Another Newb, more advice needed

[+JakeInPA]

Hi,

 

The name's Jason and I'm planning on starting geocaching within the next week or so. I've been doing some research on GPS' and I think I'm settled on a Etrex Legend HCx which I can pick up for $150.

 

So, the first bit of advice I need is whether that's a good deal? I know from talking to a friend that it's a slightly better model than his and he's already started making finds, so I imagine it's decent enough to start with.

 

Also, any other newbie advice is greatly appreciated. Most of my caching will be done with my 8yr old daughter. She's super excited about getting started, but I've warned her that we probably won't be very good at it at first.

 

I read the "newbie getting frustrated" thread, which was very helpful. Thanks to everyone that takes the time to answer.

[+adamsloco]

Hi,

 

The name's Jason and I'm planning on starting geocaching within the next week or so. I've been doing some research on GPS' and I think I'm settled on a Etrex Legend HCx which I can pick up for $150.

 

So, the first bit of advice I need is whether that's a good deal? I know from talking to a friend that it's a slightly better model than his and he's already started making finds, so I imagine it's decent enough to start with.

 

Also, any other newbie advice is greatly appreciated. Most of my caching will be done with my 8yr old daughter. She's super excited about getting started, but I've warned her that we probably won't be very good at it at first.

 

I read the "newbie getting frustrated" thread, which was very helpful. Thanks to everyone that takes the time to answer.

 

i started with a legend HCx, and I still use that unit as a backup. There are a couple of things to watch: Firstly, make sure that the firmware is up to date -- there were some issues in the past that made geocaching with the Legend difficult that have now been fixed. Secondly, remember that the compass on the legend only updates if you are moving. Thirdly, you can't store a lot of geocache information in the legend, so you will want to bring printouts of the caches you are seeking, or some other device that you can store cache information in (like a palm pilot) or a wireless internet type device so you can look up information on the internet.

 

I would suggest that for your first caches, you look for ones that have been found recently, and are NOT micro's and/or nano's. I would also stay away from multi-caches for the first few, since the stages often are micro sized. If you are going out now (winter) make sure the cache is listed as winter friendly.

 

Lastly, have lots of fun! The first day I went out, I only found 2 out of the 7, so not finding caches is part of the game. Two sets of eyes are always better of course. Just don't get discouraged, and move on to the next one.

 

Adamsloco

[+briansnat]

It's a very good deal for what is an excellent unit for geocaching. You can use it as is, but if you want detailed maps you will need to buy them. Mapsource Topo and/or City Navigator are the obvious choices. City Navigator will allow your unit to provide turn by turn driving directions. It also has a database of millions of businesses and services, so if you need to find the nearest service station, hotel, hospital, shopping mall, restaurant, marina, campground, post office, etc., City Navigator will guide you there. What City Navigator doesn't show are terrain features. Once you step away from the roads you'll mostly see a blank screen.

 

Topo on the other hand shows terrain features. It will tell you if a stream, swamp, hill, cliff, ravine, lake, etc. is between you and your destination. It shows most roads but the data is fairly old, so newer highways and subdivisions may not appear on it. It also doesn't give turn by turn driving directions or have the business database that City Navigator has. The however means you can usually get more map coverage than you can with City Navigator, especially if you live in a populated area.

 

As far as advice:

- Start with regular sized caches with a low difficulty level (2 or lower). Kids like the idea of a "treasure" and often don't get the the idea of a film canister with a piece of paper in it. Micros can also be difficult to find even for long time geocachers.

- Don't get your or her hopes up too much about the "treasure". Often caches are filled with absolute garbage, so if you find one with nice stuff be pleasantly surprised.

- Remember that your GPS will not (usually) take you right to the cache. Between its margin of error and that of the hiders, the cache can be 20-60 feet (and at times more) from where your GPS says it is.

- When you find a cache with your 8 year old, you should open it first. With many millions of finds there has never been an instance of a booby trapped cache, but a cache may contain pins, buttons, fishing lures and things like shot glasses and Christmas tree ornaments that might have shattered in the cache. And every once in a very rare while someone puts something inappropriate in a cache (condoms, cigarettes, etc.) so its best for you to check it out before handing it to your daughter.

- Mark the location of your vehicle if you are heading off into the woods

- Have fun!

Edited March 1, 2009 by briansnat

[+StarBrand]

The Legend HCx is an excellent Geocaching unit. High Sensitivity, USB interface, long battery life, geocaching mode, nice form factor and rugged. Yes that is a very good deal on that unit.

 

Here are some general hints:

 

Look for caches with a difficulty of 2 or less for your fist few caches. Stick with regular sized caches for your first few. Stick to areas you are familar with. Look for anything out of place or unusual. Look for unusual piles of sticks, grass, leaves, rocks, sand, etc. Feel where you cannot look. Think vertical, not all caches are on the ground. Look up or at eye level. Look for traces of previous searches to zero in on the spot. Think like hider - where would you put a container? Look for things too new, too old, too perfect, not like the others. Be prepared to not find the cache more often then you think.

 

Most of all - have fun!!

[+JakeInPA]

Here are a couple more questions:

 

Would people find a 1943 Penny a worthwhile trinket in a cache? It's not worth much at all, but for those that don't know, this is the only penny made of steel. They were made during WWII to save copper for the military. I have a small collection of them and thought about adding them to caches I found.

 

Second, if a cache is listed as being on private property or any type of property "with permission", is it assumed that you have permission to look for it as long as you're not disturbing the area and respecting the property? Do you cacher's generally stop to ask permission first?

[+StarBrand]

Here are a couple more questions:

 

Would people find a 1943 Penny a worthwhile trinket in a cache? It's not worth much at all, but for those that don't know, this is the only penny made of steel. They were made during WWII to save copper for the military. I have a small collection of them and thought about adding them to caches I found.

 

Second, if a cache is listed as being on private property or any type of property "with permission", is it assumed that you have permission to look for it as long as you're not disturbing the area and respecting the property? Do you cacher's generally stop to ask permission first?

I like finding collectible coins in a cache so yes I would like those.

 

If the cache page speciffically lists permission then i have always assumed I have permission to hunt for the cache. However, I also assume that I should maintain some repectable hours while doing so. Maybe that is just me.

 

I have never stopped to ask permission while hunting a cache but I have gotten permission on my hides in every situation that it was required or expected.

[namiboy]

 

Would people find a 1943 Penny a worthwhile trinket in a cache? It's not worth much at all, but for those that don't know, this is the only penny made of steel. They were made during WWII to save copper for the military. I have a small collection of them and thought about adding them to caches I found.

 

 

i don't go geocaching a lot, come to think of it i've only traded once, but i would love to find that penny, probably more than 99.9% of the stuff i usually find.

[+Wintonian]

 

Topo on the other hand shows terrain features. It will tell you if a stream, swamp, hill, cliff, ravine, lake, etc. is between you and your destination. It shows most roads but the data is fairly old, so newer highways and subdivisions may not appear on it. It also doesn't give turn by turn driving directions or have the business database that City Navigator has. The however means you can usually get more map coverage than you can with City Navigator, especially if you live in a populated area.

 

 

Topo V2 in the UK has points of intrest i.e. buisenes like banks and supermarkets, rather out of date though. Maybee thats included here and not over the great shinny pond.

[+gardenwall2]

1) let your daughter carry the GPS. she'll have a blast.

2) shoes with tread are a must, especially this time of year. should be old shoes.

3) some are really obvious, other's aren't. you won't find them all.

4) let your daughter pick out the trinkets to leave ... we got stuff from www.orientaltrader.com, and each person picked out something they liked, then we leave a baggie with a handful of items.

[+JakeInPA]

Don't want to clutter the board with another topic, so hopefully someone can answer this dumb ? quick.

 

I see lots of people have team names for their group of cachers. I don't see anyone with the name I'd like to use with me and my daughter, but I want to make sure...You guys don't register these names anywhere do you?

 

Probably sounds silly, but I don't want to post as "team whateverwecallit" and have someone say "OMG, you that's our team name, give it back!!" haha

[+BrrrMo]

Don't want to clutter the board with another topic, so hopefully someone can answer this dumb ? quick.

 

I see lots of people have team names for their group of cachers. I don't see anyone with the name I'd like to use with me and my daughter, but I want to make sure...You guys don't register these names anywhere do you?

 

Probably sounds silly, but I don't want to post as "team whateverwecallit" and have someone say "OMG, you that's our team name, give it back!!" haha

 

When my daughter and I go out we use "the Invincible Us" to log finds, and have a members account under that User name.

 

My BrrrMo account is Premium and I use that for all it offers.

[+flask]

Don't want to clutter the board with another topic, so hopefully someone can answer this dumb ? quick.

 

I see lots of people have team names for their group of cachers. I don't see anyone with the name I'd like to use with me and my daughter, but I want to make sure...You guys don't register these names anywhere do you?

 

Probably sounds silly, but I don't want to post as "team whateverwecallit" and have someone say "OMG, you that's our team name, give it back!!" haha

 

register the team name you're going to use.

 

crashco and i have a team name although we log all our finds separately.

[+JakeInPA]

Another question I just thought of why perusing the logs.

 

I know you should log your DNF's, but what if you find the cache and realize that you don't have the right tools to get it, open it, put it back, what-have-you? Do you simply log a "note" saying "Found it, but couldn't get it yet, will be back"? something along that line?

[+Bear and Ragged]

Another question I just thought of why perusing the logs.

 

I know you should log your DNF's, but what if you find the cache and realize that you don't have the right tools to get it, open it, put it back, what-have-you? Do you simply log a "note" saying "Found it, but couldn't get it yet, will be back"? something along that line?

 

If you don't sign the log, strictly speaking you haven't found the cache... But that's another thread!

 

One of my logs, in a similar situation.

linky

 

It's really down to you... Cache owner can always delete it if not happy with what you write.

Edited March 6, 2009 by Bear and Ragged

[+flask]

many people will tell you that you should properly log a DNF.

 

this is a lovely grey area: you found it, but didn't log it.

 

...yet.

 

both a note and a dnf log will tell the story, and it's really up to you how you would like to represent it.

 

i sometimes will write a note if i called off the search for any reason besides i couldn't find it and gave up for the day.

 

both forms are acceptable. most people who have strong opinions about it will tell you that only the DNF is acceptable.

 

your call.

[+BrrrMo]

Another question I just thought of why perusing the logs.

 

I know you should log your DNF's, but what if you find the cache and realize that you don't have the right tools to get it, open it, put it back, what-have-you? Do you simply log a "note" saying "Found it, but couldn't get it yet, will be back"? something along that line?

 

That is a loaded question. There was a long thread a couple of weeks ago about that very thing. I tried to find the hread but Groundspeak is not cooperating.

[+JakeInPA]

Ok, I see. I'm not too proud to not post a DNF if that's the technical thing to do.

 

Thanks for all the advice. By the way, the main reason I asked is that I saw one near my house that "isn't on the ground" and I see others found and signed, so it shouldn't be too far out of the way, but I've read of others that require tools and such to get to.

 

I think if it ever happens, I'll just log a DNF until I get back to signing the log.

[+BrrrMo]

Ok, I see. I'm not too proud to not post a DNF if that's the technical thing to do.

 

Thanks for all the advice. By the way, the main reason I asked is that I saw one near my house that "isn't on the ground" and I see others found and signed, so it shouldn't be too far out of the way, but I've read of others that require tools and such to get to.

 

I think if it ever happens, I'll just log a DNF until I get back to signing the log.

 

Here's one thread/topic. http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php...=recording+find

 

Here is the main one I was talking about. http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php...=213324&hl=

[+Bear and Ragged]

Ok, I see. I'm not too proud to not post a DNF if that's the technical thing to do.

 

Thanks for all the advice. By the way, the main reason I asked is that I saw one near my house that "isn't on the ground" and I see others found and signed, so it shouldn't be too far out of the way, but I've read of others that require tools and such to get to.

 

I think if it ever happens, I'll just log a DNF until I get back to signing the log.

 

Always a help to give a reason as to the DNF.

I've gone after caches after a couple of previous cachers have posted DNF's but said things like "Daylight fading fast so called it a day" and "The youngsters were getting hungry, so headed back to the car"

[namiboy]

Ok, I see. I'm not too proud to not post a DNF if that's the technical thing to do.

 

Thanks for all the advice. By the way, the main reason I asked is that I saw one near my house that "isn't on the ground" and I see others found and signed, so it shouldn't be too far out of the way, but I've read of others that require tools and such to get to.

 

I think if it ever happens, I'll just log a DNF until I get back to signing the log.

 

you seem to have a great attitude for starting out, i hope you enjoy it.

[+JakeInPA]

Ok guys. The anticipation is building. Me and the daughter will be going after our first caches tomorrow. We have a list of 8 within 5 miles for now. Mostly 2/2 or less. Mom is working today, so we have to stay home and entertain the little one (3mo old). We went out last night and picked up some basic supplies we thought might come in handy over the next few months. I figured out how to use EasyGPS and put caches on my gps. Now, here's my situation.

 

I have a garmin legend HCx. Ever since I got it, there's been this Pink-ish line, which actually looks like a road (has a dashed yellow/white line in the middle) that goes from my home location to some stream which is the only location name close by with a box around it. Hopefully that made sense.

 

Anyway, my question is, what is this line and how can I get rid of it? I've cleared all of my waypoints, except the one I marked as "home". Well, and I have the new geocaches in, but this "stream" is way out on the coast. I cleared the "tracking log" and turned it off for now.

 

Oh and the top of the screen says "E to North Valley Stream" which is the stream that it points to. What gives?

 

Feel free to make fun at my expense if it's something simple and stupid hahaha

[+the hermit crabs]

I have a garmin legend HCx. Ever since I got it, there's been this Pink-ish line, which actually looks like a road (has a dashed yellow/white line in the middle) that goes from my home location to some stream which is the only location name close by with a box around it. Hopefully that made sense.

 

Anyway, my question is, what is this line and how can I get rid of it? I've cleared all of my waypoints, except the one I marked as "home". Well, and I have the new geocaches in, but this "stream" is way out on the coast. I cleared the "tracking log" and turned it off for now.

 

Oh and the top of the screen says "E to North Valley Stream" which is the stream that it points to. What gives?

It sounds like the unit is in navigation mode, trying to get you to that stream.

 

Try this: when you're on the screen showing that map and the pink line, press the menu button (the lowest of the three buttons on the left side). If the menu that pops up has the option to "Stop Navigation", then select it. That should get rid of the line you are seeing.

[+JakeInPA]

I have a garmin legend HCx. Ever since I got it, there's been this Pink-ish line, which actually looks like a road (has a dashed yellow/white line in the middle) that goes from my home location to some stream which is the only location name close by with a box around it. Hopefully that made sense.

 

Anyway, my question is, what is this line and how can I get rid of it? I've cleared all of my waypoints, except the one I marked as "home". Well, and I have the new geocaches in, but this "stream" is way out on the coast. I cleared the "tracking log" and turned it off for now.

 

Oh and the top of the screen says "E to North Valley Stream" which is the stream that it points to. What gives?

It sounds like the unit is in navigation mode, trying to get you to that stream.

 

Try this: when you're on the screen showing that map and the pink line, press the menu button (the lowest of the three buttons on the left side). If the menu that pops up has the option to "Stop Navigation", then select it. That should get rid of the line you are seeing.

 

Awesome! That did the trick! haha I knew it had to be simple. Thanks!

[+JakeInPA]

Figure I'd just post this here, rather than clog up the forums with another thread.

 

Thanks to everyone again for helping us out with hints and tips.

 

The daughter and I went out on our first trip today. Started around 8am and had to be home by 3, because we had dinner plans. We had a list of 9 caches we wanted to search for, that ranged from 1/1 to 2/3, to 2.5/2.

 

We finished the day 8/9! Our first to stops, closest to the house, were micros. We found the first one and were feeling pumped, then we couldn't find the second...there went some of the wind! But we didn't give up! We pressed on and found the rest of the caches! Overall, we had an awesome day. We got some great pictures and an awesome new hobby to share. She was a little hesitant about the hiking at first, but then dug right into it and showed a lot of bravery for a kid that hasn't spent anytime out in the woods.

 

The one we didn't find, we'll go and get this week. I'm almost certain, after looking at a couple logs, that I know where it is. No one really posted a spoiler, but there were spots we looked and didn't touch, because I made the mistake of thinking "I don't think they'd put it there..." hahaha Live and learn.

 

Either way, a great 1st day of geocaching for us!