The High-Tech-Hide-N-Seek Game For Everyone
Geocaching is a
game, a sport and an activity for anyone with a love of the outdoors and an interest in modern technology, a GPS device.
This is one of the most exciting and quickly growing games in recent history.
Geocaching began in 2000,
during the Clinton administration, when the government officially removed "selective availability" from the Global
Positioning System satellites. Civillian GPS units were then able to access the system with a much greater accuracy
than previously allowed. Within days of this David Ulmer, thought to be the first person to hide a geocache in
Oregon, states that there are 360 ways to get to any one location so get ready for a challenge. There are over 839,756
active caches worldwide. He then posted the coordinates of his treasure on the internet and told others to "go find it!"
The phenomenon of Geocaching sprang from just one simple posting and has since grown around the world. The simple
guidelines have remained the same - find the cache, take something, leave something, and sign the
logbook.
The Kripalu Yoga Center is now a geocache site with 7 acres of land to explore. Go to
http://www.geocaching.com/ and register then you can put in our zip code (13606) and come find the cache. You can also locate
geocaches located in other areas. All you need are the coordinates to start your GPS hunt. The cache will be something
hidden in a small waterproof container which is too small to hold a writing intstrument so remember to bring
one with you. Once found you take your find and add your treasure for someone else to find. Then go to http://www.geocaching.com/ to record your adventure and tell others about your discovery. Be sure to check
out the important safety tips while visitng the geocaching site before you begin and check out the recent logs and photos
left by others.
Come, bring your family, a friend, scouting troop, or any group that would like to join
in the fun. Get our coordinates then happy hunting! (don't forget your camera!)
Here is how it works:
1. Carefully choose a location and fill a container with an item to trade and a logbook.
Register the new cache on GEOCACHING.COM to share it with the world.
2. Once you receive the coordinates and other
information from the website, another geocacher uses a hand-held GPS to look for the cache.
The GPS receives signals
from Global Positioning System satellites to give the user their current longitude and latitude. The Geocacher has no
ides of the altitude of the cache location or the terrain or what kind of structure the cache container might be hidden in.
This is part of the challenge of finding the cache!
3. The finder takes something from the container as a memento
of their visit, leaves something for the next player, signs the logbook and returns the container to its hiding place.
Later, they will log their visit on GEOCACHING.COM along with pictures of their adventure so thst others can read about their
adventure and enjoy seeing your cache.
Variations of the Game
Micro-Caches
Small caches
are often hidden in 35mm film canisters, usually with just a log-sheeet.
Multi-Caches
This is a cache in which the finder must follow a set ofinstructions and go to several locations before finally
finding the cache container. This could be a great way to offer a guided tour of an area.
Mystery
Caches
You have to solve a puzzle in order to find the cache container. Imagine the possibilities!
You are only limited by your imagination.
Event Caches
This a meeting
of several Geocachers getting together for a day of fun. These are usually held in state parks or other public areas.
Geocachers Practice "CITO"
In an effort to give back to the parks and other environments Geocachers
practice what is called "CITO," meaning cache in and trash out. THey do their part to remove
trash and debris from the environment and leave the area as untouched as possible.
Many carry trash bags witht hem and
often organize special events to help beutify parks and environments.
