Geocaching is an increasingly popular, appreciated, fun, healthy and suitable activity for all ages. It can be done alone or in company, participating in a team with your family, friends, classmates or other groups. Sport combines technology and adventure, a mix that was considered impossible by many. The game essentially consists of using a GPS receiver to get to your destination. At the arrival point, attendees will find a hidden container (or cache). Once identified, the visit is recorded in a register. Optionally, one of the objects contained in the cache can be exchanged for a personal article. This wikiHow guide will walk you through the basics of sport.
Steps
Step 1. Get a GPS receiver (or a smartphone, Android or Apple, with GPS functions)
You can buy it, rent it or borrow it. Certain Garmin models feature the "virtual geocaching" feature, described in the "Tips" section.
Step 2. Create an account on a site that publishes cache lists
Some web pages offer completely free access to caching data and all the features of caching sites. Others, however, require a premium member status to access certain information. The sites on the net are varied, so explore them and decide which ones you prefer.
Step 3. Use the website search function to find a cache list near you
Geocaches are hidden everywhere. Wherever you are, surely there will be someone to find.
Step 4. Choose a cache of your interest
Write down any details or clues in a notebook or by printing the page. Be sure to check the difficulty level. If you are a beginner, you may be discouraged by selecting a cache that is too complicated.
Step 5. On the GPS unit, create a waypoint to find the cache
Use the latitude and longitude coordinates given by the cache website. You may also be able to transfer the cache coordinates to the GPS using the connection cable, provided you have the correct software.
Step 6. Carry a small article to exchange for one in the cache
It should be an item that you are willing to give away, but interesting and of value to another person. Some caches are based on certain themes, so be sure to bring something related to trade.
Step 7. Use the navigation function (or equivalent) of the GPS unit to generate an arrow on the screen
It will show you the waypoint you just created.
Step 8. Using the arrow as a guide, determine your path to the cache
Step 9. Once the cache is found, make a note of how it was hidden
You will need to reposition it in the same way.
Step 10. Open the cache and browse the articles it contains
Consider whether you'd like to swap your item for one that is in the container. You should always offer an item of equal or greater value for the sport to be fair and honest. You don't have to trade if you don't want to. Alternatively, you can help fill an almost empty cache by leaving your article and taking nothing.
Step 11. Find the logbook, or log, in the cache
Immortalize your passage by noting the date and username of the caching site on the logbook.
Step 12. Close the cache well and rebind it in the exact place and in the exact way you found it for the seekers who will look for it after you
Step 13. Go home and register your visit on the caching website of your choice
Retrieve the selected cache and use the “Record your visit” function (or equivalent) to record the find. Include the same details noted on the actual cache logbook.
Advice
- Most geocaches are labeled as such. If the container doesn't have any writing, it could be a lost box in the woods.
- Make sure you log the visit to the cache on the website. It may seem like a futile effort after reaching the goal. In fact, it helps the cache owner keep track of its condition. In fact, it will be able to track when it was last found. Also, your discovery will be recognized. It only takes a minute; as your findings start piling up, you'll regret not doing it with every cache.
- When you revive the cache, remember that it must survive wind, rain, temperature changes, humidity and, in some parts of the world, ice, snow, freezing and thawing. Make sure it is tightly closed and properly hidden. Take note of any cache condition issues, so you can report them to the owner later (for example, if it is wet inside, has a hole in it, does not close properly, etc.).
- You can triangulate the location of the cache. 30m away, follow the arrow on the GPS to the cache. Repeat this twice while walking from different directions. The point, hopefully one, where these three paths meet should be the location of the cache. This technique usually takes you a step or two away from the actual cache. So, if it's well hidden, you know where to focus your search. If you decide to hide a cache, you should use this technique to get the best coordinates.
-
The arrow on the GPS can let you down and get you down for several reasons:
- A GPS can only deduce the direction you are moving in. It does this by tracking your location over a certain amount of time. Once you stop moving, it can't do it anymore. As a result, keep in mind that the arrow will likely not be accurate once you stop. Take half a dozen steps to properly adjust the arrow.
-
Your current position calculated by GPS is not exact. In short, anything that blocks your view of the sky will reduce the accuracy of your location. Learn to examine GPS accuracy so that you can evaluate this variable in your search. The accuracy of your location can vary widely for several factors, including:
- Trees.
- Electric lines.
- Mountains.
- Other people.
- Satellites flying over where you live at a certain time of day. Trimble allows you to download a free tool to plan your hunt, knowing when most satellites will fly over your swath of land.
- Large, flat items; they may reflect a satellite signal on them. A building is an example of this.
- When selecting an item to carry around for trading, consider that some of the most popular items are marbles, bouncing balls, keychains, and stacks. You could buy it in a shop that sells everything for one euro. In addition, cultural objects are appreciated, which are difficult to find. They help enrich the experience and make geocaching more interesting for others (examples: commemorative pins, photographs, handicrafts, etc.).
-
Learn about the variations of the traditional geocache. The experiences are varied, you can choose one according to your mood:
- Multi-caches are a sort of treasure hunt contained in the geocaching experience; precede the finding of the final cache destination.
- The word “microcache” indicates small containers. Often they only contain a piece of paper, which serves as a logbook (bring a pencil with you). They are often found in places where a larger cache would be impractical.
- Cache puzzles may require you to solve a puzzle to get the cache coordinates.
- Virtual caches don't have any containers, but they require you to find some location information or take a photo to prove your discovery. They are popular in particular environmental areas.
- Locationless caches, without localization, are more like a treasure hunt; they challenge you to find an object or monument that could be anywhere. To prove that you have found it, you will need to take a photo.
- Some caches have certain coordinates at a certain time, but then they will be moved. In fact, once found, they are taken elsewhere. The new coordinates are sent to the cache owner and changes are made on the website accordingly.
- Don't rely on a first generation iPhone's location system, it's not as accurate as GPS. IPhone 3Gs feature full GPS and should work like any other device.
- When you think you've found the cache, make sure it's not actually a nearby container used for letterboxing (a kind of geocaching). These containers feature a hand-crafted rubber stamp which should not be removed. In addition, they have a logbook. Exchange articles should never be placed in a container for letterboxing.
- When your GPS unit takes you to an area that is approximately 10 meters from the cache, you need to trust the GPS less and more about your notes and deductive abilities. Look around and ask yourself: "Where would I hide a cache?". Remember to look up and down, caches can be underground or hung from a tree.
- Consider using geocaching software. They are designed to help geocachers manage a list of found and not found caches, locate cache locations with road-level and topographic maps, fly over a target cache location, and record experience notes and comments left in logs., to be uploaded later to a geocaching website. Most GPS receivers allow geocachers to load a cache list using a data transfer cable and good software.
-
Image You can buy a GPS receiver at an outdoor supply store, hardware store, electronics store, or mall. You might as well take a look on eBay. Do you want it used? Go to the caching site forums. You will pay 100-150 euros for a good product. If you want extra features, like better location accuracy, easier controls, a bigger screen, better maps, and so on, you'll have to pay more. The best known brands are Garmin and Magellan. There is also a new geocaching receiver, called Geomate.jr. It is very simple to use, perfect for children. Evaluate your alternatives and buy the one that suits you.
Image -
Image 
Image Virtual geocaching is possible with certain Garmin models (Colorado, Mobile XT, Nuvi, Oregon, StreetPilot, Zumo…). This function allows you to see information about the cache, logs and icons on the screen. Optionally, there is an audio feature to alert you when you approach caching locations, but it requires a premium account for certain geocaching sites.
-
Image A satisfying experience for children A common mistake made by less experienced and younger cachers is to rush to the cache, ignoring possible obstacles. Geocaching teaches us the importance of planning a strategy and a route. Use your eyes, ears, and your knowledge of the area to stay as long as possible on the road, trail, or trail of someone who has passed before you, even if it means temporarily moving away from the cache. Even consumed cachers find themselves traveling for miles, ending up on the wrong side of a gorge or river.
-
Image Minimize the environmental impact by following the paths for as long as possible and based on the CITO, Cache In, Trash Out rule. Basically, it means that you have to collect the garbage on the way, in order for the ecological impact of geocaching to be zero. In some places you will find an official CITO envelope in a cache, but you should also carry your own plastic bag.
Warnings
- In an era where security controls have been heightened, you need to consider your surroundings when planning to hide a cache. For example, you should not place containers near areas or buildings that could be deemed targets for terrorist attacks. If you unintentionally cause anxiety, you may have to pay fines, be considered a criminal, or return the full amount of public spending due to your action.
- Make sure you focus more on the surrounding area than on the GPS. Check the receiver periodically only if necessary. It is much more important to think about your safety and watch where you are going.
- Before you go geocaching, notify someone by telling them where you will go and when you should return. It may be useful to leave a copy with the cache details. Should you ever get lost, this information will indicate specific coordinates to who will go looking for you.
- You have a responsibility to obey local laws. This approach is essential for practicing geocaching without having problems. For example, no caching site can give you the right to enter private property without permission. If you suspect the path may lead you into someone's garden, find an alternative one.
- Bring a basic first aid and survival kit for emergencies.
-
Check the weather forecast before you go there and pay particular attention to the UV index, wind speed and direction, probability of precipitation and low temperatures. Wear appropriate clothing and apply sunscreen. The most common mistakes made by non-expert geocachers:
- Wear jeans. Wearing this item of clothing is highly discouraged, as it can be uncomfortable, takes forever to dry, and won't keep you warm.
- Many people underestimate the fact that their feet will get muddy (or at least wet). Get a good pair of hiking boots. An extra pair of socks doesn't take up much space and can save your life if your feet get soaked.
- Don't plan for the cold and rain. When temperatures are low, remember to protect your extremities first (i.e., put on wool or fleece socks, bring a good pair of gloves or mittens, cover your ears and head with a cap). Dressing in layers is ideal, so you can plan for changing weather conditions.
- Underestimate the damage caused by the sun and UV rays. Although it is cloudy, the UV rays have an effect on the skin. Geocaching is fun, and time spent in the hot sun could fly by. So, put on a hat and apply sunscreen.
- Always carry a compass with you. Not only does it help you find the cache using magnetic orientation, if the GPS stops working, you'll have a spare vehicle to find your way back into the woods.
- Carry lots of extra batteries for GPS, a flashlight, and whatever else you might need. It costs you nothing, but it could prevent any loss. NiMH rechargeable batteries are an efficient and eco-friendly solution.
- Don't forget to bring water and snacks with you.
- Never leave the house without reading the entire cache description. It often contains specific warnings about the land, possible hazards, unsafe areas and legal issues regarding private property.
- Bring a torch with you, at any time of day you go geocaching. If you get lost in the woods and it should be dark, it will help you find your way (and be found) much more easily.
- Once you are forced to move away from a familiar area and into the woods, create another waypoint. In the worst case, if you ever lose your bearings or get lost, you can always return to this point.
- Do not cache food or potentially harmful items. In general, avoid anything that could attract animals (such as food) and items not considered suitable for children (knives, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, pornographic materials, drugs, etc.). If you notice any in the cache, you may want to remove it or report it to the owner once you have access to the online registry.
- Learn to use GPS functions properly before you venture out. Many units have a "bread crumbs" or "go back" function, which allows you to retrace your steps should you ever get lost. Familiarize yourself with this feature before you leave the house, it could save your life. In fact, it's a good idea to take your receiver manual with you - you'll know what to do if you get lost and need a certain feature.
