GEOCACHING: NEW TWIST ON AN OLD GAME

Treasure Hunting With A GPS


If you ever enjoyed treasure hunts or scavenger hunts as a youth, you'll love this new twist on an old game: geocaching. Geocaching is an adventure game for GPS users. Individuals and organizations set up "caches" all over the world and enter the coordinates onto a web site. Armed with your GPS (Global Positioning System) device and coordinates from the web site, you are off on your adventure: to find "buried treasure" somewhere in your locality. Join thousands of participants world-wide who have discovered a new way to have fun using the latest technology without sitting in front of their computers or TV screens. We'll tell you what you need to know to get started.

Read on!

What Do I Need to Play?

The first thing you'll need is a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit. This is an electronic device that can pinpoint your location anywhere on the planet within 6 to 20 feet. Coordinates are given in longitude and latitude; you can use your device to take you from your current location to another one. We'll give you some sources for GPS units later on. Price ranges are from $100 on up.

The next thing you'll need is the coordinates (longitude & latitude) of the geocache you are trying to find. And of course you should know the basic rules, which you can also find on the geocaching web site you are using. Geocaching.com is the official geocaching web site, and has hints and helps for you, as well as cache locations, etc.

Game Rules

There aren't too many rules, the basic rules are
  • Take something from the cache
  • Leave something in the cache
  • Write about it in the Logbook.

Caches are usually found in containers. There is usually a logbook with further instructions and for cache finders to write about finding the cache. Some caches don't want you to remove the "treasure," but to write about it instead. Leave your name, date and time you found the cache, and any other details asked about in the logbook. Other caches have small items such as trinkets, tokens, coins, jewelry, cd's etc, for you to take. The general rule for taking something from the cache is to leave something in return, so be sure to plan accordingly before you go. This information should also be available on the web site.

What if I Want to Leave a Cache?

Once you've found a few caches, you may be anxious to leave one of your own. Everything you'll need to know to leave a cache can be found on geocaching.com. You'll need to research a location for your cache, making sure it's difficult enough to be a fun challenge, but not TOO difficult. Geocaching.com has a link to requirements for leaving a cache on their web site. You'll need a container that will keep your cache safe and dry. It should be large enough for a log book and pencil so other geocachers can record their findings. An explanation of what this is should also be included, in case your cache is accidentally found by a non-geocacher. NEVER PUT FOOD IN YOUR GEOCACHE! Animals will find it before any human does. You'll need to report your cache to the web site so it can be listed as a playable cache. Getting it listed may take a day or two, so be patient.

Sources, Web Sites, and Other Advice

Geocaching.com is the offical geocaching web site. Find locations, post your own cache, and get general information here. There is a search site so you can enter in the area you want to search in for geocaches. Startgeocaching.com offers a free 5-day mini-lesson course by email to get you on your started. And if you are looking for unique geocache gifts, stop by worldcaching.com to see what they have to offer.

Online sources for GPS units include thegpsstore.com They feature automotive units as well as the hand-held units you'll need to enjoy geocaching. The better known names for GPS units are Garmin, Magellan, and TomTom. These brands and more are available at your local and online Best Buy, Circuit City, and Walmart, to name a few sources.

Look for more basic information on GPS units in another article on our web site.

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes