Originally Posted by
craftycaching
Welcome to geocaching and geocachingmaine.org . . . sounds like you like to do your research before plunging into a new activity . . . which is what I did . . . except that my research led me to purchase a Magellan.
Some caches can be found without a GPSr . . . and then there are some that are much easier to find with a GPSr . . . and then there are some that I wouldn't even attempt to try without a GPSr. It sounds as though you've taken the first step and now realize that geocaching might be a lot of fun . . . especially with a GPSr.
I'm not sure if you're looking for the touch-and-feel-and-try experience and good feeling (i.e. the ability to easily return the product) that comes with buying a GPSr from a traditional brick and mortar store or not . . . but it seems to me that a lot of times you can find some good deals on GPSrs through internet stores . . . have you searched for any deals there or not?
As Dave said . . . you'll probably want to buy more detailed mapping software. Just about every make and model out there with mapping abilities comes with a base map, but they're not very detailed and generally only contain major roads and/or topographical features (i.e. rivers, lakes, etc.) Detailed maps for a visually-oriented type of guy like me are very important.
Also you'll probably want to start investing in rechargeable batteries. I generally use rechargeables whenever possible, but keep some "regular" batteries on hand as well.
Finally, you're in a good place . . . both by being here and by being in Waterville . . . if you're looking for help and input as you start out geocaching. The folks here can offer lots of good opinions and advice -- all you have to do is ask . . . and there are several folks in Waterville (Haffy, Hiram or the G-Team for example) and within striking distance of Waterville (WhereRWe, TRF, Smitty and others for example) that are familiar with the Garmin line of GPSr and would be more than happy to show you the "ropes" . . . again, you need only ask in most cases.
Again, welcome to gcmaine!
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the realization that there is something more important than fear."
"Death is only one of many ways to die."