Geocaching in Chicago, Part I: What is it?
By L. Stolpman in Miscellaneous on Sep 17, 2009 4:20PM
We recently discovered geocaching. Geocaching is an activity that gets you out and about, using a handheld GPS device to locate hidden objects (called 'caches' or 'geocaches'). Here is how it works:
Someone hides a cache (pronounced like 'cash') someplace in a public area. The cache is usually relatively small (anything from a small box to a tiny pill container - though this can vary greatly) and waterproof and will contain a mini-log book of sorts where finders of the cache will record their name/date to indicate they have discovered the cache. The hider will record the coordinates (longitude/latitude) of the cache so that they can be relayed to a seeker.
The hider then goes to a website - the most popular being Geocaching.com - and records the hide and its coordinates, possibly even providing hints. Finders look to see what caches may be hidden around them, enter those coordinates into their handheld GPS and the GPS directs them to the location. Once there, the finder will have to search the general area to find the cache. Once found, they can record their name in the log included in the cache.
That's the very general overview of geocaching. What makes it so much fun? Well, a Hider may put a little treasure into the cache and geocachers are expected to follow the general rule that if you take something from within a cache, you should leave something of equal or greater value. In addition, while the coordinates will direct you closely to a cache, you're still going to have to hunt for it. Our buddy found a cache by noticing that the cap off of a metal fence post was missing. He reached inside, felt around, and pulled out a very small metal cylinder with a magnet duct-taped on to it to hold the cache in place against the inside of the fence post.
For more general information, check out this page. Keep watching the site for Part II and III, coming in the next week. In the meantime, enjoy some pictures of caches hidden or found by various geocaching fanatics!