GeoCaching
GeoCaching
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What is GeoCaching?
pronounced "geocashing"
Well, basically it is a high-tech treasure hunt. We first heard about it from an article on CNN.Com in 2000. It resembles the simplistic idea of a treasure hunt: someone hides a treasure and gives seekers clues on how to find it. However, GeoCaching requires a bit of technology in order to achieve the ultimate goal.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) has been out on the commercial market for a few years now. The military has been using these devices since the 80s with no restrictions and accuracy of 10-20 meters. But, the commercial devices had a degraded signal with accuracy of 100s of meters. Last May, the US Government released the restrictions on the GPS satellite signals which allowed for many uses with the GPS systems, including this new hobby of treasure hunting.
Jeremy Irish was kind enough to set up The Official GeoCaching.Com Web Site, based out of Seattle, Washington. Those who wish to participate in these hunts can log on to his site, obtain the coordinates of a particular stash, or cache. They type the data into their GPS devices, then trek across the terrain to find their reward. Most people are hooked when they find their first stash.
GeoCaching can be done alone or with your friends and family -- even your pet can help out too. The hardest part of the hunt is the last 100 feet or so. You know you are in the general area; but just where can it be?! Some coordinates given are the exact location of the box, others are the position to stand and look around to see if you can spot the cache.
It is exhilarating when you find the stash. And, once you find it, open it up, read the log entries and exchange gifts, you are ready to place your own cache. GeoCaching does, however, rely on the honor system. If a passer-by happens upon the stash, you can include in the container a welcome letter -- explaining what they found -- a guest book, and, of course, the goodies. In the letter it explains what GeoCaching is and requests an exchange of contents. If you take something out, you put something in. It's simple. Most people use a Tupperware or Rubbermaid container, or an ammunition can. As long as it seals and is weather proof, you should be ok. The goodies inside can be anything--like flashlights, batteries for the GPS, compasses, DVDs. However, food and drinks (especially alcohol, since this is a family adventure) are not a good idea. We don't want the local wildlife going through the stuff. They have a tendency not to replace what they took.
Cache in
Trash out!