Trade it! We can order food from our phones, entertain ourselves for hours watching kitten videos on YouTube No? Just us? Yes, smart technology is a great invention, but scrolling through social media can be isolating- not to mention an arguably pointless use of our time. Engaging in a new hobby like geocaching which gets you outside into the fresh air is one of the best things you can do for both your mental and physical health.
While the geocaching community is generally incredibly supportive and great to be a part of, we recommend getting clued up on some of the rules before you dive in! We already know that geocaching is a real-world treasure hunt, with the aim to use GPS technology, such as a smartphone, tablet or other GPS unit, to search for hidden geocaches all around the world.
Typical geocachers are small containers, however their size and contents can vary hugely — although traditional geocachers usually contain low-value toys, trinkets and knick-knacks. Details of the location, difficulty rating for both the terrain and hiding place, as well as the coordinates and occasionally photos, are placed on the cache page. Other geocache members search for caches around them, obtain the coordinates and use their devices to find the geocaches.
Most caches contain a logbook. Players open the geocache and record their findings in the logbook. They can then take items from the cache and replace them with something of similar or higher value — so there is always something in there for the next person who finds it. Players then log their findings online on the cache page — notifying the owner if they could not find the cache, or if there was something wrong with it.
Most geocaching websites allow you to access basic features for free. This includes access to the coordinates and pages of both traditional and event caches, with easy difficulty and terrain rating — perfect for beginners. These free memberships will also allow you to get in touch with other geocachers and become a part of the geocaching community. To unlock more advanced features, you may have to pay a premium, although this is relatively inexpensive.
You can also send the gift of a membership to a friend or family member, or many geocaching websites offer a day free premium trial. Premium features include access to advanced geocaches, mobile access, advanced search, offline maps and the ability to identify caches along a particular route — a great option for the seasoned cacher who fancies a new challenge.
However, if you are a seasoned cacher and want to take your hobby to the next level, paying for a premium membership is a relatively inexpensive way to unlock great features and have even more fun. As we mentioned before, geocaching is an extremely cost effective activity, one of the reasons why we love it!
Other recommended items include comfortable walking shoes and snacks for the road! A great start is learning how to go hiking with kids and making sure you have proper gear.
To find a geocache, obtain the coordinates and any other location information from the website, input it into your GPS device and get cracking! It really is that easy. Geocaches are likely to be camouflaged and hidden — some are easier to find than others! There will be details online to help you out — the size will be shown on every cache page.
Micro caches are less than ml, small are ml-1l, regular are 1ll, large are 20l or larger. There will also be other details available to help you figure out where the cache is. Inside the cache container you will find the logbook which is likely to be placed in a clear, plastic bag to prevent it from getting damaged. Have a read of other geocachers adventures, and then note down your own! Make sure you write the date, a few sentences about your journey finding the cache, what you took from the geocache if anything and anything else of interest.
Swap out any items that you like the look of with something of similar or higher value. Then head home with a sense of satisfaction, and log your finding on the cache page online! If there are any problems with the cache or you believe it may have gone missing, either log this or message the owner directly. Users can set goals for their trackables, and common items include geocoins, travel bugs, tags or other small items. Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service.
Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives. A waypoint is a reference point that helps us know where we are and where we're going.
Students look at lines of latitude and longitude on United States and world maps, discuss why these lines are helpful, and identify landmarks with similar latitude and longitude. Here are some tools to give you much more than a fighting chance. Join our community of educators and receive the latest information on National Geographic's resources for you and your students.
Skip to content. Twitter Facebook Pinterest Google Classroom. Encyclopedic Entry Vocabulary. Maps and logbooks are geocaching tools.
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In addition to your support of the game, Premium members also get access to more features, more geocaches, and more adventure. You can buy a Premium membership subscription through your iTunes account.
Premium membership is available with a monthly or annual subscription. You can subscribe and pay through your iTunes account. Your subscription will automatically renew unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during active subscription period.
Fixed a bug where the trackable visit and drop map does not reload properly hampering further trackable logs.
While I agree with Doris45, that operating the app under a basic membership has its limitations, the app still does what it says it will do. The features available with a premium membership are because those people pay for the service. The bottom line is it does what it says it will do.
That being said, I am giving it 4 stars I would give it 4. Where I am, caches are spread out and I would rather see a wide view rather than needing to scroll over and then load a new area. But given the option of the app on a phone or a GPS that I have to upload and its other limitations, I choose the app on a smart phone any day where I still have cell service. But, then, the app stopped working because groundspeak required more money from users. This seemed unfair, as half of the community were happily volunteering time and supplies to create the caches in the first place.
To access data that is uploaded by others on caches that are maintained by others! And, that the majority of users only access a few times per year, and usually as a fun and leisurely activity with kids or friends!
Sadly, I left geocaching for several years because I was so turned off by this. I just came back as several people have asked me about it and I find that there still have been no major developments to justify this cost. Just basic design tweaks here and there.
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