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Introduction to Geocaching
What is Geocaching?
What is a cache?
Geocaching for Adventure
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Introduction to Geocaching
Page 2 of 5
What Is A Cache?
GPS hobbyists use the Internet to tell each other about treasures, or "caches" that they have hidden. Looking for these caches is called "geocaching."
Wow! Treasure!! OK, perhaps treasure is overstating it a bit. The treasure chests (geocaches) are filled with trinkets (think small stuffed animals, dice, Hotwheel cars, plastic figures - army men, Disney or Toy Story characters, etc.). You should bring some trinkets with you when you go geocaching. When you locate the cache you sign the logbook with your geocaching "handle" (establish a free account and handle at Geocaching.com) and if you take a trinket from the cache you leave one of the trinkets you brought with you. This is a true give-and-take.
There are three common formats of geocaches:
1. A Traditional Cache - weatherproof containers (army surplus ammunition
boxes are common) that hold small trinkets and a logbook.
2. Microcaches - small containers such as a weatherproof pillbox or film
canister that contain a logbook.
3. Virtual caches -this is when the "treasure" is just a location or object
- maybe a statue, or a bench on an cliff overlooking the ocean with a vista
that you otherwise might not have found.
Handheld GPS units, at best will get you somewhere within 10 or 20 feet of a set location. After reaching the coordinates you will need to hunt for the cache. Geocachers often provide clues to help you find the cache. It's smart to print these clues (for example from the Geocaching.com web site) before you head out on a caching expedition. When your GPS tells you that you've reached the coordinates and searched a bit, if you still can't locate the cache then read the clues and also comments posted by others who have found the cache.
Continue to Page 3 - "How Geocaching can enhance your outdoor expeditions."
Go Northwest!
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The
Complete Guide to Geo Caching by Thomas Ferrell. This book is a
great introduction to this fascinating and exciting past time. Learn
about the supplies you need, how to find information online, and what
you need to get started. Geo caching is a great past time and you don't
need to be a technical genius to participate.
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The
Geocaching Handbook, 2nd Edition: The Guide for Family Friendly,
High-Tech Treasure Hunting by Layne Cameron and Dave Ulmer. This
revised and updated edition covers everything the aspiring geocacher
needs to get started, and it provides plenty of information to help
practicing geocachers take their skills to the next level.
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Geocaching
For Dummies by Joel McNamara. Find a high-tech hobby in the great
outdoors! Dig into this fast-growing detective sport that's fun for all
ages. Once you get your coordinates, your GPS receiver, maps, compass,
and this book, you're ready for adventure! Seek out containers of
goodies, hide a cache of your own, see new places, and get a little
exercise.
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Geocaching
Your Life by Troy Bonar. Geocaching is a worlwide treasure hunting
game that uses GPS or Global Positioning Satellites to locate registered
caches. This book was part of a book project called GPS for Success. The
Author of this book has taken the activity of Geocaching and shown you
how to find the treasures and success points in your life.
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Geocaching
Log Book: For Geocachers by Michael Sajdak. A handy logbook, to
record info about the caches you have done and plan on finding. A great
way to keep all your info in one spot and handy while on the trail in
search of caches. Provides yourself with a detailed account of your
finds.
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GPS
and Geocaching in Education by Burt Lo. Hiding, locating, and
finding geochaches is incredibly popular. Collecting weather data,
creating maps of indigenous and invasive plant species, discovering new
people and places, and reviewing historical events are just a few fun
ways to turn geocaching into an engaging, relevant learning experience.
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