New to geocaching

Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2003 8:11 pm

Greetings,

I am new to this sport. I have not purchased my GPS yet, but I look forward to doing so as soon as finances allow. Ok I am a little worried that I will get into the sport and not like it. What I am looking for is maybe to go along on a hunt or two before I make the commitment into purchasing a GPS.

One of the things I want to do is work with my local scout troop (Webelos Den Leader). I would like to get the boys to help create a travel bug and have the boys track it online. The dog tag has been ordered.

Any help or suggestions to a newbie would be greatly appreciated.

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TheCub

Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2003 8:41 pm

Look out! All it takes is one successful outing and you'll be hooked!

There are plenty of cachers over your way - I'm sure you will hook up. Happy cachin!

Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2003 8:42 pm

Hi!
You may want to show up this Saturday at The Wisconsin Human Geocache. (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?ID=83077) It is at Ottawa lake, which is not a far drive from Elkhorn. (http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?latlongtype=decimal&latitude=42.96262&longitude=-88.4454)

We will be there along with a handful of other great geocachers. We are planning on doing a few hunts in the area that you are welcome to join us on!

Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2003 10:07 pm

Team LotsaCache has made a very good suggestion. Event caches will bring you in contact with other cachers. This will give you plenty of opportunity to ask every question you might have. There are regularly scheduled events in the Madison Area, The greater Milwaukee area, Greater Chicago area and others as well. Most of us oldtimers would be glad to take you along on a hunt or two.

Purchasing a GPS unit doesn't have to be a major budgeting event. The Garmin eTrex ("Little Yellow") is a very popular unit that costs about $100. If you can find an advertised special, take that ad to Gander Mountain. GM will take double the difference off their regular price. You might be able to pick up that unit for as little as $80-90. That unit should be good enough to get you through your first few hundred finds.

Take those scouts out with you, teach them CITO (Cache in, Trash out). Keep it Fun.
tb

Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2003 6:20 am

I just noticed that you are from Elkhorn. Well...so are we. We haven't been out much lately because we camp a lot in the summer, but since you are so close, we can maybe arrange for an after-work hunt. I also have two boys ages 12 and 5. They would be happy to show you the ropes of geocaching. Happy caching, Betty

Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2003 6:43 am

I was hoping Team Cachbarr or Team CacheCows would read and respond to this topic, since they're both in the Elkhorn area. Thanks for responding, Betty. I'm sure the scouts will have plenty of opportunities to find out with geocaching is all about.

Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2003 7:32 am

quote:
Originally posted by kbraband:
I was hoping Team Cachbarr or Team CacheCows would read and respond to this topic, since they're both in the Elkhorn area.

Either way, a newbie couldn't be in better hands.
tb

Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2003 8:57 am

Showing up at the Wisconsin Human Geocache would be a great idea... however.... if one doesn't have a GPS, how is one going to find it without directions? Maybe our new cacher can contact Geoff and Sarah for more specific directions? It would be a great opportunity to find out what Geocaching is all about, and experience the camaraderie of fellow geocachers.

Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2003 12:00 pm

There should be no worries for those without a GPSr. Without giving away too much info try this...click on the map on the geocache page...this will take you to mapquest and you will be able to zoom right in.

I know that we can't wait to see all of you tomorrow...so come on and find us!!! (with or without a GPSr)

Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2003 5:14 pm

Lionscub,

Just now saw your post. We'd be happy to take you on a trial hunt, we even have spare gpsrs for you to use. There is a cache here in Elkhorn we have not done yet, plus plenty of other nearby caches.

[This message has been edited by CacheCows (edited 09-05-2003).]