Geocaching: a great way to get outdoors
If you're tired of hiking in the same places or going for a walk or picnic in the same area, the Geocaching may be exactly what you are looking for. Geocaching is the technological version of the treasure hunt.. Armed with nothing more than a handheld GPS unit and a thirst for excitement, you'll find new adventures and the likelihood of finding a hidden stash.
Here's how it works. Geocachers search for hidden treasures using GPS coordinates posted on the Internet by those hiding the cache. So, to get started in geocaching, you'll need a handheld GPS receiver. GPS, which stands for Global Positioning System, is the only system today capable of showing you your exact position on Earth at any time, in any weather, anywhere. GPS satellites orbit more than 11,000 miles above the Earth. The satellites transmit signals that anyone with a GPS receiver can detect. Using the receiver, you can determine your location with great accuracy. But just as important, you can also find other things, such as a geocache. There are a variety of GPS receiver models to choose from starting at around 100 €..
Once you have a GPS unit, you will need to know where the geocaches are hidden (hint: they are everywhere). When a geocache is hidden, the coordinates are sent to a website for all to see (www.geocaching.com). Enter the coordinates into your GPS and you are ready to continue. Did I mention that there are more than 100,000 geocaches in more than 200 countries?
Sounds easy, doesn't it? Armed with a GPS and coordinates, how hard can it be? In an urban area, easy access will be a given as a general rule, but what about in a mountain? What if there are no roads nearby? It is entirely possible to be within a metre of something and not be able to reach it (submerged in a river or on the edge of a cliff are good examples). After trying to find some geocaches, you will understand some of the nuances of geocaching. That's the fun part. Once you find the geocache, there are a couple of simple rules. Sign the logbook and if you take something from the geocache, make sure you leave something behind.
But what if you hide your geocache? What if you hide your treasure? That's fun too. Just make sure you follow the rules as described at www.geocaching.com. Once you are an expert geocacher, you will try your hand at the Travel Bugthe geo-teaming and the benchmark hunting.
If you only have a couple of hours to find a geocache, try to find one nearby. If you have a couple of days, take a family trip and start an overnight adventure (this will make it more special). Using your GPS along with your sense of adventure, you are bound to enjoy more time outdoors than the people you care about. What could be better?
Use all the information available on the official geocaching website and enjoy this activity - get outdoors!
READ ALSO: Mobile phones in the mountains: your smartphone can be a great tool when you go outdoors".
Geocaching: the search for lost treasure
The Geocaching is all the rage, with this activity setting the tone for many travellers in their choice of places to visit. Geocaching uses global positioning system (GPS) technology; tourists hide small, low-value items and then it is up to another group or player to find them. Geocaching.com is the site website that the geocachers use to communicate, when one is hiding a cache -as these little treasures are called - records it there for others to find. Whoever finds it leaves something in return. The items are simple and are housed in a waterproof container, usually made of plastic. You could find anything; a CD, some trinkets, a keyring or books..
Geocaching is not difficult to do; you register at http://geocaching.com, equip yourself with a GPS system - nowadays any mobile device can be used for this GPS function - and enjoy the activity. The GPS system uses satellite signals to locate you anywhere in the world to within a few metres, and also helps you to reach other locations using your latitude and altitude measurements. At obtain information on hidden caches from http://geocaching.com, the player can enter the coordinates of hidden treasures in the area you are in and the GPS device will show you how to locate them; once located, you will have the option to leave some behind and register on the website.
You can buy a GPS in any outdoor sports shop. GPS systems don't need to be expensive, but the more sophisticated ones do. As mentioned above, you can use your own GPS system. smartphone as GPS.
To hide a cache in the outdoor terrain you need tact and care. Some cachers have been stopped by the police for acting suspiciously in certain areas. Be a little careful where you hide your cache; common sense. You should also be careful and discreet about where you hide your cache. You don't want it to be "muggled"i.e. vandalised or stolen. Be aware that many people do not understand the game. When a geocache hunter finds a vandalised or stolen cacheThe website of the cachers and the original owner is alerted by email, so that they can replace, repair or delete the cache.
Other interesting ways to play do not have to include a physical cache, but players have to use the offered location coordinates and email the location details. A virtual cache requires a player to email a name or date on a plaque or an image of themselves at their location. On the other hand, the land" cache needs details of the fossils or geology at the site; and a camera" cache requires the player to take a photo of themselves using a public webcam on site.
Some geocachers travel abroad to look for caches, but most of them enjoy geocaching locally. It is an interesting activity and game, which you can enjoy on any holiday or trip. It will simply make it more interesting and motivating.
