- Geocaching -
Updated 02/19/2008

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a GPS unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is if they get something they should try to leave something for the cache.

Here are the basic elements to the game:

1. You must setup a free account at www.geocaching.com and you are ready to begin.

2. If you simply want to find geocaches, you can enter the zipcode of the area you will be visiting and you will find dozens of pages containing hundreds of GPS coordinates for caches placed by other players. I entered my home zipcode and found over 20 pages of coordinates!

3. Pick one of the coordinates in your destination area and go search for the cache using your GPS unit.

4. If you locate a cache, it will probably contain a few low value items such as a ball point pen, key ring, etc. along with a small notebook so you can log your information as a finder. You are encouraged to take one of the items in the cache and leave one of yours behind.

5. Then you go home and log onto www.geocaching.com to record your find.

This can be especially fun and interesting when you are on vacation visiting a different state or even a different country. And you are encouraged to create and place your own caches as you travel, too. A cache is simply a waterproof container of some sort that is large enough to hold a few simple "treasures" and a small log. It would be lots of fun to be on vacation in, say, Ontario, place a new cache and then watch the online log to see who finds it! For more information and hints for creating your own cache, click here.

Do you have a gps unit sitting on your dresser that you only used the day you got it? This might be just the ticket to get it out and learn how to use it and have fun at the same time! If you have children, especially boy scouts or girl scouts, this game is ideally suited for you and the kids!

If you don't already own a GPS unit, you can purchase a basic model for under $100. Remember, however, the GPS units available for civilian use are only accurate to about 30 feet! So have fun!

Related Links:

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