New cacher- how do i transition from phone to Etrex?

[+graceandglory]

I have two basic questions. I finally got the Etrex 10. I was frustrated that my phone app only worked where there was cell phone reception which pretty much kept me from some really cool caches.

 

I can't figure out the first thing to do with the Etrex, so I'm still using my phone app.

I'm hoping to take my Garmin out of range this weekend.

 

Q #2. To be a good cacher, I'd like to help folks when I see they need a miniature baggie around their paper log, or a new log. What is the cheapest option for buying just a few geocache supplies?

[+cerberus1]

To be a good cacher, I'd like to help folks when I see they need a miniature baggie around their paper log, or a new log. What is the cheapest option for buying just a few geocache supplies?

If you know for sure the CO had a small bag for the log, Michael's, AC Moore, or any similar craft store usually carry numerous sizes.

- Sales racks for fun, cheap swag too.

We have some containers that due to their design, seem to do poorly when the log's bagged.

If you're finding simple caches needing maintenance (a red wrench on the cache page) and the CO hasn't fixed it in some time, instead of help, often it's just keeping a piece of carp going.

I'll leave a piece of paper (usually a Rite In Rain strip) when I know the CO is active, realizing my paper is only a temporary thing 'til he can get there.

[+Mn-treker]

You will be sending geocache info from the site to your unit. Send to GPS or do a pocket query.

You should find the geocache file in your unit or see them on the map page. Select one and tell your unit to route to it. Follow the trail and go find it. Explore your unit to learn its functions, you should have a manual.

Also you will need a computer to connect the GPS unit to, to send data to it. Not the phone.

[+whh0]

We went out for a good few caching trips with both the phone and GPS in tandem to start with and it took about 3 months before we were happy we knew how the GPS worked before the phone stayed in the bag for the entire caching trip. Expect to get frustrated with the GPS to start with, it does get easier the more you use it.

[+Bear and Ragged]

If you haven't done so already.

Register your Garmin via http://www.geocaching.com/garmin/freetrial.aspx and your Premium Membership will be extended by 30 days.

 

Learn how to do Pocket Queries.

It's the easiest way to transfer caches to the GPS.

(And they can be downloaded to the phone - depending on which app you use- when you have cell service/wi-fi access, so you can still cache with the phone)

[Pup Patrol]

One thing that I have learned recently is the beauty of making a bookmark list, then running a pq of it.

 

In this way, I can do my usual "pick and choose" of which caches to look for, and don't have to load them into the gps individually.

 

Some of the bookmark lists are for "temporary" use, and once we've finished with that list, I delete the bookmark. For example, I'll make a bookmark list for a particular day/location. Other bookmark lists are for more general searching, like "boat launches", that I add to as time goes on.

 

I was a long time in getting around to using pq's, before learning about pq's of bookmark lists. Silly me.

 

If I want to just "pick and choose" a few caches, I use GPSBabel to load them into the gps.

 

http://www.gpsbabel.org/

 

 

B.

[Pup Patrol]

Q #2. To be a good cacher, I'd like to help folks when I see they need a miniature baggie around their paper log, or a new log. What is the cheapest option for buying just a few geocache supplies?

 

If you find such a cache, then you should post a "needs maintenance" log, in addition to your "found it" log.

 

A good cache owner should appreciate being alerted to problems with their cache. Other cachers will also be made aware, if they read the cache page.

 

I don't know how tiny baggies can be. If it's a nano or bison tube, adding a baggie might take up too much space.

 

Full log? Try to squeeze your name somewhere, or add a slip of paper, and post the "needs maintenance" log. I've been known to sign over top older, faded sigs. I've also been known to tear a piece of cigarette package, as that was all I had.

 

Oh, and if you only got one of those "quick start" manuals, you will want to download the full manual for the etrex10:

 

http://static.garmincdn.com/pumac/eTrex_10-20-30_OM_EN.pdf

 

B.

Edited May 20, 2015 by Pup Patrol

[+L0ne.R]

 

Q #2. To be a good cacher, I'd like to help folks when I see they need a miniature baggie around their paper log, or a new log. What is the cheapest option for buying just a few geocache supplies?

 

Most of our caches have no baggies around the log. We use authentic Lock & Locks which do a good job of keeping the contents dry. I've experienced, too often, the baggie being caught between the lid and the container. This leaves the seal compromised and water gets in. Sometimes just a little water. I've seen the same problem happen to other caches. If it's a good quality container the baggie is unnecessary and may be a problem. Just be sure to properly lock down the cache lid.

 

If the cache is leaky (e.g. ziploc throw-away container, food jar with no gasket, film canister, magnetic key safe) a baggie is only going to help for a few visits, then the ziploc seal gives out, holes get worn into the plastic.

 

If you insist on putting a baggie around the logbook, in a Lock & Lock container, make sure it's a baggie that isn't too big for the container - i.e. one that requires it to be folded and squeezed to get it back in the box. Those are very likely to end up caught.

 

 

[+L0ne.R]

Q #2. To be a good cacher, I'd like to help folks when I see they need a miniature baggie around their paper log, or a new log. What is the cheapest option for buying just a few geocache supplies?

 

If you find such a cache, then you should post a "needs maintenance" log, in addition to your "found it" log.

 

A good cache owner should appreciate being alerted to problems with their cache. Other cachers will also be made aware, if they read the cache page.

 

Full log? Try to squeeze your name somewhere, or add a slip of paper, and post the "needs maintenance" log. I've been known to sign over top older, faded sigs. I've also been known to tear a piece of cigarette package, as that was all I had.

 

B.

 

This ^^^