This week we have been discussing the exciting global phenomenon known as geocaching. You can join in the game for the price of a GPS system, and all ages are encouraged to participate. All you need is a free membership at geocaching.com, which will give you access information for geocaches around the world. The cache owner posts the coordinates of the cache, and you use your GPS to find it. Then you can sign the find log and trade a small item in the cache for one of your own. Sooner or later, however, you might develop the urge to set up your own cache for others to find. Here is what you should know.
Placing Your Cache
Before setting up your cache, make sure that no others exist within a tenth of a mile. This is a geocaching.com requirement that prevents caches from stacking on top of each other, giving seekers a better range.
If your cache is on private property, make sure you have permission from the property owner. Also be sure that you are aware of your local roadway and right-of-way laws. Respect the environment. Do no place your cache where seekers could cause damage to fragile plant or animal life. Choose a location that has a point, whether it is a great view or a personally meaningful location. Make sure that finders can get to the cache safely and legally without attracting too much muggle (non-cacher) attention.
Filling Your Cache
Caches can be filled with almost items you can imagine. Some tiny caches contain no treasures at all, only a simple log book for finders to sign. If you want to include treasures, just remember that food, alcohol, firearms and drugs are not acceptable. Most people use items that cost under $10 each, although some throw in a nicer item for the first finder to discover. Make sure to include a nice notebook and pen or pencil for finders to sign. Use a waterproof container and/or plastic baggies to protect items from rain.
Maintaining Your Cache
Once your cache is posted on geocaching.com, you will have an online log book as well as the paper book that you placed on site. Pay attention to your logs, as finders will generally tell you if your paper log book is full, or if the cache has been damaged in any way. However, you should also visit the cache yourself on a regular basis. Keep it clean and spruced up and replace items as needed.
You may find yourself running caches in several locations. With the price of fuel today, a hybrid vehicle can save you significant money in the gas required to keep your caches looking their best.
Yesterday we introduced you to a fascinating hobby known as geocaching that is taking the world by storm. The premise is simple: people hide small treasures and post their coordinates online. Other people use their GPS systems to find the coordinates and thereby the treasure. They sign the log book to claim the find, take an item and leave an item. Then they post their experiences in an online log.
