GEOCACHING
We have been geocaching for a few years now and have gotten souvenirs from the states we have found geocaches. What is geocaching, you ask? I will tell you a little bit here, but this geocaching site will explain it in more detail. There you can search for geocaches in your area; buy and use a GPS device; learn about the history of geocaching; find geocachers and events; participate in the online forums; locate resources and recommendations.
Geocaching is the real-world treasure hunt that's happening right now, all around you. There are 2,338,583 active geocaches and over 6 million geocachers worldwide. It is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Anyone can use coordinates found on Geocaching.com to locate geocaches.
A reason to get outdoors: Geocaching combines technology with outdoor adventure and is a great way to explore locations near and far. Pair geocaching with camping, hiking, biking, boating or any number of activities for an even more enjoyable experience.
The "treasure", in its simpliest form, is a geocache that contains a logbook or logsheet for you to sign. Caches may also contain items for trade, but the journey in discovering a geocache is often the greatest reward. There are geocaches on every continent, from Antarctica to North America. They may be at your local park, the end of a long hike, underwater, or on the side of a city street. People from all age groups can participate in geocaching, including individuals, families with children, students, adults and retirees. Geocaching is a great way to bring friends and family together while having fun outdoors.
Geocaching Basics. Before you go, learn how to operate your GPS device and bring extra batteries. Select a geocache with terrain and difficulty ratings that will meet your goals. A (1/1) is easiest, a (5/5) the most difficult. Read the geocache description and don't forget the hints. It is also a good idea to bring a map and compass. Remember that a geocache can take longer to find depending on environmental obstacles. Pack any needed supplies such as water, food, and extra clothing. Invite friends and family with you; sharing the experience can be very rewarding. Pets are usually welcome too. Let someone else know where you are going.
Mark your car or a trailhead as a waypoint to ensure your safe return. Rely on your eyes rather than your GPS device within 50 feet of the geocache location. Geocaches are hidden in plain sight and never buried, but they are often very cleverly camouflaged. Be mindful of the environment; practice Cache In, Trash Out.
After you locate the cache, sign the logbook. Leave the cache as you found it (hidden, of course). Share your geocache stories and photos online at geocaching.com. If you take something from the cache, leave something of equal or greater value.
There are various types of geocaches:
Traditional: The original geocache type consisting of, at minimum, a container and a logbook. Coordinates listed on a traditional geocache page give the cache's exact location.
Multi-cache: A multi-cache involves two or more locations. Hints found at the initial location(s) lead to the final geocache, which is a physical container.
? Mystery or puzzle caches: Mystery or puzzle caches can involve complicated puzzles you will first need to solve to determine the coordinates of the cache.
One of my favorite things about geocaching is getting a souvenir. Everything you log a geocache in a new state, you get a Souvenir. There are also special souvenirs you can get for different activities listed by the Geocaching organization. That's how I got some of the special ones. There are some blanks because I have not gotten a geocache in those states, specifically in the eastern U.S., but even though we traveled up the eastern U.S. during the summer of 2019, I never searched out any geocaches to get any souvenirs in those states.
Geocaching is the real-world treasure hunt that's happening right now, all around you. There are 2,338,583 active geocaches and over 6 million geocachers worldwide. It is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Anyone can use coordinates found on Geocaching.com to locate geocaches.
A reason to get outdoors: Geocaching combines technology with outdoor adventure and is a great way to explore locations near and far. Pair geocaching with camping, hiking, biking, boating or any number of activities for an even more enjoyable experience.
The "treasure", in its simpliest form, is a geocache that contains a logbook or logsheet for you to sign. Caches may also contain items for trade, but the journey in discovering a geocache is often the greatest reward. There are geocaches on every continent, from Antarctica to North America. They may be at your local park, the end of a long hike, underwater, or on the side of a city street. People from all age groups can participate in geocaching, including individuals, families with children, students, adults and retirees. Geocaching is a great way to bring friends and family together while having fun outdoors.
Geocaching Basics. Before you go, learn how to operate your GPS device and bring extra batteries. Select a geocache with terrain and difficulty ratings that will meet your goals. A (1/1) is easiest, a (5/5) the most difficult. Read the geocache description and don't forget the hints. It is also a good idea to bring a map and compass. Remember that a geocache can take longer to find depending on environmental obstacles. Pack any needed supplies such as water, food, and extra clothing. Invite friends and family with you; sharing the experience can be very rewarding. Pets are usually welcome too. Let someone else know where you are going.
Mark your car or a trailhead as a waypoint to ensure your safe return. Rely on your eyes rather than your GPS device within 50 feet of the geocache location. Geocaches are hidden in plain sight and never buried, but they are often very cleverly camouflaged. Be mindful of the environment; practice Cache In, Trash Out.
After you locate the cache, sign the logbook. Leave the cache as you found it (hidden, of course). Share your geocache stories and photos online at geocaching.com. If you take something from the cache, leave something of equal or greater value.
There are various types of geocaches:
Traditional: The original geocache type consisting of, at minimum, a container and a logbook. Coordinates listed on a traditional geocache page give the cache's exact location.
Multi-cache: A multi-cache involves two or more locations. Hints found at the initial location(s) lead to the final geocache, which is a physical container.
? Mystery or puzzle caches: Mystery or puzzle caches can involve complicated puzzles you will first need to solve to determine the coordinates of the cache.
One of my favorite things about geocaching is getting a souvenir. Everything you log a geocache in a new state, you get a Souvenir. There are also special souvenirs you can get for different activities listed by the Geocaching organization. That's how I got some of the special ones. There are some blanks because I have not gotten a geocache in those states, specifically in the eastern U.S., but even though we traveled up the eastern U.S. during the summer of 2019, I never searched out any geocaches to get any souvenirs in those states.