I just discovered that the "Pocket Queries" beta is now available from
geocaching.com. I may be the only one who wasn't aware of this, but in
case I'm not, check it out. If you can find it. It's hidden better than
a lot of caches I've visited.
Pocket Queries let you specify cache search parameters and receive an
email with the results attached as an EasyGPS/ExpertGPS file and/or a
MobiPocket book form (which includes the full description, difficulty,
terrain, encrypted hint, and what appears to be the four most recent log
entries for each cache) for handheld devices. The MobiPocket reader is
free and downloadable from
http://195.68.2.74/en/DownloadSoft/DownLoadReaderStep1.asp.
Here's the deal, as far as I can tell: IF you are a "premium member"
(i.e., paid the dues), go to "My Cache Page". You should see a "new"
heading on the page called "Premium Member Services". The first bullet
has a link to the Pocket Query Generator (or, if you're logged in, you
can go to
http://www.geocaching.com/pocket) .
You can create up to five fairly complex queries (Jeremy has said that
limit may be raised or eliminated once they've had a chance to assess
server loads), and have them emailed on any combination of days of the
week, including every day. I just got my first email.
In general it seems to be working as advertised. I created a query
requesting all caches EXCEPT event caches and "Project APE" caches that
we haven't found within a 100 mile radius of our home coordinates,
regardless of terrain or difficulty ratings. The query will not return
more than 500 caches, although you can limit it to less. That seems to
be what we got. I noticed two nits in my first quick scan of the
results: 1., The EasyGPS file doesn't use the Geocache icon, and there
doesn't seem to be a way to exclude caches you have hidden.
There's also a free PC-based reader at the MobiPocket site. You could
use this if you wanted to look at one of these files and you don't have
a Palm or Pocket PC with enough room for the software and the file. (On
my PalmPilot, the reader takes 558K, and my query result takes 709K for
339 caches.)
So if you're a dues-paying member, give it a try.
Steve
Team Tierra Buena
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