There are 1,211,988 active caches and an estimated 4-5 million geocachers worldwide.
What is it?
Wikipedia describes “Geocaching” as a “game of high-tech hide and seek”. www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geocaching
According to the Geocaching.com website – “Geocaching” is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices.
It is an outdoor activity in which the participants GPS to hide and seek containers, called “geocaches” or “caches”, anywhere in the world.
A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook. Larger containers such as plastic storage containers or ammo boxes can also contain items for trading, usually toys or trinkets of little value.
With many of the cache owners the aim is to impart some local knowledge, share a special memory or join together to save a precious vista with an eco-message.
How do you get started?
The Website:
Log on to www.geocaching.com
- Register for a free Basic Membership.
- Click “Hide & Seek a Cache.”
- Enter your postal code and click “search.”
- Choose any geocache from the list and click on its name.
- Enter the coordinates of the geocache into your GPS Device.
- Use your GPS device to assist you in finding the hidden geocache.
- Sign the logbook and return the geocache to its original location.
- Share your geocaching stories and photos online.
Start with ‘easy’ finds like “The Ghost of Tokai Manor” or “Mosterts mill” to get the feel of things, it can even be a family affair with kids loving the outdoor treasure hunt.
The Equipment
Start out using what you already have that has gps e.g: your phone or existing cycle computer etc.
As you get more involved there is an array of devices to choose from such as the Garmin cycling specific range:
From the basic:
Rugged, lightweight Edge 205 attaches easily to the stem or handlebars of your bike with the included bike mount. Just turn it on, acquire GPS satellites and go. Edge automatically measures your speed, distance, time, calories burned and altitude, and records this data for your review. For even more detailed data, get the Edge 305, which can track your heart rate, cadence, climb and descent.
To the Full House:
Trainer. Navigator. Edge 705 pushes you to do your best, then shows you the way back. This GPS-enabled cycle computer knows no limits. Get heart rate, turn-by-turn directions, cadence (from optional sensor), power data (from optional ANT+Sport-enabled third-party power meters), the works. Even share your data with other Edge 705 buddies after your ride. All wireless with a color display, this is no ordinary cycle computer.
Take on more challenging finds as you advance and eventually create your own.
Whatever you are after .. history, puzzles, adventure or saving the world … you are sure to find like minded people here.
Happy cycling