RE: GPS Question
An H series etrex. If you buy a topo program for your computer that's compatible with it you'll have a great tool. I have an older etrex and states from National Geographic. They work together and I can build way points and put them on the gps or take them form the gps and see how they lined up with the terrain giving me a better understanding on how to use maps.
Printing them off isn't like buying them but very workable.
3 states I have were 79 bucks. The gps can be picked up for 100. Can't beat that!
I also have aMagellan that displays maps, it's useful. It's a 200 model and is better than the etrex for the same money but it's not hooked with the computer and I've heard nothing good and plenty bad about their customer service. Very easy to use, much faster than the non"H" series etrex and is much better at letting you label things. Toucan even add notes. I got about 6 characters total with the etrex and I've never used all the Magellan's so I don't know.