Perhaps you have heard the term “geocaching” but thought it sounded too technical for you. Actually, it’s a very easy way to add a new adventure to the traveling, hiking, or biking you already love!
Geocaching is like a modern-day treasure hunt, using GPS. You don’t need to invest a lot of money, buy a bunch of supplies, or even travel through unexplored and dangerous terrain to find the treasure – all you need is the desire to find something hidden! Think of it as the world’s biggest game of “hide-and-seek”!
Here’s how it works:
• Someone leaves a cache hidden at a location. Generally, the cache is hidden in a park or along a hiking trail. The cache is generally a weather resistant container (plastic bag, food storage container, water bottle, etc.). Inside, you will typically find a log book that tells you a little about when the cache was place, and who placed it there. Additionally, it should have space for you to add your name, the date you found the cache, and any short comments about the experience that you would want to share with other people who find the cache.
• The person who hides the cache tracks the GPS location. The exact GPS location of the cache is recorded and published, typically on a site that specializes in geocaching. Usually these sites also allow the person who has hidden the cache to let you know a little about what you are looking for, how far from a main road or parking area the cache is (typically a rating system, not an exact distance), and how hard the terrain of the hike is (again, usually a rating system).
• You pick a cache to go after. Most websites allow you to search by zip code, city and state, or regional area to find a cache near you or your destination. You can then view the caches in your area of interest and select one that meets your distance and difficulty needs.
• Find the cache! By plugging the GPS coordinates into your GPS, you can be on your way to finding the cache in no time! Keep in mind that your GPS will point you in the most direct route to the location of the cache. As a general rule, keep on marked trails or roads until you are near the cache. You may need to walk off of a trail or road a few yards to find the cache’s hiding spot. Keep in mind the level of difficulty that you selected and the surrounding terrain when deciding when to leave the trail or road – easy difficulty levels should mean that you are on a trail or road almost all the way!
• Only take a treasure if you leave a treasure for the next hunter! Some caches may contain “treasure” for the person finding the cache. It is considered okay to take the treasure only if you leave behind something of equal or greater value for the next treasure hunter. If you do not want the treasure in the cache, you do not have to put anything in the cache – simply leave the existing treasure there for the next treasure hunter!
Remember that anyone can start a cache – all you need is a GPS and a fun story!
For more information on geocaching, how to get started, and safety tips for your treasure hunting experiences, try www.geocaching.com!
For recommendations on buying a GPS unit, try http://www.geocaching.com/about/buying.aspx.
