Geocaching
Geocaching is a past time, game, treasure hunt which you use with a GPS or a map and a compass but most people prefer to use a GPS. GeoCache comes from two words. The first GEO which means locations on earth, and the second word CACHING which means to find a hidden treasure.

What happens is someone will create a geocache, which is either a single location or a group of locations and at each location a piece of treasure is hidden.

A GeoCache usually is a waterproof container which is discreetly placed perhaps behind a rock, under some leaves, or behind a wall. Some people will also leave a GeoCache in a small stream or pond. The container usually includes a logbook and a number of treasures like books, children's toys, money, jewelry, trinkets, and other items. When you do find a geocache you usually take an item out of the cache and replace it with an item you have. Sometimes log books are also kept at that location, and people are requested to sign the logbook to say where they're from, what they took/replaced etc.

They are hidden at locations and you give out clues as to where to find these items. Clue's can range from the exact location, a riddle or an encrypted text which you need to decrypt.

You can either give a clue at each location to the next location, or just publish a list of clues and riddles to help people find them on a website or bulletin board. People then set off with their map and compass or GPS in-hand and try to find the treasure.

Geocaching is a great past time and is a good way to get children introduced to map reading, orienteering and to use a GPS. Fun can be had from the whole family, it gets you out in the open air, and more importantly using and becoming more familiar with your GPS and of course meeting others with similar interests!

Geocaching Website's
There are a number of Geocaching website's available on the internet that provide helpful information on geocaching, and also track caches around the country and indeed the world. Here is a selection of Geocaching website's we have visited.

What type of GPS do you need to GeoCache ?
Any GPS will allow you to GeoCache. Most Geocache's don't require any form of a digital map (you just need to know the approximate locale and how to get to this by using co-ordinates (Latitude/Longitude) most sites will also show you an online street map on how to get to the GeoCache Site. Once there, they will direct you to the first clue which will usually be quite easy, and after that you may need to use your GPS to navigate to new co-ordinates. Most clues will be in the form of riddles, find the co-ordinates and keep your eyes pealed. Any entry level GPS will work quite well in geocaching.

 

Garmin

Geko 101

Garmin

Geko 201

Garmin

Geko 301

 

         

Garmin

eTrex

Garmin

eTrex Summit

Garmin

eTrex Legend

Garmin

eTrex Venture

Garmin

eTrex Camo

         
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For more information take a look at our GPS Handheld's Buyers Guide.