stepol

We use GSAK to generate the .gs file to download to the Explorist - no problem with downloading the complete information set. The hint file is handy to have caching BUT it is only 50 characters long. It's frustrating to really need a hint and get, "[stage 1 hint:] don't worry. it isn't poisonous [s" (But what about stage 2? Is it poisonous????). Or, "[Audition Hint is encrypted as usual. In order to " (In order to what???).

Not a state approved hobby? Think again! Check out this link: http://www.virginia.org/site/features.asp?FeatureID=193

Sorry ... two more things: 1) When we brought this up in our group last year someone mentioned that MeBuff8Fan (from the NoVaGO Group) did the ParrotHead plates for Virginia and would be a wealth of info on how to do the plates. 2) Cachers in the group wanted the plate to have a logo that depicted geocaching in general as opposed to representing a person or group overseeing or profiting from geocaching (i.e. Groundspeak). The most popular one was created by Leatherman, often called the "GX", which is a simple design that can be written in the field and is easily recognized. You can see the graphic at http://www.bytethebullet.com/geologo/

I have worked with the Boy Scouts for the past three years to try and get special plates for that organization so one thing I know you have to do before you gather your 350 applications is get a state legislator to sponsor the plate and its logo design. Do we have that already? The General Assembly is currently in session now so if we don't, we need to get someone to submit our plan before they wrap up this year's work. Also, you'll need an account to deposit the money into and someone to manage that account. The DMV authorization process for new plates starts around July 1st and once that authorization is made, an organization has 30 days to turn in the 350 pre-paid applications. So if we start today, have a little over five months to get applications in. Seems like it should be easy enough but there's over 25,000 Scouting families in Virginia and we're now on attempt #4 to get the 350 applications. Down in the CVGA we had a license plate discussion abotu a year ago and there was only lukewarm support for it but maybe times have changed. We'll throw a poll up on our site and let you know what the response is. Good luck and keep us updated on progress! - Steve (the 'ste' in stepol)

When you go after that FTF as the sun goes down WITHOUT a flashlight...and use the GPSr backlight and cell phone just to see to sign the logbook (with the kids in tow - bad mommy!) When you know your toe is broken and you can't wear shoes for over a month - EXCEPT for geocaching (2.5 miles and 4 caches...I can do that) When you spend your 17th and then 18th Wedding anniversaries at geocaching events - and place an anniversary cache too! - Stepol's anniversary cache When the guys at the military surplus store greet you by name (but still look at you strangely as you pick up another half dozen ammo cans)

I've had good luck charging my battery in the car with a $2 12volt USB plug. With the unit turned off it charges relatively quickly and with the unit turned on the battery level remains stable - I know that doesn't solve the problems with your unit but may help others with similar problems. At this point I might be happy to see my Explorist run over. After 4 years with a yellow SporTrak I was thrilled to "upgrade" to an Explorist but even my husband has gone back to using "Ol' Yeller" when we need accurate waypoints despite the fact that the LCD screen is barely legible after its swim in Waller Mill Reservoir!

While other states are discussing banning geocaching, the Virginia Tourism Corporation which runs the official website for the Commonwealth of Virginia has begun promoting it as the perfect tourist activity. Check out the following website: Geocaching and Letterboxing: Virginia is for Lovers The page does say that some geocaches were underground so we did contact the department to let them know that geocaches were not buried. They said they were referring to a few caches in the western part of the state that were in located in caves but that they would clarify it. In fact, they were incredibly open to hearing about geocaching and even added a link so others could share their geocaching experiences. Maybe Virginia can pick up some Geotourism dollars from disgruntled SC cachers!!!

From our Geocaching playlist (minus songs others have mentioned): Barenaked Ladies - Long Way Back Home Big Country - In a Big Country The Calling - Wherever You Will Go Counting Crows - Big Yellow Taxi Dave Matthews Band - Where Are You Going? Dixie Chicks - Wide Open Spaces Dobie Gray - Drift Away Electric Light Orchestra - Mr. Blue Sky Fountains of Wayne - Little Red Light James Taylor - Sweet Baby James Katrina and the Waves - Walking on Sunshine Madonna - Ray of Light Mike and the Mechanics - All I need is a Miracle Paul McCartney - Vanilla Sky Peter Gabriel - Solsbury Hill Phil Collins - Take Me Home Proclaimers - 500 Miles Queen - Play the Game Ramones - Blitzkreig Bop REM - What's the Frequency Kenneth? REO Speedwagon - Rinding the Storm Out Roxette - Joyride Simon & Garfunkle - America Steeler's Wheel - Stuck in the Middle Stereophonics - Have a Nice Day Supertramp - Take the Long Way Home U2 - Beautiful Day U2 - Walk On

We have a cache in our area that can only be done at night. The final cache container is in the woods covered with a large piece of bark. The cache owner glued a (very realistic) rubber snake to the box that gives you quite a shock as your flashlight hits it.

Are there any good Geocache-based themes out there for a nuke site?