Geocaching Blends Travel, Exercise, Nature, Technology

Geocaching isn’t only for computer and technology wizards.

It’s simply a matter of learning how to use a Global Positioning System receiver and following the game strategy.

According to Geocaching.com, the hobby initially started in May 2000 as the “Great American GPS Stash Hunt,” where computer consultant Dave Ulmer placed a container in the woods and published its coordinates on the Web.

Soon after, a mailing list of interested persons formed and the name geocaching, pronounced “geo-cashing,” resulted. Web developer Jeremy Irish then established Geocaching.com, the official geocaching website, and later helped launch Groundspeak Inc., the company that now manages the site.

Many geocachers regard the activity as a sport that blends components of travel, exercise, nature, technology and common sense.

For the game, a geocacher uses a GPS receiver to find a cache, which is some sort of container that is hidden. A basic cache container can be an ammo box, water bottle, Tupperware container or bucket.

The coordinates for each cache are listed online, along with information about the terrain and difficulty. Sometimes clues or hints are included, too.

Inside the cache is a logbook for the geocacher to sign and various items, from key chains and toys to CDs and books. A geocacher who takes an item from the cache leaves something else behind and records the exchange in the logbook. The rule is “take something, leave something.” After locating caches, geocachers visit the website to record their finds.

Caches are hidden and found by everyday people across the state, country and world. Each geocacher creates his or her own geocaching identity, or handle. This is the name that appears online at www.geocaching.com

Several different types of caches exist. Micro caches come in a small form, such as a film canister, Altoids tin or pill container. These tiny caches normally only include a miniature logbook and writing utensil.

Multi-caches have two or more parts that must be completed in order to find the cache. Other forms of caches include webcam caches and virtual caches. Some caches even involve themes, puzzles, codes and other forms of creativity.

sort of crevice in the earth. They can also be located in a city environment, such as outside or inside buildings, in parking lots or playgrounds, or under park benches. Some may require miles of strenuous hiking, while others are stationed along flat areas that are wheelchair-accessible.

Another aspect of geocaching is travel bugs. A travel bug, or hitchhiker, is a designated trinket with the goal of traveling. If a geocacher finds a travel bug inside a cache, he or she can take the object and put it in another cache.

Travel bugs are not intended to be kept forever by the finder. Instead, these items should be transported to another geocache so the traveling can continue. Geocachers can follow the progress of individual travel bugs online.

Geocaching.com reports that GPS receivers normally cost between $100 and $1,000. The price depends upon how advanced the device is and the features it offers. Regardless of the cost, all GPS receivers have the same coordinate accuracy.

Rajinder Dogra
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/geocaching-blends-travel-exercise-nature-technology-95540.html

Can anyone recommend a good, inexpensive brand of GPS for geocaching?

I don't care if the batteries only last 4 hours, I'll bring extra. However, it should be user-friendly.

I use the Garmin etrex Legend C, while my friends use the Legend Cx. Since I'm not sure of the reliability of any of the other brands, I would suggest that you check out the forums on Groundspeak.com. Not only will you get a wider variety of opinions, but, occacionally, some of the members upgrade and put their old GPS on sale pretty cheap.

Good luck in the hunt.

GeoCache PIRATE

so ChemicalJordan pretty much is the reason i discovered this whole thing.
http://www.geocaching.com/

http://www.youtube.com/ChemicalJordan

its badass and fun.
figure it out.

music:
Period – Twilight
The artist Period has given me written permission to use their music in any video uploaded on this channel.
Infact they encouraged me to.
http://www.myspace.com/kumikocoward
added Dec 20, 2008: They may have changed their artist name recently to Kumiko and Coward, incase you were wondering why the link does not take you to a band for “Period”.

Duration : 0:5:54

Technorati Tags: adventure, Babykillingunicorns, chelsea, chemical, fun, geocache, Geocaching, IQ, IQTest, IQTests, jordan, period, pirates, test, tests

Geocaching Game Cache Wars -huge Geocoin Icon Trackable

Geocaching Game Cache Wars -huge Geocoin Icon Trackable

I'm new to Geocaching! What is the best GPSr for geocaching in the city?

i live in an urban/suburban area (OC, Southern California) and don't really plan on doing much geocaching in rural/wooded areas (at least not until later). i'm not looking to spend too much money (in the range of 100 dollars). what model/brand should i go with? what are your opinions on Garmin and Magellan? Thanks in advance for your help!

It comes down to personal preference, I've used both Garmin and Magellan, a couple different models from each company. I have a Magellan explorist. I prefer the Explorist over the couple Garmins I have used. Although Magellan's Tech Support is horrible!

Scuba Tank Large Capsule

A capsule big enough to store stuff in! This Scuba Tank capsule is perfect for nautical giveaways. It is also a great size for your GEOCACHING prizes. Great for holding small SCUBA gear – such as extra o-rings or dramamine. These capsules includ

Applications for my phone and geocaching?

I have a Motorola w755 phone and I was wondering if there is a geocaching application.

If so, how do I get it? Do I do it from my phone itself?

Thanks!

There are a few apps that can be downloaded to your phone.
You can read more or download them from this link.
http://www.geocaching.com/waypoints/default.aspx

Interactive Geocaching Video: Start Here

You’ve arrived in my back yard looking for a cache. Your GPS is bouncing all over the place. Time to do some old fashioned looking…

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Technorati Tags: back yard, geocache, Geocaching, interactive, treasure hunt

Garmin eTrex Vista Cx (Factory Refurbished 1 Year Warranty)

Quick Info:    Product Details   |   Features & Specs.   |   Additional Images    Product Details Pack more detail into your adventure with the eTrex Vista Cx. Garmin has added removable memory to this pocket handheld, making it easy to pack light and add maps on the go. The eTrex Vista Cx is loaded with the same popular features found in the eTrex Vista C, including barometric altimeter, electronic compass, sunlight-readable color and advanced GPS routing capabilities – all in a waterproof design. You won‘t miss a thing when you take this rugged, lightweight, easy-to-use handheld out hiking, biking, boating or even geocaching. Features & Specifications 1 Year Warranty Electronic compass Bearing Elevation Heading ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) VMG (Velocity Made Good) Speed ETE (Estimated Time Enroute) Time/date Local pressure Ascent/descent rate 12-hour pressure trend And much more!

Can the kind of GPS unit you use in your car be used for Geocaching?

I'm looking to buy a Garmin 350, 650, or 750 for my car. Can they be used for geocaching?

In a nutshell, yes.

But handheld units (like hunters use) are more convenient.