Introduction to Geocaching

Introduction to Geocaching

• What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game that is played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices/maps/compasses and even iPhones. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, sign the log book and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.

• The Cache

A traditional geocache may consist of a waterproof container, containing a log book (with pen or pencil) & some sort of treasures (or swaps).  Geocachers are free to take objects from the cache in exchange for leaving something of similar or higher value.  This ensures that there is always treasure for the next person to find.

• How to find where geocaches are hidden

These coordinates, along with other details of the location, are posted on a website. Other geocachers obtain the coordinates from the Internet and seek out the cache using their GPS handheld receivers. The finding geocachers record their exploits in the logbook and online.

Typical cache treasures are not high in monetary value but may hold personal value to the finder. Aside from the logbook, common cache contents are unusual coins or currency, small toys, ornamental buttons, CDs, or books. Also common are objects that are moved from cache to cache, such as Travel Bugs or Geocoins, whose travels may be logged and followed online. Cachers who initially place a Travel Bug or Geocoin often assign specific goals for their trackable items. One such goal could be to pass it westward across the continent. Occasionally, higher value items are included in geocaches, normally reserved for the first to find, or “FTF”, or in locations which are harder to reach.

Geocache container sizes range from film canisters often called “microcaches,” too small to hold anything more than a tiny paper log, to five-gallon buckets or even larger containers.

If a geocache has been vandalized or stolen, it is said to have been “muggled” or “plundered.” The former term plays off the fact that those not familiar with geocaching are called “geo-muggles” or just muggles, a term popularised by the Harry Potter series of books. If a cacher discovers that a cache has been muggled, it can be logged as needing maintenance, which sends an e-mail to the cache owner so it can be repaired, replaced, or archived (deactivated).

To get you started you only need very basic kit, I buy most of my items from The Geocaching Shop.