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Geocaching Basics. Geocaching Basics. What is geocaching? What is a geocache? Why would I want to go geocaching? Brief overview of the GPS system How to find your first geocache. The next step… hide your own cache. What is geocaching?. An outdoor adventure game for GPS users of all ages.
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Geocaching Basics • What is geocaching? • What is a geocache? • Why would I want to go geocaching? • Brief overview of the GPS system • How to find your first geocache. • The next step… hide your own cache.
What is geocaching? An outdoor adventure game for GPS users of all ages. (GPS = Global Positioning System)
What is geocaching? • A weatherproof box is hidden in the woods. • The location of the box is published on the internet. • Others go out and find the box.
What is a geocache? • A weather-resistant container such as Tupperware, Rubbermaid, or surplus ammo box
What is a geocache? • Sometimes very small (Micro-cache) 35mm film container Altoids Tin Magnetic Hide-a-key
What’s in a cache? • Logbook • Trinkets to trade • Examples: toys, books, coins, tools, games, etc. • Information sheet that explains the container and geocaching, as well as contact information. • Disposable camera (optional)
Variations on the game • Traditional caches • Multi-caches / Offset caches • Mystery / Puzzle • Event caches • Travel bugs
What’s the point? • Visit and explore new places. • Excitement of finding “Hidden Treasure”. • Family friendly outdoor activity.
Global Positioning System • GPS is a system of 27 satellites (24 active, 3 reserve) to calculate your position. • Satellites transmit their current position down to Earth via radio waves.
Latitude & Longitude Latitude Number of degrees North Or South of the equator Longitude Number of degrees East or West of Greenwich, England.
Latitude & Longitude N43o 38.542 W88o 11.436
Where do I find out about nearby geocaches? • Visit the website:http://www.geocaching.com • Key in your zip code. • Over 25 Caches within 5 miles of here!
What do I need to get started? • A sense of adventure • A GPS receiver • A computer with internet access • Compass (optional) • Bug Spray or Parka
What are the rules? • If you take something, leave something. • Leave the cache as you found it. • Respect private property. • Cache in – Trash out
Cache In / Trash Out (CITO) • While searching for a cache, geocachers are encouraged to pick up and tote out trash they find along the way.
1. Learn About The Cache Print out the cache page and take it with you
2. Enter Co-ords into the GPSr Waypoint Name Waypoint Note (Optional) Latitude and Longitude(Co-ordinates)
3. Follow The Little Arrow When the arrow points straight up, you are going in the right direction. How far you have to go Direction you SHOULD go Direction you are going(Typically only works while moving) Direction you SHOULD go
4. Use Your Compass Don’t leave home without one! • Take a short break… allow the GPSr to settle, then use your compass to zero in on the actual geocache site. • Pace off the distance shown on the GPSr. • Use your compass to help you find civilization if your GPSr were to ever quit.
5. Look Around • Look for anything unusual or out of place. • Look in places that YOU think would be good to place a cache. • No luck? Enlarge your search area.
6. Woo Hoo!Found It! • Sign the log book. • Trade items if you wish. • No inappropriate trading items please. (this is a family activity) • Leave something of equal or greater value compared to what you take. • Re-hide the cache back in the same spot.
The Next Step Go out and place your own geocache for others to find! • Show off a favorite area • Think up some creative and innovative variations • Show off how sneaky you can be • Be sure and ask permission of land manager(s) • Be mindful of sensitive environmental areas