Geocaching
From WildernessWiki.org
Geocaching is a game based around using GPS receivers to locate hidden “caches” scattered throughout the world. Participants choose a cache, listed by region on the geocaching website, and enter the coordinates into their GPS unit. The participants then trek to the location, and search around the area until they find the cache, which contains a notebook (called a “logbook”), writing implement and various small trinkets. Participants may exchange trinkets on a leave-one take-one basis. Often, the value of the trinkets is related to the difficulty of locating the cache, with more valuable objects being exchanged in more difficult caches.
Geocaching is a very popular hobby, mainly because it offers a strong objective to a day hike, and can provide a break from the tedium of simply walking a trail. Geocache creators often place the cache location near another attraction such as a beautiful view, swimming area, unusual or rare plant life, etc. Geocaching also offers an opportunity to practice using a handheld GPS – a skill which could become vitally important should the user ever become lost.
Getting started with geocaching is easy. All you need for equipment is a handheld GPS receiver, adequate hiking equipment and internet access. Simply navigate to www.geocaching.com, enter your zip code for caches near you. Then select as many as you would like to hunt, program the coordinates into your GPS, and start hiking! Once you have found the cache, sign the logbook, trade items if you wish, and return home. Then navigate back to www.geocaching.com and log your find on the cache page.
Geocache Types
There are many types of geocaches. Some are sanctioned only by certain groups, while others are universally accepted.
- Traditional: The basic cache type. Traditional caches must include a log book of some sort, but may include trade or trackable items.
- Night Cache: These traditional caches can only be found at night and involve following a series of reflectors with a flashlight to the final cache location.
- Event Cache: This is a gathering organized and attended by geocachers. Physical caches placed at events are often active only for the event date.
- Locationless/Reverse: This variation is similar to a scavenger hunt. A description is given for something to find, such as a one-room schoolhouse, and the finder locates an example of this object. The finder records the location using their GPS handheld receiver and often takes a picture at the location showing the named object and his or her GPS receiver. Typically others are not allowed to log that same location as a find.
- Moving/Traveling: Similar to a traditional geocache, this variation is found at a listed set of coordinates. The finder uses the log book, trades trinkets, and then hides the cache in a different location. By updating this new location on the listing, the finder essentially becomes the hider, and the next finder continues the cycle.
- Multi-cache: This variation consists of multiple discoveries of one or more intermediate points containing the coordinates for the next stage; the final stage contains the log book and trade items.
- Virtual: Caches of this nature are coordinates for a location that does not contain the traditional box, log book, or trade items. Instead, the location contains some other described object. Validation for finding a virtual cache generally requires you to email the cache hider with information such as a date or a name on a plaque, or to post a picture of yourself at the site with GPS receiver in hand.
See Also
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