brian b

I currently use a Garmin 2610 (yeah, one of those big, mongo HUGE car gps) as my traveling companion. I can send up to 500 caches directly to the GPS, and when I am on the map screen, I can see ALL the caches that I downloaded. (and I can VERY easily delete these caches, in two or three easy keystrokes). I am also looking to upgrade to a NUVI; however, I want the basic geocaching functions. I want to be able to look at my map screen and see where the caches (and cache pockets) are. Does the 500 or 550 offer this capability? This is an imperative function. I haven't seen any screen shots of the geocaching functions. I also haven't really been sold as to the pros or cons of this. Should I invest the money?

It is very interesting that I didn't see his name on any of the diabled caches in/around the airport . . . only those that he marked as needing maintenance (which you cannot delete). Also very interesting that he has no hides/no finds.

Depending on when you put this adventure together, consider me in. After having read about the hike, I am intriqued, interested, and willing to make the climb. I am about done with Parking Lot Micros. . . .

I second both Brian and Mac's comments. I was with Mac when we DNF'd the Tongue, and I understand the obsession. The views, however, were beyond spectacular. There are quite a few on the Tongue that are reasonable.

"Student-teaching"? 50 hours a week or more? It seems to me that you are dedicated. I am 13+ years in the education field, and I now spend as little time preparing as I can; all my time is grading (English . . . yeah, smart choice). I shared my room with a new teacher this year. She had a VERY difficult time learning all the new material, preparing lessons, all the grading, all the required parent contact, all the required meetings, all the discipline issues that comes with being a new teacher. She also had a family . . . two kids at home. On many occasions, she stated that seeing how relaxed and comfortable I was made all the work she was doing bearable, for she knew that this whole thing would get easier, that she (in time) would be more comfortable with her career choice. I hope that you, too, find the comfort level that can be discovered in this field. That is not to say that it is easy, for it isn't, but as John so eloquentl put it -- if you love your job, then it is not work. Many people do not love thier jobs. I do. To me, it is not work. I love the kids, I love the discussions, I love the interaction. (OK, that is so easy to say now that summer vacation is in full swing, but most of the time, you'll get this same response from me, even in January and March and even in maybe even May). The bottom line -- it really does get easier. I promise. With all that said, I hope to run into you soon. You were a fine member of the Northern Geocaching Group, and I've personally enjoyed your hides. I hope all is well (and soon).

Be sure to post, as that one has also been on my to-do-list!

Thanks polskikrol! I've been wanting to get to that area for quite a few years now. This may be just the incentive I need to finally make the trip! Excellent.

Leaving us? Who's gonna host the next Pirate event? Be well, Mark. When I head out to Seattle to capture the ape, maybe I'll look for your events/caches.

This is not so much a loop, but a there-and-back hike in the Catskills just outside of Woodstock. Waylesswood, Weathernowcast, Macatc1961, and brian b completed this 10+ miler (my gps read 12 miles) today, nabbing some awsome caches along the way. The nearby Treehugger cache was one of the most interesting hikes as we strolled through the Magic Meadow . . . . The hike granted us four caches (Overlook Mtn House, Fire Tower Stash, Rattlesnake Rock, and the infamous The Rocky Lounge Cache) over about 12 miles. Nearby will be the Treehugger cache, which is a must-do. And Woodstock itself is plagued with urban micros for those who like smileys.

I hate ticks.

While we only got 5 inches or so, it sure is nice to be home with the kiddies after a weekend of camping, hiking, and caching. A day off after a weekend off. Life is good.

This is the hike that a number of us did this weekend at Weathernowcast's event. A little over 3 miles, and about 6 smilies.

Looks like Kayla-bee and I will be making the trip to Centralia. I just mapped it out, and it is a 2.5 hour trip to the event alone. I figure if I leave early enough, I can cache my way around Hazelton prior to the event. See you all there.

George Clooney BLEW UP a cache when he filmed Michael Clayton. The cache was Kudo Cache by the Trestle Bridge in Salisbury Mills . . . . well, the cache had already been archived, but the explosion was on top of the previous cache location.

The cache that Shoob&Sheeb is referring (Jackson's ABC-123 Cache) is not quite the same as the ABC cache being discussed here. (Sorry, Kevin! I hope not to rain on your parade!)

Here is another 4 mile loop that will earn you 4 or 5 smilies (Black Rock Forest, NY): The caches (these are snow-friendly, as we found/hid them on 1/11/09 with about 10 inches of snow on the ground; also keep in mind that by widening your route, you can pick up considerably more caches): Ben's Bridge of Misery Windfall A Little More Misery Log Only Stillman's Reservoir (Do a PQ of the area, and you'll see that there are some other fantastic caches along the way. To say that you could get away with 10 smilies is not unreasonable.) Also, look for an upcoming event at the parking lot, similar to Weathernowcast's Mmmm. . . Donuts! event where, after breakfast of sugar and shortening, you can venture off and complete these all on your own, or with a group.

I wonder if this guy is a geocacher? I don't know, but I think he's nuts. The Scariest Hike

I spoke too soon. I will NOT be able to make the hike on Sunday.

See you at 8:30. The boss has given me the day off . . . as it is the last day of my winter break. (She'll be taking down the Christmas decorations, and I am forbidden to help.)

I just cleared Wednesday . . . now I will have t work on Sunday.

Let me clear the morning with the wife, and I may be there, too.

51 MPG? That would be the infamous Weathernowcast!

There is one just off of Tiorati Brook Road, up behind the Day Camp in the Park area. I used to work there, pre-kids, and I created a small trail up to the old tin shelter to cook s'mores and hot dogs with the campers. It can be accessed near the baseball fields on TBRoad. It has been years since I have been there.

The GOLD team cleaned the park of all 20 caches before the lunch. What a great place. The food, beveages and frienship at Kroghs were excellent. And the after lunch hike added 10 more caches to the stats.

I am looking forward to this hike. The map is helpful, but quite deceptive! Also, it looks like LOTS of people will be at the event. Can/Will Kroughs be able to handle all of us?