Cache_advance

My resolution this year is to host my first ever GC Event. I have a spot inmind, I just need to set the date and start figuring the logistics. That will be this May (I Think!). I also resolve to bring my camera on more GC hunts. I am a photographer for crying out loud, that shouldn't be sooooo hard! I also want to avoid the TNLNSL unless there is no space for trades.

Ok, so I might have to agree with the others, but I would also throw this idea into the ring. You need to realize that (like everyone else has said) everything you need for geocaching is so easily accessible at the big mart stores or online... BUT If you can market something other than the hard goods of caching, you might be able to build a hook. For example... your "shop" might have a small cafe where cachers can trade stories, ideas, inspirations and all the other aspects that make a geocaching picnic an interesting event. You could have a few computers hooked to the net, so people in the area could pop in for a quick check (download cables installed of course). Computers would need a variety of GPS software (DeLorme and such). You could have some equipment for manufacturing customized GeoCoins. How about ammo boxes. You could offer "guide service" meaning that you could help give clues to desparate cachers. Of course, you'd have to carry all the Geocaching.com swag, and all that tuff, but you need to realize that you need to offer "service" that sets you apart. Merchandise is available all over the place, but your service is unique. Just a thought... Cache Advance

I get up an hour early, just so I can go climb through the bushes for a cache before work. I used to go out during lunch, but now I've got a 10+ mile drive to get into a cache area, so it's no longer practical. I only get 30 min for lunch, so by the time I drive there and drive back, if I can't cache and dash, there's no time for a real "hunt"... On a similar note, I have also been known to plan "going out for dinner" in towns that I know there are caches I haven't hit. "Hey, honey... I was thinking... as long as we're out this way... Yeah, I am adicted too... Cache Advance

I too have become very bored with all the junk in the caches. It's gotten to the point that I rarely bring trade items at all anymore, and just simply TNLNSL each cache. On the rare occasion that I do find something inspiring, I typically will drop a pair of AA batteries, taped together, side by side. It was a habit a friend of mine introduced to me. She always has pair of batts in her bag, and I figured that I too always carry spares, so onthe off chance I want to trade, I can drop a pair, and I don't have to carry extra items that are designated as "trades". I've tried to be more utilitarian in my trading. When I was newer (not that I have 1000 cahes logged now), I used to leave rain ponchos, first aid kits, notecards with other nearby caches, new boot laces, duct tape, and that sort of stuff. I felt I was a "good" trader, but I gave up, because of all the army men and broken barbie dolls I ran into. Its sad, but I have to say, I've become a trader grinch! Cache Advance

I'm sorry to hear this news. Perhaps even more sorry that I hadn't heard of it until it was being disbanded. As an avid writer, and a relatively newbie (just a mere 135 caches logged), I would have enjoyed contributing when/where possible. Cache Advance

Fortunately, it wasn't me, but I was talking to an older couple at a Geo Event, who said they discoverred a suicide victim. The poor soul had hung himself in a tree, and they were the first to find him. They were able to use thier cell phone to call 911, and provide coords to the scene. Yuck... hope that NEVER happens to me!

....enters the room feeling stupid.... Apparently Cachemate come bundled with CmConverter which does exactly what I wanted. If anyone is interested, here is how it works. 1. Download the .gpx files for any caches that you want to load into your Palm. Save them all into a folder so that you know where to locate them. Oh, and I think it would be a good idea to rename them to something that would be easier to remember than "GCF2R4" or something like that. 2. Open the unzipped Cachemate folder, and navigate your way through: Cachemate-4.1.2 > File Converter > CmConvert. 3. Once the CmConvert window is open, click on the open folder icon (or go to File>Open), and open the GPX file(s) that you saved in that geocaching folder that you made in step 1. 4. A window will pop up asking what information you'd like to show. Check whichever you feel are important, and click "OK". 5. Another window will open saying that the waypoints have been openned. 6. Select any/all the WPs you want in your palm, and click on File> Export PDB. 7. A typical "save as" window will pop up. Enter a name and then save it in the same geocaching folder you made in step 1. 8. Window will pop up to say Ok, and then it will ask you to select a user. Enter your name and hit ok 9. Put your palm in the cradle and hit the HotSync button. Done. Hope this helps you... wish I had known it was this easy! CA

Ok, I added Cache mate to my Palm, but the GSAK program is NOT running properly on my computer. It keeps giving me errors and circulating back to restarting the program. It's an endless loop of errors. I am currently using Easy GPS to download waypoints (.loc files) to my Garmin. Will this program also save cache pages and if so, can I transfer them to my palm through EasyGPS or does that not work? I also just downloaded ClayJar Watcher. I'll let you know if I have any luck with that one! CA

I just "inherited" a Palm VII handheld, and I have installed the Palm Software, but I don't know hoe to do paperless with it. I was looking into Plucker as it seems like the best choice (??) for me, with this unit. But I don't even know where to start... with Plucker Viewers, Plucker Distillers, Hires, and non-hires, I am so lost! I am NOT A really tech savvy guy, could SOMEONE point me in the right direction? Thanks! Cache Advance!

he he he he he... "DUDE... Let the FTF'ers get ahold of this one, Johnny! It'll be just like the cartoons when the Coyote gets his package from ACME, Inc.!"

From a Park perspective, I know that many of these types of places (like many other parks), have gone to a Carry-In-Carry-Out philosophy. I think the logic behind this movement was largely a matter of economics, as parks were paying lots of money to provide service (garbage and recycling haulers), and facilities (dumpsters, bags) just to haul away peoples stuff. I would strongly suspect that if you put a 50gal drum there with a bag, and expected that the staff would just make it work, you'd be sorely dissappointed. Not only would they not service it, they would likely throw IT away! Worse yet, if they were able to identify you, they'd cite you for littering! Just another perspective on the issue. Cache Advance

See-Doe for me... I have read Trailbounds description too, but I can't figure out what their final answer is? See-Toe? or Sigh-Toe? But after all that, in the end, Trucker LEe is right. Just get it out of there!!