[gypsyclimber]

Me and my boyfriend do a little bit of geocaching. We don't have a GPS thingy, but we seem to be doing pretty well, and it makes it more of a challenge! We do it for a laugh really, seeing as we do a lot of walking anyway, it just adds a new dynamic - we are not obsessive geocachers like some twould seem. Was just wondering if there were many other people on here who do it, and whether you use a GPS or not?

Those of who you don't know what geocaching is have a look here: http://www.geocaching.com/guide/default.aspx

[aw1909]

Yeah I started just last week! Do it for the same reasons as you really, plus it's something to do - living in the middle of the countryside your choices are somewhat limited!

I use the GPS on my phone - it seems to work fine, no need to spend £££ on a whole GPS set! I'd really struggle without my phone GPS though!

[BFG77]

What's the point? I read the website, but i mean entering coordinates into a gps then going to them presents no challange what so ever. This is a serious question, sorry if you take it as an offence.

[imperial maniac]

Did it with the scouts a while back.

[gypsyclimber]

(Original post by BFG77)
What's the point? I read the website, but i mean entering coordinates into a gps then going to them presents no challange what so ever. This is a serious question, sorry if you take it as an offence.

That's okay, sensible enough question. I think the point is that it's a great way to see your area or whatever area you do it in. A lot of them are placed in locations with a particular attraction, like a good view or it takes you on a really beautiful walk. They have different terrain difficulties, and can be a real challenge sometimes. Plus the GPS only gets you to the right area....it can be damn tricky to find them one you're there xD I think many people who do it would agree that sometimes the finding of the geocache isn't as exciting as the things you find on the way - it's a nice extra dynamic to bring to your explorations.
Oh, and I don't use a GPS device (mainly because I can't afford one), so it's even more tricky! I think once you manage to find one you'll see why it's such good fun.
Hope this answers your question

[alexsim]

I'm a Geocacher, I use a Garmin Etrex H, as well as my phone for a Satellite view on Google maps. The main thrill is being out in the countryside and having a purpose to go out on a walk or trail, the coordinates will only take you so far, after that you are on your own and the hides can be hidden with various levels of difficulty. One cache involved filling up a tube with water, and watching the cache rise up out of nowhere! but also remembering to plug the hole up or else you would get wet!

Other unusual caches have been teeny tiny nano caches, smaller than a fingernail, to large ammo boxes, to plastic animals with a film canister hidden inside them!

[GeekyNick]

(Original post by BFG77)
What's the point? I read the website, but i mean entering coordinates into a gps then going to them presents no challange what so ever. This is a serious question, sorry if you take it as an offence.

From my experience Geocaching does present some level of challenge to most people -there are a variety of caches and they differ greatly in their difficulty. There are a couple of things you may not have considered.

Often the size is an issue - they range from as large as this


to as small as this


Additionally they are usually hidden. For example this is one I found near Windsor


For me though , as other people have said it is not so much about it being very challenging. People often describe it as a "modern-day treasure hunt" and for most people the emphasis is on having fun.

SWAG makes it even more interesting. Allegedly an acronym meaning "Stuff we all get" SWAG is the small trinkets and gifts that people leave and swap from Geocaches. It can range from toy cars to pens (mini Sharpie pens are a favourite of mine to give) and can really make geocaching great fun !

[gypsyclimber]

(Original post by BFG77)
What's the point? I read the website, but i mean entering coordinates into a gps then going to them presents no challange what so ever. This is a serious question, sorry if you take it as an offence.

Ooo and one more thing, it can also be pretty interesting. Some people leave 'trackables' which is an item with a serial number in. These can have different missions like 'I want to go to all the continents' or something like that. People then log online when they find them, and you can follow the items on the map - they can traval an incredible distance.

[BFG77]

Hmm well I didn't quite see all that there is to it. You must admit that if you try to describe a simplified version to someone then they might think you've gone mad. I do like the outdoors having been a scout for most my life. I might give it a shot, see what it's like. You guys use the website stated above to find coordinates?

[GeekyNick]

(Original post by BFG77)
Hmm well I didn't quite see all that there is to it. You must admit that if you try to describe a simplified version to someone then they might think you've gone mad. I do like the outdoors having been a scout for most my life. I might give it a shot, see what it's like. You guys use the website stated above to find coordinates?

There are a few different ways to do it depending on what device (if any) you will use.

If you have a smartphone you can use an app. For android you have a few options

• Official app called "Geocaching". https://market.android.com/details?i...=search_result
• Unofficial (many would say better) apps e.g. "C:Geo" https://market.android.com/details?i...=search_result
• Some mapping apps that allow you to import coordinates from the official site e.g. "Maverick" https://market.android.com/details?i...=search_result

I believe are also apps for other major platforms (I have a HTC so I don't know)


If you have a full GPS device (e.g. a Garmin eTrex) you will can download the coordinates from the site direct to your device. Simply search for a cache and follow the links.


Otherwise you could just look at the coordinates and mark them on a map (you can get conversion from Longitude and Latitude to OS Grid references etc. )




In order to get started you will need a free account at http://www.geocaching.com/ . This will allow you to log and place caches as well as just view information. To start geocaching search for a cache from the main page (or search in the smartphone app if using one instead) and select it. You can then find the information you need and download it as necessary.

Once you have found a cache you need to log it by going online (or opening the app) selecting the cache again and clicking the link to post a log.

Have fun !

There are lots of official videos to get you started : http://www.geocaching.com/videos/default.aspx

[gypsyclimber]

(Original post by BFG77)
Hmm well I didn't quite see all that there is to it. You must admit that if you try to describe a simplified version to someone then they might think you've gone mad. I do like the outdoors having been a scout for most my life. I might give it a shot, see what it's like. You guys use the website stated above to find coordinates?

Haha no I quite agree. Just go on geocaching.com and it'll tell you everything you need to know

[Ellie_May :)]

Just found my first 2 geocaches with my sister