GPS and Geocaching

Introduction

I have finally been able to acquire a Hand-held GPS. Yes, it is something of a toy for me. But the way I look at it, this tool can add so much to my enjoyment of both my fishing and biking hobbies. I got my Garmin GPSMAP 60C late in June 2005. And now I have a new hobby called Geocaching (and it is taking over my free time). The sections that follow discuss the GPS unit and the Geocaching hobby.

GPS Hardware and software

Picking my GPS

So I already said above that I have a Garmin GPSMAP 60C. How did I pick that one? Well, I had been window shopping for quite some time. I was leaning toward either the Magellan Meridian Gold or Platinum model. The difference between these two is that the Platinum includes a built-in electronic compass and barometer (which the Gold does not). One caution I have heard was that an electronic compass drains batteries quickly.

My friend Dave (who has done more than a little Geocaching) had recommended that I also look at the Garmin GPS V. He owns a Garmin GPS III, but was considering an upgrade. The newest Garmin model is the Garmin GPSMAP 60C. He now has the 60CS which has the added compass and barometer. I must admit that I really liked what I had seen of this GPSMAP 60. Another friend has the top of the line Street Pilot model. He tells me that the Garmin maps are much more accurate than the Magellan ones. YMMV

So, I watched and waited for a good deal. I sold an amatuer radio that was collecting dust at home. I held onto rather than spending what checks I got for my birthday. And I finally pulled it off. I am a very happy owner of a Garmin GPSMAP 60C. I've had no regrets since I bought this unit.

Hand-held GPS Comparison by Offroute.com

Accessories

I got a RAM mount for the car that uses a locking suction cup. I also got the Garmin multipurpose cable which provides power via a 12v jack in the car as well as 9 pin serial connection.

Newer Options

I am not really looking to replace my unit, but I have been looking around a bit just to see what new options are available. I like and might recommend either of these deals. The first is the current version of the GPS I own. The next is the latest version of the TomTom One with a 3.5 inch screen. And the last is a 4.3 inch widescreen version of the TomTom One XL (may not be the latest version available). This list of options was last updated 7 Dec 2007.

Geocaching sites and software

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is yet another hobby or past-time I enjoy. I know, why in the world to I need yet another thing to spend my precious free time on. It has certainly helped me learn how to use my GPS. I get a bit of exercise going on these little explorations. Finally (saved the best for last) I have fun with it. And I am really happy that my wife has even enjoyed doing a few of these with me.

Back to the question at hand. What is Geocaching? In short, it is using one's GPS to locate hidden Geocaches. Once you find a cache, you sign the log and possibly trade some small items that others have left behind. Then you visit the Geocaching.com website and record your visit to the cache.

I know that is a short and very simple answer. This question has been asked and answered so many times. I won't presume that I can provide a generic answer better than those who have done so before me. I'll recommend you visit the "Getting Started with Geocaching" found on the Geocaching.com website or other links listed below.

Software

I use GSAK (Geocache Swiss Army Knife) for tracking Geocache locations and my history/logs. I have to say that this is one of the most useful pieces of software I have ever had the pleasure to use.

Searching for Geocaches

Search for Geocaches at Geocaching.com

Search for caches from home coordinates (filter out finds) or from work coordinates (filter out finds)

Under investigation

Perhaps I should not even include the following information on this page. These are links and other info which I have come across, which I need to go back and investigate further. These sites could be very interesting and I may well end up incorporating them into the main part of this page (above). But I might also just drop them if I find them less valuable. For now, they are listed here so I remember to checked them out more carefully. If you visit one of these sites and want to offer some feedback, I would appreciate an e-mail from you. If you find something "objectionable" on one of these pages, please let me know so I can remove it promptly.

Mapping

Misc Map related sites to investigate

Amateur Maps: including Louisville KY

Geocaching using Google Maps

I just found the Google Maps that are available via the Geocaching.com website. This is so cool to be able to ask Google to map a location and they then fill in all the Geocaches within the area displayed. Here are some samples. I'm thinking these will be good places to go hunting several caches in one outing.

Wheaton, IL - This map is near my home. I added this link on 10/9/2006 and there were 8 caches on this map, three of which I have already found.
Geneva IL - I can get here on a lunch hour from work. I added this link on 10/9/2006 and there were 19 caches on this map, seven of which I have already found.
North Aurora, IL - I can get here on a lunch hour from work. I added this link on 10/9/2006 and there were 17 caches on this map, only one of which I have already found.
Oswego IL - This would be an after work or weekend cache hunt. I added this link on 10/9/2006 and there were 13 caches on this map, of which I not found any (yet).

Far from finished

I hate the phrase "under construction" when talking about web pages. I would rather just be up front and say that this page is 'far from finished'. There is quite a bit more that I want to add to this page. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Please drop me an e-mail with your suggestions and/or questions.