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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 1 of 5
What Is Geocaching?
In a dozen or so words, Geocaching is using a handheld GPS to find hidden caches (containers with trinkets). Many times caches are hidden along rolling streams, Oceanside vistas, mountain peaks and trails and other scenic locations. When you add geocaching to your family vacations or day hikes, it adds a treasure-hunt like component to your travels.
This activity got it's start when consumers gained access to handheld GPS technology. The Global Positioning System, a series of satellites first used for military purposes, provides an invisible mesh of coordinates (latitude and longitude) that you can tap into if you own a GPS unit."Power up" a GPS, stand outside on a clear day, and in moments the unit will tell you the precise coordinates for your position on planet Earth. Obstacles such as trees, tall buildings, and thick cloud cover can limit the accuracy of the GPS coordinates. With open sightlines to a clear sky, a GPS can be get you within 10 or 20 feet of a set coordinate.
OK so let's say you have a handheld GPS unit (prices range from a low of $80 to a couple hundred dollars). Next you think, you know it would be fun to hide a treasure (cache), record the GPS coordinates, and have your kids or a friend try to locate the cache. Then you think even better, I wonder if someone else has hidden a treasure that I can find? Enter the hobby of geocaching.
Continue to page 2 - What is a "Cache?"
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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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