New to Geocaching and a few questions

[Sax onthe Floor]

hi,

 

my boss told me about geocaching and got pretty interested. I never realized how many caches are actually so close to where I live. I just have a couple of questions

 

1. I purchased a Garmin GPSMaps 60Csx. I love the features that it has. I noticed at the bottom on Garmins product page that it says "Geocaching Ready." I'm assuming that it means what it says....? however, I read somewhere that I would have to purchase one of the "map upgrades" I think? Do I need to do this or will it work right out of box, and be ready for caching?

 

2. Alot of cache's have detailed parking coord's. but others do not. My question is, is where do you know to park? Would it just be the closed area you think it is to the cache?

 

Thanks for the help,

 

Sax onthe Floor

[+huskerrich2000]

use your instinct, it is usually right

[+Chrysalides]

Geocaching ready just means that:

 

1. There's an icon for "geocaches" and "geocaches found"

 

2. When searching for geocaches, you'll only be presented with waypoints marked as "geocaches"

 

3. After you click on "found", the icon will be changed from "geocaches" to "geocaches found" and you will be presented with the option to search for the next closest unfound geocache

 

At least, that is how it works on the eTrex and I think the 60csx is similar. It's not essential, nor groundbreaking, but it is convenient and gets you from cache to cache with fewer clicks.

 

Map upgrades are only necessary if you want:

 

1. Driving instructions (I recommend getting a Nuvi instead)

 

2. Trail maps

 

For (1) you need City Navigator, for (2) you need either the 100k or 24k maps. You can also download free trial maps from other sources - check the GPS and Technology forum for details.

 

For parking coordinates, I usually plan my route with Google maps before heading out. Other times I just rely on my Nuvi to get me to the nearest point, and if there's no access from there, try an alternate approach. For caches in the woods, I just look for the closest or most convenient trailhead

[+ras_oscar]

finding the corrrect place to park and start hiking is usually part of the challenge. Many times I've gone bushwacking only to find the cache next to a trail a dozen yards from a parking spot. Air photos can often be your friend, especially if you're needing to "fill in" details that road maps don't have.

[+StarBrand]

No maps at all are necessary for Geocaching. But it sure can make it a bit easier.

 

There are free maps at gpsfiledepot.com

 

For autorouting - you should use Garmin's City Nav product.

[+9Key]

The 60CSx is an excellent unit. You should be very happy with it.