Anyone going Geocaching this weekend? **NEW CACHERS...POP IN!**

[DarkSideMoon]

I would if I had a GPS. They are pretty expensive, although I love the idea of caching.

 

[Pin Wizard]

They're expensive in my book. And mine seems to do NOTHING! I met up with a couple yesterday. We were at a cache last weekend and were chased off by a rott/pitt looking type dog. YIKES! He apparently thought the woods were his. So the couple that put the cache there met us...with their Great Dane ...and kept an eye out for any animals while we searched. The guy took my GPS to see what type of numbers were on it. Ha! It's not just me! Apparently, the compass wasn't working on it for a bit, then seemed to kick in. Finally, it had numbers in the general area. They beep and have pointing arrows? He said he programs the caches in and it beeps and tells him how many feet away he is and points where he needs to go! I want one of those. Don't think I'll get it for what I paid for this one. No wonder people are out there finding 25 a day while I find 8. LOL!

If you're interested in a "pre-owned" GPS, they're out there. I know people that went that route to see if they'll stick with geocaching.

 

[DarkSideMoon]

If you're interested in a "pre-owned" GPS, they're out there. I know people that went that route to see if they'll stick with geocaching.

good idea! I looked up caches in my area, and I found alot online! I think I could find some of them without GPS.

 

[Pin Wizard]

I've heard from a couple people that they've found a few without one. Eventually, they did break down and buy a GPS. LOL! It's very addicting!

 

[MiJo]

It is possible to find them w/o a GPSr, especially if you are good with a compass and Topo Map, but I wouldn't look for micros in the woods that way. Anyway, a new model, like a Garmin Geko, can be had for around $100 or so. Go ahead ... SPLURGE! You'll get plenty of enjoyment out of the investment. And, there are caches at WDW!

Sandy,
I ended up sick over the weekend so we still haven't had a chance to try our eXplorist 210. After all that waiting.......
Maybe this weekend!

 

[DarkSideMoon]

I've heard from a couple people that they've found a few without one. Eventually, they did break down and buy a GPS. LOL! It's very addicting!

Lol, I have not gone looking yet because I have been sick this weekend, but I might just break down and buy one soon.

 

[Pin Wizard]

It is possible to find them w/o a GPSr, especially if you are good with a compass and Topo Map, but I wouldn't look for micros in the woods that way. Anyway, a new model, like a Garmin Geko, can be had for around $100 or so. Go ahead ... SPLURGE! You'll get plenty of enjoyment out of the investment. And, there are caches at WDW!

Sandy,
I ended up sick over the weekend so we still haven't had a chance to try our eXplorist 210. After all that waiting.......
Maybe this weekend!

Have to agree with Mike. It's a GOOD splurge!

Oh, no!! I'm so sorry you were sick, Mike! I hope you're feeling better and well enough the coming weekend to get out.

I hit number 200 on Saturday. YEA!! The official number now is 205. Also placed a cache in a park. Sometimes I don't get it. I walked the .1 mile from where a cache is to where I placed this one. I went a bit past that point to be sure I was far enough away. I type up everything online to get the cache on there, and when I clicked on the link to see other caches in the area, it came up with four hundred sixty some odd feet away! So now I suppose I'll have to relocate it. Rats! This is the ammo can I've been driving around with a few weeks now. Not quite sure why the .1 I got is off.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Lol, I have not gone looking yet because I have been sick this weekend, but I might just break down and buy one soon.

Hope you're feeling better soon, too, DSM!

 

[DarkSideMoon]

Thanks

 

[MiJo]

Sandee,
It could be your accuracy, I guess. Let's say you're reading .1 mile from the other cache, which is about 528 feet. But, you're getting an accuracy reading of 60 feet on the GPSr due to poor reception. That could make the 528 feet more like 468 feet (or, 588 feet). A lot of people recommend letting a GPSr settle out for about 10 minutes before taking coords to actually place a cache. I guess this lets the WAAS kick in for a real accurate reading. I'm only guessing but I can't think of anything else that might cause your problem. Have you tried marking the spot where you first read .1 mile and then walking another 50 feet or so to place the cache? I would think that would pretty much guarantee you 528 feet separation.
I am feeling better, thanks. I don't really know what it was but I felt lousy for a few days. We had planned to try for an FTF after I got home from work today but now my DW has a nasty cough and chest congestion, although she doesn't feel too bad. The temps dropped into the low 20's and it got windy so we decided to let it go. It still hasn't been claimed as of 5:23 PM.
With winter quickly approaching, we'll soon start yearning for a week at POR!!!! Unfortunately, we have no plans for that in the near future but we are considering driving down to NC for vacation in July or early August. If we do, we'll definitely do some caching during that trip!
Good caching!

 

[Pin Wizard]

Thank you for explaining that. The things we learn as we go along. I think there should be live seminars! I have an old backpack in the car with geocaching things in there. I wonder if maybe I stuck the manual in there. Will have to take a look.

Glad you're feeling better, but sorry your DW isn't. Hope she's better soon. I'm about ready to run to warm weather myself. On the weekend it was 28 degrees. This morning it was 30. Wow! So glad there isn't any snow!

POR? That's where we stayed on our first trip. Had a great area and a room on the end! I heard it was raining in Orlando this morning, but that would be okay!

Caching in NC sounds like fun. I had a TB I sent out and just wanted it to go around this area since there's so much history. The first person that took it didn't read the paper until after he was in NC. LOL! From there it went to SC. Now someone has it and it's headed to MA or somewhere up there. The TB travels more than I do! Another one has been stuck in someone's hands for months now. Mine isn't the only one they have either. I really wish people wouldn't take them unless they're going to place them somewhere else within a reasonable amount of time. Guess I can write that one off. It went out in July.

Time to run. I do need to check www.geocaching.com also!

Happy caching!

 

[MiJo]

Well, we finally managed to get out and find a couple new micros with our new 210. Of course, we came in 2nd at both to the legendary Tyson. The GPSr does work, though! We're hoping to get out over the holidays when I have 12 days off from work. Can't wait!
If you can't find your manual, try searching the manufacturer's Website; you can probably download it as a pdf file.
We have 2 TB's out there: one in TX and one in WA. They have definitely traveled farther than I have, at least since I finished my time in the Navy 30 years ago! Some people seem to "collect" TB's. Caches around here are sometimes raided and the TB's taken. We had one disappear in DE a couple years back so I took the "copy" tag and started it up again. I think that's the one in TX now.
We sorta consider PO to be our "home" resort. Our first stay at a Disney Resort was DxL in '99. Since then, we've been to CSR, AKL, POFQ and POR. We would love to be down there right now but still have no plans to return in the near future. I think it's 6 degrees outside our front door right now! My DW really hates the cold and I can't say I enjoy it.
Have a good weekend!

 

[Pin Wizard]

Six degrees! It feels like it's warmed up here a bit. We'll have to get out there searching today.

Glad your new GPS is working well! Your 12 days off sound great! Hope you have lots of finds.

I'm sure some TBs disappear. People attach some pretty interesting things to them. I figured that if this person actually wanted to keep them, they wouldn't have logged them out of the cache showing they have them. Hmmm. Sending the copy is an idea. I have a TB in my hands since last week that I'll need to drop off this weekend. Wouldn't want that person saying the same about me. I've purchased a few Geocoins, but they won't be going out. I can imagine how they disappear. I guess they're more a collectable thing for me.

Seems our next get together will be in January. The theme for this one is winter caching. Bring something $10 or under that has to do with winter caching if we want to participate in that part of it. Should be fun, but outside of hand warmers and similar things, I'm not sure what to look for. Would like to find something better to contribute than that. It will be fun and the first event we're going to.

Happy caching!

 

[MiJo]

Sandy,
A winter caching event! That sounds pretty neat. A few things come to mind from my SAR days: warm socks, stocking hats, gloves, neck/head gaiter, space blankets, weather proof matches and a container for them. Above all, a nice loud waterproof whistle, like the Storm, which is available in the fishing department at WalMart. Something like that could actually save someone's life in event a cacher would get lost on a cold day. Many cachers don't realize how easy it is to become disoriented in the woods, especially around dusk or after dark. Most adults think they could never become lost and it only happens to kids. Wrong! The vast majority of our searches were for adults, very seldom for kids. Cachers should always carry a few "survival" items, just in case, especially in winter.
With that said, have a great week and enjoy your January event. We hope to get out more starting Thursday. Good caching!
Mike

 

[Pin Wizard]

Thank you for that lesson, Mike! And thanks for all the items that can be used. Hmmmmmm...I may have to get a whistle myself. I can get lost (as I recently found out) in the woods of a city park! A park I've only been to twice, and I don't know the woods there at all. I knew where we were, went down a little too far on the return trip and didn't recognize much, then got the sinking heart and panicy feeling. Weird! Thank goodness darling son knew where we were and the way out. Sheesh! I'm since trying to find out where to get the brightly colored strips of plastic I occasionally see tied around a tree. I've seen them in other woods and was able to get out of one looking for the shocking pink one. That one was an experience because the trail was completely covered with fallen leaves. Couldn't see the trail. Looked for the tree and the little ridge just before it. But I haven't seen any of the strips in the woods of this park! I'll bring my own and tie them along the way...if I can find out where to buy such a thing. I'm definitely MUCH better on caches that are near water. In the woods along the water will even do. Think I prefer the beach caches. One way up, one way back. Today we placed one on the beach. The ammo can I've been driving around forever.

Thanks for the shopping list! Looks like I'll be using it for the event and for us.

Happy caching! Enjoy your days off from work!

 

[MiJo]

Sandy,
Well, I guess you can relate to what I said earlier about how easy it is to become disoriented in the woods! That's why there are so many SAR agencies around. One mis-step and a trail can be lost.
What you are referring to is surveyor's tape. It comes in various colors, bright orange being the most commonly used, and can sometimes be found in WalMart's hunting or camping departments. It can also be found at local Agway/Farm Bureau stores. We went through rolls of it in SAR. Hunters and hikers use it to mark their favorite spots and foresters sometimes use it around here to mark trees scheduled for removal. When SAR personnel use it, they normally write on it with a Sharpie with such information as their Task #, date, and time. It is also used to mark clues found during searches. Unfortunately, most of it is not biodegradable, so it hangs on trees forever unless it is removed. Toilet tissue can serve the same purpose and will dissolve in time, making it much more eco-friendly. If you decide to mark your trail, hang a piece of tape and continue to hang them just before you lose sight of the last one you hung; and, remove them on your way out. Doesn't your GPSr have a "breadcrumb trail" option? What model are you using?
As for your Geocoins: We have a cacher around here who collects them. When he places a new cache, he allows the FTFer to "choose" one of his coins so that person can claim it. He doesn't actually give them the coin. Instead, he emails the FTFer with a list of the coins he has and the person lets him know which one he or she wants to claim. He then emails them the serial number of the coin so the FTFer can register the coin online. Once that's done, he grabs it back. So, it's all done electronically and he never really gives up his coins. We have claimed one that way (Maryland, I think). He also lets other cachers claim them at caching events, sort of like TB's that are claimed by everyone at the event. He never really loses sight of them and others can still claim them. It's a pretty neat idea.
Well, my Christmas vacation starts later today so we will hopefully get some caching in over the next 12 days. We're looking forward to it.
Happy Holidays and Good Caching!
Mike aw: aw: aw: aw:

 

[Pin Wizard]

I hope your vacation is going well!

Great idea on the coins! Maybe I'll attempt that with one of them and see how it goes.

Thanks for letting me know where to look for tape. I'd be sure to remove them on the way out.

I'm not sure if this GPS has a breadcrumb option. Interesting you called it that since I was telling darling son about Hansel and Gretel while we were in the woods. He didn't know that story apparently. This is a Garmin GPS 12. I've been sitting here checking waypoints this can store. There are three in there, one as recently as 12/21! I haven't entered any! Think I'll go to the web site and try entering one. (I wish that manual would turn up. Hate when I put something in a "safe" place, and then I can't find it. Will have to check their web site also to see if I can download it.)

Have you ever had a cache of yours "moved" by someone? That happened to me today! The person's log said he thought it was hidden too well and moved it about 4 feet. Grrrrrrr. Looks like we'll be taking the trek on the beach in the morning to move it back. I'm sure we've all seen a couple caches if not more that we would hide in a different place than we find it, but we don't move it!!! I guess I can use the 3 mile round trip walk any way, but that takes time away from FINDING caches!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...a bit early. Hope you find lots of caches with your new GPS. I'll be interested to hear how you like it.

 

[SplshMtn99]

I haven't kept up with this thread, but I started reading it backwards & see you've misplaced your manual & aren't familiar with some features of your GPS.

Garmin's website has everything you are looking for. (no pun intended - lol)
http://www.garmin.com/products/gps12/ Yes, your GPS has a TracBack feature.

And top left, click on MANUAL.... you can download your missing manual.

I recommend posting some of your problems on the geocaching forums, & you'll get some great response on how to improve your GPS's accuracy by setting certain features up. (ex: enable WAAS if your GPS has it.......)

Good luck.

 

[MiJo]

Sandy,
SplshMtn99's link should be a big help. You will want to download the manual and addendum. They're free! I looked at it briefly and you can find the TracBack feature (breadcrumb trail) on pages 24 and 25. As for waypoint downloading, it doesn't appear it is capable of doing that. My old Magellan was like that. It could download NMEA data but not geocaching waypoints.
No, I haven't heard of anyone around here moving caches to make them more or less difficult to find. Some people do pride themselves in hiding them better but in the same location. Your cache requires a 3-mile walk along the beach? My DW would love to do that one early in the morning, around sunrise!
We are enjoying our Magellan eXplorist 210 so far. It has quite a few features our old 310 does not and is definitely more accurate. We did some parking lot micros yesterday (definitely not our favorite type of cache) and it got us within 3 feet with a 13 foot accuracy. With our old 310, we really couldn't do better than 60 or 70 feet not counting the accuracy factor. We're hoping to get back out into the woods today; the dogs could really use an adventure.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! And, good caching!
Mike of Team SAR-Dogs aw: aw: aw: aw:

 

[Pin Wizard]

Thank you so much for that link, SplshMtn! I downloaded the manual to my desktop. I'll have to check this link when I get back to work to print it. Still on my laptop at home. LOL! Any good caches lately, SplshMtn?

Thanks for the pages on back tracking, Mike! I'll have to read over those carefully. This morning I did enter a few waypoints to try them out. Works okay, but I hear of the fancier models that have an arrow that point in the direction you need to go, or some that will beep when you're close. Interesting! And a pretty penny, I'm sure!

Today I've been getting e-mails from cachers with varied problems with their caches. One seems to have one person in particular that moves his caches, another says she gets e-mail suggesting a better place nearby to hide a cache. She also says they'll camo it, and in one case, someone changed the container! I told her I hope that she got a better container out of the deal! LOL!

Yes, this cache is 3 miles round trip...approximately. Today my GPS said it was farther than that. The FTF n this cche found it while out at sunrise. Must be gorgeous!

Your GPS sounds great...and ACCURATE! Found a cache today after searching quite a while. Right off the bat my coordinates were about 10' off at the beginning of the trail, so I kept that in mind when hunting for it. Hope you got to the woods with the dogs!