Geocaching

You may have inadvertently been alerted to the new sport in town. Maybe it was that older couple that were consulting what looked like a PDA, looking about furtively and behaving strangely in the park. Well, as much as you want to mind your own p's and q's you may want to make a discrete inquiry because it may be the new high tech version of the old sport of orienteering (map and compass work). It is called GEOCACHING and it can be played in unlimited ways in many venues. GEOCACHING is available to anyone and everyone. It isn't even necessary to be a skilful map-reader or be in particularly good physical condition; but it does help. Those related skills and abilities will come with time and the osmosis process of 'Learning by Doing'. GEOCACHING is orienteering and treasure hunting for the new millennium. You use a GPS receiver (Global Positioning System - really just a sky-high map reading assistant), the coordinates that indicate the location of a cache, and your desire to explore the unknown. GEOCACHERS use their GPS and maps to seek out and find a 'Cache' placed by someone else. Caches contain items of interest, the type that are limited only by one's imagination. Some GEOCACHERS place collectable items to be shared with the finders, or passed on in other caches to make the geocaching rounds. If permitted you may take this type of item; and replace it with an item of similar kind and value. A cache usually contains a Logbook to record your notes and comments for historical and record purposes and of course for the information of future cache finders. Some caches contain a disposable camera. The camera isn't an item to be taken. Just snap a picture of yourselves and return the camera to the cache. Sounds like a lot of good clean fun doesn't it? Well it does take a modicum of interest and effort. You will need to learn and do a few things you may not have heretofore known if you are to get involved. But I warn you - the enthusiasm is infectious! GEOCACHERS are a fine group of interesting people. Like anything else you do planning and preparation are key to the enjoyment of the sport. Most cache listings have an associated difficulty rating. Use common sense! Start with the simple tasks and gradually evolve to the more complex. Take precautions before proceeding on a cache search. Ensure someone knows where you are going and your expected return. Pack the essentials of maps, water, snack, sunscreen, and cell phone. At all times remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings and - just enjoy! GPS stands for "GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM". You may have heard of it on the newscasts and read about it in the paper. It's the high-tech method of world navigation in this high-tech world. The GPS consists of a series of mutually coordinating satellites in orbit around the Earth that broadcast their positions relative to the earth. GPS receivers (those little PDA looking devices) triangulate on these signals and determine your specific location relative to other known locations. (Sure beats the old handraulic methods of intersection and resection on topographicals). Once you select a cache and input its coordinates the GPS receiver can indicate where the cache is and in what direction it lay. How do you get there? Knowing where the cache is doesn't get you there! You need to plot your course from where you are, select your route and navigate to the cache location. Once you are in the area you have to look about for the cache, and, voila - you have found the treasure! HAPPY GEOCACHING! 2006-06       Jerry Flaman    This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it See also: www.ontariogeocaching.com (Under construction) http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gps.htm http://www.geocaching.com/about/history.aspx http://www.geocaching.com/about/glossary.aspx

 

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