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Geo Caching the World
By Jackie Gately

Replace a crusty, sea-worn, treasure map marked by an ‘X’ with an electronically-marked “treasure” and a Global Positioning System (GPS) and you’ve got geo caching. The object of the quest is simple: embark on an in-person adventure to find a location someone posted on the Internet; then let the geo cashing community know you found it. Each “cache,” or hiding place, offers a visitor’s log and small reward item. But it’s the thrill of the adventure that’s the real prize.

Geo caching can range from a local, outdoor adventure that lasts just a few hours, to the highlight of your cross-country or intercontinental travel plans. It is an addictive hobby enjoyed year round by all ages as a family adventure, mystery date, or a peaceful escape for one.

How Hard Can It Be?

A geo cache may be placed anywhere on the globe. Once placed, the location is pinpointed using GPS technology, then shared on the Internet so anyone with a GPS unit can try to find it. You can choose your geo caching destination by skill level and geographic area at sites like Geocaching.com.

Should be simple, right? It’s not as easy as it sounds.

Before you embark, it’s a good idea to note your starting point on your GPS system. It’s a bit like leaving a virtual trail of breadcrumbs so you can find your way back home.

Navigating to a geo cache location—even with a GPS tracker in hand—can be tricky. Perhaps the cache is placed high on a mountainside, deep within a glen, or on a marshy trail. You might have to find a way around or over a stream, or through some rough terrain. Specialty and advanced geo caches may require rock climbing or SCUBA equipment. Even urban caches may be skillfully placed above and below ground or on the outside of buildings.

Keep in mind on your search that the intention is to keep the cache from easy view so it is not disturbed, and that your current position as determined by the GPS device is not exact.

What Will I Find?

Eureka! You found it! A geo cache always contains a logbook or log sheet, which may contain information about the owner, visitor notes, and other valuable or entertaining information. One or more “treasures,” like dollar-store toys, mini-books, trading cards, inexpensive jewelry and other trinkets, might be in the geo cache for the taking—provided you leave something in return. Some geo caches contain a trackable item, like Travel Bugs®, Traveler Tags, or geocoins that are meant to be moved from cache to cache.

After you’ve collected your treasure, signed the logbook, and returned safely home, be sure to share stories of your discoveries and photos online. It will inspire the next geo caching adventurer to set sail.

Jackie Gately is a freelance writer. She can be reached at jackiegately.wordpress.com.