Geocaching - an introduction
Geocaching - an introduction
Geocaching uses Global Positioning Satellite receivers (GPS) to locate hidden containers using co-ordinates given on the main geocaching website geocaching.com. Once you have plotted the co-ordinates you are then guided to the treasure box (known as a geocache).
The GPS will get you so close to the cache but often once you get to the chosen spot you've then got to find the geocache itself, which is always discreetly hidden. The activity is enjoyed by children and adults alike and is a great way to explore the countryside and other places of interest that you might not otherwise have known existed.
Caches rarely contain anything valuable, just an assortment of interesting items. If you take something from a cache the rule is you need to replace it with something of your own. Each cache also contains a logbook so that you can record your find as well as recording the find online or leaving a note on the geocache page if the cache couldn't be found, also known as a DNF or 'Did Not Find'.
Occasionally you will find what's called a Travel Bug or geocoin. These are small figures with a coded tag that travel from cache to cache around the country and sometimes the world or a metal coin like object that has unique tracking codes on them. When found, the cacher logs it on the web site and then goes on to place it in another cache. Its journey can then be tracked on the web site by the person who owns it.
When you return home from your day's geocaching, you can log your find and share your experiences with the geocaching community on the web site geocaching.com.