Today is

By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Geocaching explained

Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunting game in which the participants use global positioning system (GPS) reciever or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers (called "geocaches" or "caches") anywhere in the world.

A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook and "treasure," usually toys or trinkets of little value. Today, well over 480,000 geocaches are registered on various websites devoted to the sport. Geocaches are currently placed in over 100 countries around the world and on all seven continents, including Antartica.

Geocaching introduction

I’m a self-confessed technophobe. I have never sent a text message or taken a photo with a cell phone; played a video game or watched a movie on a personal DVD player. In fact, I never quite mastered working the video machine so I could be a lost cause altogether.

But not quite...not since I discovered geocaching – the latest outdoor craze to hit treasure hunting enthusiasts across the world. Because, to be successful at geocaching you need to be familiar with a global positioning unit or gps for short…and I am pleased to say, I not only have said unit, but I can use it!

Things for Geocaching

Before you head out on your next Geocaching trip, be sure you have everything you need. I use a fanny pack that has my geocaching items in it so I can always be ready to go. You do not need a backpack, unless you have children with you for all the extra things you need for them.

This is the checklist, with an explanation of each below:

GPS Receiver
List of Caches
Pencil or Pen
SWAG
Bugspray
Gloves
Flashlight
Compass
Spare GPS Batteries
Trash bag for CITO (optional)
Water

CONCLUSION

Gecaching had its start in May 2000 after the US government decided to make an improved GPS signal available to the public. This made the public use of GPS systems far more accurate and much more useful than it had been to that point.

Soon after this government announcement David Ulmer of Oregon placed his first geocache. His concept of the game, then called The Great GPS Stash Hunt, was very simple: the hider would hide a container and note the GPS coordinates. The seeker would use those coordinates to locate the container, make a note in the log, and trade items.