GEOCACHING 101 - Some of you are probably already geocaching and some of you are wondering what it's all about. That's why I'm writing this - for those of you who are curious and
eager to get started. Just like many of you, my wife and I had heard about geocaching but didn't really know what it was or how you did it. Believe me, we're not experts, but you know what, you don't need to be, to have
this kind of fun! From the first time you seek the hidden cache (my kids call them "treasures"), you'll be just fine, it's really not that hard, honest. Well, some of them are, but you can tackle those later
on. Go for the easy ones frst. I've used a variety of automotive GPS and handheld GPS units but had never used one for geocaching until last year. I wanted
a new GPS for geocaching so I bought a Garmin GPSMap 60CS handheld unit. It's rugged, has a bright color screen, and even has a "Geocaching" mode built into it.Where does one begin....first,
go to Geocaching.com and take a look around. On the main page, enter your Zip code and you'll see just how many caches are in your vicinity. More than you probably imagined.
Each line of the list contains valuable information about each cache.
In order, left to right:
A) The distance and direction to the cache
B) A symbol that indicates the type of cache
C) The scale of difficulty (1-5) and Terrain (1-5)
D) The date the cache was hidden
E) The cache's name, and the name of the person who hid it.
F) Inside the parenthesis is a generated code for this particular cache, like (GCMJVO).
G) The Date of the last logged entry indicating when someone either found it or did not find it.
The type of cache symbol will indicate whether the cache is a "traditional" cache (like a tupperware container or ammo box), a "virtual" cache (no container, just a particularly interesting location, a
"multi-cache" (multiple containers or clues leading to the final cache). You'll also see symbols which indicate that a "travel bug" might be in the cache. A travel bug is usually a keychain with something attached
to it like a plastic frog, car, dog...and to that is attached a metal "dog tag" (like the soldiers wear) with a serial number to help keep track of the TB's whereabouts. The idea is that Geocachers take the TB from one cache
and then drop it off into another cache somewhere else. Most TB's have a purpose or destination. I've got several TB's out there right now. For instance one of mine is a little race car with it's destination to "get to the
Indy 500". It started out here in south Florida a few weeks ago and it's already up in a Massachusetts woods inside a cache.
Now click on one of the cache names and it will take you to another window with more information about it, including the exact coordinates where it is hidden. Aaaaah, that's why you need a
GPS. The coordinates are a combination of "Latitude" and Longitude" referred to in decimal as "degrees" and "minutes"; i.e., N 27° 16.597 W 080° 24.209 would be spoken as "North twenty-seven degrees, sixteen point five nine
seven minutes...West eighty degrees, twenty-four point two zero nine minutes". Also on the page is a description of what the cache container originally had in it (usually toys, dollar store items and trinkets, but sometimes
money and other goodies).
In addition, there's a map showing the area where it's located. And if the person who hid the cache feels like he/she can also leave an encrypted "hint" which can be deciphered if you need a little extra
help. And finally you'll see comments posted by your fellow geocachers who have either found the cache or not.
Now you're ready to hunt one of these treasures with your GPS. Depending on the model of GPS you're using you can either just enter the coordinates (Latitude and Longitude) into your GPS manually, or you
can use a free program like EasyGPS to download coordinates and waypoints into your GPS. You can get Easy GPS Here. To quote from the developer, "EasyGPS is the fast and easy way to create,
edit, and transfer waypoints and routes between your computer and your Garmin, Magellan, or Lowrance GPS." Cool, so what does that mean? Well, it means that if your GPS is compatible and has a USB or serial port and you
have a computer (duh) you can download the coordinates from Geocaching.com and send it from your computer to your GPS very quickly.
Look at the top of the cache page you're still on and you'll see "Click icon to download" and choose either the .Loc file or the .gpx file (either will work with EasyGPS). Bring up the EasyGPS program and
open the .Loc file, attach your GPS to the computer, and download the waypoint info into it. Done. Are you ready to jump in the car and head to that first cache? Well, not quite.....we found out after a couple of our first
hunts that there are some things you might want to take along to make the experience more pleasant. But before I do, let me tell you that I live in south Florida and my experiences are going to be a lot different from someone
geoacaching in Colorado.
The only hills we have here in south Florida are fire ant hills. Get a small backpack and put these items into it: Flashlight, extra batteries for your GPS, water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, first aid
kit, gloves, a few snacks, trinkets and toys to trade at the cache, and cellphone (we also put a snake bite kit in our pack). We also found out that unless you like coming back bloody, long pants are a good idea if you might
be tramping through palmettos and thorny bushes. And, it's a good idea to print out the cache description and the map from Geocaching.com....I'm sure your list will include other items for different areas of the world and
the difficulty of the cache. If it's hidden in the mountains, you might need some rope!
Ok...let's go.... Look at your map and get as close to the cache location as possible; look for parks and access roads. The majority of caches are hidden in city, county and state parks and preserves. Once
you're as close as you can get, park and start following the GPS to the geocache. Some will be very easy to find and perhaps a few feet off a path, some will be very long hikes over tough terrain, some might require special
equipment or skills to get to. But most will be doable by most geocachers. Just check the difficulty descriptions and proceed. We've found several caches now and I must admit I like the ones that are contained in old military
ammo cases which tend to keep the contents dry and more protected than some other containers, including tupperware, plastic jugs, and cans.
Remember, the cache cannot be buried, but it can be very well hidden. It might be covered with leaves or sticks or rocks. It might be camouflaged. And remember that the coordinates might not be exactly
on target. Even if the coordinates are exactly on the money, your GPS might not pick up the satellites very well on any particular day. And most GPS units have trouble when you're standing in the woods under heavy tree cover.
The GPS just can't "see" the satellites as well. In that case, when you're within 25 feet or so, mark that spot, move to another position opposite the first and mark that spot and then begin searching the area between the
two.
It really helps if you're lucky enough to have a family of eager geocachers like I do searching the area. We've struck out a few times (couldn't find it), but that's ok because we're having so much fun!
When you find the cache, open it up, and if you'd like you can take an item and leave one to replace it. Always sign the notebook with the date you found it and your Geocaching name. Geocaching has grown and grown in popularity
around the world.
There are hundreds of Geocaching associations, clubs, and teams, and I think just about every state has a Geocaching organization. Do a search on Google for geocaching
and you'll get an idea of how popular it's become. If this all still seems a bit confusing (and don't take this personally) you might want to consider
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Geocaching. Being outside in the fresh air, hiking, enjoying nature, being with family and friends while
on a common mission to find the "treasure" - you just can't beat that. My kids are really hooked too. Although most of the stuff in the cache boxes have little real value, you can imagine how exciting it is for a nine-year-old
boy to hunt and find treasure - every weekend! It's fun for mom and dad too.
Enjoy!
David Lane, president
GPS-Planet.com, a division of Global Store Direct
