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Ah, cool.  Got it!  Thanks so much!

1. Can I set a default Activity type so it doesn't always default to Hiking?  I created a custom activity for Kayaking and I'd like that to be the default.

I think default activity is the one, that you set on upper toolbar. BaseCamp should remember this setting.

popej - I wasn't sure where the "upper toolbar" is that you were mentioning.  Are you saying I set this default on my PC while in BaseCamp and it will be the default on my Oregon 600?

Thanks,
Sara-Bay

Just getting acquainted with my new Oregon 600 and have a couple more questions:

1.)  When I touch and hold any place on the map, a red pin is inserted.  I think pins may also appear for other reasons (haven't figured out for sure if they are always caused by my touching the map).  What exactly is the intended purpose of the pin (e.g., is it useful with other features) and how do I remove them if I inserted it unintentionally?

2).  When I view my maps on my PC (I'm using both the GPSFileDepot 24k topo map and the My Trails map), I can hover over the representation of an object on the map (such as a beacon light on Sarasota Bay), and I'll get a tool tip explaining what that object is.  Is there a similar function on the Garmin Oregon 600?

3).  I'm currently using Alkaline batteries.  Are the NiMH batteries significantly longer lasting/better?  What about the rechargeable ones made for the Garmin?

Thanks!
Sara-Bay

Thanks for your response but, oh gosh, there's too much I don't know yet!!  I have to admit I didn't really understand much of what you said in this phrase:

the vector based lines on the 24k map will appear ON TOP of a raster image from Google Earth.

It sounds like there are many options for map combinations and map viewing, some of which require me to save specific areas of the Google Earth map to "underlay" under (for instance) the 24k topo map I downloaded from this site.  But the terms you are using and the results of these different options aren't very clear to me.  Not your fault, of course, I'm just completely new to this stuff!

Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself and need to just stick with the simple, 24k topo for a while until I start to understand what else I need and how everything works.

I have an Oregon 600 on order (expected to arrive today) and have already loaded BaseCamp and the GPSFileDepot Florida 24k map on my computer.  I'm really enjoying the ability to set up waypoints, routes, etc., ahead of time, so I can be all ready when my Garmin arrives.

I have some questions I'm hoping somebody here can answer:

1. Can I set a default Activity type so it doesn't always default to Hiking?  I created a custom activity for Kayaking and I'd like that to be the default.

2.  When I click the icon to create a new route, the "New Route" dialog box always appears.  This is the one that has the Drag Start and Drag Finish here boxes.  Since I'm using the map for kayaking (on the water, of course), I can't drag start/finish because the route automatically created will use roads instead of water.  Is there a way to NOT have that dialog box appear and instead to have the multi-tab route dialog box that has tabs for "Properties", "Route Directions", etc.?

3.  I've been using Google Earth in conjunction with the BaseCamp/24k maps in order to more accurately place my waypoints (such as kayak launch points).  I've been making it work, but it seems less than efficient.  Does anyone have any hints/suggestions for the best ways to use Google Earth with the BaseCamp/24k maps?

4.  Is there any advantage to saving all my waypoints and routes onto Google Earth or is saving them on BaseCamp all I need?

5.  I don't suppose there's anyway to overlay (like a transparency) the Google Earth map over my BaseCamp/24k maps (which would be like Garmin's BirdsEye, I assume)?

6.  I have created several collection LISTS (e.g., Kayak Routes, Kayak Launch Points, Landmarks, etc.).  These are currently all under the "My Collections" folder.  I see that you can also create Collection FOLDERS.  What is the purpose or advantage to folders over lists?

7.  In looking at my attached screenshot, do any of you experts see anything dumb that I'm doing and, if so can you point it out and let me know the best way?

I'm sure that's plenty of questions for now (or too many??  )  Thank you for any help you can provide!

Sara-Bay

Cool, thanks, again!  I was looking at some how-to info on creating your own maps this morning and while I'm fairly computer savvy, I may just want to go the easy route and try the free maps first, then if those don'e seem to be what I want, I'll try the BirdsEye subscription.

Talking with you has probably saved me a bunch of money that I didn't need to spend on maps!  I think I'm about ready to order my Oregon 600 now and give it all a try.

Going kayaking on the bay tomorrow (without gps), but hopefully by next week I'll be able to give the Oregon 600 a workout!

I'll report back here with what ends up really working best, just in case anyone else is on the same path as me.

Ever so grateful!
Sara-Bay

Wow!  That is exactly what I was looking for!  Thank you!!!

You mentioned I could "create your own Garmin Custom Map..."  I didn't know you could do that...is it difficult and once you create one, will my Garmin unit still be able to use it to show my position, save tracks and waypoints, etc.?  Does it lay on top of one of Garmin's non-custom maps?

From the pictures, it looks like I might be more familiar with the look of either the City Navigator or the Birds Eye.  Do you need to have a map (like the City Nav) before you can use the Birds Eye View, or can it stand alone and still show tracks, waypoints, and show me my position?

As you can easily tell, I know nothing about all this, and I am really grateful for your excellent help.  I don't want to impose, so if I'm asking too much, just say so.   

Thanks, eaparks!  An area of Sarasota Bay in which I'll probably often kayak is the area around the Mangrove Tunnels near Lido Beach.  If that's not specific enough for you, just let me know and I'll try to get a more specific location.

Thanks so much for your reply and for offering to send some examples of what I'd see on various types of gps maps.

I was kind of leaning toward the Oregon, but noticed the eTrex have more internal memory.  Would that be important for my purposes?

Again, thanks!
Sara-Bay

Hi, I'm new here, new to Garmin GPS, and new to kayaking.  I am researching a Garmin handheld to purchase for kayaking in Sarasota Bay (Florida).  I could use some advice and information from anyone who is willing.     I've provided some background info on my intended use, then I've listed my questions, below.  Any help you can provide is much appreciated!

My use is specifically to help me find my way to various islands and points of interest in the Sarasota Bay, and then to be able to find my way back to my launch point.

I don't believe I'll need things like depth of water (I can see where it's shallow!), channel marker info, etc., that would normally be on the BlueWater charts, but I DO want to see islands by name, canals by name, bridges by name, and other features. 

I also need to be able to clearly see where I am, the direction I'm heading, where my launch site is in relation to where I am, to be able to see if I'm on course for my destination and, if not, how to get back on course.  I am NOT a good map reader and, as my son likes to say, I can get lost just getting out of my car!

So, after that long intro, my questions are:

1)  Will a topo map provide the information I described and need to find my way around Sarasota Bay? 

2) Is there anyplace on this site where I can see an example of the information on the topo map for Sarasota Bay?  If not, for any large body of water with islands, bridges, etc.?

2) Do you think I need the BlueWater chart?

3) Do Garmin GPS screens (models under consideration listed in 4) below) systems REALLY work in bright sunlight?

4) Does anyone have recommendations for GPS systems that will meet my needs?  I've been researching and have, so far, liked the ETrex 25 or 35 (both touch-screen) as well as the Oregon 600 (also touch screen). 

Thank you!
Sara-Bay