This is designed to explain in my own terms just what geocaching is all about to those interested in trying it. There are certainly some fine explanations on the geocaching site, but here you will only get an explanation of how I geocache.
“Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.” (From www.geocaching.com)
Geocaching appeals on several different levels. First one must develop the ability to navigate to the cache. This involves retrieving data from the internet then navigating to a particular place on this planet’s surface. That’s a pretty cool ability to have! Second, once on location there is the thrill of a treasure hunt, the excitement of finding something hidden. Finally, there is the opportunity to trade something of one’s own for something left behind in the cache by another cacher. And the whole experience can be shared on line afterwards with others.
Cache containers come in all shapes and sizes, the smallest being called “micros” while normal ones are frequently ammunition boxes or tupperware containers. They are often very well camouflaged to match their surroundings. In addition to the wide range of sizes in “regular” caches, there are also multi caches, virtual caches, mystery caches and earth caches. My discussion here will be limited to regular caches.
What follows will be an explanation of how I use the geocaching site to locate caches. I use satellite images from Google maps instead of a GPS. I got started before I owned a GPS. Now that I own one I find I still prefer to cache without one, although this method does have its limitations.
Although it’s possible to view caches without creating a logon name, a logon is required to access some very important links. A logon is also required to actually log a cache. The geocaching seems to be very good about NOT spamming it’s users or sharing it’s databases with others, so I feel comfortable recommending one create a user or logon name and password. It’s free, and once you become hooked you can then consider joining as a premium member for $30/year. This will allow you to view those caches limited to premium members as well as support this wonderful hobby. For now, though, the free membership will serve you well to get started. Creating a user or logon name is pretty self explanatory, so I’m not going to explain it here. If you can’t figure this out on your own you probably don’t have the computer skills you’ll need to geocache.
So, let’s assume you’ve created a logon name and have logged onto www.geocaching.com. Let’s take a look how you can search for a cache and then print out something to bring with you while you actually search for the cache. In this example we’ll be searching for caches in near the Holiday Inn in Austin, Texas.
Copyright © 2009, Ian A. Duncan
Revised - - 6/24/2009
URL http://www.flyian.net/geocach/geo1.htm
