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Introduction to Geocaching
What is Geocaching?
What is a cache?
Geocaching for Adventure
Getting Started
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Introduction to Geocaching
Page 4 of 5
How to Get Started
The basics - you will need a handheld GPS, printouts of a few caches (remember to print the clues and perhaps some notes posted online from others who have recently found those caches), a sense of adventure and appropriate clothing there is, for example, such a thing as metropolitan geocaching (think city parks and attractions) but more typically caches are hidden in remote outdoor locations (by riverbeds or lakesides, forests, mountain tops, even underwater!)
Start with some easy caches. You can Google for caches or start at the official geocaching web site (http://www.geocaching.com). At geocaching.com caches are rated with two numbers - both using a one to five scale with five being most difficult. The first number indicates difficulty of the terrain you'll encounter and the second indicating how hard it will be to find the cache once you're in the vicinity. Start with a 1.1 (easy terrain and easy to find). Also on the geocaching description take note of the most recent date the cache was found. Some caches get stolen and others get taken "off line" by the owner of the cache. There's no point searching for something, which can't be found!
That's it. Now you know the basics of Geocaching!
Even if you don't yet have a GPS, I would encourage you to go to the geocaching web site, type in your zip code and look at the list of geocaches in your area. You will probably discover that hundreds of caches are surrounding you then, if you have treasure-hunting blood in you, you won't be able to resist the hunt for loot (and scenic vistas).
Continue to view Geocaching photos and related links
Go Northwest!
Bookstore
Best selection of books on the 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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