Podcast: Play in new window | Download
What is Geocaching?
Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game that could be considered Treasure Hunting in the 21st Century. It is a simple, fun, family friendly, geeky hobby / game that anyone can play! A geocache (a container of some type) is hidden somewhere, its coordinates are recorded (in latitude and longitude), and published on a website (the most popular is www.geocaching.com). Using these coordinates and a smart phone app (or GPS unit), someone else can try and find the hidden cache.
A typical geocache contains "treasure" (aka trinkets) and a log book or log sheet. When found, an item can be taken from the cache as long as another item (of equal or greater value) is left in its place. A message is written in the cache log book by the visitor (typically: the date the cache was found, their geocaching username, and any comments they might have). The visitor will use the app to post a "Found It" log or they can visit the listing website and post their "found it" there.
Geocaching can be played by anyone, and the caches can be located anywhere on Earth (currently there are over 3 million caches hidden in just about every country in the world!) They are stashed near the Pyramids, floating in underwater caves, or they might be down the street at your local park! Team PodCacher has found thousands of geocaches all around San Diego county. We often go searching for caches when we travel and have been brought to places that we would have not otherwise visited. All you need is your smart phone, Internet access, and a sense of adventure. Just don't forget to bring something to put back into the cache.
What is a GPS device?
A GPS (Global Positioning System) unit is an electronic device that can determine your approximate location (within 6-20 feet) on the planet. Once you input the coordinates of the geocache, you can use the unit to navigate from your current location to the location of the cache. Before smart phones were around, geocachers would use GPS units to hunt down geocaches, which would have to be loaded in ahead of time. Now, it is much easier to use a smart phone app and instantly see all the geocaches hidden around your location.
What kind of "treasure" is in a cache?
Although occasional geocaches may contain movie passes, DVDs, or gift cards, most contain inexpensive trinkets (keychains, action figures, rubber balls, etc.) that children like to exchange. The real reward is the journey, adventure and destination. Many people have found interesting spots that they would have not otherwise visited if not for the hunt.
More information on Geocaching at Wikipedia
The Geocaching.com 4-box logo is a registered Trademark of Groundspeak Inc. Used with permission.