Articles
Geocaching: A Great Way to Get Outdoors
by Chuck Fitzgerald
If you’re tired of hiking the same trail or picnicking at
the same park, then Geocaching may be exactly what you’re
looking for. Geocaching, pronounced gee-o-cashing, is the
high tech version of a treasure hunt. Armed with nothing but
a handheld GPS unit and a thirst for excitement, you’re off
for new adventures and the likelihood of finding a hidden
cache.
Here’s how it works. Geocachers seek out hidden treasures
utilizing GPS coordinates posted on the Internet by those
hiding the cache. So to geocache, you’ll need a handheld GPS
receiver. GPS, which stands for Global Positioning System,
is the only system today able to show you your exact
position on the Earth anytime, in any weather, anywhere. GPS
satellites, 24 in all, orbit at over 11,000 miles above the
Earth. The satellites transmit signals that can be detected
by anyone with a GPS receiver. Using the receiver, you can
determine your location with great precision. But just as
important, you’ll be able to locate other things too, such
as a geocache. There are a variety of GPS receiver models to
choose from starting at about $100.
Once you’ve got a GPS unit, you’ll need to know where the
caches are hidden (hint: they’re everywhere). When a cache
is hidden, the cache’s coordinates are submitted to a
website for all to see (www.geocaching.com). Enter the coordinates into your GPS and you’re ready to go. Did I
mention there are more than 100,000 caches in over 200
countries?
Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Armed with a GPS and the
coordinates, how tough can it be? In an urban area, easy
access is typically available in the way of roads and
trails. But what about on a mountain? What if there aren’t
roads nearby? It’s entirely possible to be a few hundred
feet from something and not be able to reach it (across a
river or two hundred feet below the cliff you’re on are good
examples). After you try to find a few caches, you’ll
understand a number of the nuances of actually finding the
cache. That’s the fun part. Once you find the cache, there
are a couple of simple rules. Sign the logbook and if you
take something from the cache, be sure to leave something.
But what about placing a cache? That’s fun too. Just be sure
to follow the rules as outlined at www.geocaching.com. Once
you’re a seasoned geocacher, you’ll try your hand at travel
bugs, geo-teaming and benchmark hunting.
If you have only a couple hours to search for a cache, try
to find one that is close by. If you have a couple days,
take a family trip and make an overnight adventure out of
it. Using your GPS along with your sense of adventure, you
are bound to spend more time out of doors with people you
enjoy. What could be better?
----------------------------------------------------------
Chuck Fitzgerald (chuck@backcountrytoys.com) is President of
BackCountry Toys. BackCountry Toys provides premium gear,
superb customer service and valuable information to outdoor
sports enthusiasts. BackCountry Toys promotes responsible
relationships with our backcountry. (800) 316-9055
Subscribe to Our Newsletter: www.BackCountryToys.com
Resources
Shopping
Books
