How to Take Your GPS into Digital Geocaching Treasure Hunts
Maryan Pelland
GPS Geocaching
Geocaching is a digital sport that combines hunter instincts, outdoor family fun, environmental awareness and modern technology all into an entertaining activity in which the whole family can participate.
Unlike computer games, the Geocaching quest for adventure and treasure places players in the real world. No imaginary landscapes - the gameboard is literally the entire earth and you move about it freely. Couch potatoes will need to adapt.
Geocaching Rules are Not Complicated
Anyone with a GPS device, plus a way to get from point A to point B, can play. When my sister was visiting from out of town last month, we discovered, with her, how it all works.
We logged on to a geocaching website and picked an area, by postal code, that we wanted to search. We chose a geocache from the website's list and clicked on its name. Then my sister entered the coordinates into her GPS and we piled in her car and followed the directions to the hidden geocache.
Once found, you open a small container, sign the logbook, "ooo and ahh" over the treasure and return the geocache container to its original location.
Most caches contain items of nominal value that can be retrieved, like a small toy, local souvenir, or a tool. Sometimes you'll find a valuable object - like a rare prop from a movie, for example, and you may choose to keep any item.
If you do take an item, the convention is to replace it with something else cool. Popular items you may find in a cache are geo-coins or travelbugs. These are uniquely identifiable tokens that you may move from one geocache location to another while logging your “hitchiker” movements in a travel log.
Finally, be sure to share your adventure with others using stories and photos at the geocache.com or a similar web site.
There are a few tips to keep in mind when going out geocaching. Pick a site appropriate for your physical abilities. Some caches are in difficult locations. The websites will offer guidance.
Tips:
• Mark your starting position so you can get back.
• Don't trespass on private property; ask permission first.
• Don't depend entirely on your GPS; it's a good idea to take a map and a compass just in case.
• Share the fun with friends, family and even pets.
• Respect the environment; learn about "cache in, trash out".
• Plan ahead and don't forget to take extra batteries.
Geocaches, the treasure sites, are located all over the globe, even in Antarctica. With nearly a million caches posted in over a hundred countries on all seven continents, it's a cinch you can find one near you.
It's a great way to get out and enjoy the world with your family and friends while having fun with GPS.
Popular geocaching web sites:
Geocaching.com
Navicache.com
TerraCaching.com
Some of the most popular GPS receivers are made by Garmin and Magellan.
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