll just do it the old fashioned way...watch my children with my own eyes! JNC

Not that I want to go down this road but why would an athiest want to do a Branch Davidian cache??? Mega Ditto's on the "This is the good old USA, we have all the freedoms we love." People have died,are dying, and will die for these freedoms. People...if you are offended, stay away from it, period! I would not go to a cache that was for trading pornographic material (hope I dont start something)...so don't come to my Christian cache if you are going to be offended. We really have to stop being so stinking sensitive!!! I hated how honeychile sounded like she felt she had to make her case so as not to offend. Why does this PC crap always have to come in and ruin all the fun? JNC

Im not familiar with these, can you tell me more? What do you put in them? Thanks for tolerating my lack of knowledge! JNC

I love the idea, in fact I plan to start one with my children soon. I think all caches should be acceptable as long as their theme or "agenda" is announced ahead of time and dont depart from what is tasteful...if you know what I mean. I know, I know...that is a fine line. jnc

I have not been at this long but agree with the person who said they are selfish when it comes to this sport. Yes, I found out about it from another cacher but I see only problems ahead if it went "public". I would not like to see it become a hot new sport. I guess I am afraid the more are involved, the more likely the chance bad things will happen. Only time will tell! JNC [This message was edited by jnc1991 on August 19, 2002 at 09:46 PM.]

I have been into this for about a week. I did the same thing, where do I get the best deal? After a weeks research and some trial and error this is what I came up with. There are two players: Etrex and Magellan. As for what is on the market now, the yellow Etrex is the cheapest buy (retail) at $99 on amazon.com, free shipping as stated earlier. I have not found it cheaper anywhere else. As far as which gps to buy...here are my observations: Garmin eTrex (yellow) - basic model, does well under heavy cover however does not have map functions. Low memory so is not good at storing info on really long trips like car rides across country. Garmin eTrex (Camo) - same as yellow but has a camoflage case and a fish calculator and celestial info which is not needed for geocaching. This model averages $130. I bought this one at Wal-Mart used it for about 5 days and loved it however am taking it back and buying the yellow one off of Amazon. Saving $30. The following models offer mapping which is the ability to download or use preinstalled maps that show roads, exits and such... Garmin eTrex (Venture, Legend,Summit,Vista). These are all slightly more improved versions of the eTrex. You can go on www.garmin.com and do side by side comparisons on each model. Basically you get more memory for storing more detailed maps. Ranging in price from $150-$350. Magellan SporTrak Map, Pro - Basically with these you get a few different little perks but the main difference is in memory. Also once you leave the eTrex versions you get a different type of antenna which I will discuss in a minute. Go to www.magellangps.com to review their products. Antennas: Two types that are popular: Internal patch and Quadifiler Helix. All eTrex versions use the internal patch and most of the more expensive gps' use the QH. From what I read the QH is better. It maintains a better lock on satellites. From my experience with the eTrex, I have no problem with this. Yes, it does give erratic signals occassionaly however I have sought after 7 caches with this model and found all 7 within 45 minutes of starting. It always takes me within a 100 feet or so and I search it out from there. The cover has not been a hinderance to finding the cache. Yes, I am a newby and have many a cache ahead of me however I feel this gps is suitable for geocaching. There are external antenna options which can get expensive and in depth. I dont know too much about those options. As far as mapping...the eTrex does not have a map function however it has led me directly to 7 caches without a map. I see this function more for those who travel and don't want to have to read paper maps or road signs. I personally like the adventure of finding my own way. The non-mapping gps' do just fine in pointing the way. By the way...magellan has non-mapping models also but I highlighted the Garmin eTrex due to its low price and user friendliness...very easy to use with one hand! There are other options available on each such as compass', altimeters, thermometers etc...of which I have no use for, just more toys to clutter things up (Im simple and easily entertained). Of course the more toys, the higher the price will be! And it goes on from here. There are many different models offering different options from pixel counts to battery life to memory. Some people claim one to be more superior than another based on certain criteria. It boils down to what exactly are you doing with your gps. If it is solely for geocaching this is my recommendation: I went to KMart, WalMart, Radio Shack,Dicks and all other local sports stores...all prices were pretty close to each other but none of them had the eTrex for $99. $99 Garmin eTrex (Yellow) from Amazon... and no, I don't own stock in Garmin or Amazon and dont work for the companies!!! JNC Differing opinions and corrections are highly encouraged! [This message was edited by jnc1991 on August 19, 2002 at 03:50 PM.] [This message was edited by jnc1991 on August 19, 2002 at 03:51 PM.] [This message was edited by jnc1991 on August 19, 2002 at 04:39 PM.] [This message was edited by jnc1991 on August 19, 2002 at 07:13 PM.]

I have been into this for about a week. I did the same thing, where do I get the best deal? After a weeks research and some trial and error this is what I came up with. There are two players: Etrex and Magellan. As for what is on the market now, the yellow Etrex is the cheapest buy (retail) at $99 on amazon.com, free shipping as stated earlier. I have not found it cheaper anywhere else. As far as which gps to buy...here are my observations: Garmin eTrex (yellow) - basic model, does well under heavy cover however does not have map functions. Low memory so is not good at storing info on really long trips like car rides across country. Garmin eTrex (Camo) - same as yellow but has a camoflage case and a fish calculator and celestial info which is not needed for geocaching. This model averages $130. I bought this one at Wal-Mart used it for about 5 days and loved it however am taking it back and buying the yellow one off of Amazon. Saving $30. The following models offer mapping which is the ability to download or use preinstalled maps that show roads, exits and such... Garmin eTrex (Venture, Legend,Summit,Vista). These are all slightly more improved versions of the eTrex. You can go on www.garmin.com and do side by side comparisons on each model. Basically you get more memory for storing more detailed maps. Ranging in price from $150-$350. Magellan SporTrak Map, Pro - Basically with these you get a few different little perks but the main difference is in memory. Also once you leave the eTrex versions you get a different type of antenna which I will discuss in a minute. Go to www.magellangps.com to review their products. Antennas: Two types that are popular: Internal patch and Quadifiler Helix. All eTrex versions use the internal patch and most of the more expensive gps' use the QH. From what I read the QH is better. It maintains a better lock on satellites. From my experience with the eTrex, I have no problem with this. Yes, it does give erratic signals occassionaly however I have sought after 7 caches with this model and found all 7 within 45 minutes of starting. It always takes me within a 100 feet or so and I search it out from there. The cover has not been a hinderance to finding the cache. Yes, I am a newby and have many a cache ahead of me however I feel this gps is suitable for geocaching. There are external antenna options which can get expensive and in depth. I dont know too much about those options. As far as mapping...the eTrex does not have a map function however it has led me directly to 7 caches without a map. I see this function more for those who travel and don't want to have to read paper maps or road signs. I personally like the adventure of finding my own way. The non-mapping gps' do just fine in pointing the way. By the way...magellan has non-mapping models also but I highlighted the Garmin eTrex due to its low price and user friendliness...very easy to use with one hand! There are other options available on each such as compass', altimeters, thermometers etc...of which I have no use for, just more toys to clutter things up (Im simple and easily entertained). Of course the more toys, the higher the price will be! And it goes on from here. There are many different models offering different options from pixel counts to battery life to memory. Some people claim one to be more superior than another based on certain criteria. It boils down to what exactly are you doing with your gps. If it is solely for geocaching this is my recommendation: I went to KMart, WalMart, Radio Shack,Dicks and all other local sports stores...all prices were pretty close to each other but none of them had the eTrex for $99. $99 Garmin eTrex (Yellow) from Amazon... and no, I don't own stock in Garmin or Amazon and dont work for the companies!!! JNC Differing opinions and corrections are highly encouraged! [This message was edited by jnc1991 on August 19, 2002 at 03:50 PM.] [This message was edited by jnc1991 on August 19, 2002 at 03:51 PM.] [This message was edited by jnc1991 on August 19, 2002 at 04:39 PM.] [This message was edited by jnc1991 on August 19, 2002 at 07:13 PM.]

quote:Originally posted by FLEABANDIT:i just bought one off ebay for $150 buy it now. Checked Ebay for another auction with a buy it now of 150...Was that from an individual or ebay store or something? If they have more can you give me their email so I can see if they will sell me one for $150? Thanks, Jason

I just started geocaching today and am sad to read through this thread. It kind of scares me. I am not so worried about me but my kids and wife. I was thinking about this subject today and think that this sport will probably suffer some setbacks due to nut cases but why would it be any different than hunting/fishing, hiking, mountain biking etc. These places could all be subject to the same sabotage. I have never heard of anything like that happening. I think the greatest threat to this sport right now is the authorities outlawing it for public safety reasons which I would not agree with. Jason