New Tools for Calculating Coordinates

Seen on the How To Puzzle Cache (FB Page)

This was something I found interesting.  We know that when you use Google Earth to drop a pin (to check a cache or object location), you have to go through a series of clicks to move the pin to tweak it's location. HTPC suggested using the Flash Earth site. You can enter coordinates or search for a location, and then move the map under the pin.  As the map moves, the coordinates correct on the left.  Click the coordinates to toggle between coordinate formats. Pretty cool, eh?

Sorry if you can't see the crosshair on the Belle Isle Bridge clearly.
This screenshot was taken on a large, wide monitor.

I could get it to work on my desktop but not my iPhone 5 (because it is flash-driven).  I do, however, have a sweet app on my iPhone called Mapped by Datalung.

As long as I let my phone settle, it normally takes pretty accurate reads on my iPhone, which I can save and/or email.  I use this app alongside my Garmin Oregon 450T to fine tune my cache hides.

Geocaching: This is what happens when nerds go into the woods!

Look What Came Today!

My Christmas gift to myself: How To Puzzle Cache!

The first page talks about the first puzzle cache (created by Kluso) and also has an image of Grand Traverse Bay! Michigan connections!

How To Puzzle Cache - a New Geo-Wonder Book

I’m SO geeked!  I ordered myself a geocaching Christmas gift today!

This week’s Podcacher featured an interview with Cully Long, the author of the newest geocaching wonder book “How To Puzzle Cache”.

I LOVE puzzle caches (just shy of finding my 1000^th puzzle-cache smiley) – we have some phenomenal puzzle craftsmen here in Southeastern Michigan.  I’m continually surprised each time a new one publishes – there’s just so many ways to create and solve puzzles.  And then you have that moment when you solve it…. nothing sweeter! I thought the book might help with those stubborn blue ?’s on my map and maybe even inspire more puzzle hides on my part.

Several of the biggest selling points stemming from the interview:

• It’s in a textbook format so you learn and then try with each chapter.
• I ordered the spiralbound version so it will lay flat and not fall apart.
• One of the reviewers is Jennifer (of Teamajk), who has the fabulous puzzle-a-day blog.  She also did a great interview on puzzles for the GeoGearheads Cache-a-maniac podcast recently.
• Cully has promised that once the book is out there he will continue to update his website with book excerpts, additional tips, etc

If you get a chance, visit the Podcacher link and enter for your chance to win a free copy (no affiliation with Podcacher or the book).