Geocaching 101

Geocaching is a global game which uses multi-billion dollar military satellites to find children's lunchboxes hidden in the woods :-)

Geocaching gets you outdoors and takes you exploring places you would not have visited otherwise!

Equipment Needed

To go geocaching you need a GPS receiver capable of showing you latitude and longitude information or use a geocaching app on your smartphone (I use C:GEO). You also need an account on geocaching.com. Free accounts will get you started while premium accounts (£30 a year, or less if you pay in $US), will get you access to all caches and permit you to download GPS-ready GPX files.

When you find a cache

If it's a physical cache you must sign the log. I'd recommend taking a pen with you as not all cache containers contain working pens. Once signed, you can then log your find on geocaching.com.

Cache Countries

Worldwide there are over 3 million caches hidden with geocaches in just about every country which allows people to use GPS receivers. There are geocaches hidden in Antarctica too. In the UK there is an estimated 100,000 caches.

Participants

Young and old, individuals, groups and families - there are estimated to be 5 million people worldwide who go geocaching either regularly or occasionally.

Cache Locations

Caches are hidden in the countryside, in wilderness locations and along public trails. They are also found in urban locations hidden with stealth and occasionally blatantly on show.

Cache Sizes

The smallest (micro) can be as small as the size of an eraser found on top of a pencil; the largest can be the size of an ex-army ammunition box. Some are simply plastic containers, others are more elaborately built, perhaps disguised as a bird box or a rock.

Cache Types

Traditional caches are simply a container with a log sheet at a published location. A multi will involve collecting some information at the published location and calculating the new location. A mystery (puzzle) is a brainteaser, sometimes fiendish, in which some research or detective work is required. An event is a gathering of geocachers. An earthcache is an educational location involving local geology. There are more types, details of which can be found on geocaching.com.

Cache Countries

Worldwide there are over 3 million caches hidden with geocaches in just about every country which allows people to use GPS receivers. There are geocaches hidden in Antarctica too. In the UK there is an estimated 100,000 caches.

Participants

Young and old, individuals, groups and families - there are estimated to be 5 million people worldwide who go geocaching either regularly or occasionally.

Find out more at Geocaching.com )