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IT HAS BEEN SAID that necessity is the mother of invention. While I doubt that any of us could make a convincing argument that geocaching is a necessity, we certainly have seen that obsession can be the mother of invention too. This once simple "hide and seek" game has given birth to new software, hardware, hiking gear, clothing, and countless websites.
One invention that has become a necessity for many geocachers is the Pocket Query (PQ). Pocket Queries are a premium member feature of geocaching.com that allows users to create a custom search of caches in a given area. These searches (or queries) are emailed to the user on days that they have selected and can be downloaded into their GPS, PDA or even used on their computer. All-in-all, PQ's have made geocaching easier and have come close to eliminating the problem of cachers mis-entering coordinates in their GPS and finding themselves searching in the wrong area (although this still happens enough to make for some entertaining stories).
When PQ's were first developed, the programs available to work with them were few and far between. EasyGPS (along with ExpertGPS) were available for transferring information to GPS receivers and Mobipocket Reader was used to transfer cache information to Palm-based PDAs. Widespread dissatisfaction with Mobipocket Reader soon led to the programmers among us developing a wide variety of applications designed to take advantage of Pocket Queries and their features.
GPXSpinner came along to allow pocket query users to convert .gpx files into already existing Palm applications like iSolo and Plucker. ClayJar developed his Watcher program, which allowed for further manipulation and offline viewing of .gpx files. GPSBabel was developed to convert .gpx and .loc files to various other formats. This program evolved into the amazingly diverse Geocaching Swiss Army Knife (GSAK), which lives up to its name to be a useful all-in-one application.
With all these resources available it might seem that pocket queries are only useful when used in addition to these other programs. While these programs do bring a wealth of new features and applications to your pocket queries, they also require a certain level of preparation that can be complicated and time consuming.
But what can you do to put your pocket queries to work for you? Several cachers have learned a simple trick with pocket queries that has enabled them to get a jump on others for those coveted "First Time Finder" bragging rights. It's a simple set up that requires nothing more than a new pocket query and your Internet browser.
INSTANT NEW CACHE NOTIFICATION
The first step is simply to create a new query. You can do this (as a paying member of geocaching.com) by clicking on the "Create a New Query" link under your pocket query page.
 You'll want to give this query a name like "New Local Caches." This pocket query a little differently than others because you won't be checking any boxes in the "Days to Generate" line. In other words, this PQ will never be mailed to you. Instead, you will be accessing it online through your browser.
Next, determine the number of caches you're interested in seeing in this query. The maximum of 500 is probably beyond what you will need or use, so keep it at the pre-selected 100, or even lower. It's really up to you.
Your next selection will determine how hard-core your desire for the coveted FTF is. Under the "That (and)" heading, check the box for caches you haven't found and don't own. If you're determined to use this PQ to help you get a jump on other cachers, you'll also want to check the "Have Not Been Found" box.
Now scroll down and choose the "From origin" option that works best for you. You will either want to choose your home coordinates or home postal code.
You will want to consider the "within radius of" box very carefully. Will the maximum 100-mile radius really be feasible for you? What's the furthest you'll be willing to drive on short notice to find a cache?
There's really no reason to check any of the boxes in the "Placed during" section. Your PQ is already going to generate the newest caches for you. Still, the choice is there and you might want to play around with it a bit.
There's no need to choose any of the "Output to" options because—as I've stated—this PQ is never going to be emailed to you. Rather, you are going to use it as a quick web link to alert you of the newest caches in your area.
Click the "Submit Information" button at the bottom and then return to your list of Pocket Queries.
CREATING YOUR LINK
 The key to making this Pocket Query work for you is using the "Preview" link at the left of your new PQ's listing. Click this link and your browser will be directed to a new page where the results of your new Pocket Query will be shown.
The next page you see should show you nothing but caches in your area that have never been found (or have never been found by you). If the results show anything else then chances are you've done something wrong in the PQ set up and need to re-check your parameters.
As with any other web page, you'll notice the address for this PQ at the top of your browser (in the address bar). Highlight this address and copy it. You now have a variety of options for how to handle your New Cache Notification:
- Save It As Your Home Page. This is done in Internet Explorer (and other browsers) by dragging the link to the "Home Page" button. Every time you connect to the Internet and pull up your browser you will see the newest caches in your area.
- Create A Desktop Shortcut. Rather than dragging the address to your "Home Page" button, drag it onto your desktop to keep it handy for a quick look up of new caches.
- Save It As A Link Elsewhere. You might save it in a "Geocaching Links" in your Favorites, or on a portal page like Excite or Yahoo.
Of course, the best option will be the one that works for you and gets you out to the new caches the quickest. But with this minimal amount of preparation you can find yourself ready to get the jump on just about anyone looking for First Finder bragging rights!
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