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Geocaching

Geocaching is the widely popular, high-tech game of treasure hunting. Geocachers seek out hidden treasures utilizing GPS coordinates posted on the Internet by those hiding the cache. Using a GPS unit, they then trek out into the backwoods or urban jungles to find the hiding spot of the cache. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. If the visitor takes something out of the cache, they are asked to leave something in return. For some, the biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place that they have never been.

The Rules:
This growing outdoor sport has a simple set of rules, making it easy for anyone to play. The challenging part is finding the cache. Some caches have even been planted on mountainsides and underwater!

Caches typically consist of a waterproof container discreetly placed within the local terrain. The container will include a logbook and any number of more or less valuable items such as toys, books, money, jewelry, trinkets, etc. You never know what the founder or other visitors of the cache may have left for you to enjoy. Be sure to fill out the logbook with the date and time you visit the cache and leave something in return.

Choosing a GPS unit
In general, features to look for when purchasing a GPS unit to geocache include:

Lightweight and compact — makes it easier to carry (look for a wrist strap too!)
Waterproof — caches can be hidden under or near water
Long battery life — a must for those hard-to-find, remote caches
Waypoint storage — will hold more cache locations
Screen readability — should be easy to read in daylight and at night

Advanced features which make it even easier for you to find that big cache include:

WAAS-enabled — means your GPS unit will give you better position accuracy - within 3 meters (10 feet) 95% of the time
Built-in Compass — convenient and comes in handy when you get within 100 feet of your cache
Altimeter — shows how high up you are for those vertically hidden caches
Mapping Capabilities — makes it easier to navigate when you can download maps to your unit and see the terrain
External antenna — for use under heavy tree cover or difficult terrains

To find out more about this game visit:
http://www.geocaching.com
http://www.garmin.com/outdoor/geocaching/index.html