Adventures in Geocaching.
What is Geocaching?
An intriguing mix of treasure hunting, navigation, and outdoor hiking/walking, Individuals go out into the world of "treasure", this is the "cache" (anyone can create a cache).
The cache is typically an old army-style ammo box or some type of tupperware container, and will normally contain various trinkets, gift certificates, money, whatever. There will also be a log book so Geocachers can log their entry. Caches could be permanent, or temporary. Larger caches may consist of a waterproof plastic bucket placed tastefully within the local terrain. The logbook contains information from the founder of the cache and notes from the cache's visitors. The logbook can contain much valuable, rewarding, and entertaining information. If you get some information from a logbook you should give some back. They then go online to Geocaching.com and post longitude/latitude coordinates of the hidden treasure. You go to Geocaching.com and find hidden treasures, or "Geocacaches" in your area and program the coordinates into your portable GPS. Using the GPS, you find the cache!
Proper Geocaching etiquette:
1. Sign the log book contained in the cache, including your name or handle, the date, and where you're from.
2. Take an item out of the cache (whatever looks appealing to you), and add something to the cache to compensate for what you took.
3. Replace the cache to its hiding spot.
Why is Geocaching fun?
Geocaching is a great way to discover new area/trails/hikes that you wouldn't have otherwise found, and is a fun mix of technology, outdoor activity, and orienteering.
Where's the challenge if you are already given the coordinates?
The GPS gets you close to the cache, but you still have to hunt around for it.
It's tougher than you think!
That's pretty much the basics.
Geocaching is basically a new, high-tech twist on the ancient hobby of Letterboxing (finding caches using paper maps).
I was skeptical of Geocaching at first, but it really is more fun than you might think - give it a try!
Give it a try!
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