Geocaching

[JunkMan]

I used it towards a Magellan Sport-trac Map, came with topographic map software.

That's the unit I was thinking about getting, how do you like it?

[Guy]

Dear All,

This geocaching sounds like incredible fun. So I started to check out equipment. I KNOW NOTHING. I found this offer for a Magellan Meridien Color with all the attachments and software, plus other accessories on Costco's website. http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10037473&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=20181&hierPath=20162*20181*

Is this a worthwhile product and a good deal?

[JunkMan]

Guy,

From what I have learned so far, you don't need anything that fancy. I'm sure that the guys with more experience can tell you what is needed, but I think that a basic model ($100-$200 range) should work just fine.

[AmyH]

Jeff is right, you really only "need" a simple unit. I have the yellow etrex, that runs for around $100, and it works great! All that said, those nice ones with the color displays, etc..., sure are tempting! If you would like to learn more about what you should get in a unit, check out this website: http://www.geocacher-u.com/

Amy

[mikeschn]

Dear All,

This geocaching sounds like incredible fun. So I started to check out equipment. I KNOW NOTHING. I found this offer for a Magellan Meridien Color with all the attachments and software, plus other accessories on Costco's website. http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10037473&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=20181&hierPath=20162*20181*

Is this a worthwhile product and a good deal?

Just my 2 cents worth, but black LCD is all you need. And more importantly, iit's more visible in the sun than color is.

You also don't need any accessories. Geocaching is a bare bones kind of hobby.

And as long as we are on the subject, we found a really nice geocache this evening... We hiked about 1/4 mile to find the first clue... then we hiked another 1/4 mile to the second clue... then we started hiking toward the final prize, but we got stopped by thick underbrush and a swamp... some smart aleck... we back tracked, and walked around the swamp, and found the cache easily. There were 3 travelbugs in there... Yea, I got my first travel bug... I found purple foot!


We've decided that geo caching is a good fit with teardropping! We plan on doing much more geocaching!

Mike...

P.S. A straight line to the geocache is not always the wisest...

P.P.S. Here's more about Purplefoot!!!
http://www.geocaching.com/track/details ... ker=306605

[rheagler]

Hey Jeff,
I like the Sport Trac Map. It was a little more than I wanted to spend, but I am very happy with it. The basic unit I believe retails for about $170. I got in in a package with the Topo software, vehicle mount & adapter and PC cable for about $270 after rebate. The basemap in the unit is pretty good, but the topo software maps are much better. I havn't downloaded any topo maps into it yet as NJ's terrain is pretty flat anyway.
For strictly geocaching though, you don't need anything fancy. You could do just fine without a basemap, but you really need one that you can program waypoints into. I'm no expert on all the makes and models, but I think there are some cheaper units that you can't put in waypoints.
Maybe I'll have to make some teardrop travel bugs before I make a full size one..... would that move me from "Teardrop Dreamer" to "Teardrop Builder"? hehehehe

[mikeschn]

I'm thinking about teardrop travelbugs over here too...

Mike...

[JunkMan]

Hey Jeff,

For strictly geocaching though, you don't need anything fancy.

rheagler,

I was actually looking for one to use hiking and kayaking before I decided to try geocaching, which is why I want one with topo maps. I have an older Magellen right now, that a got a great deal on, and it seems OK for geocaching, but I don't think it is as accurate as the newer ones. It holds several waypoints.

[rheagler]

Jeff,
Not being a serious hiker I'm not sure how accurate the topo maps in the magellan software are. They have been fine for us here in NJ where you can't really get in too remote of an area. They do show some off road trails in the state forests and wildlife preserves here, but "remote" in NJ is a lot different than being "remote" in your neck of the woods. The Sport trac does have a feature that it saves your "track" so you can follow it back to where you started or have been before. I didn't shop around a whole lot so I don't know if that is a common feature or not, but I could see how it could be useful hiking or kayaking in a remote area. I have tried real hard to get lost in NJ but can't. Eventually you come to the ocean, Delaware river, or some major highway. Really tough to get lost.
On another note, here's a "prototype" of a Teardrop Travel Bug.....

[JunkMan]

We're not real serious hikers, but like to hike in areas that have lots of elevation changes. It would be nice to be able to look at a map on the GPS and get a feeling of how much more climbing we have to do. We also like to try new places, and I'm sure the maps would help us find our way.

I think most newer GPS units will record a "bread crumb" trail to help you find your way back.

[AmyH]

Great start on that teardrop travel bug! Before you know it, all the geocachers, that don't know about teardrops yet, will be finding themselves with a new addiction!

Amy

[mikeschn]

Great start on that teardrop travel bug! Before you know it, all the geocachers, that don't know about teardrops yet, will be finding themselves with a new addiction!

Amy

That was my plan. Wanna help? I'll send you a few teardrops with travelbugs...

Mike...

[AmyH]

Mike, I would love to place some little travel tears in some caches here in Washington. If they were on a keychain with a T&TTT nametag (from the store, hint hint), it could help draw people to this site to learn more. Also, if we number the travel tears we can start tracking their travels! I love this idea.

Amy

[mikeschn]

There isn't a nametag available at the store... sorry. But that's not stopping me from creating something. I'm thinking about cutting out something with the cnc machine, not quite as big as what Rhonda is holding in her hand..., and then engraving it with the URL to our forum, and a teaser line...
"What every geocacher really needs..."



Then I'll hang travel bugs off of it and we can track the travelbugs on geocache.com

I can see myself doing 20 travel bugs this way for my first release!

Mike...

[AmyH]

Sounds like a great idea Mike, let me know if you would like to release any "travel tears" in Washington State,

Amy