Got a GPS?

[labontefan]

A co-worker told me about geocaching last year--just before the article came out in the PUT magazine. I haven't tried geocaching yet, but I registered at the website (geocaching.com) and I gave myself a Garmin Etrex Legend for Christmas.  I'm still playing with it to figure out all the features, but hope to try geocaching when the weather gets milder. (I'm not much of a cold weather person!)

I like the new forum idea 'cause I'm sure I'll have a ton of questions!

[garym053]

Haven't Geocached, but do have a Garmin Etrex that I use to make sure I can get back to the starting point when kayaking large unfamiliar lakes!

[Used 2B PopUPTimes]

We have a campground owner in Virginia who is wants to be considered as a GeoDestination.
This could be a fun way to rally.

[Firefyter-Emt]

Hey that would be sooo cool!! I have a Garmin V and have been out before with the boys.. We have three finds under our belt!

[YellowXterra]

I have a SporTrack Pro and Geocaching is fun!  My camping club is putting together a cache to hide to promote our group.

[popupcop]

WE have been geocaching about a year.  WElove it and it goes hand in hand with camping.  
Early last year those of us in Arkansas actually were able to write letters and attend meetings to get the State Park Commission to allow geocaches in Arkansas parks.  All you have to do is get permission from the office and complete a quick form.  
I like the idea of geocamping!

[2manytoyz]

Those looking to buy a GPS, check out these 3 websites for the best prices I've found:

http://www.gpsnow.com/

http://www.gpsdiscount.com/

http://www.ecost.com/

If you're looking at one, note that one selling a GPS for less, may be charging more for the accessories.  Sneaky, very sneaky.

My last Ebay item sells tonight... I get to order an iQue 3600 this week.  

[PI]

Just got the DH a GPS for Christmas. We have been out geocaching and it has brought us to some beautiful areas that were near our home I never knew were there. I just ordered some accessories for his birthday. Now he can hide his own and I also got him a travel bug to put in. We would love to do geocaching while camping.

[2manytoyz]

The Garmin iQue 3600 arrived yesterday.  What an amazing little machine!  I loaded up the 512MB card with the entire FL map (~80MB), still have over 400MB left.  This is every road, and most every park, campground, major store, school, church, ATM, restaurant, etc., etc.  I can search for a campground, and once it's found, click Route To.  Within a minute, we're ready to go.  No more paper maps for me.

The voice gives a heads up over the speaker and lets you know in plenty of time when the next turn is coming up.  Hey, now I won't get grumpy when my "navigator" falls asleep.

If you miss a turn, the voice lets you know you are off course, then it says "re-routing", and within a few seconds, it's figured out how to get you back on course.

Unlike the built in navagation systems, I can take the computer with me and review the map while sitting in a restaurant.

Full up color display, built in GPS, not much bigger than a pack of playing cards!

If you are considering a navagational GPS, take a look at this one before you buy something more expensive.  

I will still keep my Etrex Legend because it is completely waterproof and a tough little GPS.  The Legend goes onboard the pontoon boat, my kayak, and mountain bike.  Smaller memory for maps, and screen too small really for navigation, but every bit as accurate as my iQue.  Also runs 15-18 hours on 2 AA batteries.

[campingboaters]

2manytoyz,
 
Congratulations on the Ique 3600! I got one for my husband for Christmas since he had just started a job in which he is driving to unfamiliar places all the time. It is THE coolest thing going for us right now. Of course, it's also our first GPS, so we can't compare, but we also can't complain!
 
All that and a PDA too!
 
Did you get the car "mount" kit as well?  I can't imagine using it while driving without it.

[2manytoyz]

I bought the package deal that included the Nav Kit.  Got the leather case for it at the same time.  Going camping next weekend, so it'll get a real test.  Navigates around town perfectly.  I'll be putting pictures and details on a webpage after my trip.

I will probably also make a custom mount for it in my truck.  The Nav kit works well for now, but I plan on modifying it (as I usually do).

Too cool!  

[camphost]

We just bought a Garmin GPSMAP60C.  I seems really cool, but we are still trying to figure out how to use it.  We have bought the US Topo Series and ordered the City Select.  It came with Trip and Waypoint Manager.  Do any of you have one of these?

[2manytoyz]

No, I don't have the 60C yet, but I have been looking.  I know, I know, I already have several, but more is better.

I imagine loading maps and using it isn't too far from the Etrex Legend I'm very familiar with.  While my iQue is VERY capable, it isn't weather proof, like the rest of the Garmin family.  That's why I still have my Legend.  The 60C would be a nice upgrade since it has a larger memory and a color display.

Give us a report back on how you like the 60 once you get some maps loaded and have had a chance to use it in the field.

At least I'm selling stuff on Ebay to pay for my addiction!  

[camphost]

Well, I understand how I am going to load the maps to use, how do I delete them (if I don't want them anymore) so that I can free up the memory again?

[2manytoyz]

Well, I understand how I am going to load the maps to use, how do I delete them (if I don't want them anymore) so that I can free up the memory again?

If it's like my Legend...  You can load a mix of city maps, topo maps, and marine maps, but they have to be done at the same time.  Each time you upload maps, the existing set in the memory is erased.  I have a love/hate with this method.  If you want to add another area, you have to start over and load everything you had again.