Geocaching
A Hi-Tech Take on Hide 'n Seek
Looking for something fun to do outdoors with the family? Ever heard of Geocaching? Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunt adventure game using handheld GPS units. The “sport” has grown so much in popularity since its birth in 2000 that there are an estimated 350,000 caches in 222 countries across the world!
Players try to find caches hiden by individuals or organizations. These caches are all over the world and their coordinates can be found on various sites on the internet for GPS users to hunt (a few examples below).
Caches – the “treasure” – are typically waterproof containers hosting a logbook, writing utensil and usually a few small trinkets. Once a cache is located the geocacher should provide their details in the logbook, take a trinket, leave something for the next geocacher, and return the cache to its original position. Then, players report their adventures on the website and move on to the next hunt. geocInterested? Keep reading to learn everything you need to get started with this exciting modern day treasure hunt!
Researching the Cache
- Cache's can be researched on a number of official sites:
- Geocaching.com -- was the original geocaching site and is now the largest. It promotes family-oriented caching and is free unless you're interested in the features of the premium paid subscription.
- TerraCaching.com – aims to attract members that will place and seek higher quality caches – either more difficult to hide or a high quality location
- NaviCache.com – does not charge for access to any of the caches listed in their database
- Look for a photo of the stash (cache) you have chosen to locate, and read the stash notes from previous geocachers.
- Buy a topographical map of the area if you know the cache is off road
- Use MapBlast or a similar internet mapping service to locate and zoom in on caches hidden within reach or just a short walk from the road.
- Invest in a GPS unit. According to Geocaching.com, a good basic GPS unit is the Garmin eTrex GPS or the Magellan GPS 315.
Prepping for the Hunt
- You should never geocache alone - it's a social sport and therefore a great time to plan a camping trip with family and friends and get them involved too.
- Always notify someone else of where you are going.
- Always carry plenty of water.
- Be aware of your surroundings i.e. bears, cliffs, potholes.
- Take the coordinates of your car before you leave it to start the hunt – you can easily become disoriented.
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The Hunt
- Navigate yourself to the site of the cache with the use your GPS unit and compass.
- The final 30 – 100 feet of the hunt is said to be the most difficult. It will help if you try to think like the person who hid the cache.
The Find
- Enter your name and experience finding the cache into the logbook.
- Take an item (if you desire) and replace it with an item of equal or higher value.
- Seal the cache and put it back where you found it, how you found it.
- Return to the site and post details of your experience locating the cache.
- If the cache is in poor condition, notify the owner by email.
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