My Geocaching Adventures
Geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing) is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure. A geocacher can place a geocache in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology and then share the geocache's existence and location online. Anyone with a GPS unit can then try to locate the geocache.
Check out this geocaching product guide to find out which unit is
best for you and read below for more information about geocaching. I am currently using a Garmin handheld GPS - Colorado 300 series and also for in the car I am using a Garmin Nuvi 750!
Introduction:
Basically, geocaching is a high-tech version of treasure hunting.
Geocachers seek out hidden treasures utilizing GPS coordinates posted
on the Internet by those hiding the cache. Using a GPS unit,
they then trek out into the backwoods or urban jungles to find the
hiding spot of the cache. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor
with a wide variety of rewards. If the visitor takes something out of
the cache, they are asked to leave something in return. For some, the
biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place
that they have never been.
The Rules:
This growing outdoor sport has a simple set of rules, making it easy for anyone to play. The
challenging part is finding the cache. Some caches have even been planted on mountainsides and underwater!
Once geocachers find a cache, they follow these basic rules:
- fill out the logbook
- take something out of the cache
- put something in the cache
- return the cache to the exact position and condition in which it was found
Caches typically consist of a waterproof container discreetly placed
within the local terrain. The container will include a logbook and any
number of more or less valuable items such as toys, books, money,
jewelry, trinkets, etc. You never know what the founder or other
visitors of the cache may have left for you to enjoy. Be sure to fill
out the logbook with the date and time you visit the cache and leave
something in return.
Choosing a GPS Unit:
You will need a GPS unit to help you find or mark cache
locations and Internet access for finding or sharing the coordinates.
For geocaching, an expensive and elaborate GPS device is not necessary. At the simplest level, you will need a GPS device for which you can easily enter waypoints. A device should also be easy to use, accessible, and durable. Check out our geocaching product guide to find out which
product is best for you.
In general, features to look for when purchasing a GPS unit to geocache include:
- Lightweight and compact — makes it easier to carry (look for a wrist strap too!)
- Waterproof — caches can be hidden under or near water
- Long battery life — a must for those hard-to-find, remote caches
- Waypoint storage — will hold more cache locations
- Screen readability — should be easy to read in daylight and at night
Advanced features which make it even easier for you to find that big cache include:
- WAAS-enabled — means your GPS unit will give you better position accuracy - within 3 meters (10 feet) 95% of the time
- Built-in Compass — convenient and comes in handy when you get within 100 feet of your cache
- Altimeter — shows how high up you are for those vertically hidden caches
- Mapping Capabilities — makes it easier to navigate when you can download maps to your unit and see the terrain
- External antenna — for use under heavy tree cover or difficult terrains
Finding a Cache:
Once you have a GPS unit, you will need to go online to start finding
cache locations or report a cache that you have created.
You can start here at geocaching web sites and clubs that have sprouted on the
Internet. To find a hidden cache near you or to plant a cache, you can
go to www.geocaching.com — the first to bring geocaching to the masses and the most comprehensive site for this adventure-game. After you get the
coordinates online and enter them into your GPS, you're ready to get started on your adventure!
Geocaching Responsibly:
Geocachers are committed to protecting the environment. Please seek permission before geocaching on
private or public lands. Geocaching can have an unintended impact on
the earth's natural resources and result in trampled vegetation,
damaged habitats and destruction of parks' historical and cultural
resources.
Placing a cache on lands administered by
Parks Canada is illegal without first obtaining
permission. Please contact your local park to obtain a special use
permit or inquire about sites designated for geocaching on park
property. Help make geocaching an educational and entertaining
experience while preserving our environment for future generations of
geocachers to come!
 Caches I Have Hidden
 Caches I Have Found |
