Geocaching is now a worldwide sport, and its enthusiasts are avid, and some might even say they are participants. It's a hugely popular global treasure hunting game that uses the Internet to list, and a GPS device to hide and seek treasure (caches).While it is pronounced and sounds like Geo Cashing, it is actually spelled geocaching. The "geo" part stands for geography, and the "caching" part stands for hiding a cache (something of value).
In this exciting and fun sport, "caching" actually has a double meaning. In computer terms a cache is information stored in memory which can be retrieved easily. A cache, in camping and hiking terminology is a place where provisions are hidden and stored.
It's a terrific outdoor sport that can be enjoyed by the entire family. But, the more difficult caches can be extremely challenging, even daring, to the most adventurous and athletic of
participant.
Newbies, just getting their feet wet, usually start out with the easier rated caches just until they learn the ropes. They will want to get familiar with how to program and use their GPS unit, and they will also want to begin accumulating the various items of equipment they will need before they go after the more difficult caches.
A good, dependable and accurate GPS system is essential for successful geocaching. A GPS unit is an electronic device that uses Latitude and Longitude coordinates to pinpoint your approximate location anywhere on earth. It's used in geocaching to navigate from your current location to the site of the cache you have selected.
Depending on the complexity of the device, some have built-in compasses, a voice navigation feature, and their own maps. The GPS is really a computer that is capable of receiving signals from GPS satellites; to be really accurate, it needs to receive signals from four satellites, however, with signals from three satellites it can determine its general location.
Search online for GPS units, that's where you will, most likely, find the real bargains. Or, of course, they can also be purchased at department, electronic, and camping and boat supply stores.
The rules for Geocaching are pretty simple; if you take something (swag) from the cache you've located, leave something of equal or greater value; make a notation in the cache logbook about your find; and go online to the same site where you found your information about the cache and log about your experience.
Every cache contains a logbook, and information from the owner of the cache. It might also contain notes from other visitors and valuable information or treasure.
Caches can be stashed literally anywhere. When selecting a target cache, be sure to read the online descriptions carefully, paying close attention to the difficulty and terrain ratings. As examples, do you need to be a rock climber or SCUBA diver to locate the cache, or will you have to cross a river, or find your way in the desert?
Even with the accuracy of a top notch GPS unit, a skillful city placement of a cache can be difficult to locate. The competition to find the cache first can become fierce. The cache can either be placed above or below ground or on the outside of buildings. It can become maddening to not be able to locate the cache when you know that you're standing within feet of it.
Want to find a cache near you, treasure hunts or caches are listed online for all to see. Just for kicks, I hopped online and found a number of caches within a short driving distance of my home and one was as close as my local dog park, just three blocks away.
The whole idea of geocaching is to have fun, so, even if you're not in top physical shape, there are tons of posted caches that will still be both stimulating and challenging for you. Geocaching really does answer the call to adventure no matter what your level of expertise might be.
Be sure to check out my blog that checks out the best gps for geocaching. Also, we would love to hear your experiences with geocaching and what you think are the best gps units.
By Ryan Westmoreland
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