What Is GeoCaching?
GeoCaching is a high-tech treasure hunt, game or sport. This is how it works: One GeoCacher will hide a Cache and other GeoCachers will hunt and find the Cache, using a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit and a paper map of the area where the Cache is hidden. GeoCaching.com is the international site that keeps track and control of the GeoCaching game.The hidden Caches will contain "trinkets or treasures", depending on how you look at them. The Cache container needs to be waterproof so it will keep the log book, trinkets and treasures dry and clean. A metal ammunition box makes a good Cache container. Butter tubs, plastic peanut butter jars and film canisters covered in camouflage duct tape will make useable Cache containers, also. We once found a magnetized key holder stuck to a metal post at a rest area along Interstate 20. Of course, it was so small that it only had some very narrow strips of paper for the log book. It was one of those "bring your own pencil" deals. All sorts of things can be used for a Cache container, but they do need to be sturdy and waterproof. We have found a few plastic Cache containers that were broken and the contents were wet.
To start the game, a GeoCacher (owner of the Cache) will place a log book, pencil and several trinkets and treasures into a waterproof container. Then the Cache will be hidden in the "perfect place", behind or under a bush, under a rock or bridge, in an old tree stump, along a roadway or in a cemetery. Hiding places are limited only by your imagination and the land owner's or manager's lack of permission. Don't trespass on private property when GeoCaching. Stay on public rights of way, or get permission to hide a Cache when considering putting it in a park, campground or on private property. Make sure it is okay to hide it in a particular place before doing so.
After the Cache is hidden, the "Cache owner" will use his or her GPS unit and take a reading of the Cache's coordinates. Then, the owner will go to GeoCaching.com website and post the coordinates, along with a description of the Cache and a few hints and tips about the location of the Cache.
Then, another GeoCacher (treasure hunter) will log on to the above website and find a Cache that he or she wants to find. The coordinates, for the Cache, can be loaded onto his or her GPS unit, either manually entered, or downloaded from the website. At this point, the hunt is ready to begin.
When a GeoCacher finds a Cache, if he or she takes a treasure from it, another treasure needs to be put back in. It is fun to see what is in a Cache. The Cacher needs to be sure to sign the log book that is found in the Cache and return the Cache to it's original hiding place for the next Cacher to find. When the Cacher returns home, he or she needs to go to GeoCaching.com website and log the "find".
As of July 2, 2008, there were 606,804 active Caches around the world. At the same time, there were 1,330 Caches within a 100 mile radius of our home coordinates. As you can see, there are lots of Caches out there to find. So, let's go find 'em! :-)
Another aspect of the game is known as "CITO" (Cache In, Trash Out). The participating GeoCacher will take a bag along to put trash in as he or she hunts for Caches. That is a good idea!
Last thought: If you are really interested and want a more complete description of "What Is GeoCaching?", go to a major website, GeoCaching.com. Look on the right side of the page, toward the top, and click on "Let's Get Started". We would suggest starting with the "Frequently Asked Questions" and the "Groundspeak Knowledge Base" links.