If you are looking for something fun to do with the family, here is your answer! Geocaching! I will tell you as much as I can in this blog about the world of geocaching, but the best way to learn is by experiencing it yourself! So here goes...
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt game using GPS devices and hints. Geocachers navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and attempt to find the geocache hidden at that location. Sound confusing? It's really simple once you get the hang of it. But wait, there's more!
To play the game, you must follow these steps:
1. Register at www.geocaching.com (this is the site with all the coordinates). 2. Visit the "Hide & Seek a Cache" page. 3. Enter your zip code and click "search." 3. Choose any geocache from the list and click on its name (you can pick by difficulty, terrain, or distance). 4. Enter the coordinates of the geocache into your GPS Device (Locus Free is an Android App that works pretty good if you don't have a real GPS). 5. Use your GPS device to assist you in finding the hidden geocache (along with any hints given on the website). 6. Find the geocache, sign the logbook, and return the geocache to its original location!
There are a few rules:
To play the game, you must follow these steps:
1. Register at www.geocaching.com (this is the site with all the coordinates). 2. Visit the "Hide & Seek a Cache" page. 3. Enter your zip code and click "search." 3. Choose any geocache from the list and click on its name (you can pick by difficulty, terrain, or distance). 4. Enter the coordinates of the geocache into your GPS Device (Locus Free is an Android App that works pretty good if you don't have a real GPS). 5. Use your GPS device to assist you in finding the hidden geocache (along with any hints given on the website). 6. Find the geocache, sign the logbook, and return the geocache to its original location!
There are a few rules:
- If you take something from the geocache, leave something of equal or greater value.
- Write about your find in the logbook.
- Log your experience at www.geocaching.com.
Geocaches can be found all over the world! Most geocachers hide caches in places that are important to them. These locations can vary. They may be at your local park, a hiking trail up the side of a mountain, underwater, or on a busy city street. Your first geocache should be easy. When looking for your first geocache online, you should make sure it has all these criteria: cache type- traditional, difficulty rating- 1, cache size- regular or large, and you should also check to see that other geocachers have recently logged finds on the cache. This indicates that the geocache is most likely still in place and findable.
There are over a dozen different types of geocaches. To read more about those, click here. Geocaches vary in size and appearance. You will see everything from large, clear plastic containers to film canisters! Small, Regular and Large containers usually hold trade items. A geocache always contains a logsheet for you to log your find. Larger caches may contain a logbook and trade items. These items turn the adventure into a true treasure hunt. You never know what the cache owner or visitors to the cache may have left. Remember, if you take something, leave something of equal or greater value in return. It is recommended that items in a cache be individually packaged in a clear, zipped plastic bag to protect them from the elements. You may also find a Trackable, a geocaching piece that you can learn more about here.
Well, that about sums up the basics of geocaching! There is a LOT more to learn on the geocaching website. My entire family enjoys this activity, and I am making it more popular among my friends and extended family. I hope you enjoy your first geocaching adventure, and remember to take along snacks, sunscreen, water, your GPS-enabled device, trading items, comfy shoes, and a camera! You won't want to miss the scenery and history surrounding you!
*Information gathered from www.geocaching.com