Geocaching
"What in the @#$! is geocaching?"
Well, to put it in the simplest terms, it's a "sport" involving GPS (global positioning system) and caches; geo- for geography and caching - meaning to place for concealing and preserving provisions. You use a GPS unit to find stuff other people have hidden. The caches are posted on Geocaching.com. They also have a really good FAQ section.
Ok, here's an example:
I go hide a cache with a bunch of knick-knacks in it under a bunch of dead branches. I find the coordinates with my GPS unit and post the cache on Geocaching.com, along with clues (maybe), photos, etc. Then people get the coordinates and put them into their GPS unit. Now GPS units are only acccurate to within about 10 feet; that's where the challenge is. So the people go and look for my cache. Most find it, some don't. If they find it, they open it up and check out what's inside. No two caches are alike. They are currently (at the time of writing this) located in 101 countries and in all 50 states. One thing that is in 99.99% of caches is a log book. When the cache is found, you write something in the log book. Some people put disposable cameras in their caches and ask for you to take a picture if you want to. Now, for the knick-knacks. You can take something from the cache as long as you put something in return. Caches have everything from Silly Putty to computer hardwear in them. So don't trade a pack of gum for that Gameboy. Then, they go back to the site and log that they found it (or didn't) and what they took/left (or didn't); each cache has a log on its site. You might even meet other people doing the same thing as you while out there.
"How easy is it?"
Some are very easy, some are very hard. Some you can walk right up to, a few require technical equipment (and mad skillz). Some take minutes to get to, some take hours, and a few take days; most take an hour or 2 round trip. All in all, there's something for everyone out there. It's as easy (or as hard) as you make it. Some caches require you to think (what a concept!!!).
"Does it cost anything?"
There is some cost involved, mostly in the form of getting a GPS unit. they range anywhere from $100 to $1000. Personally, I like Garmin GPS units. They give you the most bang for your buck, and I'm happy with mine. I have an E-Trex. It goes for around $110. It's a basic GPS unit, but that's more than it sounds like. But it works just fine for geocaching. And believe it or not, Garmin now has a geocaching icon on some units (it's a little treasure chest). The only other cost is usually "travel expenses": snacks, gas, batteries, knick-knacks if you can't find some at home.
"How do I place my own?"
You need a container. Most people use plastic boxes (rubbermade or the like) or military surplus ammo boxes (usually 50 caliber - they go for $7-10 depending on the store). The main thing is that it be waterproof. And the size is really up to you; I've seen film canisters all the way up to 5 gallon buckets (and I bet there are bigger and smaller). They can be alone or in series....one cache leads you to another. Or you might want to do a virtual cache. See Geocaching.com for more info on the different types of caches.
You need something to put in it. Its up to you, just put a log book in there too so people can sign it. The site has tips on hiding them. You'll also want to include a note in case someone stumbles upon it nad wants to know what it is.
Next, place the cache and record the latitude/longitude. I've been told to take a reading, walk away and come back a few times. Then average the coordinates (some GPS units can do it for you). This is to ensure that your reading is accurate.
After it's placed, submit it to the Geocaching.com. They have to approve the cache which take a couple days.
One thing you want to do is check on the cache every so often to make sure it's in good shape, to read the log book, and to retrieve the camera if you have one. Sometimes you might want to add to or re-stock the cache with more goodies. Another reason to check it is to make sure it's still there. 99.9% of the people are good, but it's the .1% bad ones that ruin the fun for everyone.
These are just some of the questions I had when I first heard about it. Geocaching.com has answers to all sorts of questions, plus other info about it that I didn't discuss here. If you've got any other questions, check out the site or e-mail me.
By the way, if you see that Squabbit has logged into a cache, that's me. :) Happy Caching!
Caches Squabbit has logged
as of February 19, 2002
2/4/2002 Gateway Rocks Overlook (Colorado)
2/4/2002 Power Box (Colorado)
1/27/2002 Penguin #1 (Colorado)
1/27/2002 PULPIT ROCK CACHE (Colorado)
1/27/2002 The Ultimate Rock Cairn (Colorado)
1/27/2002 The Monolith GPS Cache (Colorado)
1/19/2002 Ash Cache (Colorado)
10/29/2001 Palmer Overlook II (Colorado)
8/27/2001 So Long, Punk! (Texas) - destroyed by brush fire
8/27/2001 Don't Ramble, Tiger! (Texas)
8/7/2001 Palmer Park Quickie (Colorado)
7/25/2001 Geocache (Colorado) - no longer in existence....got raided too many times and was in sad shape.
5/15/2001 The Canadian Stash (Colorado)
Soon, I hope to start taking pictures when I go and post them here as well as on the cache site.
Caches Hidden by Squabbit
None so far, but I have a couple ideas. I'm going to scout out some sites soon and mark them in the GPS.
© 2002 muzikmann@msn.com