Groundspeak Portal

In geocaching, I load my iPhone/60csx with a PQ of the area I plan to be that day. Wherever I am, I can see what caches are near me.

I've found no easy way to do that with Waymarking on my Mac. So it got me wondering:

"How do others prepare their devices for a day of Waymarking?

Well it depends on if you are planning on visiting existing waymarks or if you are planning to go to locations to submit new waymarks. 

If I am planning on visiting existing waymarks (which is not normally the case for me) I download multiple gpxlite files by doing a search by location on the waymarks tab.   Downloading 25 waymarks at a time.  I load these into GSAK by putting them all in same directory and uploading the complete directory.  (If I want more information I will download complete gpx files one waymark at a time).  Since most waymarks are drivable I use a Nuvi for waymarking.   I use a GSAK macro to create a POI file of the waymarks I plan on visiting and then use the POI loader.  Using the multiple gpxlite files really doesn't bother me as that is how geocaching was when I started.

The method I use for going to locations for new waymarks really only changes in the source of the data.  As I concentrate sites on the National Register and listed in the American Guide, I map those locations in MapPoint along with any other locations I have discovered in my research that I want to visit.  Once in MapPoint I have code which will give me a list of coordinates.  In the end I load these into GSAK and create a POI file for my Nuvi.     When out for the day I navigate between locations using Nuvi and record location on other gps for submissions.

For visiting waymarks? I do "find nearest waymarks" in the area I will be in and look over the offerings.

Mostly I make a mental note of what will be near where I am going. If there is something special, I will print out a map.

I never use a GPS to visit waymarks.

Umm... I make sure I have fresh batteries and a memory chip in the camera?

I only "prepare" if I am aiming for a specific icon - usually when going to a place that I am not likely to return anytime soon.  I research any categories that are unique to the area (historical markers, architecture, etc.) and plot any un-posted candidates on a map.  Then I make sure I find time to travel to that unique location.  OK, so I spent an hour and a half traveling the Tubes just to find a London Coal Tax Post near a stop - when will I be in London again?

Otherwise, my waymarking is happenstance... ethereal... organic... random... when the muse hits me...

cldisme:

Umm... I make sure I have fresh batteries and a memory chip in the camera?

I only "prepare" if I am aiming for a specific icon - usually when going to a place that I am not likely to return anytime soon.  I research any categories that are unique to the area (historical markers, architecture, etc.) and plot any un-posted candidates on a map.  Then I make sure I find time to travel to that unique location.  OK, so I spent an hour and a half traveling the Tubes just to find a London Coal Tax Post near a stop - when will I be in London again?

Otherwise, my waymarking is happenstance... ethereal... organic... random... when the muse hits me...

Lately, I find myself preparing to go someplace and end up someplace else in the same area.

I tend to look for new waymarks instead of visit. I feel Waymarking is a way to share my little piece of the world with others. I know how much I enjoy seeing a Waymark from Romania, South Korea, Australia or Thailand since I feel I probably may never get to actually visit.

I take my digital camera, spare charged batteries, GPSr and list I have created of all the Waymark categories to help my memory (900+ is a lot to remember, even though some are area specific). I make sure I have a brimmed hat (for both shading my eyes or the camera lens!), spare truck key in my GPSr case (yes, I have gotten excited and locked my keys in the truck once while Geocaching - I will never do that again!!!) and good shoes since the best photographic vantage almost always seems to be in the mud. If I am going to a cemetery or park, I keep a stick to dig the goose poop out of my treads before getting back into my truck. I keep the gas tank full so I can wander without having to stop at a gas station (unless it sells E85, then its a waymark!). Since I have gotten a bit older, I do need a few more bathroom stops, though!

I have water and snacks (since I am prone to low blood sugar). Often I will have printed out a map of the 'item' I am going to see (for instance a sculpture or bell tower or ...); but then I just look around and discover all the great things I would have never noticed had I not been out Waymarking. I really enjoy this pursuit since it helps to open my eyes to my surroundings and learn about the area I am visitng. Cheap travel!

Take care,
Outspoken1

That thing about the keys is excellent advice for ANY occasion.
I locked my keys in my car once in high school.
After that one time, I make sure I have at least one other way into the car SEPARATE from the ignition key. Luckily my Honda has a Valet key and two ignition keys. I have the ignition key to both of our vehicles on one ring, My valet key and a bottle opener and screwdriver thing on another ring, and the remote for my car separate from both (I hate those ones with the remote in the key).
The wife's car has keyless entry and I've memorized the combination, as has she.
She has her remote with her copy of my key and my remote with her key.