Got Spyderco Military Combo edge and a Windmill shockproof lighter for my wife <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

haha, your not alone. Neither did i... but than again nobody ever gives me any gifts...

Our daughter from NYC was able to spend Christmas with us. My brother's cancer is responding well to treatment. What a great Christmas.

My loving wife suprised me with a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx ! I never saw that coming!

Now I gotta learn how to use it. ( not an easy task for a guy with only one brain cell)

<img src="/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Jetboil PCS and the GCS pot and stand
Garmin 530 street GPS
New columbia parka

Happy day!

Aloha KRamas,

I have one of those too. Let me know when you figure out how to use it. It is my first GPS and I am pretty clueless so far too.

I've had one for a bit. They are simple to use. You'll figure it out. I did. And, believe me, I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed!

VERY cool! A few bits of advice:

1. Take a look at http://www.maptools.com to learn about UTM coordinates and using grids to allow your GPS to work with paper maps. http://www.mytopo.com is a great topo map service.

2. If you don't already have one, invest in the cable that allows you to connect your GPS to a computer, then take a look at the software at http://www.expertgps.com . This software allows you to maintain/create waypoints & routes via your computer, plus the expert version gives you free access to USGS topo maps and aerial/satellite (?) photos.

3. If you want to use it in your vehicle, consider getting a RAM suction mount for it. They're a bit pricey, but work great, AND they keep your prized GPS from slaming through your window in a panic stop! http://www.ram-mount.com/ramgps.htm

4. Consider geocaching as an excuse to use your GPS and to learn more about it. http://www.geocaching.com

5. Take a look at http://www.gpsinfo.com for LOTS of related information.

6. Remember that the magic triad of navigation is a good map, compass, and GPS. A GPS by itself simply will not live up to its potential. Always carry a good magnetic compass and extra batteries along with you.

My favorite book on the topic is GPS Land Navigation by Michael Ferguson, though it is no longer in print and its review of specific GPS models is certainly out of date. It focuses on using the GPS along with a map and compass. Amazon.com lists several new & used as still available. I'd recommend the investment.

Unfortnately Google Earth doesn't have an option for UTM coordinates, which in my view are the easiest to work with on a GPS.

ExpertGPS is built to actually create the waypoint using detailed USGS topographical maps - you don't have to manually enter coordinates into the GPS. Just find the place on the topo map, select the waypoint tool, and then click to create the waypoint. You'll be presented with a dialog box to name it, give it symbols, etc. Then you connect the GPS to the PC and simply upload selected waypoints from the PC to the GPS. You can also download waypoints & routes from the GPS to your PC. Very cool!

Mahalo for the GPS tips.