Read below for some infomation on Geocaching
Geocaching brings together the outdoors and technology to create a fantastic, addictive and rewarding outdoor game. The aim is to find Geocaches that have been hidden all over the world by other Geocachers. You are never far away from a Geocache, yet most people walk past them every day without ever knowing they are there!
What is a Geocache?
A geocache (or cache) is physical container that is hidden in outdoor public places. To qualify as a Geocache, it must contain at least a log sheet where a finder can leave a dated note. However, many Geocaches are large enough to contain trackables, loot and swappables. The cache may also contain information about the area. There is a cache for every scenario, from nanos, suitable for urban hides, all the way up to large clip seal boxes. The category descriptions on our shop will provide you with more information on geocache classifications.
How do I find a Geocache?
That’s the fun bit! To play, all you need is a free account with Geocaching.com. You can then search for Geocaches in your area. Then comes the cool bit; you are provided with the GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates for its location. You can then use a GPS receiver to navigate to the cache. Many mobile phones now have GPS built in, and several applications are available which are dedicated to Geocaching.
Each Geocache has a unique page on Geocaching.com. This page has information on what it is, its characteristics and extra notes on how to find it. People often use a hide to bring people to a certain area, perhaps with a historical or aesthetic significance.
When you find a cache, you can sign and date the log inside. You also log the cache as found on Geocaching.com, and write a log note on the caches page. This log can then be seen by others who view the page and the cache owner.
What is Geocache Loot and swappables?
The larger geocaches can accommodate cache loot and swappables. These are small items that are left by other Geocachers when they find the cache. They can be anything from small toys, interesting currency, or games. The list is endless. The only rule is that if you take something, you need to leave something.
What are trackables such as Travel Bugs and Geocoins?
Trackables add a whole extra dimension to Geocaching. The original trackable was the Travel Bug, but there are now an immense variety of trackable items such as Geocoins, Cache Buddies, Cachekinz and Travel Tags to name but a few. The aim is for the trackable to travel the world by moving from cache to cache. If a Geocacher finds a Geocache with a trackable inside it, they can “retrieve” it. They then “place” the trackable inside another Geocache. A unique tracking code allows the trackable to be logged on Geocaching.com each time it is moved. Each trackable has a unique page on Geocaching.com. The owner uses this page to give the trackable a unique name, provide information and even assign it a specific mission such as to reach a certain country or city.
How do I place my own Geocache?
Placing a geocache is a simple yet rewarding process. Think of a suitable location that may have personal, historical or aesthetic significance. Then scout the area. Is there a suitable place to hide the cache? What is the best size to use? A nano Geocache or micro Geocache may be more versatile but a larger cache provides a more satisfying find.
Once you’re ready, hide your Geocache and make a note of the GPS coordinates. You then fill in a form on Geocaching.com. Once complete, the hide request is sent to a reviewer who just checks that the hide complies with the guidelines set out by Groundspeak (the organisation behind Geocaching). If all is OK, the reviewer will publish your Geocache and people will start to find it!
Is Geocaching Secretive?
Yes and no. It is not Groundspeaks intention to make Geocaching clandestine so feel free to tell your friends or anyone you may think would like it. But, you must take care when searching for Geocaches. None Geocachers are known as Muggles. If a Muggle sees you searching for a Geocache, most of the time they will just be interested in what you are doing. However unfortunately, some may vandalise or even destroy the Geocache. The same applies to people coming across them unintentionally. A cache note will inform Muggles what it is if they find it by accident, but hiding the cache carefully after a find will reduce the chance of an accidental find.
The stealth involved while Geocaching adds another dimension, and is actually a lot of fun. You will have to use all your cunning to find them without being caught!
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