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This *WAS* Supposed to be a cheap hobby!!!

Last post 08-07-2008, 8:27 AM by Team Laxson. 8 replies.
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  •  08-04-2008, 11:11 AM 5118

    This *WAS* Supposed to be a cheap hobby!!!

    Back in 2005 when we learned about geocaching, it seemed like it'd be a fun and inexpensive hobby.  We already owned a GPS (Garmin eMap) and all we had to do was pickup some trading swag here and there.  That and gas for the trips......

    Well, that's how it started.......

    Since then, we've:
    - Bought a better GPS (Garmin V) - WAAS enabled
    - Topo Maps
    - Palm Pilot/GSAK/CacheMate - Paperless!!
    - Bought an even better GPS (Map 60CS) - USB, color & other goodies
    - Street Maps - turn-by-turn for the 60CS
    - Camelback for those hiking caches
    - Camelback for the kids
    - Extra resevoirs for the Camelback - for Tahosa's caches!
    - Leki hiking poles
    - New Mountain Bike


    .....and now I'm looking for a Jeep to use on weekends!
    ......and now I'm looking for a better GPS (Garmin Oregon - touchscreen!!)

    So, aside from swag, gas, and the other 'perishable' items, what have you bought because of this 'cheap' hobby?

    Edited to add: Software for GPS


  •  08-04-2008, 2:22 PM 5119 in reply to 5118

    Re: This *WAS* Supposed to be a cheap hobby!!!

    I don't recall seeing anywhere that stated that geocaching was a cheap hobby!

     

    -GPS Legend

    -Mapping, mapping and more mapping programs

    -Upgraded to 60cs

    -Rubicon to hold the 60cs

    -Beer and dinner for after a trip into the mountains for the wheeling/caching adventures. (Nuthin better than kickin back with a cold pint and hot meal and remembering the day!)

    -(more to come)

     

     

    Overall I think it is money well spent in the long run. When you think about it, some people waste their money on drugs and such. We spend our money on adventures and thrills.

     


    Geocaching Colorado
    Qualiity. Not Quantity!
  •  08-04-2008, 2:39 PM 5120 in reply to 5119

    Re: This *WAS* Supposed to be a cheap hobby!!!

    zoltig:

    I don't recall seeing anywhere that stated that geocaching was a cheap hobby!


    You're right, it's not written anywhere.  But I sure *thought* it would be a cheap hobby!


    zoltig:

    Overall I think it is money well spent in the long run. When you think about it, some people waste their money on drugs and such. We spend our money on adventures and thrills.

    I agree, this is a great hobby and I'm happy I found it.  Beats watching another episode of SpongeBob with the boys.

    SpongeBob or go outside and enjoy Colorado.....hummmmmmm.......

    Tough choice!


  •  08-04-2008, 7:01 PM 5121 in reply to 5118

    Re: This *WAS* Supposed to be a cheap hobby!!!

    Used Etrex for 40.00
    Geocoins- about $150.00
    Geopins-$30.00
    Donations at events- about 100.00 total
    Time for a better gpsr? Etrex Legend CX plus street maps (I think this was $300.00 total)
    Gprs protectors...
    Meals/ road food, custard. I think I spend more money on my Tangy Chicken Teryaki sandwiches and flavor of the day custard than on anything elese!

    I'm doing a tally in my head... this stuff is split bewteen me and Lady Coot....
    Either way, it's a lot of fun, and we've seen hidden places and explored trails that we would not know about otherwise.
  •  08-04-2008, 9:51 PM 5122 in reply to 5121

    Re: This *WAS* Supposed to be a cheap hobby!!!

    Actually the cost for caching is cheap compared to what I've spent to go hiking and playing in the hills.

    Caching is  like having kids, soon the fun part takes on an expensive role.  Chris just wait till Lil Missy reaches a certain age then you will find out what can be expensive.


    I will hide and you will seek.
  •  08-05-2008, 8:41 AM 5123 in reply to 5120

    Re: This *WAS* Supposed to be a cheap hobby!!!

    Team Laxson:

    I agree, this is a great hobby and I'm happy I found it.  Beats watching another episode of SpongeBob with the boys.

    SpongeBob or go outside and enjoy Colorado.....hummmmmmm.......

    Sponge Bob... Hands Down!

     

     

    Relatively speaking... Everything you mentioned is still cheaper than every other hobby I've been involved in. Except for... GAS!

    Gas for the geo-mobile has got to be the number one most expensive caching cost, followed closely by the geo-mobile itself. All those miles driven while seeking caches will shorten the life expectancy on the geo-mobile...


    Profile for climbstuff

  •  08-05-2008, 2:55 PM 5126 in reply to 5123

    Re: This *WAS* Supposed to be a cheap hobby!!!

    Well when Abby and I started caching our initial investment was around $120. That was cheap and only lasted about two months before the upgrade stage started.

    - 1 Garmin Etrex (the yellow one)
    - 1 free username on the geocaching website.
    - 10 gallons of gas @ $1.50/gal

    Now that we have been active cachers we have upgraded many things. Not so cheap any more.

    - 2 annual memberships @ $30/yr with a renewal in our near future.
    - 1 Etrex accessories  around $50
    - 20 Geocoins about $200
    - 1 Upgrade to the Garmin Colorado 400t $500 off ebay
    - Colorado accessories around $100
    - 2 Mountain Bike $600
    - 1 Bike mount for the geo mobile $170
    - Mapping and then more more mapping $250
    - 1 Backpack full of geocaching gear/tools $300

    - fuel and wear-n-tear on the geo mobile to assist in the finding our 1000th cache, PRICELESS

    And in all this I'm sure I forgot to list something.


    Happy Caching
     

    Geocachers With Style!!!!

    Profile for starnsun
  •  08-05-2008, 9:42 PM 5127 in reply to 5126

    Re: This *WAS* Supposed to be a cheap hobby!!!


    Geocaching Colorado
    Qualiity. Not Quantity!
  •  08-07-2008, 8:27 AM 5129 in reply to 5127

    Re: This *WAS* Supposed to be a cheap hobby!!!

    Good Call about the Geo-coins!  We've got around 70 in our collection....

    That doesn't including buying the 1,000 2006 CO coins....


    3 years and counting.....and still having fun!

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