RT, get yourself some protective gear for your camera. Digitals seem to be very fragile. My wife demonstrated that when she dropped mine on the counter. The drop sure seemed like it wouldn't have been fatal but it was. Luckily for me I sent it back to the Manufacture and they replaced it.
I now keep it in a padded, water resistant carrying case.

I found that my camera is a battery eater so I would suggest getting 2 sets of rechargeables so you can always have a fresh set ready to go.

FJ...out.