Geocaching

Computers, the Internet, GPS, and Hiking for Treasure

A customer of mine (Bill) introduced me to a  fast growing sport called geocaching. Geocaching makes use of Global Positioning Satellites (GPS), the Internet and hiking to find 'treasures' all around the world!

GPS uses a series of satellites (24 to be exact) to triangulate a GPS users position. One must use a GPS receiver to utilize the system and access the satellites. Cost for a GPS receiver starts at $90. The signal will give you (within 1-3 meters of accuracy) your latitude, longitude, altitude, speed and direction. Learn more about GPS and how it works by clicking here.

Geocaching starts on the Internet. You can search for a cache using the search engine and a city name or zip code at Geocaching.com. Once you find a cache you would like to find, note its coordinates and trail description. Some are extremely easy to get to and find, others require more strenuous hikes, so be sure to read the details. Then you use maps, your GPS and treasure hunting skills to locate the cache.

When you arrive at a cache, open the container and leave a small item and take a small item or simply sign and date the log book and carefully put the cache back in its original position for the next treasure hunter to find. Upon returning home, make sure to log in your visit back at the geocaching web site.

Some great web sites that will help you have a successful ‘hunt’ include:

• GPS Information

• Mapquest

• TopoZone

Geocaching started in Oregon in May of 2000. Today there are more than 140,000 caches in nearly 214 countries. In any given week, geocaching.com records more than 70,000 logs from geocachers world wide.

My family loves going geocaching on weekends and even vacations. We shared information about this great sport with our family and friends who all now enjoy this fun sport as well.

Geocaching provides a great way to mix technology, family and friends, and nature. Check out geocaching.com and learn more about how you can get started in this exciting (and addicting) sport.