October 28, 2012

iPhone GPS Apps

Anyone who is not a stranger to this blog knows that I don't have an iPhone and my preferred geocaching tool is my trusty Garmin GPSmap 60CSx device. Even so, I thought I would share this interesting article I ran across for any iPhone geocachers out there. Even though this post from iPhoneNess is called, 10 Awesome iPhone Apps For Running, there are some interesting features in many of these apps that should appeal to cachers.

For example, the second one on the list, called "iSmoothRun" allows you to export your data in GPX, TCX, KML, or CSV format. Presumably this data output includes the recorded lat/long coordinates of your outing and therefore should look like a typical GPS track log file, which can then be opened in any GPS mapping application such as Basecamp, Everytrail, or even Google Earth. 

You'll also notice that many apps on the list are described as, "excellent for running, cycling and hiking". And as we all know, any tool that is good for hiking is good for geocaching. This includes the suite of apps by the company that makes, "MapMyRun". However, I would suggest for caching that you try their "MapMyHike" app instead. With this tool, you can track and log your hikes, complete with elevation data. It also integrates with popular social networking apps like facebook and twitter. 

Hopefully you'll find one or two apps on this list worth your while.

Cache On!

October 20, 2012

Oregon's First GeoTour

Oregon, home of the world's first official cache, is at it again. This time, Eugene, Cascades and Coast is launching Oregon’s first GeoTour. The Eugene, Cascades & Coast GeoTour- McKenzie River Edition, takes travelers on a geocaching journey along the McKenzie River. Starting today, you can pick up or download your passport from the Adventure Center.

The idea is that Geocachers visit the designated sites, entering passwords left inside the caches. Complete a minimum number of sites and get a limited edition, locally-made geocoin. Visit all 30-plus sites and you are entered to win a free trip up the McKenzie River. Sounds like a great way to see this magnificent part of the Pacific Northwest.

Cache On!

October 13, 2012

International EarthCache Day

Geocaching.com has announced that tomorrow, October 14th, is "International EarthCache Day". An EarthCache site is a special place that people can visit to learn about a unique geoscience feature or aspect of our Earth. You log your "find" by answering specific geological-related questions posed by the cache hider. There is no container to find at ground zero, just a unique geological formation or feature to observe.

It is not clear whether a new souvenir badge will be added to your profile page on geocaching.com if you log an earthcache, or attend an earthcache event tomorrow, but it does not appear to be the case.

You can learn more about earthcache day on the gc.com facebook page, and find out more about earthcaches in general from earthcache.org.

Happy Earthcaching. Cache On!

October 6, 2012