Outdoor Adventure Awaits

FOR YEARS children have enjoyed hiding things, giving simple clues, then challenging their playmates to find the hidden objects. Now, searching for "treasures" has gone hi-tech, and it is attracting adults by the thousands around the world. Geocaching (pronounced: geo-cashing) is an up-to-date version of a treasure hunt. And, most geocachers are enjoying the hunt as much as making a discovery!

In order to find the general area where treasures (cache) might be located, geocachers need only to go to the Web at www.geocaching.com. An online search for cache locations can be made by country, state, city, or ZIP code. Also at the Web site, searchers can find the cache's waypoint (usually latitude and longitude).

For the actual trek to find the treasure, a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) unit is needed. These electronic devices usually range somewhere between $100 and $1,000. Accuracy for GPS units is generally between six and twenty feet. When geocachers are ready to begin the hunt, the cache's waypoint is entered into the GPS unit.

Hidden containers hold the treasures - which can be most anything. Items discovered might include a logbook, collectible coins, toys, trinkets, perhaps a CD, tape, or even some actual cash. Upon finding the hidden container, the searcher usually is expected to first sign a logbook and then has the option of taking an item and leaving something else, or not trading at all. After making a discovery, searchers should log their find onto the geocaching Web site.

Some caches may be found rather quickly; others are more difficult to locate and may require several hours. For many geocachers, the chances of finding a cache nearby, or within easy driving distance, are good. According the the geocaching Web site, there are over 300,000 caches in over 200 countries world-wide.

Individuals hiding a cache should mark its location with a GPS unit and report its placement on the geocaching Web site. Also, the cache should be checked as often as possible to be sure it remains in good condition and that missing items are replaced.

For a unique leisure experience, geocaching provides adults the opportunity to return to the joys of a childhood game: a treasure hunt! When geocaching, outdoor adventure awaits!