Any Geocachers?

Sunidesus · Joined: Dec 05, 2002 Posts: 13

It's looking more and more likely that I'm going to be able to afford this so now I'm looking to have fun!

I'm wondering if there's any other geocachers that'd like to go on a hunt (or two or three) I'll probably go hunting all on my own, but I'd love the company, and the chance to get to know another Gnomie/Cacher.

Numberz · Joined: Jun 05, 2003 Posts: 22

You're post prompted me to go to the geocaching site: Geocaching - I'd never heard of this before. Sounds like a blast!

A quick search shows that there are several caches in my area...W. TX. Now all I need is a handheld gps...any suggestions?

Shannon · Joined: Mar 24, 2003 Posts: 216

I took a look at my area as well.. There are a bunch around here. Looks like after Gnomedex is finished, my next toy is going to be a GPS unit because I :wub: this kind of thing.

Sunidesus · Joined: Dec 05, 2002 Posts: 13

I'm sure you'll love it. Its tons of fun. (and a great way to get us geeks in the out of doors!)

SpinWebby · Joined: Dec 20, 2002 Posts: 7

You betcha! There are some great caches here in Des Moines. In fact, I'm setting up a few micros in the downtown area for the Greater Des Moines Partnership's Young Professionals Connection event on August 19th. I'll get the micros placed before Gnomedex and post the coords here if you like. That way, you can have first chance at them.

Anyone want an introduction to the game? I can set up a guided trek, but I don't want to detract from Gnomedex. So let me know what times work and we'll meet up.

edstalnaker · Joined: May 09, 2003 Posts: 4

I had never heard of this before. Can somebody recommend a good GPS that isn't too expensive that I could use for something like this, and that would also be useful for trips in the car?

Shannon · Joined: Mar 24, 2003 Posts: 216

Well I'm up for a trek if someone is going.. but I don't have my own GPS. I'd just like to see what it's all about Smile

SpinWebby · Joined: Dec 20, 2002 Posts: 7

I'm working on getting some GPS loaners for Gnomedex. You'll need to provide a deposit to use one, but we should have 10 GPSes if you'd like to try one out.

If you are thinking of buying one, I'd recommend the eTrex Venture. But if you like radios, get a Rino... they have GMRS and the ability to radio coords to other people within your range, making some fun group games.

I have a Des Moines History Virtual geocaching game all set up now, so if you'd like a copy of that, email me and I'll send you the details. There are no containers hidden, just some Des Moines trivia questions and coords, so that if you don't know the answer to the trivia questions, the answers are the provided at the locations.

Watch this thread :ph34r: for more information the closer we get to Gnomedex.

adimiron · Joined: Dec 08, 2002 Posts: 2

My friend in CA is trying to get me to start geocaching, and I just got a fantastic deal on a eTrex Legend ($75 after a mail-in rebate Very Happy

), so I'd be willing to give it a shot. I need to practice a little, I think Wink

SpinWebby · Joined: Dec 20, 2002 Posts: 7

We've got 10 GPS loaners coming on Friday and a virtual geocaching game with prizes. We'll provide a GPS and 8 trivia questions that can be answered by going to the location guided by a GPS. You'll have a good chance to learn a little about GPS and try geocaching. If you can answer all 8 questions, we'll give you a t-shirt (one shirt per GPS, please, we're just a poor non-profit organization).

If you'd like to reserve a Rino 120 GPS for tomorrow and Saturday, please post your request here. Then tomorrow, just find Steve Truby (from Iowa State University), Scott Miller, or myself and we'll hook you up. We'll be at the bottom of the escalators at noon on Friday. The GPSes will need to be returned to me Saturday evening. I'll be at the party with a geocaching bag and/or geocaching baseball hat.

hclark · Joined: Jun 11, 2003 Posts: 126

I might be interested. I'm wondering, how spread out will the locations be? How long would it take someone to get through to all of them? Just contemplating whether or not I'll have enough time to do it. I've never tried geocaching but have wanted to.

SpinWebby · Joined: Dec 20, 2002 Posts: 7

Some of the locations are just off the skywalk (at most 3 blocks from the skywalk system), others you can drive right up to and one you'll need to drive to a parking lot before walking about a half a block.

All of them are in what is considered "downtown" except two, which are VERY close to the state capitol building, just east of downtown.

Keep in mind that this game is NOT a traditional geocaching game where there are hidden containers. You will simply be looking for the answers to trivia questions. That makes it much easier and should only take a couple of hours if you want to find all 8 answers.

For more information about geocaching, go to Geocaching.com to read about all the different types of geocaching games.

BTW, with this type of game, you wont have to worry about poison ivy or stinging nettles. Very Happy

smillersmiller · Joined: Jul 25, 2003 Posts: 1

Spinwebby and I will be at Gnomedex again Saturday. If you've never used a GPS receiver before, or want to find out what Geocaching is all about, this is a great chance to try it out for free.