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
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