LugNuts

Since I got the shocking call from Logger last weekend, and after the shock wore down a bit, I have been thinking about the times that I ran into Tony at various geo-events. One thing that was always part of the memories was that his son Allan was usually with him. It was inspirational to see a father and son sharing a hobby. Not many teenagers want to spend time with their Dad. The fact that Allan did so, reinforces the fact that Tony was a special person. The most memorable for me was during BQ's "A'Quasy'ng Race" geo-rally. As part of the pit crew, I saw Tony and Allan several times during the 2 day event. They were both working hard to be competitive, but,`the thing that struck me the most was at one stage, where the duo were running behind the main pack, and we offered to "help them out" and give them the answer to catch up a bit and go ahead to the next stage. Tony wanted no piece of that. He wanted to fully complete the stage as BQ intended it, and took the time to find all of the info to earn the answer. No shortcuts for him. Experience everything to the fullest degree. Inspirational. Memorable. My thoughts and prayers are with Sue for a speedy recovery and to their family for strength during this time. Mike

My comment ... "Drivers ... start your engines". Let's go racing. Team LugNuts

Sounds like a great idea to me! Team LugNuts (cheering for the OTHER Gordon)

Nozzletime isn't hard to follow. Just look for the "Smudge prints"! Congrats! LugNuts

I just caught the last part of the piece on "The Hour". For those that missed it, you can catch it again at 11pm ET or again at 2am ET. Good job! LugNuts

Ninjas in Welland? Yikes! Did he follow you from Bramalea? Or did you find him in Welland? Congrats on your 400th Keith!

I have a few issues with the "find" and autorouting features. First, when I am getting it to find a street address, why does it not default to the town I am in? Scrolling around to spell the name of the town seems extra frustrating. I'd like to see the default town name be at the top, with an option to type over it if I am navigating to a different town. Along the same line, I'd like to see them change the order of data entry so that it goes town > street > number instead of town > number > street. Sometimes, I just need to get to the street, and sometimes I don't know the number of the place I am going. A touch screen would be nice too. Forget all this scrolling around with gloves or cold fingers. Changing map/graphic colours to improve contrast would be nice. Also handy for colour blind folks. I agree that memory cards and IR beaming would be great features to have. Or, even allow a "null cable" type rig to send points between units. And, that having a set of "favourites" or lockable waypoints, like home, friends' houses, etc would be handy. I'd also like mine to give me a rumble or a mild electric shock when we are driving past the next stage on a multi so that we don't drive past so many when I am navigating. <grin> LugNuts

After posting, I wanted to verify that it still worked with S&T 2005, so, I hooked everything up in the van and took a couple of pictuires. The Frankenstein rig. It ain't pretty, but, it works. It LIVES ! Close-up of PDA screen, showing directional arrow on map in middle of screen. LugNuts

At the current "mail in rebate" prices (final cost $20-$25), Streets and Trips 2005 is a GREAT, and CHEAP part of any mapping library. Highly recommended for anyone in the US or Canada. Before I got my Garmin 60C, I used S&T 2004, my iPaq Pocket PC, with my Garmin 12XL and a null modem connector between the two serial cables to display my location, in real time on the S&T map in the iPaq. I picked up a serial cradle for my old iPaq on ebay for $6. It wasn't a beautiful solution, but, it was economical, and, it worked. So, if you have a serial data cable for your Gecko, and a serial data cable for either your Pocket PC or a laptop, then, with a simple null modem adapter to put between the two serial cables, and some patience, you should be ready to go. Just set the GPS to communicate in NMEA, 4800 on the communications port, and everything should work fine. I've done the same thing with Fugawi, but, it costs more, and, is more aimed at off-road, topo map navigation. If you need more detail, let me know. Mike

I received my new antenna in the mail today. About a week since I ordered it. Good service, and no customs entanglements. I hope to test it in the car and on the trails sometime this weekend. Their website still shows the old price too.

I've got a Garmin 12XL and a Garmin GPSmap 60C, both of which can use the same antenna. The same antenna should also work on some of the 76 series units, but, I don't think that the eTrex models have an external antenna jack.

I ordered a 16' cable on my antenna. I wanted it for using in the van on trips and wasn't sure how much cable I'd want for tucking it out of the way. Go big or go home I guess. Besides using it in the van, I figure I'll use it in the winter, to attach the antenna to my pack strap, then tuck the 60C inside my jacket to keep it and the batteries warm. Cold shouldn't bother the antenna too much. The gpsgeek website is still showing them at $19.49 as of Saturday morning. Mike

I've been thinking about getting one for a while, and after reading this forum, I checked gpsgeek.com this morning and they still showed as $19.49 US (plus shipping) there. Ordered one. Used Paypal and crossed my fingers. I received a confirmation email before noon, so, I guess I got one at the old price. I should know for sure in a few days if/when it arrives via snail mail. Thanks for the tip!

Good point High IQ! I heard that one school is being pressured to remove trees from their property as a result of this tragedy. Extremists.

Is that GCJH44? Flick's log mentions educating some security types. LugNuts

I can't say anything that some of the cachers that I respect the most have already stated. (and, I certainly can't say it any better) We all have different priorities in our lives. Everyone is trying to do what they can. I think that everything is coming together great, and faster than I expected. Congratulations to all involved! I worked on some of my OGA homework last night, and had planned on finishing part of it today, but, I had a chance to go caching instead. Sorry gang, I went outside. Homework can wait until tomorrow night. I like your priority list BQ. So, far, a quote that comes to mind is ... "Ask not what OGA can do for you, but, what you can do for OGA."

Wow. I've done a lot of reading, and I'm sure that my blood pressure has been going up and down throughout. Having been involved in quite a few volunteer organizations, I'm well aware of the level of personal commitment that is required to make things work. I commend ANYONE that is willing to work on behalf of others. Don't expect everyone to agree with you and support you all the time. At times, it can be a thankless but very rewarding experience. Hang in there. Having enjoyed a few of Blue Quasar's cahces, and having met him, I do view him as an honest, hard working and dedicated individual. I agree that it would be good to get something going, if for no other reason that to share information, provide a local communication point and organize social events. On the other hand, I did get the "we'll do it MY way" feeling from reading some of gm100guy's posts, but, I also know that is easy to judge people by the way they type in email, and sometimes first impressions can be wrong. I think that gm100guy makes some valid points about organization, but, in the beginning, I think it's OK to loosen up a bit and let things naturally evolve, then start guiding things a bit to keep them aligned. Let's not forget that geocaching is about FUN, rather than having meetings, and doing studies. I'm not a fan of politics in general, and I'd like to see a group that works for geocachers, rather than for politicians and the media. I'm more interested in the "let's start a web site and get some ideas flowing" method that BQ is supporting. I'd be willing to be part of that. I agree with notes posted by several folks, including 1short and TrimblesTrek that are more positive and supportive. I like GO for a name. Easy to remember and works into logos nicely. At this point, I'm hoping that we can get things rolling, to promote Geocaching, and offer support (rather than taking over for) the work that CacheTech has done on behalf of GC.com and all of us. Thanks to all who have posted, and, I look forward to seeing how things evolve. LugNuts