BuckeyeClan

addisonbr gave a great response in post #5. I would say that any cache based on a book or movie is going to have spoiler information. If you don't want the book/movie to be spoiled, it's probably best that you not read those cache pages.

Pocket Queries are the biggest thing, which allows you to sort and download a bunch of caches. A full explanation of benefits can be found here.

Not strictly true as you can send each individually, but the only easy (realistic) way of doing it is with a PQ You have to be a Premium Member to download the .gpx file, which contains the descriptions and hints. If you are a Basic Member, you only get the .loc file, which only contains basic info about the cache. Some more models to consider: Delorme PN-40 or PN-60 Magellan Explorist series, starting with the ExploristGC on up. There are a lot of models that will fit your basic criteria. A few other things to consider might help us narrow it down a bit. What is your price range? Do you want/need maps, or auto-routing? Do you use a PC or a Mac? What country do you live in, and will you be using it internationally at all?

What I mean is there are no guidelines, though there will be some encouraging text. How do we list them here? I'm confused. That's ok. It will be clearer when we launch the feature. *sigh* You mean you aren't going to break down and just tell us what this is all about right now?

Number of finds is not a good metric for experience. Not all of us log our finds. Log your finds. Why? For all the reasons that people complain about short/blank logs: to thank the CO; to let the CO know about the condition of the cache; to let subsequent finders know the condition of the cache; to let subsequent finders know what you think about the cache; so you can "favorite" a special cache to let the CO and other cachers know about one you think is special. Are you saying my notes on the cache listing do not accomplish those tasks? I will admit not having favorite points is a bummer, but I don't put a lot of stock into that system anyway. If you are posting notes, then you *are* logging your finds. You just aren't logging them using the "found it" log type. A DNF or a note is still a log types. I honestly don't care how anybody chooses to log their finds (or if they choose not to log them at all). I just find it interesting that people get bent out of shape over short/blank logs, but don't complain about people who don't log at all, or log extremely late. But...now I've gone wayyyy off topic, so, uhm...if you find a cache that is obviously against the guidelines, post a Needs Archived, or contact the reviewer directly with the relevant information.

Number of finds is not a good metric for experience. Not all of us log our finds. Log your finds. Why? For all the reasons that people complain about short/blank logs: to thank the CO; to let the CO know about the condition of the cache; to let subsequent finders know the condition of the cache; to let subsequent finders know what you think about the cache; so you can "favorite" a special cache to let the CO and other cachers know about one you think is special.

What browser are you using? I think it only works with Microsoft Explorer or Firefox; it doesn't work with Chrome.

One last little plug for DeLorme--they maintain their own user forums for all of their products, so if you have questions or need help with something specific, somebody there will probably be able to help you. I've always been able to find an answer to any of my questions there.

I started with an Explorist 200. You won't be able to connect the 100 to the computer at all, you will have to enter the coordinates by hand. Also, I don't think the 100 has much of a map--the 200 had a pretty basic base-map, the 100 won't be any better than that. That said, the reception on the 200 was always quite good, even under average tree cover. As a secondary unit, I think you will do fine with it. I'm assuming that you have a better gps for yourself, so you won't be trying to figure out driving directions or anything complicated like that using the Explorist 100. Get to your starting point, have the kids (or you) enter the coordinates, and then off you go! They can use the map screen or the compass screen to follow the arrow, and they aren't fighting over who gets to carry your gps. Hand entering the coordinates can get a little tedious, depending on how many you are searching for, but with 6 grandkids you can "share the wealth" of that task!

Most of the steepness comments were made concerning the bundled Topo NA 9.0 mapping application. In the fullness of time, these comments are no longer applicable for geocaching endeavors. The retail package now includes 5 region DVDs which are used to install the detail, region maps directly to the PN-40 and -60 handheld GPSrs. Consequently, one does not even have to install the Topo NA 9.0 application on their PC in order to commence paperless geocaching. Just to add to this: Delorme also has a free downloadable program called Cache Register that makes it very easy to download your Pocket Queries to the gps, and upload your finds to the website. One thing to keep in mind: If you want to take full advantage of any paperless unit, and be able to have the full description, hints, etc., you will need to become a Premium Member.

Be sure to include your geo-name on the insect picture, so people realize that it's a sig item and who it came from!

I think you are confusing the funny-looking yellow symbol for a multi-cache when you are zoomed out with the lightning bolt icon that appears over the caches that are included in a PQ. Since the OP was specifically talking about PQ's, I'm pretty sure Warturtle's response answers the question correctly.

Field Notes!!!! Instead of posting a "found" log from the cache site, you might want to consider posting it as a field note. That will (I think) still upload the info to gc.com, but not as a log. Instead, the info is saved as a field note, which you can then go back and edit and embellish when you are at a computer, and *then* log the cache. I don't know that it will save you any work, but it will avoid sending the cache owner a blank log e-mail. When you use field notes, the caches are saved in the same order that you found them, and presented as a list, and you just click on it to write up your log and then post it to the cache page. I'm not sure if I'm explaining it very well, but that way you aren't editing a log that you already posted. From the main GC page, "Your Profile" >> "Field Notes" for more information.

Thanks for the quick response. I notice that there are also some caches along the route that i made that do not have the bolt over them. Were they not added to the query because I hit the 500 max limit? Possibly, or because of a filter that you set in the PQ. For example, if you excluded micro caches, or multis, or caches of a high difficulty, you will see them on the may but they won't be included in the PQ.

Keep in mind the different ways that your log appears to people. Cache owners get logs via e-mail--I'm guessing that they aren't really going to appreciate having to bring up a separate web page to read what you wrote. Also, paperless gpsr's will display the last 5 logs. If I'm searching for a cache and reading the past logs for clues, "click here to view my logs" isn't going to be any help. It may seem like a small thing, but I think most people would rather see your log, not a link to your blog. That would be my preference, anyways.

It's really up to you if you want to trade or leave items or not. Some people never trade anything. My kids like to trade stuff, and we usually leave a signature item. Here's a thread with some ideas for sig items. A couple of other ideas for small, easy to carry items: foreign coins, polished rocks, marbles, or interesting beads. My kids like to find all of those things, even preferring them to toys. Make sure whatever you leave won't get ruined if it gets wet. Also avoid leaving anything liquid, gel, or cream (it will leak and make a mess), or anything scented that might attract bugs or animals. Have fun!

I don't know what your reading, but nothing here that I have seen has been as vulgar as 4chan. not nearly as vulgar, but the same inhospitable, sarcastic vibe. The language is different, but the attitude is similar. I have no idea what 4chan is, but the "vibe" of these forums has been pretty constant since I started reading them in 2006. I don't think the under-18 crowd has affected the tenor of this forum at all--if you read some of the "classic" threads from early on, they showcase some biting wit and sarcasm beautifully! No, I don't have a problem with kids participating in these forums. Seems to me you would want the younger set to be interested in the forums--what better place to learn about caching and all the unwritten norms and etiquette?

I agree with Panda Inc--the easiest way to load a PQ is through the free Cache Register program. There is a way to drop the PQ file directly onto the gpsr by just basically treating the gpsr as an external drive, but I don't remember the exact steps. Cache Register is really slick--it automatically loads whatever PQ's you select to your gpsr, and when you come back from caching you can upload your field notes the same way. Just be aware: if you do use alternate means to load your PQ's to your PN-60, and then try to use Cache Register, Cache Register won't recognize those files. You'll have to remove or update those caches the same way that you loaded them in the first place.

The Cache Register program is now free, and comes from DeLorme. While it doesn't come with the gpsr, it is a free download. link

Yup! Here in Florida, your only chance of getting hurt by a black bear is if you happen to stand in his path as he is running away from another human. Or, if you bounce one off the front bumper of your Mini at 60 MPH. I can't imagine anyone thinking of them as threatening. But change the shade a bit, to brown, and change the geographic location a few thousand miles northwest and it's a whole different ball game. Even in the land of grizzlies and brown bears, bear attacks just aren't that common. We lived in Alaska for 3.5 years, and in that time I only remember reading about 3 bear attacks--1 mauling, 2 fatalities. All 3 were situations where the human surprised the bear, and the bear attacked and ran. Obviously it's something you still need to be aware of, but not something that would keep me awake at night. There's also a statistic out there (and I can't remember what it is, so I'll just make something up ) that says most bear attacks happen against humans that are by themselves. So your best defense against bears is to take a friend or two along with you!

there is no such thing as a GPS that would allow you to post your finds I think he meant 'field notes'. i doubt it, "field notes" and "posting found it logs" are quite different...i have a feeling he/she is referring to their smartphone as "GPS" i have an Oregon 550 and field notes are not a PITA by any means You are right, I was referring to both. I use the iphone for messing about. I find it pretty good for creating a post, uploading photos, etc. It is actually easier than using the webpage, imo. However, if I have my phone out in bad weather or even on a bright day, I am going to record a blank long and come back later and update it. You can create field notes on the iphone, but for me it is just as easy to upload the log and fix it at home (you then dont have to pull out the phone later to sync) My GPS has a 'found it' log. It does create a field note. Sorry for the confusion around that. I tried ONCE to comment in the field.. that was the torture I mentioned.. terrible! Personally, I scale my found log with how much I enjoyed (or didnt enjoy) the find. I may be wrong about this, but when you use field notes on the phone, doesn't it upload your log to the field note page right then? If it does, you should then be able to go to the field notes page on the website when you get home, write up your logs, and post them to the cache. You wouldn't need to actually pull out the phone to synch it. I don't actually use my phone to geocache, so I may be misunderstanding how field notes on the phone works. But that's the impression I got from what I've read about field notes on the website.

For anybody who does this that might just happen to read this thread, I encourage you to figure out how to use field notes. (From the main page, click "Your Profile", then "Field Notes".) It's just as easy as editing your logs, and it will keep the CO's happy!

A "needs maintenance" log will send an e-mail to the cache owner--this can be for anything physically wrong with the cache, like a broken container, wet, moldy log, etc. A "needs archived" log sends an e-mail to both the cache owner and the local reviewer. The NA log should be for really serious issues, like if the cache is on private property without permission, or the cache doesn't meet the guidelines. Sometimes people will post an NA log if there is long string of DNF logs or NM logs, and the CO doesn't appear to be responding. The NA log doesn't automatically archive the cache, it just alerts the reviewer to the problem. Obviously an NA log can generate some angst, so some people avoid this by e-mailing the reviewer directly with their concerns. Generally speaking, you shouldn't post a NM or an NA log if you simply can't find it, unless there is a long string of DNF's on what is supposed to be an easy cache.

Use field notes to record your finds, DNF's, etc. while in the field, and wait until you get home to the computer to type and upload your logs.

FWIW, anytime you change anything in the forums (your sig line, avatar, etc.), you have to log out of the forums and then log back in for the change to take affect.